Nonlinear Amplitude Modification (e.g., Gamma) Patents (Class 348/674)
  • Patent number: 7839414
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for color compensation of a display having a translucent display cover applied to an outside surface of the display. A method may include characterizing a color shift due to the translucent display cover for when there is rendering of an image on the display and compensating for the color shift when rendering an image on the display. The method further may include measuring the color shift induced by the color of the finish, and as described below compensating the red, green, and blue (RGB) levels of the display so that the display image may be presented to the user as originally intended. In this way, the image quality may be substantially optimized for viewing regardless of the lens/cover surface color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Cybart, Roger W. Ady, John A. Burroughs, R. Dodge D. Daverman, Ken K. Foo, Sen Yang, Zhiming (Jim) Zhuang
  • Patent number: 7839456
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video signal processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit to obtain the frequency of each luminance level from the input luminance signal worth of one frame, a frequency conversion unit that logarithmically converts the frequency of each luminance level obtained and adds a preset offset value, a preparation unit that prepares a nonlinear correction processing table to cumulatively add the frequency-converted data and provide nonlinear correction processing for the input luminance signal, and a processor that provides nonlinear correction processing to the input luminance signal in accordance with the prepared nonlinear correction processing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ku Sato, Ritsuo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7796196
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, in the case where a non-linear correction processing is performed in a direction in which an amplitude level of a luminance signal is heightened, an amplitude level correction processing is performed to a color signal on the basis of a first coefficient read from a first table prepared in advance in correspondence to the case. In the case where a non-linear correction processing is performed in a direction in which the amplitude level of the luminance signal is lowered, an amplitude level correction processing is performed to the color signal on the basis of a second coefficient read from a second table prepared in advance in correspondence to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Miyazawa
  • Publication number: 20100201887
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment, a first representation of a first gamma curve is stored in a look-up table, a second representation of a second gamma curve is stored in a look-up table, and a video signal is modified in accordance with an interpolation of at least a portion of the first representation of the first gamma curve and at least a portion of the second representation of the second gamma curve. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the at least a portion of the first representation of the first gamma curve is multiplied by a one's complement of a normalized weight factor, the at least a portion of the second representation of the second gamma curve is multiplied by the normalized weight factor, and the results are added together to obtain an output video signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: RGB Systems, Inc., a California corporation
    Inventor: Michael Bakhmutsky
  • Patent number: 7768577
    Abstract: A gamma correction device for use in a display device includes a gamma voltage controller to generate a digital gamma signal in a unit of a predetermined interval, and a gamma voltage generator to generate an analog gamma voltage corresponding to the digital gamma signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Wook Shin
  • Patent number: 7755640
    Abstract: The invention discloses a gamma image correction method and device that employs an improved interpolating operation, comprising receiving an original image data point; retrieving p conversion values (p is larger than 2) from a memory unit according to the original image data point; and arithmetically processing the p conversion values for generating a gamma corrected image parameter value from the original image data point wherein the original image data point is a N bits data, the memory unit contains 2k conversion values and N is lager than k.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Etron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming-Sung Huang, Chi-Chang Lu, Pei-Ting Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100171884
    Abstract: A final-correction-value acquisition unit performs, for each frame, reduction processing for reducing a difference in gamma correction value between frames and thereby acquires a final correction value of the frame. The final-correction-value acquisition unit determines into which type an observed frame is classified among a first-, a second- and a third-type frames, and controls a level of the reduction processing on the observed frame according to a determined type of the observed frame, the first-type frame being a frame having a change amount obtained from a change-amount calculator equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, the second-type frame being a frame having a change amount larger than the threshold and at least one frame having a change amount larger than the threshold exists within a preceding predetermined period immediately before the observed frame, the third-type frame being a frame other than the first- and second-type frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Saitou
  • Publication number: 20100141844
