Display Signal Modulation Without Frame Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies require frame memory for image signal processing, leading to increased size and cost of integrated circuits (ICs) and limited power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus and method that modulates red, green, and blue input image signals based on a specified modulation level, without using frame memory, to achieve different brightness levels and control the light source, allowing for image signal processing without frame memory usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If frame memory is used for image signal processing, then image quality and brightness control are improved, but IC size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness controlVSAvoidIC size

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of frame memory (storing image signals for processing) and implements it through a different mechanism - using a light source that can be modulated based on image signal characteristics. Instead of storing entire frames in memory, the system processes signals in real-time and controls light source intensity accordingly, eliminating the need for large frame memory while maintaining brightness control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of frame memory storage with an optical control system. Rather than storing digital image data in memory cells and reading them out, the system uses image signal characteristics to directly modulate the light source intensity, substituting a storage-based approach with a direct control-based approach that reduces IC size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If frame memory is used for image signal processing, then image processing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the core image processing function from the frame memory context and implements it through signal processing circuits that analyze image characteristics and control light source modulation. This approach maintains image processing capability while using simpler, less expensive components than frame memory, thereby reducing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, lower-cost signal processing circuits and light source modulation mechanisms instead of expensive frame memory. The system uses temporary signal processing that does not require persistent storage, allowing the use of more economical components that can be manufactured at lower cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If frame memory is used for storing image signals, then image display performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage display performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic modulation of the light source based on image signal characteristics rather than continuous operation of frame memory. By controlling the light source to emit light in periods synchronized with the display refresh rate and modulating intensity based on image content, the system achieves reliable image display while consuming less power than continuous frame memory operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the power-intensive frame memory system with a more energy-efficient light source modulation system. Instead of continuously powering memory cells to maintain stored image data, the system uses image signals to directly control light source intensity, eliminating the continuous power consumption associated with memory maintenance while maintaining display performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8743152B2Display apparatus, method of driving display apparatus, drive-use integrated circuit, driving method employed by drive-use integrated circuit, and signal processing method

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including: a display pixel section including pixels each composed of an arrangement of red, green, and blue subpixels and an additional subpixel of a specified color; and a signal processing section configured to extend signal levels of an input image signal, extract a signal component of the specified color from extended red, green, and blue signals, determine a signal level of the specified color, perform an extension process based on the signal level of the specified color, modulate the red, green, and blue signals subjected to the extension process in accordance with a specified modulation level so as to have different brightness from that of an original image, and modulate brightness of a light source. The input image signal used to determine the modulation level and the input image signal subjected to a modulation process and displayed are of different frames.