Defective Pixel Marking in Matrix Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Matrix addressed electronic displays often suffer from defective pixels that can lead to misinterpretation of images, particularly in applications requiring high image fidelity like medical imaging, as existing solutions either make defective pixels less visible by altering luminance, which can obscure important image features, or physically removing them, which is not acceptable in all contexts.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect defective pixels and modulate the display operation to indicate their presence, either by visually marking them, shifting the image to avoid critical areas, or adapting the image content to emphasize their location, using data stored in a memory device and processed by a control unit to prevent misinterpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If defective pixels are made less visible by altering luminance, then visibility of defective pixels is reduced, but image fidelity is compromised and important image features may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
A marking layer is introduced as an intermediary between the defective pixel and the viewer. This marking layer contains visibility indicators (such as halos or patterns) that draw attention to defective pixels without altering the underlying image data. The marking layer acts as a mediator that separates the defect indication function from the image display function, allowing defective pixels to be identified while preserving image fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the image data with added marking information. Instead of modifying the original image, a separate marking layer is generated that contains visibility indicators for defective pixels. This copying approach allows the original image to remain unchanged and maintain full fidelity, while the copy provides defect information to the viewer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If defective pixels are physically removed or burned down, then defective pixels become less visible, but this solution is not acceptable in all contexts particularly medical imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic marking system where visibility indicators are applied selectively based on the application context. The system can adapt its behavior - in medical imaging contexts, markings can be configured to not obscure critical areas, while in other contexts different marking strategies can be used. This dynamic adaptability allows the same technical solution to serve multiple purposes without compromising image integrity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking indicators are applied locally at the position of defective pixels rather than globally affecting the entire image. Each defective pixel receives a localized marking (such as a halo or pattern) that draws attention to that specific defect without altering or removing other parts of the image. This local application preserves image fidelity in non-defect areas while providing defect information where needed.
3Measurement precision
If marking indicators are added to indicate defective pixels, then defective pixels can be identified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection and marking of defective pixels during the display setup or calibration phase. Once defective pixels are identified, their positions are stored in memory, and marking indicators are pre-configured. During normal operation, the system simply retrieves and displays the pre-marked image data without performing complex real-time analysis, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system performs self-diagnosis and self-marking of defective pixels. The same display hardware that shows the image also generates and displays the marking indicators for defective pixels. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external marking devices or complex post-processing systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accurate defect detection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and a method for avoiding misinterpretation of images due to defective pixels present in matrix addressed electronic displays during display time. This may be very important e.g. in the medical world. The method comprises obtaining information on the presence of the defective pixels in the display, and modulating the operation of the display so as to indicate, emphasize or warn for the presence of said defective pixels on the actual display having defect pixels, or adapting the image content of the defective pixels or of pixels in the neighborhood of the defective pixels so as to indicate, emphasize or warn for the presence of said defective pixels in a copy of the displayed image. Such copy may be a hard copy or an electronic copy.A corresponding device is also provided.