Line Buffer Memory Segmentation for Subpixel Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image display systems require large line buffer memory to supply data for subpixel rendering operations, which is inefficient in terms of memory usage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a display system with a plurality of line buffer memory modules that provide data to multiple gamut mapping modules, reducing the size of line buffer memory needed for subpixel rendering operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single large line buffer memory is used to supply data for subpixel rendering operations, then the memory can provide sufficient data for the rendering operation, but the memory size and silicon area required are excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory capacityVSAvoidsilicon area
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single large line buffer memory into multiple smaller line buffer memory modules. Each module stores a portion of the image data in a first color space and provides data to corresponding gamut mapping modules. This segmentation reduces the silicon area required while maintaining sufficient memory capacity for subpixel rendering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimension memory architecture (one large buffer) to a multi-dimensional architecture (multiple smaller buffers organized in parallel). By distributing data across multiple memory modules and using parallel gamut mapping modules, the system achieves the required memory capacity with reduced individual memory sizes and overall silicon footprint.

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

2Productivity

If multiple gamut mapping modules are used to process image data in parallel, then processing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the gamut mapping function into multiple parallel modules, each handling a specific portion of the image data. This segmentation enables parallel processing that improves throughput while keeping each individual module relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each line buffer memory module and gamut mapping module is designed to handle multiple color space conversions and processing tasks. This multi-functionality allows the parallel architecture to achieve high processing efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each module can be reused for different processing needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1934970B1Improved memory structures for image processing
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP1934970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1934970B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1934970B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display system (200) comprises line buffer memory (210) that stores input image data in a first color space, and a plurality of gam mapping modules (110) that accept the input image data from the line buffer memory (210) and performs a gamut mapping operation to produce mapped image data specified in a second color space. The system (200) also includes a subpixel rendering module that renders the image data specified in the second color space for display on a display panel substantially comprised of a particular subpixel repeating group. The system (200) architecture utilizes a plurality of gamut mapping modules (110) which in turn allows f a reduction in the size of line buffer memory needed for the subpixel rendering operation.