WO2022093174A1

WO2022093174A1 - Turn on and off screen pixel sets

Info

Publication number: WO2022093174A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/057359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hsing-Hung Hsieh; Alan Man Pan TAM; Cory Lee MCELROY
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2020-10-26
Filing date: 2020-10-26
Publication date: 2022-05-05

Abstract

A method includes the selection of an area on a screen. A first set of pixels and a second set of pixels that are in the area are also selected. A first state is set where the first set of pixels is turned off while the second set of pixels is turned on. A second state is also set where the second set of pixels is turned off while the first set of pixels is turned on.

Description

TURN ON AND OFF SCREEN PIXEL SETS

BACKGROUND

[0001] An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen emits visible light and does not include a backlight. Thus, an OLED screen can display deep black levels and may be thinner and lighter than a liquid crystal display (LCD). Moreover, an OLED screen may be recognized for a relatively high contrast ratio, rapid response time, and the potential of being flexible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The accompanying drawings illustrate various implementations of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated implementations are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0003] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system for turning on and off screen pixel sets, according to principles described herein.

[0004] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for turning on and off screen pixel sets, according to principles described herein.

[0005] Fig. 3A is a display, according to principles described herein.

[0006] Fig. 3B is a display with burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0007] Fig. 4 is a four-pixel square formation to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0008] Fig. 5 is a four-pixel square formation to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein. [0009] Fig. 6 is a four-pixel square formation to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0010] Fig. 7 is a four-pixel square formation to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0011] Fig. 8 is a four-pixel square formation to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0012] Fig. 9 is a string of pixel formations to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0013] Fig. 10 is a string of pixel formations to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0014] Fig. 11 is a string of pixel formations to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0015] Fig. 12 is a string of pixel formations to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0016] Fig. 13 is a string of pixel formations to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0017] Fig. 14 is a string of pixel formations to provide burn-in protection, according to principles described herein.

[0018] Fig. 15 is flow diagram for controlling resolution, according to principles described herein.

[0019] Fig. 16 depicts a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium for turning on and off screen pixel sets, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0020] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that examples consistent with the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “an implementation,” “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation or example is included in at least that one implementation, but not necessarily in other implementations. The various instances of the phrase “in one implementation” or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation.

[0022] Organic light-emitting device (OLED) screen displays are computer displays that provide various features, including high contrast, vivid color, a rapid response time, a relatively thin and light screen, and the potential of having flexible properties, etc. However, recurrent static images left on the screen, may lead to a condition referred to as “image sticking.” Moreover, when a same static image is recurrently displayed on an OLED or other screen display, the image may become permanently etched on the screen, and thus result in a permanent visual impact, referred to as “burn-in.”

[0023] A particular example of an area on the display which is prone to image sticking is the area of the taskbar. For example, the taskbar of an operating system (OS) on a bottom of the screen may result in burn-in in that particular area of the screen. This is due to the fact that the taskbar on the OS is an image that may be on the screen whenever the computer is in operation.

[0024] One way to mitigate the risk of burn-in is to selectively hide the taskbar or remove icons from the taskbar. When a user desires to see the taskbar, the user can move the cursor over the taskbar area to cause the taskbar to return to being visible. However, this may not be convenient for a user. For example, the user may regularly open and close programs by accessing icons on the taskbar. The user may desire to see which icons are actively being used or have other purposes for monitoring visible icons. Thus, it may be desired to keep the taskbar open with icons visible.

[0025] The present specification describes a method of controlling the resolution of a specific screen area, such as the taskbar area, to reduce the burn-in risk of an organic light emitting device (OLED) display or other display. Particularly, a first and second set of pixels are switched on and off in turn such that the first set of pixels is turned off while the second set of pixels is turned on for a period of time and then the second set of pixels is turned off while the first set of pixels is turned on for a period of time. While the present specification describes pixel control for an OLED display, the principles described herein may be applied to other types of displays as well.

[0026] In an example, a method for preventing burn-in is described. The method includes a selection of an area on a screen. The method further includes a selection of a first set of pixels and a second set of pixels that are in the area. A first state is set where the first set of pixels is turned off while the second set of pixels is turned on. A second state is set where the second set of pixels is turned off while the first set of pixels is turned on.

[0027] An example of the method further includes that the first state be set for a first time period while the second state is set for a second time period. The first state and the second state be switched based on an event. In an example, the first state and the second state be switched automatically.

