Display Correction via Ambient Light Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-display configurations, color calibration is time-consuming due to the need to move color-measurement devices and the interference of ambient illumination, which affects the accuracy of display correction.

Innovation Solution

A display correction apparatus that calculates ambient light characteristics and removes their effect from captured images, allowing for efficient display correction across multiple displays without the need for frequent device movement or complete darkness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a color-measurement device is used for color calibration in multi-display configurations, then color calibration accuracy can be achieved, but the device needs to be moved frequently between displays which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor calibration accuracyVSAvoidtime for device movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses imaging devices (cameras) to capture images of display screens as copies of the visual output, replacing the need for physical color-measurement devices. The captured images are then processed to extract color information, enabling non-contact color calibration that eliminates device movement while maintaining calibration accuracy through image analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical color-measurement device system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using physical contact measurement tools that require movement between displays, the system uses cameras to capture display images and processes them computationally to achieve color calibration, substituting mechanical measurement with optical capture and digital processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If color calibration is performed under ambient illumination conditions, then the inspection process can be more practical, but ambient light interference reduces measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepracticality of inspectionVSAvoidcolor measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ambient light component from the captured display images by analyzing regions where ambient light is reflected (such as black screen areas) and separates it from the display's actual output. This extraction allows the system to isolate and remove ambient light interference computationally, enabling accurate color measurement even under practical ambient illumination conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the captured image and the color measurement result. These algorithms process the raw images to eliminate ambient light effects, acting as a mediator that translates practical ambient-light-condition images into accurate color data that would normally require controlled lighting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If manual visual inspection is used to detect newton ring muras, then skilled inspectors can identify defects, but the inspection process is inconsistent and heavily depends on inspector expertise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidautomation of inspection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the display inspection system to perform self-diagnosis by automatically capturing images of display screens and using image processing algorithms to detect defects such as newton ring muras. The system processes the captured images to identify non-uniformities and defects without requiring human inspectors, making the inspection process automated, consistent, and independent of individual expertise levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If a large portion of the display is illuminated by ambient illumination, then the display can be viewed in practical conditions, but a large area is unavailable for accurate color calibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay usability under ambient lightVSAvoidarea available for color calibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from spatial selection of calibration areas to temporal and computational dimensions. Instead of requiring specific physical areas free from ambient light, the system captures images under ambient conditions and uses computational methods to process and correct the data. This dimensional shift allows the entire display area to be utilized for calibration while mathematically removing ambient light effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10798373B2Display correction apparatus, program, and display correction system

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 SHARP KK

AI summary

Display characteristics are calculated using a first captured image for determining ambient light characteristics and a second captured image including the ambient light characteristics and the display characteristics by removing the ambient light characteristics from the second captured image, and display correction is performed based on the display characteristics. This can provide a device that saves time and effort such as moving a color-measurement device when correcting the display characteristics of one or more display devices and that is able to perform display configuration even if a large portion is illuminated by ambient illumination.