Image Processing Adjusting Luminance and Contrast for Viewer Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems fail to effectively account for variations in viewer distance and visual angle, leading to inconsistent luminance and contrast across different screen sizes and viewing conditions, which affects the perceived quality of video content.

Innovation Solution

The system adjusts image characteristics such as luminance and contrast based on viewer position data, using methods like infrared depth map extraction and proximity sensors to determine viewer distance and visual angle, and applies sigmoidal curves to ensure consistent image appearance across varying conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If image is displayed on larger screen, then image appears brighter, but contrast decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage brightnessVSAvoidimage contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts image processing parameters (luminance, contrast, color temperature) based on detected viewing distance and screen size. When a larger screen is detected, the system increases contrast and adjusts luminance to compensate for the inherent brightness increase, maintaining consistent perceived image quality across different display sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If viewer is closer to screen, then image appears brighter, but contrast decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage brightnessVSAvoidimage contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors (infrared, depth cameras, proximity sensors) to continuously detect viewer position and distance, then feeds this information back to the image processing engine. Based on the detected viewing distance, the system dynamically adjusts contrast and luminance parameters to compensate for the brightness increase that occurs when viewers are closer, maintaining consistent image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If screen size varies, then image appearance changes, but consistent quality across screens is difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen size compatibilityVSAvoidimage quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects screen size through various methods (sensor data, metadata, calibration) and dynamically adjusts image processing parameters including luminance, contrast, sharpness, and color temperature. Different parameter sets are applied for different screen sizes (e.g., HDTV vs. mobile devices) to ensure the same content appears consistent across varying display dimensions and technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9442562B2Systems and methods of image processing that adjust for viewer position, screen size and viewing distance

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

AI summary

Several embodiments of image processing systems and methods are disclosed herein whereby at least one characteristic of an image displayed on a target display is changed according to information regarding the viewer's position—e.g. distance to the target display, the visual angle the target display's subtends of the viewer's field of view. In one embodiment, luminance and/or contrast may be changed depending on the information regarding viewer's position relative to the target display.