JP2006235324A - Method for correcting image persistence phenomenon, spontaneous light emitting device, device and program for correcting image persistence phenomenon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that there is possibility of greatly changing an image in order to give priority to correction of an image persistence phenomenon and as a result, there is a risk of causing sharp deterioration of image quality. <P>SOLUTION: In a device for correcting the image persistence phenomenon of a spontaneous light emitting device in which a plurality of spontaneous light emitting elements are arranged like a matrix on a base, the device is provided with: a deterioration level calculation part for calculating a deterioration level of each pixel; a deterioration level determination part for determining a correction quantity corresponding to each pixel on the basis of the calculated deterioration level; a brightness determination part for classifying the pixel to be corrected into a plurality of segments according to magnitude of a signal for specifying its light emission luminance; a correction quantity correcting part for correcting the correction quantity corresponding to the pixel so that it increases to the correcting direction when the pixel to be corrected corresponds to a segment to which a signal for specifying high light emission luminance belongs; and a luminance deterioration correcting part for correcting an input signal regarding drive conditions of the spontaneous light emission elements on the basis of the determined or corrected correction quantity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for correcting a burn-in phenomenon that occurs in a self-luminous device. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a burn-in phenomenon correcting device and a self-light-emitting device equipped with the same. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a program for causing a computer mounted on a self-luminous device to execute a burn-in correction function.

Flat panel displays are widely used in products such as computer displays, portable terminals, and televisions. Currently, liquid crystal display panels are mainly used, but the narrow viewing angle and slow response speed continue to be pointed out.
On the other hand, an organic EL display formed of a self-luminous element can overcome the above-mentioned problems of viewing angle and responsiveness, and can achieve a thin form, high brightness, and high contrast that do not require a backlight. Therefore, it is expected as a next-generation display device that replaces the liquid crystal display.

By the way, it is generally known that organic EL elements and other self-light-emitting elements have a property of deteriorating depending on the light emission amount and the light emission time.
On the other hand, the content of the image displayed on the display is not uniform. For this reason, the deterioration of the self-luminous element is likely to proceed partially. For example, the self-light-emitting element in the time display area (fixed display area) progresses more rapidly than the self-light-emitting elements in other display areas (moving image display areas).
The luminance of the self-luminous element that has deteriorated is relatively lowered as compared with the luminance of other display areas. In general, this phenomenon is called “burn-in”. Hereinafter, partial deterioration of the self-luminous element is referred to as “burn-in”.

At present, various methods are being studied for improving the “burn-in” phenomenon. Some of them are listed below.
In this document, input data for each pixel constituting the display panel is integrated for each pixel at a constant period, and the integrated value of each pixel is subtracted from the maximum value of each pixel. A method for setting the correction amount is disclosed. Further, a method is disclosed in which the display characteristics of each pixel are made uniform by emitting each pixel with a constant luminance for a time proportional to the amount of correction in a non-use state.

In this document, display data and display time are stored only when a still image is displayed, and the difference ΔY between the display data and the maximum luminance and the time T when the still image is displayed are integrated. A method of setting the amount ΔY · T as correction data is disclosed. Also, this document discloses a method for correcting a burn-in phenomenon by executing a display for correction only when the lid is closed or not used. This correction method also has the same problem as in Patent Document 1. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-132139 discloses a method for integrating input data for each pixel and converting the integrated value into a correction value using a correction table. In addition, a method is disclosed in which input data of each pixel is corrected with the obtained correction value to make it difficult to visually recognize the burn-in phenomenon.

JP-A-2001-175221 discloses a method for determining a correction value so as to lower the luminance data of other pixels in accordance with the pixel having the lowest luminance among the pixels. In addition, a method is disclosed in which luminance data of each pixel is converted with the obtained correction value so that the burn-in phenomenon is difficult to visually recognize.

  However, since the existing correction method gives priority to correction of the burn-in phenomenon, there is a possibility that the image is greatly changed, and as a result, the image quality may be significantly deteriorated.

The inventors propose the following technique as a method for correcting a burn-in phenomenon that occurs in a self-light-emitting device in which a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix.
(1) Technical method 1
In high light emission areas where deterioration in image quality is difficult to see, use a correction amount that has been corrected to increase in the correction direction, and use the determined correction amount as it is in low light emission areas where deterioration in image quality is easy to see. Technique (2) Technical technique 2
In the high light emission area where deterioration in image quality is difficult to be visually recognized, the correction amount is adjusted so as to increase in the correction direction, and in the low light emission area where deterioration in image quality is easily visible, the correction amount determined is corrected relative to the correction direction. To use the reduced one

These technical methods can be applied not only to the self-luminous device itself, but also to various electronic devices that process image signals output to the output device. Further, these technical methods can be realized not only as hardware but also as software. Of course, part of the processing can be executed as hardware, and the remaining processing can be executed as software.
Incidentally, the self-luminous device includes an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel, a PDP (plasma display panel), a CRT (cathode ray tube), an FED (field emission display) panel, an LED panel, and a projector.