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method which comprises the steps of providing a video-signal output device (4), accepting a brightness component of a video signal corresponding to a first position of a subject (1) which is imaged by the video-signal output device (4), correcting a gamma (?) value of the brightness component corresponding to the first position, accepting a brightness component of the image signal corresponding to a second position of the subject (1) which is imaged by the video-signal output device (4), correcting the gamma (?) value of the brightness component corresponding to the second position, calculating a ratio between the gamma-corrected brightness component corresponding to the first position and the gamma-corrected brightness component corresponding to the second position, and displaying the ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: LEADER ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Genichi Imamura, Hideharu Tsunemoto
  • Publication number: 20100134689
    Abstract: Average picture level (APL) of a display and, in examples, histogram information is used to dynamically adjust the display contrast, or “gamma”, using an exponential function. APL can also be used for DC transmission adjustment and black/white stretch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Emigdio Z. Flores, Mario Ramirez, Juan Flores, Eduardo Zuniga
  • Patent number: 7705919
    Abstract: In the video processing device, a correction amount update determining unit determines whether to update a correction amount based on an input image obtained from an image input unit and when a cut point is detected or when the number of frames in a number of frames storing unit exceeds a fixed value, determines that update is required, and at this time, a correction amount obtaining unit obtains a new correction amount based on the input image. Then, if no cut point is detected, an amount of change of a correction amount in time is limited and the obtained result is recorded in a correction amount storing unit, and an image correcting unit conducts quality improving correction processing with respect to the input image based on a correction amount recorded in the correction amount storing unit and the image corrected is sent to an image output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuaki Suzuki, Akira Inoue
  • Patent number: 7679686
    Abstract: An electronic device includes at least one gamma correction unit including a first gamma correction unit. In one embodiment, the first gamma correction unit includes at least one tap that is configured to allow the gamma function for the first gamma correction unit to be changed after the electronic device has been fabricated. In another embodiment, a process for using the electronic device operating the array during a first time period using a first gamma function for the first gamma correction unit. The process also includes changing the first gamma function to a second gamma function. The process further includes operating the array during a second time period using the second gamma function for the first gamma correction unit. A data processing system readable medium has code that includes instructions for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Weixiao Zhang, Zhining Chen, Gang Yu
  • Patent number: 7671829
    Abstract: A driving method for a color liquid crystal display which drives the color liquid crystal display based on a video red signal, a video green signal and a video blue signal by independently applying a gamma compensation to a clamped video red signal, a clamped video green signal and a clamped video blue signal in gamma compensating circuits in order to make suitable to a red transmittance characteristic, a green transmittance characteristic and a blue transmittance characteristic. With this operation, it is possible to carry out an optimal gamma compensation suitable to a characteristic of the color liquid crystal display and to remove a gradation batter occurring in a specific color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriaki Sugawara, Kouichi Koga
  • Publication number: 20100039503
    Abstract: A display and a display method thereof are provided. The display is used for displaying 2D and/or 3D video image. The display method includes displaying 2D video image according to a first gamma curve and displaying 3D video image according to a second gamma curve, wherein the gamma value of the first gamma curve is greater than the gamma value of the second gamma curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yung-Lun Lin, Ching-Sheng Cheng, Chih-Jen Hu
  • Patent number: 7663641
    Abstract: Gamut-mapping from a source device to a destination device is performed in a perceptually linear color space such as CIECAM02 by separating a source image into primary color components and processing each primary component separately by mapping a source cusp point with a destination cusp point. The mapped primary components are then summed and a resultant destination image is obtained. Alternatively, hue rotation is performed by determining a relative position of an input color between the nearest primary and the nearest secondary color in a source hue wheel. The determined relative position in the source hue wheel is used to find a corresponding location in a destination hue wheel so that a hue angle for the destination point can be obtained. In either process, the source and destination points are mapped using a cusp-to-cusp mapping process, and if the source point lies outside of the destination boundary after the cusp mapping, the point is mapped to the three-dimensional surface of the destination gamut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Rocklin J. Sloan
  • Patent number: 7659945
