Apparatus and method for converting to progressive scanning format

An apparatus for changing a vertical scanning rate of progressively scanned image signals, the apparatus comprising:

• a field motion estimator that estimates field motions between a current field and reference fields, said reference fields being prior or next to said current field;
• a field motion compensator that restores a missing line of said current field using information given from an optimal reference field if said optimal reference field unevenly matches to said current field, said optimal reference field being one of said reference fields having the shortest distance to said current field;
• a frame motion estimator that estimates frame motions between adjacent frames using said progressively scanned image signals and said field motions estimated in said field motion estimator;
• and
• a frame motion compensator that provides a new composite image between said adjacent frames using said frame motions estimated in said frame motion estimator.

A method for changing a vertical scanning rate of progressively scanned image signals, the method comprising:

• estimating field motions between a current field and reference fields, said reference fields being prior to or next to said current field:
• restoring a missing line of said current field using information given from an optimal reference field if said optimal reference field unevenly matches to said current field, said optimal reference field being one of said reference fields having the shortest distance to said current field;
• estimating frame motions between adjacent frames using said progressively scanned image signals and said estimated field motions;
• and
• providing a new composite image between said adjacent frames using said frame motions estimated.