Multi-Primary LCD Privacy Mode via Image Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LCD displays with privacy mode capabilities either suffer from image quality degradation in public mode, require additional optical components or complex manufacturing modifications, or incur resolution loss in private mode, failing to provide a high-quality display with strong privacy and minimal on-axis image degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method of processing image data for a multi-primary LCD display that generates luminance variations perceivable only at off-axis positions, using secondary data values to obscure the image for off-axis viewers while maintaining original image quality for on-axis viewers, achieved through modified control electronics that adjust signal voltages based on spatial position and additional color sub-pixel data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional liquid crystal layers and polarisers are added to provide switchable privacy function, then privacy mode capability is improved, but display thickness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the privacy function from the optical structure and implements it through software/image data processing instead. By removing the need for additional liquid crystal layers and polarisers, the display maintains its original thin profile while gaining switchable privacy capability through the multi-primary color system and processing method.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/optical approach (additional liquid crystal layers and polarisers) with an electronic/software approach (image data processing). The privacy function is achieved by manipulating pixel data and utilizing the inherent properties of multi-primary color displays rather than adding physical optical components.
2Length of stationary object
If image data manipulation is used to provide privacy mode with no added hardware complexity, then display thickness and cost are maintained, but on-axis image quality is severely degraded in private mode
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different image processing strategies to different color sub-pixels (R, G, B, W/Y) based on their specific luminance characteristics. By selectively manipulating only certain sub-pixels and utilizing the unique properties of each color channel, the system achieves privacy mode while preserving on-axis image quality for the legitimate viewer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the composite structure of multi-primary color sub-pixels (R, G, B, and W/Y) to achieve privacy functionality. By combining and manipulating these different color components in specific patterns, the system creates luminance variations that are visible to off-axis viewers while maintaining image quality for on-axis viewers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microlouvre film is added to control viewing angle, then privacy mode capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened due to manual placement and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a dynamic, electronically switchable privacy mode through software control rather than requiring manual physical adjustment. The privacy function can be activated or deactivated programmatically, allowing automatic switching between public and private modes based on usage context, thereby greatly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic privacy mode switching through image data processing without requiring user intervention to physically adjust or reposition components. The privacy function is integrated into the display's normal operation and can be controlled through standard display control interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing image data for display on a display device having a multi-primary image display panel (2) comprises receiving image data constituting an image for display on the image display panel. In a first mode, signal voltages to be applied to sub-pixels of the image display panel are determined from the received image data and from a secondary data value for the pixel thereby to generate luminance variations perceivable at a first viewing position (5) but substantially not perceivable at a second viewing position (3). This provides a private display mode, since the luminance variations perceivable at the first viewing position (5) obscure the image from an observer at the first viewing position, while an observer at the second viewing position (3) is able to perceive the image since the luminance variations are not perceivable (or are substantially not perceivable) at the second viewing position In a second mode, signal voltages to be applied to sub-pixels of the image display panel may be determined just from the received image data thereby to generate an image perceivable at the first viewing position (5) and at the second viewing position (3). This provides a public or wide-view display mode.