Image Processing Device Correcting Light Bleeding in Projection Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Optical flare caused by light bleeding in projection systems leads to reduced image resolution and color saturation, as light components from adjacent pixels bleed and superimpose, deteriorating the projected image quality.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device with a first calculation unit estimating the sum of light intensities of dispersed lights from a target pixel and surrounding pixels, and a combining unit subtracting the sum of surrounding pixel light intensities from the target pixel's light intensity to correct for light bleeding, thereby enhancing image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If light is projected through an optical system, then image information is transmitted to the projection medium, but light bleeding occurs causing reduced resolution and color saturation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidlight bleeding
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing image processing calculations before the actual projection to pre-compensate for light bleeding effects. The system calculates corrected light intensities for each pixel by estimating and subtracting the contribution from neighboring pixels, then uses these corrected values for projection, thereby preventing the degradation of image quality before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If optical components are used in the projection system, then light modulation is achieved, but optical flare causes edge portions to bleed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical system functionalityVSAvoidoptical flare
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of optical flare into a beneficial correction process. By analyzing the characteristics of light bleeding caused by optical components, the system calculates compensation values that subtract the harmful effects, thereby transforming the unavoidable optical defect into an opportunity for enhanced image quality through computational correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Area of stationary object

If light from adjacent pixels is modulated and projected, then complete image coverage is achieved, but light components superimpose and deteriorate color saturation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage coverageVSAvoidcolor saturation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the light intensity contribution from each pixel and its neighboring pixels. The system divides the total light intensity at each pixel location into distinct components: the direct light from the target pixel and the bleeding light from surrounding pixels. This segmentation allows for independent calculation and correction of each component, preserving color saturation while maintaining complete image coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3065399B1Image processing device, image processing method, and projection apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 JVC KENWOOD CORP
  • EP3065399B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3065399B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3065399B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A first sum is calculated which is a sum of light intensities of dispersed lights generated when a pixel light by a target pixel passes through an optical system, and a first light intensity is calculated by adding the first sum to a light intensity of the pixel light of the target pixel. A second sum is calculated which is a sum, at a position of the target pixel, of each of light intensities of dispersed lights generated when each of pixel lights by pixels around the target pixel pass through the optical system. A second light intensity of the pixel light by the target pixel is calculated by subtracting the second sum from the first light intensity.