RGBW Display Subpixel Control for Image Sticking Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern display devices, particularly OLEDs, suffer from image sticking and burn-in due to static content, which existing methods only partially address by modifying brightness or color component intensity.

Innovation Solution

A method that converts RGB image data to RGBW data using alternating algorithms to dynamically control subpixels, reducing static control and preventing image sticking by analyzing and selectively applying different conversion algorithms to static and non-static content areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If static image content is displayed on OLED display devices, then image quality and luminance are improved, but image sticking and burn-in occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveluminanceVSAvoidimage sticking resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by alternating between multiple RGB to RGBW conversion algorithms over time, even when displaying static image content. This causes the control signals to subpixels to vary dynamically, preventing image sticking while maintaining luminance. The conversion algorithm changes create temporal variation in the display output without being perceptible to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the conversion algorithm itself, switching between different algorithms (e.g., different weighting factors for white subpixel contribution, different color space transformations). This parameter variation in the control signal generation process prevents permanent image retention while preserving the visual appearance and luminance of the displayed content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If brightness values are increased to improve image quality, then luminance is improved, but image sticking and burn-in worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveluminanceVSAvoidimage sticking
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by systematically alternating between different conversion algorithms at regular intervals or frame-by-frame. This periodic variation in control signal generation prevents continuous static loading on subpixels, reducing image sticking risk while maintaining high luminance levels through optimized RGBW conversion that utilizes the white subpixel effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If conversion from RGB data to RGBW image data is performed, then luminance and efficiency are improved, but image sticking occurs due to static control signals

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidimage sticking resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the RGB to RGBW conversion process dynamic by alternating between multiple conversion algorithms. This dynamic approach varies the control signals to subpixels over time, preventing image sticking while preserving the efficiency benefits of RGBW conversion that utilizes the white subpixel to improve luminance and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If different conversion algorithms are used to prevent image sticking, then image sticking resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sticking resistanceVSAvoidconversion algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the conversion algorithm selection into discrete, manageable options. Instead of using a single complex adaptive algorithm, it employs multiple simpler conversion algorithms that are alternated in a systematic way. This segmentation reduces the complexity of implementing and managing the conversion process while achieving image sticking prevention through the alternation of these simpler algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3413294B1Method, controller and display device of RGB image content
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3413294B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3413294B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3413294B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for controlling the display of RGB image content (109) with a display device (100) with at least one red subpixel (103) and one green subpixel (104) and one blue subpixel (105) and one white subpixel (106) per pixel (102) of the display device (100). The method comprises alternatingly converting (S1) the RGB image content (109) into RGBW image data (111) with a plurality of RGB to RGBW conversion algorithms, and displaying (S2) the RGBW image data (111) via the display device (100). Further, the invention provides a respective controller (107) and a display device (100).