[0028] An example of the method further includes that the first set of pixels be intermixed with the second set of pixels.

[0029] An example of the method further includes that the first state includes a first set of two opposing corner pixels within a set of four pixels that form a square be turned off, and that in the second state a second set of two opposing corner pixels within the set of four pixels that form the square be turned off.

[0030] An example of the method further includes a first level of protection that includes a first level of darkness with a first set of pixels turned off, and a second level of protection that includes a second level of darkness that is less dark than the first level of protection. The second level of protection includes a second set of pixels turned off, which second set of pixels has fewer pixels than the first set of pixels and therefore provides an image that is less dark than the first level of protection.

[0031] An example of a system to protect against burn-in includes a non-transitory memory that stores instructions and a computer processor that executes the instructions to perform operations. The operations determine an area on a screen to receive burn-in protection. The operations further determine a level of protection from a plurality of levels of protection. The operations further turn off a set of pixels in the area based on a determined level of protection.

[0032] An example of the system further includes that a first level of protection includes a sequence of turning off each corner pixel of a four-pixel square formation in turn. A second level of protection includes turning off a first set of two opposing corner pixels in a four-pixel square formation and then turning off a second set of two opposing corner pixels in the four-pixel square formation.

[0033] An example of the system further includes a third level of protection that includes a sequence of turning off three corner pixels of a four- pixel square formation in turn.

[0034] An example of the system further includes that the area to receive burn-in protection is selected based on the area being displayed longer than a set time period.

[0035] An example of a non-transitory computer readable medium that protects against burn-in is also provided. The non-transitory computer readable medium includes computer usable program code to, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to select a taskbar area on a screen and select a first set of pixels and a second set of pixels that illuminate the taskbar area. The computer usable program code further causes the process to set a first state where the first set of pixels is turned off while the second set of pixels is turned on, to set a second state where the second set of pixels is turned off while the first set of pixels is turned on, and to switch between the two states to prevent pixel burn-in in the taskbar area.

[0036] An example of the non-transitory computer readable medium further includes that the two states switch automatically based on a time interval.

[0037] An example of the non-transitory computer readable medium further includes that the pixels of the first and second set of pixels are selected randomly. [0038] Turning to Fig. 1 , a system 100 for preventing burn-in is shown according to principles described herein. The system 100 includes a non- transitory memory 102 that stores pixel control instructions 104 to perform operations that prevent burn-in. The system 100 further incudes a computer processor 106 whereby the pixel control instructions 104 stored are executed to perform operations. The system 100 determines an area on a screen to receive burn-in protection. The system 100 further determines a level of burn-in protection from a plurality of levels of protection. Based on these determinations, the system 100 turns off a set of pixels in the area.

[0039] An example of instructions performed by the computer processor 106 can be seen in the flowchart 108 as shown in Fig. 2. The flowchart 108 will be described in conjunction with other figures herein. According to the method 108, an area is selected 110 on a screen. Specifically, the computer processor 106 selects an area of the screen to receive burn-in protection. The area of the screen to receive burn in protection may be selected based on the duration of time or a frequency in which pixels are illuminated on the screen during active computer states, or in other words, states in which the screen illuminates pixels. In an example, pixels that are turned on during active states over a yearly, daily, hourly, or other frequency are used to select a set of pixels. For example, pixels that remain illuminated during active states for a year are those selected for burn-in protection. In an example, each corner pixel takes a turn being turned off for a period of 3 months. In this manner, each corner pixel of a four-pixel square receives a turn during a year.

[0040] In one example, the area to receive burn-in protection relates to an area in which a taskbar is located on the screen on a recurrent basis. That is, a taskbar may be permanently or semi-permanently displayed on the screen. As such, this area of the screen is prone to burn-in which leads to permanent etching or other markings on the screen.

[0041] The computer processor 106 may select 112 a first set of pixels within the area of the screen. The computer processor 106 also selects 114 a second set of pixels within an area of the screen. Similar to the first set of pixels, the second set of pixels may be in the area of the screen that is to receive burn-in protection. The second set of pixels may be separate and independent from the first set of pixels or a relationship may exist between the two sets. For example, the first and second set of pixels may be intermixed with one another in an alternating pattern, as depicted in Fig. 3B.

