Digital Display Pixel Luminance Control via Discrete Update Periods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital display devices, such as DMDs, face challenges in updating images in real-time within a frame period, leading to delays in introducing new elements, like cursively drawn symbols, as they require updating at the next 20 ms frame period, which is unacceptable in some applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control digital display devices by illuminating pixels for a predetermined portion of the image refresh period, using a store to determine the number of update periods for illumination, allowing for fractional luminance levels and enabling updates during any update period, thereby allowing for immediate introduction of image updates without frame-based constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional frame-by-frame image updating is used, then image stability is maintained, but image update delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image refresh period into multiple discrete update periods (e.g., 35 update periods of 572 μs each within a 20 ms refresh period). Instead of updating all pixels simultaneously at frame boundaries, the system segments the updating process across these discrete periods, allowing incremental introduction of new image elements while maintaining overall image stability through controlled pixel illumination patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by preparing image data and determining pixel illumination patterns in advance for upcoming update periods. The system pre-calculates which pixels should be illuminated during each discrete update period within the refresh period, enabling smooth transitions and eliminating delays when new image elements need to be introduced.
2Device complexity
If image updates are restricted to frame period boundaries, then processing simplicity is maintained, but update flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image updating process adaptable and flexible. The system can dynamically determine which pixels to illuminate during each discrete update period based on real-time requirements. New image elements can be introduced at any update period boundary rather than being constrained to frame period boundaries, providing dynamic update flexibility while maintaining manageable processing through systematic control patterns.
3Device complexity
If pixels are illuminated for the entire refresh period, then luminance control is simplified, but image detail precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different luminance characteristics for different pixels or pixel groups within the same refresh period. By controlling illumination on a per-pixel basis during discrete update periods, the system can apply local dimming or brightness adjustments to specific regions or elements, achieving precise image detail control while maintaining overall luminance management through the systematic update pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a digital display device and a digital display system implementing the method are provided in which a required luminance level for a pixel is controlled according to a store provided for each pixel, the contents of which indicate the number of discrete display update periods during an image refresh period for the pixel for which the pixel is to be illuminated to achieve the required luminance level, the content being read at each update period and the content determining whether the pixel is to be illuminated for that update period, the content being updated at each update period for which the pixel is illuminated to indicate that the number of update cycles for which the pixel is to be illuminated is thereby reduced by one and wherein the content of the store may be updated at any update cycle in response to changes in required pixel luminance level indicated by received image data.