Irregular Pixel Matrix for Virtual Studio Backgrounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing background display devices for virtual image recording studios suffer from interference and cancellation effects due to the overlap of regular grids between the pixel matrix of the display device and the image sensor of the camera, leading to unwanted geometric patterns like moiré or aliasing in recorded images.

Innovation Solution

The background display device features a panel with actively luminous pixel elements arranged in an irregular two-dimensional pattern, where the distance of pixel elements from a reference line varies irregularly along the first direction of extent, preventing the formation of regular patterns that could interfere with the camera's image sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pixel elements are arranged in a regular grid pattern, then manufacturing and control are simplified, but geometric patterns like moiré or aliasing appear in recorded images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel arrangement simplicityVSAvoidmoiré patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately arranging pixel elements in an irregular, non-uniform pattern instead of a symmetric regular grid. This asymmetric distribution prevents the formation of periodic patterns that cause moiré effects when captured by camera sensors, while still maintaining adequate pixel density for image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial distribution parameter of pixel elements from a uniform regular grid to an irregular pattern with varying spacing. This parameter change eliminates the periodicity that causes interference patterns, while preserving the overall pixel density needed for displaying the virtual background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If pixel elements are arranged irregularly, then geometric patterns are prevented, but manufacturing precision and alignment become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealiasing effectsVSAvoidpixel positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the irregular positions of pixel elements in a lookup table or coordinate system before manufacturing. This allows the manufacturing process to follow a predetermined irregular pattern, reducing the actual precision requirements during assembly while still achieving the desired anti-moiré effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a digital model or map of the irregular pixel arrangement that can be reproduced during manufacturing. This digital template guides the placement of pixel elements, allowing standard manufacturing processes to achieve irregular patterns without requiring complex real-time positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If a large number of pixel elements are used to cover the display area, then image quality improves, but the complexity of the pixel matrix increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackground display resolutionVSAvoidpixel matrix structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the large display area into multiple panels or modules, each containing a manageable number of pixel elements. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual pixel matrices while maintaining high overall resolution through the combination of multiple segments working together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional regular grid to a more complex spatial arrangement that incorporates irregular positioning in both dimensions. This dimensional reorganization allows maintaining high pixel density for resolution while breaking the regular periodicity that causes interference patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4163906B1Background reproducing device
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 ARNOLD & RICHTER CINE TECHNIK GMBH & CO BETRIEBS KG
  • EP4163906B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4163906B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4163906B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A background rendering device for a virtual image recording studio, designed to reproduce a virtual background behind a real subject for camera recording, comprises at least one panel with a plurality of actively illuminated pixel elements. The pixel elements form a two-dimensional arrangement extending along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to it, wherein the respective distance of the pixel elements, measured along the second direction, to a first reference line running straight along the first direction varies irregularly.