    Abstract: A color reproduction correcting system and method, and a video display device and method can reproduce original color by considering signal source and display device. Each signal source information and each display device information can be stored. The signal source and the display device, which are currently used (e.g., corrected), can be determined, for example, by a user selection. In one embodiment, the signal provided from a transmission side can be inverse gamma-corrected based on a corresponding signal source, and a colorimetric error of the inverse gamma-corrected signal is preferably corrected using corresponding signal source information and display device information. The corrected colorimetric error signal can be gamma-corrected based on a corresponding display device and then can be displayed on the corresponding display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Chul Kim, Kyu Ik Sohng, Eun Su Kim, Dae Won Kim, Dong Won Ryu, Jong Sun Park, Jong Keun Shin
  • Publication number: 20090322916
    Abstract: A signal processing system includes: defining a nonlinear function; defining a set of requirements for an output signal; obtaining an input signal; applying a cubic polynomial fitting to approximate the nonlinear function and provide an approximated nonlinear function; assigning a set of fitted polynomial parameters to the approximated nonlinear function; transforming the input signal with the approximated nonlinear function to provide a transformed signal; modifying the transformed signal by adjusting the set of fitted polynomial parameters to provide a modified signal meeting the set of requirements for the output signal; and outputting the modified signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicants: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoling Wang, Alexander Berestov, Takami Mizukura, Naoya Katoh
  • Patent number: 7633557
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for adaptive color correction by weighting procedure according to the pixel luminance so as to adjust the pixel chrominance. The present invention prevents color noise occurring in the dark pictures. The method for adaptive color correction, comprises steps of: providing a luminance value of a pixel: determining a weighting value corresponding to said luminance value of said pixel, wherein said weighting value substantially increases when said luminance value increases; and adjusting chrominance of said pixel according to said weighting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: MSTAR Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Kuo Lee, Yi-Fan Chen
  • Patent number: 7633558
    Abstract: A display device capable of compensating for luminance of an environment is disclosed. The display device includes: a sensor, for sensing the luminance of the environment to generate a sensing signal corresponding to the luminance; a scaler, coupled to the sensor, for processing an original image signal according to the sensing signal to generate an adjusted image signal; and an image outputting device for outputting an image according to the adjusted image signal; wherein the scaler includes: an image signal adjuster for adjusting the original image signal to compensate for the luminance and generate a compensated image signal; and a gain controller coupled to the image signal adjuster for adjusting a gain setting and utilizing the adjusted gain setting to process the compensated image signal in order to generate the adjusted image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-Peng Tsai, Wen-Wei Tsai
  • Patent number: 7629950
    Abstract: A gamma reference voltage generating circuit minimizes voltage fluctuation to output a stable reference voltage and a flat panel display has such a gamma reference voltage generating circuit. The gamma reference voltage generating circuit comprises a resistor array including a plurality of resistors that are connected in series between two supply voltages with different voltage levels. The resistor array divides a voltage between the two supply voltages through the plurality of resistors and outputs the divided voltages. The gamma reference voltage generating circuit further comprises a plurality of first capacitors that are connected between common nodes that are respectively disposed between pairs of adjacent resistors, and one of the two supply voltages. In addition, a plurality of second capacitors are respectively connected in parallel to the respective resistors to stabilize the gamma reference voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Wook Yoo
  • Patent number: 7612831
    Abstract: There are provided a gamma correction device enabling correct gamma correction while reducing the capacity of a lookup table, an image conversion apparatus and a display device using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Daigo Miyasaka
  • Publication number: 20090256935
    Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus includes a user interface unit, a gamma correction value calculating unit, and a gamma correction value storage unit. The user interface unit receives a designation of values of at least three points that form a gamma curve used during gamma correction of a video signal. The gamma correction value calculating unit calculates gamma correction values by substituting coefficients, obtained by an approximation calculation carried out on the values of the at least three points, whose designation is received by the user interface unit, into an exponential function using the coefficients as parameters. The gamma correction value storage unit stores the gamma correction values calculated by the gamma correction value calculating unit and is operable when an indication confirming the gamma correction values has been received from the user, to output the gamma correction values to a gamma correction unit carrying out processing for gamma correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Endo, Mitsutoshi Shinkai
  • Publication number: 20090251494
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for gamma correction are disclosed. An adjustable blending unit is utilized for adjustably blending a linear gamma function with a nonlinear gamma function, thereby resulting in an adjustable gamma curve. The nonlinear gamma function is adjustable by a blending parameter such that distance of the gamma curve to linear gamma curve may be changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Miaohong Shi
