LCD Backlight PWM Calculation Using Pixel Condensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calculating pulse width modulation (PWM) values for liquid crystal display (LCD) backlights rely on approximation algorithms, leading to increased power consumption, image flaws, and slower processing times, particularly when displaying high-resolution video content.
Innovation Solution
A method that condenses pixel gray values into concentrated pixels, resolves light spread functions, and optimizes LED values by considering the contribution of multiple LEDs, using a faster approximation algorithm to minimize power consumption while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If approximation algorithms are used to calculate PWM values for LED backlight, then processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the continuous image data into discrete concentrated pixels through parameter transformation, changing the data representation from high-resolution continuous values to low-resolution discrete values. This parameter change enables faster processing while reducing the computational complexity that leads to excessive power consumption in approximation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a condensed copy of the original image data by generating concentrated pixels that represent multiple original pixels. This copying approach allows the system to work with a simplified representation that requires less computational power, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining essential image characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If approximation algorithms with complex mathematical operations are used, then PWM value calculation is simplified, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task into two distinct stages: first condensing the image into concentrated pixels, then calculating PWM values based on these condensed representations. This segmentation simplifies the overall process by breaking down the complex mathematical operations into more manageable steps that can be performed with simpler hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the parameter representation from high-resolution pixel values to concentrated pixel values, the patent reduces the computational complexity required for PWM calculation. This parameter transformation enables the use of simpler hardware architectures that can perform the necessary calculations without requiring complex mathematical operation units.
3Productivity
If high resolution source image is downsized using approximation algorithms, then LED grid PWM values are determined, but image resolution is lost and clipping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the condensing action preliminarily by creating concentrated pixels before the PWM calculation step. This preliminary condensation preserves the essential brightness and color information in a compact form, allowing subsequent PWM calculations to maintain image quality without requiring complex deconvolution operations that could cause clipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrated pixels serve as a simplified copy of the original image data that retains the essential visual information. This copying approach allows the system to work with reduced data while preserving image quality characteristics, avoiding the resolution loss and clipping problems associated with traditional downsizing approximation algorithms.
4Ease of operation
If complex approximation algorithms are used for image processing, then PWM values can be calculated, but processing time increases leading to lower frame rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from high-resolution continuous pixel values to low-resolution discrete concentrated pixel values. This parameter transformation dramatically reduces the number of calculations required for PWM determination, thereby reducing processing time and enabling higher frame rates while maintaining the capability to calculate accurate PWM values.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system for displaying an image on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The method, apparatus, and system can include condensing a plurality of pixel gray values to a concentrated pixel, the concentrated pixel assigned to a geometric position on a display and described by at least one of a plurality of parameters and gray value; forming the concentrated pixels to a condensed image; resolving a light spread function of a first LED in substantially the same resolution as the condensed image; calculating a backlight needed based on the condensed image; and optimizing a value of a plurality of LEDs by considering the contribution of the plurality of LEDs on the concentrated pixel, wherein light spread functions of the LEDs are used.