Liquid Crystal Display Device with Image Processor for Gradation Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal display devices with overlapping display panels face a decrease in the number of gradations that can be expressed when the number of bits in input image data exceeds the number of driving bits of the panels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an n-bit driving first and second display panel, along with an image processor that includes gradation converters and an extension processor to convert and extend gradation expression, allowing the display of m-bit input image data as n-bit and m1-bit gradations based on specific gamma characteristics, and performing dithering or frame rate controlling to maintain gradation expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If two display panels are used to improve contrast, then contrast is improved, but the number of gradations that can be expressed decreases when input image data has more bits than driving bits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing into separate channels: a first image signal for the front display panel and a second image signal for the rear display panel. The system processes different portions of the image data separately, allowing each panel to receive optimized signals while maintaining overall contrast improvement. This segmentation enables the system to handle high-bit input data by distributing the gradation requirements across multiple processing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension through frame rate controlling extension processing. When the number of input bits exceeds the driving bits, the system extends the gradation expression over time by utilizing multiple frames, effectively adding a time dimension to the gradation representation. This allows the system to maintain fine gradation details even when spatial and channel dimensions are limited.
2Adaptability or versatility
If input image data bits are decreased to match driving bits, then compatibility with display panels is improved, but the number of gradations that can be expressed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by receiving high-bit input image data and pre-processing it through gamma conversion and division into first and second image signals before they reach the display panels. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain the full precision of the input data while adapting it to the limitations of the display panels' driving bits, ensuring both compatibility and high gradation expression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage between the high-bit input data and the display panels. This intermediary includes gamma conversion processing and image signal division, which act as mediators to bridge the gap between the high precision input data and the limited driving bits of the panels, enabling both to coexist without loss of information.
3Illumination intensity
If gamma conversion is applied to adjust luminance, then display characteristics are improved, but the complexity of image processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gamma conversion process into separate operations for different image signals. The first gamma conversion processing operates on the first image signal and the second gamma conversion processing operates on the second image signal independently. This segmentation reduces the complexity by dividing a single complex operation into multiple simpler, parallel operations that can be processed simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies gamma conversion selectively rather than universally. It performs gamma conversion on specific image signals based on their characteristics and the requirements of the display panels. This partial application reduces the overall processing complexity while still achieving the necessary luminance adjustment where required.
Data Source
AI summary
A LCD device of display panels includes n-bit (n<m) driving first display panel that displays first image based on m-bit input image data, n-bit driving second display panel that displays second image based on the m-bit input image data, and image processor including first gradation converter that converts gradation of the m-bit input image data into n-bit gradation, second gradation converter that converts gradation of the m-bit input image data into m1-bit (m1≥m) gradation, and extension processor that performs extension processing of extending gradation expression with the n bits on the input image data converted into the m1-bit gradation. The n-bit driving first display panel displays the first image based on the n-bit input image data, and the n-bit driving second display panel displays the second image based on the n-bit input image data subjected to the extension processing.