Display Device Image Processing Ambient Light Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices struggle to replicate the natural image quality of printed materials under varying ambient light conditions, as they are self-emissive and less affected by environmental factors compared to physical paper.

Innovation Solution

An image processing method and apparatus that simulate paper-like images by measuring ambient light characteristics and adjusting the brightness and color values of display pixels to mimic the optical characteristics of paper, using sensors to determine maximum and minimum brightness values for RGB sub-pixels based on paper and ink reflectance rates, and applying these adjustments to achieve a natural image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If display devices use self-emissive technology to ensure visibility and image quality, then visibility and image quality are improved, but the ability to replicate natural paper-like optical characteristics under varying ambient light conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidadaptation to ambient light conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display device dynamically adjusts its optical characteristics by varying the emission intensity of red, green, and blue sub-pixels based on detected ambient light conditions. The processor modifies brightness values in real-time to simulate paper-like reflectance characteristics under different lighting environments, making the display adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple optical parameters simultaneously including brightness values of individual color channels, color temperature, and contrast ratios to replicate the complex optical behavior of paper. By adjusting these parameters based on ambient light detection, the display transforms its optical characteristics to match natural paper appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If display devices maintain high brightness and contrast for optimal viewing, then image quality is improved, but the natural paper-like feeling and optical characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpaper-like feeling
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The display device copies the optical characteristics of paper by measuring ambient light and calculating equivalent reflectance values. Instead of displaying images with inherent high brightness and contrast, the system transforms the image data to replicate how paper would appear under the same lighting conditions, including its characteristic reflectance pattern and color appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts color characteristics including color temperature and chroma to match paper-like appearance. By modifying the color balance and temperature of displayed content based on ambient light conditions, the display achieves a natural paper-like feeling that differs from standard high-contrast digital display characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If display devices adjust brightness and color values to simulate paper characteristics, then natural image quality is improved, but the complexity of image processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural image qualityVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device performs self-adjustment by using its own ambient light sensor to detect lighting conditions and automatically modifying its display characteristics accordingly. The processor internally handles the complex calculations for converting ambient light measurements into appropriate brightness and color adjustments, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the ambient light sensor continuously monitors lighting conditions, the processor calculates appropriate display parameter adjustments based on detected ambient light levels, and the display applies these adjustments in real-time. This closed-loop control enables adaptive paper-like simulation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively imitates the optical characteristics of printed materials on display devices, providing a natural image quality that adapts to ambient light conditions, enhancing user experience by maintaining a paper-like feeling under different lighting scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

measuring one or more ambient light characteristics with a sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

activating a display pixel may include determining maximum brightness values for red, green, and blue (RGB) sub-pixels of the display pixel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2979264B1Image processing method and apparatus for display devices
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP2979264B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP2979264B1 patent drawingFigure 1e~1h
  • EP2979264B1 patent drawingFigure 1i~2c

AI summary

An image processing method and apparatus using the image processing method are provided. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to scale color values of input image data, thereby simulating the optical characteristics of paper. The simulation takes into consideration varying ambient light conditions around the display to imitate the the optical characteristics of physical paper in the same ambient light conditions.