Summary of PolyU Advances Technology for Optimizing Digital Images
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University developed a Digital Video Signals Optimization System to enhance image and video quality for consumer electronics. Led by Dr. Zhang Lei, this system utilizes super resolution technology to remove noise, restore colors from raw CFA data, and sharpen blurred videos. It outperforms current techniques in both visual perception and PSNR metrics, with applications ranging from mobile phone footage to poster-quality image reconstruction.
Parts used in the Digital Video Signals Optimization System:
- Digital camera
- HDTV
- Consumer electronics devices
- Home video cameras
- Mobile phones
- Single CCD cameras
- Raw colour filter array (CFA) videos
- Full-color videos
(PRWEB) May 21, 2010
Computing experts of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have successfully developed a Digital Video Signals Optimization System which can be applied for digital camera, HDTV and other consumer electronics, enabling consumers to enjoy higher-quality digital images and videos.
Developed by a research team led by Assistant Professor Dr. Zhang Lei of PolyU Department of Computing, the project was kicked off in 2009 with a $ 1 million grant from the Government’s Innovation and Technology Fund. PolyU researchers have filed a patent for this innovation in Hong Kong and the US.
The study is purposed to enhance the quality of the digital videos. Compared to the current techniques, PolyU-developed system is better in terms of its multiple functions and potential applications. It can improve the quality of image right from the raw video stage and process short films shot by common home video cameras and mobile phones and even traditional film movies, solving such problems as too many noises and blurs.
Besides, this optimization system can be used for repairing static digital images. It can reconstruct the blurred videos with its super resolution technology, sharpen the fineness of the image profile, and improve the overall quality of images to the point of meeting the requirement of enlarged poster output.
Experiment results proved that the new system is superior to the current ones both in terms of subjective aspect of visual sense and objective measure of PSNR (Peak Signal to Noise Ratio). Its distinct advantageous functions include: (1) Remove the noises of the full-color videos; (2) remove the noises from the raw colour filter array (CFA) videos shot with single CCD cameras; (3) restore the full colour videos from the raw CFA videos; and (4) super resolution.
Another merit of this system is its super resolution technology, with which it can optimize the video resolution from the standard to the high. The reconstructed videos have no such blurs and lattice effect, and the edge outline can still keep its sharpness and fineness. It is anticipated the new system can be integrated with many kinds of digital image products for the benefits of the consumers.
On top of filing patent application, the research paper on this technology has been published in the Video Technology periodical of the IEEE Circuit and Systems Society. The innovation will be also shown at the international seminar hosted by the Society.
# # #
- Who led the research team that developed this system?
The project was led by Assistant Professor Dr. Zhang Lei of the PolyU Department of Computing. - How much funding did the project receive?
The project received a $1 million grant from the Government's Innovation and Technology Fund. - What specific problems does this system solve regarding video quality?
It solves problems such as too many noises and blurs in videos. - Can this system be used to repair static digital images?
Yes, the optimization system can be used for repairing static digital images. - Does the system improve video resolution from standard to high definition?
Yes, its super resolution technology can optimize video resolution from standard to high. - How does the new system compare to current techniques?
Experiment results proved it is superior in terms of subjective visual sense and objective PSNR measures. - Where has the research paper on this technology been published?
The paper has been published in the Video Technology periodical of the IEEE Circuit and Systems Society. - Is the innovation being presented at an international event?
Yes, the innovation will be shown at an international seminar hosted by the Society.