  By correcting the amount of correction generated primarily according to the amount of degradation adaptively according to whether it is a high-light-emitting region or a low-light-emitting region, the burn-in correction effect is maintained while maintaining a constant image quality. Can be promoted.

Hereinafter, an embodiment example of a burn-in phenomenon correction technique that employs the technical technique according to the invention will be described.
In addition, the well-known or well-known technique of the said technical field is applied to the part which is not illustrated or described in particular in this specification.
The embodiment described below is one embodiment of the present invention and is not limited thereto.

(A) Form example of burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus (A-1) Form example 1
(A) Device Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a burn-in phenomenon correcting device. Hereinafter, the burn-in phenomenon correction device is referred to as a “correction device”.
In the case of this embodiment, the correction device 1 is arranged for each pixel that emits light of the same color. The emission color generally refers to three colors of red, blue, and green. However, the correction apparatus 1 can be arranged in common for all three colors.
The correction apparatus 1 includes a deterioration amount calculation unit 3, a deterioration amount storage memory 5, a correction amount determination unit 7, a brightness determination unit 9, and a luminance deterioration correction unit 11 as main components.

The deterioration amount calculation unit 3 is a processing device that calculates the deterioration amount of each pixel based on an input signal before correction processing. In the case of this embodiment, the input signal is gradation data.
The deterioration amount may be an amount that can estimate the luminance deterioration of each pixel, and any calculation method can be applied. Of course, existing calculation methods can be applied.
For example, a method is applied in which gradation data corresponding to each pixel is cumulatively added for each frame.
In addition, for example, when a proportional relationship is not established between the gradation data and the degree of progress of deterioration, a method of calculating the deterioration amount using a conversion coefficient reflecting an actual measurement result can be applied. The inventors define this conversion coefficient by the concept of “deterioration rate”. The deterioration rate is defined as the rate of decrease in light emission luminance when the self-light-emitting element continuously emits light with a certain gradation data.
Further, for example, a method of giving the difference of the deterioration amount of each pixel with respect to the deterioration amount of the reference pixel can be applied.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a conversion table showing the correspondence between the gradation data and the deterioration rate. In this case, the deterioration amount is calculated as a value obtained by multiplying the deterioration rate R corresponding to each gradation data by the light emission period T.
However, a method of directly reading out the deterioration amount shown in FIG. 2 from the gradation data corresponding to each pixel may be applied. In the case of this embodiment, the deterioration amount corresponding to each pixel is treated by accumulating the deterioration amount for each frame read out in this manner for each frame.
The deterioration amount storage memory 5 is a memory for storing a cumulative deterioration amount that is updated every frame.

The correction amount determination unit 7 is a processing device that determines a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the deterioration amount data read from the deterioration amount storage memory 5. The correction amount determination unit 7 determines the correction amount in a direction that eliminates the difference in deterioration amount existing between pixels.
However, any method can be applied to the correction amount determination method. This embodiment is characterized by the correction of the determined correction amount, and is not related to the method for determining the correction amount.
Therefore, the correction amount may be determined by, for example, applying a method for determining the correction amount so that the deterioration of other pixels catches up with the most deteriorated reference pixel. In this case, the correction amount is determined so as to increase the luminance of pixels other than the reference pixel. In this case, the correction amount is given as a “positive value”.

Further, for example, a method of determining the correction amount so that the deterioration of other pixels catches up with the reference pixel that is most delayed in deterioration may be applied. In this case, the correction amount is determined so as to lower the luminance of pixels other than the reference pixel. In this case, the correction amount is given as a “negative value”.
The determined correction amount is given to the luminance deterioration correction unit 11.
The brightness determination unit 9 is a processing device that monitors gradation data input for each pixel and determines the brightness for each pixel. The brightness determination unit 9 has a determination threshold value to be compared with the gradation data, and outputs brightness determination data according to the gradation data.

Here, the brightness determination data includes a case where a bright region or a dark region is given, and a case where a correction coefficient corresponding to the brightness is given.
FIG. 3 is an example of a determination threshold value and brightness determination data for assigning gradation data to either a bright region or a dark region. In FIG. 3, the intermediate gradation is used as the determination threshold value, but a higher value may be used as the determination threshold value. These are set in consideration of human visual characteristics. However, depending on the screen, a value smaller than the intermediate gradation may be set as the determination threshold.