  • Publication number: 20090244387
    Abstract: A display device and a driving method thereof in which if an input 2D/3D video signal is a 2D video signal, an image data signal is generated by applying a first gamma correction curved line. If the input 2D/3D video signal is a 3D video signal, an image data signal is generated by applying the second gamma correction curved line. Luminance of a maximum grayscale of the first gamma correction curved line is set to be lower than luminance of a maximum grayscale of the second gamma correction curved line. Therefore, it is possible to prevent luminance of the display device from deteriorating by a barrier in a 3D driving mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Jae-Sung Lee, Chang-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20090213272
    Abstract: A video processing apparatus includes: a video processor that detects a video type based on an inter-frame difference of a video signal; an automatic image quality adjustment unit that determines an image quality adjusting set value based on the video type detected by the video processor; and an image quality processing unit that performs an image quality adjustment on the video signal based on the image quality adjusting set value, the image quality adjustment including at least one of processes selected from a group of: a brightness enhancement control; an RGB gain control for setting a color temperature; a brightness control; a color enhancement control; a color gain and color tone control; and a nonlinear contrast control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7575330
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for increasing the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors using a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the projector optics, for modifying the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) for receiving signals from the video input board, the adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, the signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Allen Video Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Eddie E Allen, Thomas D Strade, Christopher Coley
  • Patent number: 7573532
    Abstract: An image processing device is comprised of a parameter storing unit (i) storing a plurality of inverse gamma correction parameters, color conversion parameters, gamma correction parameters and the like, and (ii) selecting one parameter from each of a plurality of such parameters according to an inputted image signal. Further, the image processing device includes an image signal processing unit performing image signal processes such as inverse gamma correction, color conversion, gamma correction and the like, on the basis of the parameters selected by the parameter storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Shimazaki, Kenjirou Tsuda, Kunihiko Sakoda
  • Patent number: 7567301
    Abstract: According to the invention, performing torn curb correction processing by referring to plural correction tables 113a to 113c for plural display areas A, B, C, D, E, and P makes it possible to obtain an output image meeting user's requirements. Particularly, since tone curve correction processing can be performed by referring to different correction tables selected from the correction tables 113a to 113c for a main screen to be displayed in the display areas A, B, C, D, and E and for a subscreen to be displayed in a sub-display area P, discomfort to a viewer attributable to a difference in brightness between the main screen and the subscreen can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihiro Higashi
  • Patent number: 7557788
    Abstract: A programmable buffer integrated circuit which can be programmed to output a set of gamma correction reference voltages to be used in LCD displays. Once programmed, the buffers will continuously output the programmed value. The device incorporates a programming interface to allow the programming of the buffer outputs to the desired values during manufacturing and test of the panel. Multiple sets of values can be programmed to provide different gamma correction curves for different user or application requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Alta Analog, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard V. Orlando, Trevor A. Blyth
  • Publication number: 20090128705
    Abstract: Provided is a video processing apparatus comprising a storage unit and a gamma correction unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of representative values of brightness to perform a gamma correction to a video signal. The gamma correction unit calculates a difference value between two adjacent representative values among the plurality of representative values, and performs gamma correction on the video signal based on the plurality of representative values and the plurality of difference values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Dong-Hyun YEO, Jong-Hyon Park, Jae-Hyoung Park
  • Publication number: 20090122135
    Abstract: An endoscope processor including a light source controller, an imaging device driver, and a gamma-correction block, is provided. The light source controller can order first and second light sources to alternately emit first and second lights, respectively. The imaging device driver orders an imaging device to generate first and second image signals by capturing an optical image of a subject while the firs and the second light are shone on the subject, respectively. The gamma-correction block carries out gamma correction on the first and second image signals using first and second color gamma coefficients, respectively. The first and second color gamma coefficients are predetermined according to the wavelength band of the first and second lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Go MATSUI
