Flat Panel TV Curved Image Simulation via Depth Map Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat panel TVs lack the ability to provide a curved image effect, which is typically associated with high-end curved display devices, making them less immersive and less appealing to users.
Innovation Solution
An image display device and method that generates depth maps corresponding to predefined curvatures, allowing for the creation of 3D curved image modes by producing left-eye and right-eye image frames, and optionally scaling images to simulate a curved effect on flat panels, enhancing the perceived depth and immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a curved display panel is used to achieve a curved image effect, then immersion and visual appeal are improved, but device cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual curved image effect by generating depth maps and scaled image data that simulate curvature, rather than physically curving the display panel. This copying approach replicates the visual appearance of a curved display using flat panel technology, resolving the contradiction between achieving curved image effects and maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical curvature of the display panel with computational image processing techniques. By using depth map generation and selective scaling algorithms, the system substitutes physical deformation with digital transformation to achieve the same visual effect, eliminating the need for complex curved hardware.
2Manufacturing precision
If depth map generation with curvature information is implemented, then 3D curved image quality is improved, but processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-generates depth map data with curvature information based on predetermined curvature values before actual image display. This preliminary preparation of depth information allows the system to quickly render curved images without performing complex real-time calculations during operation, reducing processing complexity while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses predetermined curvature parameters to generate depth maps, transforming the complex 3D curvature representation into manageable parameter-based data. By changing the representation from full 3D geometry to parameterized curvature values, the system achieves accurate depth information with reduced computational requirements.
3Shape
If image scaling is applied to simulate curvature, then curved effect on flat panel is achieved, but image resolution and quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective scaling to specific regions of the image based on depth map information, rather than uniformly scaling the entire image. By locally adjusting scaling factors for different image regions according to their depth values, the system achieves curved shape transformation while minimizing overall quality loss and preserving important image details.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image display device or an image signal output device. The image display device or the image signal output device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a receiver for receiving an image; an input unit for receiving a user input to select a display mode or an image signal output mode; a determiner for determining the selected display mode; a depth map generator for generating a depth map for the received image having depth information corresponding to a predefined curvature if the result of determination indicates that the selected display mode is a 3D curved image mode; a 3D image frame generator for generating a left-eye image frame and a right-eye image frame from the received image on the basis of the generated depth map; and an output unit for outputting the generated left-eye image and right-eye image frames.