Display Gray Scale Conversion for Dummy Region Image Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices with non-standard shapes face challenges in maintaining image quality due to non-pixel regions, such as dummy regions, which are not effectively managed in existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A display device with pixel regions and dummy regions that utilize a data converter to convert gray scale values of dummy data into predetermined values, and a data driver to supply data signals accordingly, ensuring improved image quality by managing gray scale values across different pixel and dummy regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If dummy regions are not managed in display devices with non-standard shapes, then manufacturing is simpler, but image quality deteriorates due to inconsistent gray scale values in non-pixel regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data converter performs preliminary conversion of dummy data gray scale values before the data signal is supplied to the display device. By converting dummy data to predetermined gray scale values in advance, the system ensures consistent display quality in non-pixel regions without requiring complex real-time processing during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions: effective data in pixel regions maintains its original gray scale values for accurate image display, while dummy data in non-pixel regions is converted to predetermined gray scale values. This localized quality management ensures each region receives appropriate processing for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If dummy data is driven with original gray scale values, then data processing is simpler, but display performance deteriorates due to visual artifacts in non-pixel regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay performanceVSAvoiddata conversion complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data converter acts as an intermediary component between the data source and the display device. It selectively processes dummy data by converting its gray scale values to predetermined values while leaving effective data unchanged, thereby eliminating visual artifacts in non-pixel regions without affecting the simplicity of the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If non-pixel regions are not properly managed, then device structure is simpler, but image quality deteriorates due to gray scale inconsistencies at boundaries between pixel and non-pixel regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidregion management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions: effective data in pixel regions maintains its original gray scale values for accurate image display, while dummy data in non-pixel regions is converted to predetermined gray scale values. This localized quality management ensures each region receives appropriate processing for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates region identification feedback mechanisms that determine whether data corresponds to pixel regions or non-pixel regions. Based on this feedback, the data converter applies appropriate processing: original gray scale values for pixel regions and predetermined values for non-pixel regions, ensuring consistent image quality across region boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4386735B1Display device
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4386735B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4386735B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4386735B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes: a display region including a first pixel region, a second pixel region, and a third pixel region; a dummy region including a first dummy region disposed between the second pixel region and the third pixel region; first, second, and third pixels respectively arranged in the first pixel region, the second pixel region, and the third pixel region in a matrix of vertical lines and horizontal lines; a data converter configured to: receive first image data including effective data corresponding to the display region and dummy data corresponding to the dummy region; and generate second image data by converting a gray scale value of dummy data corresponding to at least one region of the first dummy region in the first image data into a predetermined first gray scale value, the first gray scale value being between a lowest gray scale value and a highest gray scale value.