Sub-channel Pixel Modulation for Monochrome Display Grayscale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for representing high grayscale images on low grayscale output devices suffer from image quality deterioration, such as stains and regular lattice patterns, due to the limitations of dithering techniques like random and screen dithering.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for modulating sub-channel pixels in a multi-grayscale monochrome output apparatus, which generates and selects mask patterns to determine weighted values for sub-channels, allowing for improved representation of high grayscale images by calculating M-bit data from (M+K)-bit input images, thereby compensating for information loss and reducing pattern repetition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dithering method is used to represent high grayscale images on low grayscale output devices, then the grayscale representation capability is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to stains and regular lattice patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mask pattern variable rather than fixed. The mask pattern changes according to the input pixel value, creating a dynamic dithering process that adapts to different grayscale levels. This dynamic approach eliminates the regular lattice patterns caused by static mask repetition while maintaining grayscale representation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the mask pattern itself - specifically, the mask pattern is selected or modified based on the input pixel value. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different grayscale requirements while avoiding the harmful regular patterns that occur when a single fixed mask is reused across all pixels.
2Measurement precision
If screen dithering with fixed mask pattern is used, then grayscale levels are improved, but regular lattice patterns occur due to mask repetition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mask pattern into a dynamic one by selecting different mask patterns based on input pixel values. This dynamic selection process ensures that the same mask pattern is not repeatedly applied to adjacent pixels, thereby eliminating the regular lattice patterns while preserving the grayscale precision achieved through dithering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by using different mask patterns for different pixel values rather than a symmetric, uniform application of a single mask pattern. This asymmetric approach disrupts the regularity that causes lattice patterns while maintaining the precision benefits of structured dithering.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If random dithering is used to avoid lattice patterns, then regular patterns are reduced, but ununiform patterns occur due to noise addition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the mask pattern as an intermediary between the input image and the output display. Rather than directly mapping input grayscale values to output pixels (which causes either lattice patterns or ununiform noise), the mask pattern acts as a mediator that systematically distributes the dithering effect, achieving both uniformity and pattern avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the mask pattern selection dynamic based on input values, the patent avoids the ununiform patterns caused by random noise addition while still preventing regular lattice patterns. The dynamic mask approach provides a controlled, systematic variation that maintains uniformity without requiring randomization.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and apparatus for modulating sub-channel pixels in a multi grayscale monochrome output apparatus, more particularly, a method and apparatus for modulating sub-channel pixels in a multi grayscale monochrome output apparatus that can represent a high grayscale input image on a low grayscale output apparatus through sub-channel pixel modulation.