  • Publication number: 20090086102
    Abstract: A difference sample data holder of a gamma correction device holds as difference sample data a difference between a corrected signal level and a yet-to-be-corrected signal level for each of multiple sample points set at equal intervals between the permissible minimum and maximum levels of an input video signal. A correction execution unit performs cubic interpolation operation using the difference sample data held in the difference sample data holder, and adds the operated result and the signal level of the input video signal to obtain the signal level of the corrected video signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Uchinuno, Fuminori Higashi
  • Patent number: 7511770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing video images aimed at compensating for the defects of display devices. According to the invention, the method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: correction of a video signal by a specific gamma law associated with a first component from among said horizontal and vertical components of said video signal, first video processing acting on said first component of the corrected video signal, application, to the video signal processed, of an intermediate law effecting the transfer from a space which is linear with respect to the first component to a space which is linear with respect to the other of said components, called the second component, second video processing acting on the second component of the video signal emanating from the previous step, and correction of the video signal processed by a specific inverse gamma law associated with the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Laurent Blonde, Didier Doyen, Jonathan Kervec
  • Patent number: 7508457
    Abstract: A digital Y signal compatible with a plurality of pixels in one frame unit is divided into a plurality of signal level regions for each constant signal level range by means of a histogram generator circuit, a rate of pixels included in each signal level to all the pixels is detected, and a histogram is generated. In addition, a correction coefficient is set, and the correction coefficient is stored in a correction coefficient storage circuit. In a computing circuit, a correction value relevant to a signal level in each signal level region is calculated in accordance with the histogram and correction coefficient, and input and output characteristics of the digital Y signal are adjusted on the basis of the calculated correction value. The digital Y signal is gamma-corrected by a Y-?correcting circuit in accordance with the input and output characteristics adjusted by the computing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kunio Yamagishi, Takashi Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20090059083
    Abstract: A system provides an image displaying technique that provides stable high contrast even in an area having high brightness. Based on information about an average brightness level of a digital luminance signal, black-correction processing which decreases a brightness level by offsetting the brightness level to the minus side, and increase processing which increases a contrast gain within a dynamic range, are performed for an analog luminance signal or a digital luminance signal, enabling improvement in contrast even where brightness is intense.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Ryo Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20090051818
    Abstract: A video signal processing device includes a sample data register to hold a signal level of a video signal after correction at each sample point as a correction level, a coefficient operation circuit to output a first coefficient, a coefficient selection circuit to output a second coefficient, and an interpolation operation unit to calculate a signal level of a video signal after correction corresponding to a signal level of the input video signal by using the correction level held in the sample data register, the first coefficient or the second coefficient and performing the cubic interpolation operation or the linear interpolation operation. The first coefficient is used when a video signal after correction is obtained from the input video signal by a linear interpolation operation. The second coefficient is used when a video signal after correction is obtained from the input video signal by a cubic interpolation operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi FURUKAWA, Fuminori HIGASHI
  • Publication number: 20090040389
    Abstract: A gamma correction apparatus includes a load controlling unit, a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, a checking unit and a counter. The non-volatile memory stores gamma data and a checking code. The load controlling unit controls an operation of loading the gamma data from the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory. The checking unit receives the checking code and detects whether the gamma data in the volatile memory have an error according to the checking code. The counter accumulates the number of times that the checking unit has detected the error. When the checking unit detects the error, the load controlling unit re-loads the gamma data from the non-volatile memory into the volatile memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Mstar Semiconductor, Inc
    Inventor: Shih-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20090027559
    Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus includes a non-equidistant section determination circuit, a sample data register, and an interpolation computation circuit. The non-equidistant section determination circuit detects a non-equidistant section having different intervals between plural sample points set for the dynamic range of a video signal to be inputted. The sample data register holds the signal level (correction level) of a video signal after correction for each sample point. The interpolation computation circuit obtains the signal level of the video signal after correction by executing cubic interpolation computation with reference to the correction level. Here, a first section is defined as a section located on a lower signal level side and having intervals of X (X>0) between sample points, and a second section is defined as a section located on a higher level side and having intervals of Y (Y>0, X?Y) between sample points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Fuminori Higashi
