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NEC Develops Multi-Frame Super Resolution Technology that Restores Fine Detail to Moving SubjectsRestore past video to high quality full high vision
Tokyo, November 10, 2010 - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) announced today its development of multi-frame super resolution technology to restore fine detail to original images by rapidly processing video images, including moving subjects. Furthermore, NEC designed and developed a prototype “Multi-Frame Super Resolution System” in cooperation with Japan’s national public broadcasting organization, NHK (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Shigeo Fukuchi).
The super resolution technology restores fine detail to original images by raising resolution as well as reducing blurring and graininess. This technology is used for converting standard quality video (720 x 480 pixels) to full high vision video (1920 x 1080 pixels). There are two forms of super resolution technologies, “single-frame super resolution,” which uses only a single frame of video for rapid processing and “multi-frame super resolution,” which uses multiple frames of video in order to process advanced calculations.
The newly developed technology capitalizes on multi-frame super resolution to quickly and vividly restore all aspects of a video image, including moving subjects and background, through a shortened process that uses optimized calculations and accurately restores fine detail to original images.
NEC designed and developed a video conversion system using this technology and evaluated the quality of video in cooperation with NHK. NEC utilized this system to demonstrate the technology’s application on regular broadcast video and its moving subjects.
The main features of this technology are as follows:
I. Fast and high quality motion estimation for all objects in a video
The development of a new high-precision calculation algorithm, which is more than 80 times faster than conventional methods, helped to resolve conventional problems of extensive time requirements for processing and limitations to the number of objects that can be processed. As a result, all of the movements in original images can be rapidly processed and restored to high-detail.
II. Accurately restore the original detail of subjects
In addition to multiple frames, other information such as the original subject’s vividness are stored and used for processing. By using this additional information, graininess is reduced and clearer, more natural video can be accurately restored.
The spread of full high vision televisions is rapidly growing due to Japan’s full transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting in July 2011. In order for broadcasting companies to utilize their vast holdings of standard analog video with high vision programs, conversion to full high vision is required.
This new technology resolves the above issue and NEC will continue to improve the technology while aiming to provide commercial products within the next two to three years. Moreover, in addition to its application in the broadcasting field, NEC will further expand the use of this technology to the public safety business, including video surveillance.
These technologies will be demonstrated at NEC’s “C&C User Forum & iEXPO 2010” between November 11 and 12 at the Tokyo International Forum and at “Inter BEE 2010” between November 17 and 19 at Makuhari Messe.
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About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company’s experience and global resources, NEC’s advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.
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