Field interpolation method determination device

A field interpolation method determination device for determining whether to perform either an inter-field interpolation method or an intra-field interpolation method on fields of an inputted interlaced signal to provide conversion to a progressive signal, the device comprising:

• pixel level difference detection means for detecting a pixel level difference between the input interlaced signal and a 1-field delay input interlaced signal obtained by delaying the input interlaced signal by one field;
• field correlation detection means for detecting correlation between the input interlaced signal and the 1-field delay input interlaced signal based on the pixel level difference, and outputting inter-field correlation determination signals;
• inter-field correlation storage means for storing N-1 inter-field correlation determination signals corresponding to N sequential fields of the input interlaced signal;
• field/frame correlation determination means for determining, based on a pattern of values of the N-1 inter-field correlation determination signals, whether the N sequential fields are either 2-2 or 2-3 pulldown-converted;
• counter means for incrementing a count value by one count if the N sequential fields are determined to have been either 2-2 or 2-3 pulldown-converted, for resetting the count value if the N sequential fields are determined to have been neither 2-2 nor 2-3 pulldown-converted, and for maintaining the count value if otherwise;
• and
• interpolation method determination means for determining, as an interpolation method, inter-field interpolation if the count value is greater than a predetermined value, or intra-field interpolation if the count value is less than or equal to the predetermined value.