  • Patent number: 7483083
    Abstract: A method for enhancing video or other multimedia in order to achieve a closer-to-movie theater viewing experience. The enhancement method can be applied to YUV or other video formats which are used for TV or digital media. The method provides a curve with at least one inflection point such that at least one region has a concave upward arc and another region has a concave downward arc. The improved curve provides relatively less contrast in relatively dark regions and relatively more contrast in relatively bright regions. By taking into account the visual sensitivity to various luminance levels, a neutral point is selected to be located at a relatively dark point. To the darker side of the neutral point, luminance is suppressed. To the brighter side of the neutral point, luminance is enhanced. This luminance-mapping curve is applied to the luminance (Y) signal so as to enhance both brightness and contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Intervideo, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Li, Chung-Tao Chu, Andy Chao Hung
  • Patent number: 7477303
    Abstract: High frequency components of a video signal are attenuated for avoiding aliasing when the video signal is corrected by a non-linear gamma correction circuit. Such high frequency components arise from the video signal harmonics, and also are generated in image contour processing of the video signal. The high frequency components are band limited, thereby linearizing the gamma correction circuit and preventing aliasing. Up-converting the sampling frequency increases a desired band limitation area and defers the generation of high frequency components that cause aliasing. The non-linear gamma correction function is divided into a plurality of sections which are replaced by respective straight-line segments each represented by a linear expression, and gamma correction is effected with a straight-line segment corresponding to the amplitude of the digital video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Tanji, Fumihiko Sudo, Taku Kihara
  • Publication number: 20090009665
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a correction interval setting unit for setting a correction interval; a correction interval dividing unit for dividing the correction interval into a black side interval and a white side interval; histogram calculating units for calculating a total number of luminance histograms of the black side interval and the white side interval, respectively; gain setting units for setting gains of a ? curve for raising the luminance and a ? curve for lowering the luminance, respectively; gamma curve generating units for generating a gamma curve for raising the luminance and a gamma curve for lowering the luminance, respectively; a gamma curve combining unit for combining the gamma curve for raising the luminance and the gamma curve for lowering the luminance; and a luminance conversion unit for performing the luminance conversion process using the combined gamma curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Tsutsumi, Shigeru Harada
  • Publication number: 20090002563
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system that includes one or more integrated circuits are described. During operation, the system compensates for gamma correction in a video image to produce a linear relationship between brightness values and an associated brightness of the video image when displayed, where the compensation includes an offset at minimum brightness that is associated with light leakage in a display that is configured to display video images. Then, the system calculates an intensity setting of a light source based on at least a portion of the compensated video image, the light source configured to illuminate the display. Next, the system adjusts the compensated video image so that a product of the intensity setting and a transmittance associated with the adjusted video image approximately equals a product of a previous intensity setting and a transmittance associated with the video image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ulrich T. Barnhoefer, Wei H. Yao, Wei Chen, Andrew Aitken
  • Patent number: 7466296
    Abstract: A gamma correction apparatus for a liquid crystal display comprises a reference voltage generating circuit and a gamma correction circuit. The reference voltage generating circuit outputs a plurality of reference voltages according to the pixel data. The gamma correction circuit gamma-corrects the pixel data according to the reference voltages. The feature of the invention resides in that the reference voltage generating circuit outputs the corresponding reference voltages to gamma-correct the pixel data according to the positions of the pixels corresponding to the pixel data in the LCD monitor and the display colors of the pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Himax Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Lin-Kai Bu
  • Publication number: 20080303767
    Abstract: Voltage generator circuitry for providing a plurality of voltages for use in gamma compensation of a video signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Ludden, Imre Knausz
  • Patent number: 7446747