FIG. 4 is an example of determination threshold values and brightness determination data for assigning gradation data to correction coefficients A0 to A255.
In FIG. 4, the determination threshold is set in increments of one gradation, but the determination threshold may be set in increments of a plurality of gradations. Here, it is assumed that the relationship of Ai + 1 ≧ Ai (i = 0 to 244) is established in the correction coefficient. The correction coefficient may be a mixture of positive and negative values with a certain determination threshold as a boundary. That is, the correction coefficient for the bright area is a positive value, and the correction coefficient for the dark area is a negative value.

The luminance deterioration correction unit 11 is a processing device that corrects the correction amount given to each pixel according to the brightness determination result, and executes correction processing for correcting the gradation data based on the corrected correction amount. In other words, the luminance degradation correction unit 11 has two functions: a function that adaptively corrects the correction amount and a function that corrects luminance degradation based on the corrected correction amount.
FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the luminance deterioration correction unit 11. The luminance deterioration correction unit 11 includes a brightness determination data memory 11A, a correction data memory 11B, a correction amount correction unit 11C, and a correction execution unit 11D.
Among these, the brightness determination data memory 11 </ b> A is a memory that stores the brightness determination data given from the brightness determination unit 9. The correction data memory 11 </ b> B is a memory that stores the correction amount given from the correction amount determination unit 7.

The correction amount correcting unit 11C is a processing device that adaptively corrects the correction amount according to the motion determination data. There are several methods for correcting the correction amount. For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of a correction method in the case where two pieces of information of a bright area and a dark area are given as brightness determination data.
Among these, when the correction method shown in FIG. 6A is adopted, the correction amount corresponding to the bright region is corrected so as to increase significantly in the correction direction. This is because the gradation change is very difficult to visually recognize. The correction amount corresponding to the dark region is output without correcting the correction amount.
This correction method means that the correction effect is positively accelerated in a bright region where deterioration in image quality is difficult to perceive.

For example, when the correction method shown in FIG. 6B is adopted, the correction amount corresponding to the bright region is corrected so as to increase with respect to the correction direction. This is because the gradation change is very difficult to perceive. Further, the correction amount corresponding to the dark region is corrected so as to decrease the correction amount with respect to the correction direction. This is because human visual characteristics easily perceive gradation changes in the dark region.
That is, the correction amount of the moving image area is corrected so that the absolute value becomes large, and the correction amount of the still image area is corrected so that the absolute value becomes small.

This means that the correction effect is positively accelerated in a bright region where deterioration in image quality is difficult to perceive. On the other hand, in a dark region where deterioration in image quality is easily perceived, it means that the correction effect is actively decelerated. That is, an image close to the original image is displayed.
Of course, although the correction effect on the dark region is reduced, the burn-in correction effect is positively promoted on the occasion that the same pixel becomes the dark region. Therefore, the burn-in phenomenon becomes difficult to perceive as time passes.

In addition, the correction method shown in FIG. 6C can also be adopted. In this case, the correction amount corresponding to the pixel determined as the bright region is corrected so as to increase in the correction direction, but the correction amount corresponding to the pixel determined as the dark region is corrected to 0 (zero). The That is, the correction amount in the bright area is corrected so that the absolute value becomes large, but the correction is executed so that the correction process is not executed in the dark area.
This means that the correction effect is accelerated in the bright area where the deterioration of the image quality is difficult to perceive, while the original image is displayed as it is in the dark area where the deterioration of the image quality is easily perceived. Naturally, the burn-in in the dark region remains as it is, but the burn-in correction effect is positively promoted when the same pixel becomes a bright region. Therefore, the burn-in phenomenon becomes difficult to perceive as time passes.

By the way, the correction amount used when the correction amount is increased or decreased may be a fixed value for all the pixels, or may be changed according to the correction amount. For example, as a method of fixing the correction amount, there is a method of uniformly setting 10 gradations as the correction amount. For example, as a method of changing the correction amount in accordance with the correction amount, there is a method of giving a few percent of the correction amount. However, it is also permitted to give the correction amount within a range of 1 or more depending on the use situation. How to set the correction amount largely depends on human visual characteristics, and therefore an optimal amount may be selected according to the experimental result.
In the case of this embodiment, the same correction method is applied regardless of the difference in emission color, but the correction method and the correction amount can be given for each emission color.