[0042] The computer processor 106 may then set 116 the pixels to a first state. The first state includes the first set of pixels being turned off while the second set of pixels 13 is turned on. Similarly, the computer processor 106 is to set 118 the pixels to a second state where the second set of pixels is turned off while the first set of pixels is turned on. Turning the pixels on and off between these two states prevents burn in while still allowing the presentation of the contents of the screen in this area. That is, burn-in may be prevented if the area of the pixels are turned on and off over time. As shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 various four-pixel square formations are shown to represent control of sets of pixels that have been selected for burn-in protection.

[0043] Fig. 3A illustrates an example of a taskbar 122 on a screen 120 with a taskbar 122 represented by a solid black box. The screen 120 may be a computer screen, such as a flat screen. The screen 120 may also be curved, flexible, or foldable. The screen 120 may be a television screen, a mobile device screen, a tablet screen, a watch screen, or may be included on any other device with a screen.

[0044] Fig. 3B depicts the taskbar 122 area of the screen with burn-in protection added, as illustrated by a set of pixels turned off. Specifically, Fig. 3B depicts the taskbar 122 area in a first state wherein pixels of the first set are turned on, as indicated by white boxes and pixels of the second set are turned off, as indicated by black boxes. This would appear to a user as a relatively lighter or opaque version of the image of the taskbar 122, which would otherwise be susceptible to remaining indelibly on the screen.

[0045] Fig. 4 represents an initial four-pixel square formation of a set of four pixels 126-1 that are selected and that are not turned off. Note that the area may include more than four pixels or less than four pixels. As described above, each of these pixels may be turned on and off periodically to prevent burn in. [0046] Fig. 5 illustrates a four-pixel square formation 126-2. In this example, a top left corner pixel is turned off as indicated by the black square, while the other remaining three pixels are left turned on and unchanged, as indicated by the white squares. The effect on the image of the area of the screen 120, such as the taskbar 122, may be imperceptible to a user. The corner pixels may be sequentially activated such that each corner pixel, including top right, bottom right, and bottom left, has a turn being turned off while the remaining pixels stay turned on. In this manner, a pixel has a period of time in which it is not always turned on, or at least not to a degree to cause burn-in.

[0047] While particular reference is made to a particular activation sequence, the activation sequence may occur in any order. In an example, the sequence is done in a clockwise or counter-clockwise order. In another example, the sequence is done with the opposite corner and then an adjacent corner and then its opposite corner. In another example, the sequence is randomly selected. The sequential turning on and off of pixels as described herein therefore ensures that pixels are not turned on for a period of time that may result in burn-in on a respective area of the screen.

[0048] Fig. 6 illustrates another four-pixel square formation 126-3. In this example, opposing corner pixels, namely, a pixel in the left top corner and a pixel in the bottom right corner, are turned off, as indicated by the black squares. The other opposing corner pixels, namely, a pixel in the right top corner and a pixel in the bottom left corner, remain turned on and unchanged, as indicated by the white squares. In this example, a sequence may be accomplished by switching the pixels that are off and on, namely, top left corner and bottom right corner pixels are turned on while top right corner and bottom left corner are turned off.

[0049] Fig. 7 illustrates a four-pixel square formation 126-4 in which a first column of two pixels, top left and bottom left, are turned off while the second column of two pixels, top right and bottom right, are left on and unchanged. A sequence may include turning the first column of two pixels off and turning the second column of pixels on. In another example, the sequence occurs by turning the column itself from being vertical to being top horizontally aligned and then vertical again and then bottom horizontally aligned. (See Fig. 12).

[0050] Fig. 8 illustrates a four-pixel square formation 126-5 in which a single corner pixel is turned on and left unchanged while the three remaining corner pixels are turned off. A sequence may occur by having each corner pixel take a turn being turned off while the other three remaining corner pixels are turned on and left unchanged. Like Fig. 5, the order of the sequence may vary from being clockwise, counter-clockwise, having opposing corners change, or by using a random selection.

[0051] Fig. 9 illustrates two strings 128 and 130, or groupings, of four- pixel formations using the arrangement shown in Fig. 6. The sequence of change of pixels can be seen with corner pixels in the top string 128 being switched from their current state to an opposite state as shown in the bottom string 130. As such, none of the pixels are turned on for a long period of time, but are rather switched between being turned on and off, such that burn-in is less likely to occur in the area covered by these pixels.