    Abstract: A multiple channel programmable gamma correction voltage generator including a resistor ladder, buffers, select logic, and a programmable non-volatile memory device. The memory provides select values indicative of one or more stored gamma correction values. The resistor ladder includes adjustable tap resistors distributed along the resistor ladder. The adjustable tap resistors provide multiple tap voltages distributed according to the gamma correction value. The buffers receive the tap voltages and provide gamma correction voltages. The select logic selects tap points of the adjustable tap resistors to select the tap voltages based on the select values stored in the memory. Additional resistors and switch logic may be included to enable re-positioning of the adjustable tap resistor within the resistor ladder. Latches and address control may be provided on the memory to enable programming and selection of multiple gamma correction values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Youngblood, Steven R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7439984
    Abstract: An image signal processing method for performing nonlinear compensation on an image signal to be fed into a display device (103). The characteristics of nonlinear compensation are changed according to the brightness of a place in which the display device (103) is installed. This method can make the characteristics of brightness of human beings feel linear with respect to an image signal, even when the display luminance of the display device (103) is uniformly increased by the influence of ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080239157
    Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a gamma correction unit. The gamma correction unit includes a first and at least one second lookup table. In addition, the gamma correction unit includes a first and at least one second selecting circuits, and at least one combining circuit. The first lookup table may store a reference function. Each reference function value may be M bits. The first selecting circuit selects a reference function value in the first lookup table that corresponds with a particular input value. The at least one second lookup table may store a difference function. Each difference function value may be no more than N bits, where M is greater than N. The at least one second selecting circuit selects a difference function value in the second lookup table that corresponds with the particular input value. The at least one combining circuit combines the selected reference function value with the selected difference function value to produce an output value that corresponds with the particular input value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Barinder Singh Rai
  • Patent number: 7428011
    Abstract: The electronic camera has an imaging device that images a subject with subject reflectance R (%) with a dynamic range wider than that at displaying or printing to acquire image data and a recording device that converts the image data acquired by the imaging device with a predetermined function and records the converted image data and the information on the function as digital values (digit). Therefore, a printed image with an automatically or manually corrected density can be obtained at the displaying or the printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Hyodo, Yoshiya Ohara
  • Publication number: 20080204579
    Abstract: A grayscale image with corrected contours, which is suitably applicable to the art of recognition of objects, is obtained using a grayscale image and a distance image of a subject. The contour of the grayscale image where a grayscale contour image extracted from the grayscale image and a distance contour image extracted from the distance image agree with each other in contour, is corrected to generate the grayscale image with corrected contours. It is possible to highlight or emphasize the boundary of the subject, and a contour correcting process, which is different from the ordinary contour correcting process, can be carried out on a boundary of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Tomonori Masuda
  • Patent number: RE41216
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a high-performance display element driving device or the like which can be easily reduced in power consumption and scale. A display element driving device (100) drives a liquid crystal serving as a capacitive display element. A D/A converter (110) includes first to Nth charge storage sections (112-1) to (112-N) for receiving first to Nth digital data corresponding an image signal and storing charges corresponding to the values of the first to Nth digital data, and first to Nth connection sections (114-1) to (114-N) for electrically connecting the first to Nth charge storing sections (112-1) to (112-N) and an electrode line (130) to each other and discharging the stored charges to the electrode line (130) at a given timing. In this manner, ?-correction of a liquid crystal and D/A conversion can be simultaneously performed, and conversion from RGB to YUV and D/A conversion can be simultaneously performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tokuroh Ozawa
  • Patent number: RE41631
    Abstract: Gamma correction or other power Power functions and other self-similar functions are generated for correcting the light intensity for digital pixels implemented in hardware. Two levels of mapping of segments are preformed to reduce the total number of segments for a given precision. The A range of inputs is divided into successively smaller segments. Two levels of mapping of segments are performed. Each segment is smaller than the next by a factor of 1/a for a first or primary level, or 1/b for a second level of segments. All inputs are mapped of scaled up to the input range of the largest segment in the primary level. Then the largest primary segment is further divided into several second-level segments, and the input is again mapped or scaled into the largest of the second-level segments. Gamma correction The function is performed on the input scaled into the largest second-level segment. A linear approximation within the largest second-level segment is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Tao Lin