Patent ID: 7489361

Claim:
A pixel interpolation apparatus comprising: a discrimination circuit for discriminating, based on an input image signal, a similarity between (a) a discrimination block including two pixels constituting an edge portion and (b) a plurality of reference blocks, both the discrimination block and the plurality of reference blocks being constituted of plural pixels on original lines and interpolation pixel positions on interpolation lines, wherein the plurality of reference blocks are, collectively, positioned neighboring to the discrimination block and shifted upwards or downwards to a position by at least a line with respect to the discrimination block; and a circuit for outputting pixel information of a plurality of interpolation pixels in a reference block positioned between the discrimination block and another reference block having a similarity to the discrimination block, wherein the pixel information of the plurality of interpolation pixels are determined so as to provide the interpolation pixels, on the interpolation lines corresponding to pixel positions on the original lines in the discrimination block and the reference block having the similarity, with pixel information based on pixel information of pixels on the pixel positions.