Display Device Tone Mapping with Histogram-Adaptive LUT Curves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face limitations in enhancing image color and contrast due to the use of static tone mapping algorithms, which can result in reduced contrast ratios and saturation issues, particularly in images with varying characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A display device and method that applies a customizable look-up table (LUT) curve based on the histogram of an input image, adjusting the LUT curve using an offset gain to enhance color and contrast by selecting and correcting the curve according to the image's characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a static LUT curve is used for tone mapping, then the processing is simple and fast, but the contrast ratio is lowered or saturated in some images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcontrast ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static LUT curve to a dynamic one that automatically adapts to different image characteristics. The system calculates histogram statistics (mean, variance, skewness) and selects appropriate LUT curves based on these characteristics, enabling the tone mapping to adjust dynamically to each image's specific properties rather than using a fixed curve for all images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the LUT curve parameters based on image histogram analysis. The system calculates statistical parameters from the image histogram and uses these to determine which LUT curve to apply, effectively changing the tone mapping parameters adaptively rather than using fixed values, thus improving contrast ratio while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a static LUT curve is used for tone mapping, then the implementation is simple, but the color enhancement is insufficient for images with varying characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation complexityVSAvoidcolor enhancement adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the tone mapping characteristics to specific local regions of the image histogram. Instead of applying a uniform LUT curve to the entire image, the system analyzes different regions of the histogram (e.g., dark, mid-tone, bright regions) and selects appropriate LUT curves for each region, enabling localized optimization of color enhancement for different image characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically analyzing the image histogram and selecting the most suitable LUT curve without requiring manual intervention. The algorithm autonomously calculates histogram statistics, compares them against predefined criteria, and selects the optimal LUT curve, making the system self-adjusting and adaptable to various image types while maintaining simple implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a single LUT curve is applied to all images, then the processing is efficient, but the contrast ratio is reduced or saturation occurs in certain image types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidcontrast ratio consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tone mapping process into distinct segments based on image characteristics. The system segments the histogram into different regions (dark, mid-tone, bright) and selects different LUT curves for each segment, allowing efficient processing within each segment while maintaining reliable contrast ratio across different image types through targeted optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4006823B1Display device and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4006823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006823B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4006823B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates a display device for enhancing color and constant of an image according to image information, and an operation method thereof, the display device comprising: a control unit for performing tone-mapping by which RGB data of an input image is transformed through a look-up table (LUT) curve; and a display unit for displaying the image according to RGB data transferred by the tone-mapping, wherein the control unit may correct the LUT curve according to a histogram of the input image.