Patent ID: 6980254

Claim:
An image interpolation system for interpolating gaps between lines forming an image, comprising: a virtual interpolation data generating means for generating virtual interpolation data of inter-lines between the lines of the input image, based on the input image line data; an interpolation segment determining means for determining segments, based on the generated virtual interpolation data, to be interpolated between the input image lines and determining the direction of interpolation, for extracting matching patterns; and an interpolating means which generates pre-interpolation pixels on the input image lines, based on the generated virtual interpolation data and the segment data determined to be interpolated, determined by the interpolation segment determining means, and interpolates pixels between input image lines based on the generated pre-interpolation pixels, wherein the interpolation segment determining means comprises: a search condition setup means for setting up a pattern search range; a matching pattern condition setup means for setting up matching pattern conditions; and a first matching pattern searching means for searching for matching patterns based on the conditions designated by the search condition setup means and by the matching pattern condition setup means.