[0052] Fig. 10 illustrates two strings 132 and 134 of four-pixel formations using an arrangement where the top string 132 and the bottom string 134 include pixels turned off that are selected randomly. The number of pixels that are turned off may be the same in the top string 132 as the bottom string 134 or they may be different. The random sequence may further include that at least a portion of the pixels of a string or certain squares of a string include a pixel that changes according to a sequence. Moreover, variations of the different protocols may be incorporated throughout the various examples according to principles described herein.

[0053] Fig. 11 illustrates two strings 111 and 113 having four-pixel formations using the arrangement shown in Fig. 7 with squares being turned off to form black columns in string 111 and then switching sides with respect to black or white squares to form black columns in string 113.

[0054] Fig. 12 illustrates strings 115, 117, 119, and 121 of four-pixel formations. The first set of columns in string 115 on the left side of each four- pixel formation are changed so that in string 117, the top corners of the four- pixel formation are blackened. Then, the columns are changed again such that the right side of each four-pixel formation are blackened and appear as a second set of columns as shown by string 119. Finally, the columns are changed once more such that the bottom corners of the four-pixel formations are blackened as shown in string 121. The sequence rotates the columns clockwise and may then repeat again in this order or in a different order, such as counter-clockwise.

[0055] Fig. 13 illustrates strings 136, 138, 140, and 142 of four-pixel formations using the arrangement shown in Fig. 5, with each corner pixel being turned off in turn in a clockwise rotation. The visual impact may be minimal and may be imperceptible by a user.

[0056] Fig. 14 illustrates the arrangement in Fig. 8 with strings 144, 146, 148, and 150 of four-pixel formations. As indicated by the arrows, each subsequent string 146, 148, 150 following string 144 includes a sequence with three corner pixels being turned off in a clockwise order of rotation.

[0057] In another example, a sequence is ordered in a counterclockwise direction. In another example, opposite corner pixels are switched for each sequence or a randomization order is applied.

[0058] The visual impact of turning off the majority of the pixels as shown in Fig. 14 will darken the area of the screen 120. Visual clarity may be lost relatively more than for preceding sequences discussed herein, however, the burn-in protection will be greater than the preceding sequences.

[0059] Fig. 15 illustrates a diagram to show visually how to prevent burn-in on a screen 120. A user interface 152 is provided that allows a user to customize the appearance of the area of the screen 120 in which protection is sought. The user interface 152 may include an on/off switch 154 to turn burn-in protection on and off as desired. The user interface 152 may further include a setting that allows the user to select a level of protection 155, 156, 157. As shown, the selection includes a setting of low protection 155, medium protection 156, and high protection 157. [0060] Based on the user settings, or automatic settings that are applied, pixel information, which identifies pixels that will be turned off, and pixel area information, which identifies an area of the screen to receive burn-in protection, are determined. The pixel information indicates selected pixels to be turned on and off, pixel formation, or other identifying pixel information to be used to turn on and off pixels. The pixel area information indicates areas on the screen which stand to benefit from having pixels be turned off and on. The original image 160 on the screen 120 incorporates the pixel area information and pixel information to transform the original image 160 to provide a new image 164 having burn-in protection.

[0061] In another example, the user interface 152 further includes a setting in which the frequency with which pixels are changed is selected. For example, the user may select a time interval of every 6 months, every year, and so forth, for which the pixels change in a given sequence. Thus, a first state of pixels may be set for a first time period and then rotated to a second state of pixels for a second set time period. The first and second time periods may be the same or different.

[0062] In another example, the user may select an event-based sequence, such that an area that is illuminated while the screen is turned on for a period of time, such as a month, two months, or other time period acts as an event that triggers sequencing of the area’s pixels. In another example, the user may set the sequence to be automatically executed based on an internal sensing of an area and a sequence that is preset or that is triggered by another event. In an example, the automatic sequence is executed with random pixels selected in the area or a random time in which the pixels are rotated. Other event-based sequences are also anticipated.

[0063] The actual type of pixel sequences described herein may also be included as a setting for the user. Also, the area size on the screen 120 or particular images which will receive burn-in protection may be defined by the user.

[0064] In an example, the low level 155 offers the lowest number of pixels that are turned off and the lowest degree of visual impact. In an example, the formations in Fig. 5 and Fig. 12 may be considered to be a low level 155 of protection in an example.

[0065] In another example, the medium level 156 of protection offers a relatively moderate degree of visual impact. In an example, the formations in Figs. 6, 7, 9, and 11 may be considered to be a medium level 156.

[0066] In another example, the high level 157 of protection offers a relatively high degree of visual impact, but also a high level of protection against burn-in. In an example, the formations in Figs. 8 and 13 may be considered to be a high level 157.

