Pixel Duty Cycle Determination for Temporal Dithering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Displays are limited in color quality due to the number of bits per color component, and existing techniques for modifying intensity levels are insufficient in providing higher color quality beyond what is allowed by the display's capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining a duty cycle for a pixel by calculating a first and second value for a sub-color component bit and alternating between them, allowing for temporal dithering to create an apparent average value displayed to the viewer, effectively increasing color precision without changing the display's hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of bits per color component is increased to improve color quality, then color precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temporal dithering by periodically alternating between two different color values at a frequency above human perception threshold. This periodic switching creates the visual illusion of intermediate color values, effectively doubling the perceived color precision without requiring additional hardware bits per color component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that operates between the display hardware and human perception. By using temporal dithering algorithms, the system creates intermediate color perceptions through rapid alternation, bridging the gap between limited hardware capabilities and desired color precision.
2Measurement precision
If temporal dithering is used to increase apparent color precision, then color quality is improved, but visual artifacts and flicker may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic alternation between color values at carefully selected frequencies above the human flicker fusion threshold. This ensures that the temporal dithering creates stable visual perceptions without noticeable flicker or artifacts, resolving the contradiction between achieving apparent color precision and avoiding visual disturbances.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining a duty cycle for a pixel (e.g. of alternating pixel values to achieve an average pixel color). In use, a first value of a sub-color component bit of a pixel is determined. Additionally, a second value for the sub-color component bit of the pixel is calculated. Further, a duty cycle for alternating between the first value and the second value is determined (e.g. which when applied at normal display frame rate may achieve an average color).