A fast edge-oriented algorithm for image interpolation

This paper introduces a fast algorithm for image interpolation. By using this method, real-time enlargement of video images is accessible. The basic idea of the algorithm is to partition digital images into homogeneous and edge areas based on the analysis of the local structure on the images. In addition, in order to have better performance on interpolating images, specified algorithms are assigned to interpolate each classified areas, respectively. Experimental results show that the subjective quality of the interpolated images is substantially improved by using the proposed algorithm compared with that of using conventional interpolation algorithms. The computational complexity of the proposed algorithm is much lower than those of others mentioned in this paper. We also successfully implemented real-time enlargement of QCIF video sequences to CIF sequences with better image quality in low bit-rate environment.