[0067] Other levels of protection may also be provided. For example, a sliding scale or additional levels may be provided. Furthermore, the levels may be set to change, for instance, if the area in the screen becomes used for other purposes than what the area previously displayed. In an example, the taskbar 122 may be relocated from a bottom of the screen 120 to a side of the screen 120, which event triggers the bottom of the screen 120 to no longer activate a level of protection for that area.

[0068] In another example, the user interface provides an option for a given image, such as the taskbar 122, to be tracked to whatever location it is located on the screen 120 and to provide a level of protection for the taskbar 122 at its new location on the screen 120.

[0069] Note that the area for protection may include up to the entire area of the screen 120. In an example, background images or particular background images are designated by the user or the computer with burn-in protection. In another example, multiple areas on a screen 120 are provided with burn-in protection. The level of protection may be different for each area.

[0070] Fig. 16 depicts a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 170 for providing burn-in sequencing, according to an example of the principles described herein. To achieve its desired functionality, the system 100 includes various hardware components. Specifically, the system 100 includes a processor and a machine-readable storage medium 170. The machine- readable storage medium 170 is communicatively coupled to the processor.

The machine-readable storage medium 170 includes a number of instructions 172, 174, 176 for performing a designated function. In some examples, the instructions may be machine code and/or script code.

[0071] The machine-readable storage medium 170 causes the processor to execute the designated function of the instructions 172, 174, 176. The machine-readable storage medium 170 can store data, programs, instructions, or any other machine-readable data that can be utilized to operate the system 100. Machine-readable storage medium 170 can store machine readable instructions that the processor of the system 100 can process, or execute. The machine-readable storage medium 170 can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Machine-readable storage medium 170 may be, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a storage device, an optical disc, etc. The machine-readable storage medium 170 may be a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium 170.

[0072] Referring to Fig. 16, selection of area instructions 172, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine an area on a screen. Selection of pixels instructions 174, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to select a first and second set of pixels. Selection of state instructions 176, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to set a first state and a second state of the first and second set of pixels.

[0073] The preceding description has been presented to illustrate and describe examples of the principles described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A method, comprising: selecting an area on a screen; selecting a first set of pixels and a second set of pixels that are in the area; setting a first state where the first set of pixels is turned off while the second set of pixels is turned on; and setting a second state where the second set of pixels is turned off while the first set of pixels is turned on.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: setting the first state for a first time period, and setting the second state for a second time period.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: switching between the first state and the second state based on an event.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein switching between the first state and the second state occurs automatically.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: wherein the first set of pixels are intermixed with the second set of pixels.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: in the first state, turning off a first set of two opposing corner pixels within a set of four pixels that form a square, and in the second state, turning off a second set of two opposing corner pixels within the set of four pixels that form the square.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: providing a first level of protection that includes a first level of darkness where corner pixels of a four-pixel formation are turned off in turn, and providing a second level of protection that includes a second level of darkness that is darker than the first level of protection, the second level of protection including that a first set of two opposing corner pixels of a four-pixel formation are turned off and then a second set of two opposing corner pixels in the four-pixel formation are turned off.

8. A system, comprising: a non-transitory memory that stores instructions; a computer processor that executes the instructions to perform operations, the operations comprising: determining an area on a screen to receive burn-in protection; determining a level of protection from a plurality of levels of protection; and turning off a set of pixels in the area based on a determined level of protection.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein a first level of protection includes a sequence of turning off each corner pixel of a four-pixel square formation in turn.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein a second level of protection includes sequentially: turning off a first set of two opposing corner pixels in a four-pixel square formation; and turning off a second set of two opposing corner pixels in the four-pixel square formation.

11 . The system of claim 10, wherein a third level of protection includes a sequence of turning off three corner pixels of a four-pixel square formation in turn.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the area to receive burn-in protection is selected based on the area being displayed past a set time period.

13. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer usable program code, the computer usable program code to, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: select a taskbar area on a screen; select a first set of pixels and a second set of pixels that illuminate the taskbar area; set a first state where the first set of pixels is turned off while the second set of pixels is turned on; set a second state where the second set of pixels is turned off while the first set of pixels is turned on; and switch between the two states to prevent pixel burn-in in the taskbar area.

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein switching between the two states occurs automatically based on a time interval.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the pixels of the first and second set of pixels are selected randomly.

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