Local Dimming PWM Compensation for Moving-Object Flicker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing local dimming technologies in LED TVs face issues with brightness uniformity and flickering when objects move, particularly in dark backgrounds, due to the direct-lit architecture of LEDs behind the LCD panel.

Innovation Solution

A method of luminance compensation that involves determining the speed of moving objects using PWM tables, generating a new PWM table based on object speed, and performing luminance compensation to adjust dimming speeds accordingly, ensuring consistent brightness uniformity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If local dimming is implemented to improve contrast ratio in dark scenes, then the contrast ratio is improved, but brightness uniformity deteriorates when objects move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrast ratioVSAvoidbrightness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PWM table generation based on detected object movement speed. The system adjusts the PWM table in real-time according to the speed of moving objects, creating a dynamic compensation mechanism that adapts to changing scene conditions. This resolves the contradiction by making the dimming control flexible rather than static, allowing brightness uniformity to be maintained during object movement while preserving contrast improvement in dark scenes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback by detecting object movement and using this information to generate compensated PWM tables. The system continuously monitors for moving objects and adjusts the PWM values accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to brightness uniformity issues as they arise, resolving the contradiction between contrast enhancement and brightness stability during motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Illumination intensity

If local dimming is implemented to improve contrast ratio, then the contrast ratio is improved, but flickering occurs when objects move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrast ratioVSAvoidflickering
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts PWM values based on detected object movement speed. When objects are detected moving across the screen, the system modifies the PWM table to compensate for the apparent brightness changes caused by motion. This dynamic adjustment prevents flickering artifacts while maintaining the contrast improvement benefits of local dimming in dark scenes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-calculating and applying compensation values to the PWM table before the flickering effect occurs. The system detects moving objects and proactively adjusts the PWM values to counteract the potential brightness variations that would cause flickering. This preventive approach eliminates flickering while preserving contrast ratio improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If PWM tables are adjusted to compensate for moving objects, then brightness uniformity is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness uniformityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing by dividing the screen into zones and detecting objects within specific regions. Rather than processing the entire frame uniformly, the system identifies moving objects in specific zones and applies compensation only where needed. This segmentation approach maintains brightness uniformity for moving objects while reducing overall processing complexity by focusing computational resources on affected areas only.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by using the existing PWM table structure and overlaying compensation values directly onto it. The system leverages the current PWM framework and adds motion compensation functionality without requiring a complete redesign of the processing architecture. This approach improves brightness uniformity while minimizing the increase in processing complexity by building upon existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12512071B2Luminance compensation method of motion vector in local dimming
Publication Date: 2025.12.30 HIMAX TECH LTD
  • US12512071B2 patent drawing
  • US12512071B2 patent drawing
  • US12512071B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of luminance compensation includes determining a speed of an object according to a PWM (pulse width modulation) table of a current frame and a PWM table of a previous frame; generating a new PWM table according to the speed and the PWM table of the current frame; and performing luminance compensation according to the PWM table of the current frame and the new PWM table.