Next, FIG. 7 shows an example of the correction method when the brightness determination data is given by the correction coefficients A0 to A255 according to the brightness.
Among these, when the correction method shown in FIG. 7A is adopted, the correction amount corresponding to the bright region is calculated as correction amount * At (t is any numerical value from 0 to 255). Since the correction coefficient At in this region is large, the absolute value of the correction amount is greatly increased with respect to the correction direction. On the other hand, the correction amount corresponding to the dark region is zero. In this case, the correction amount is output without correction.
Moreover, the correction method shown to FIG. 7 (B) is also employable. In this case, the correction amount corresponding to the bright region is calculated as a correction amount * At using a positive correction coefficient At. That is, the correction amount is corrected so as to increase in the correction direction.
On the other hand, the correction amount corresponding to the dark region is calculated as a correction amount * At using a negative correction coefficient At. That is, the correction amount is corrected in the direction opposite to the correction direction.

The correction execution unit 11D is a processing device that executes gradation data correction processing based on the corrected correction amount given from the correction amount correction unit 11C. That is, the correction execution unit 11D adds a correction amount having a sign corresponding to the correction direction to the gradation data of each pixel to correct the gradation data. That is, when the luminance deterioration is promoted, the correction amount is added to the gradation data, and when the luminance deterioration is delayed, the correction amount is subtracted from the gradation data.
The corrected gradation data is output from the correction execution unit 11D to a subsequent circuit (not shown), and finally controls the light emitting operation of the light emitting element corresponding to each pixel.
As a result, both the image sticking correction operation and the image quality are compatible.

(B) Correction Processing Operation FIG. 8 shows a processing procedure example executed by the correction apparatus 1. FIG. 8 shows a case where the correction method shown in FIG. The correction amount in the correction amount correction unit 11C is a fixed value.
First, the deterioration amount calculation unit 3 calculates the deterioration amount for each pixel (S1). This process is executed based on gradation data that is an input signal.
Next, the correction amount determination unit 5 determines a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount (S2).
Next, the correction amount correcting unit 11C determines whether or not each pixel is a dark region (S3). Of course, it can also be determined whether each pixel is a bright region.

When it is determined that the region is a dark region (when a positive result is obtained), the correction amount correcting unit 11C supplies the correction amount to the correction execution unit 11D without correction, and the correction execution unit 11D executes the correction process for the burn-in phenomenon. (S4, S5).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the region is a bright region (when a negative result is obtained), the correction amount correction unit 11C corrects the correction amount after correction by correcting the correction amount so as to increase the given correction amount in the correction direction. This is given to the execution unit 11D (S6). Thereafter, the correction amount execution unit 11D executes a burn-in phenomenon correction process based on the given correction amount (S5).
This process is repeatedly executed for all pixels within the correction target range. The correction target range is desirably all pixels (effective image area) of the display device, but it is also possible to specify a specific pixel or area.

(C) Effects of Embodiments Using this correction apparatus 1, even when the correction amount calculated primarily is a small value that is difficult for humans to perceive, a reduction in image quality is perceived as in a bright region. For areas that are difficult to be applied, the amount of correction can be positively increased to achieve both the effect of correcting the burn-in phenomenon and visual characteristics.
Of course, if there is a possibility that the correction amount calculated primarily may be perceived by humans in the dark region, the correction amount is positively increased for the bright region, while it is positively corrected for the dark region. By reducing the amount, it is possible to achieve both the effect of correcting the burn-in phenomenon and the visual characteristics.
That is, it is possible to realize a burn-in phenomenon correction method that is more practical than the conventional technique.

(A-2) Embodiment 2
FIG. 9 shows another example of the correction apparatus. In FIG. 9, parts corresponding to those in FIG. The basic configuration and processing operation of the correction device 21 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
However, the correction device 21 is different from the correction device 1 in that the deterioration amount corresponding to each pixel is calculated based on the gradation data after the correction processing by the luminance deterioration correction unit 11.
Due to the difference in configuration, the correction device 21 can directly reflect the actual light emission state in the calculation of the deterioration amount.
Further, in the case of the first embodiment, a processing function for reflecting the correction effect in the luminance deterioration correction unit 11 on the deterioration amount is necessary for improving the accuracy of the burn-in correction. However, in the case of the correction device 21, such a processing function is not necessary, and a reduction in system scale and cost reduction can be realized.

(A-3) Embodiment 3
FIG. 10 shows another example of the correction apparatus. Also in FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to FIG. 1. The basic configuration and processing operation of the correction device 31 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
However, the correction device 31 is different in the gradation data used for the brightness determination and the input signal to be corrected for the burn-in phenomenon.
Any signal can be applied to the input signal shown in FIG. For example, a cumulative value of gradation data corresponding to each light emitting element (pixel), a driving current value of the self light emitting element, a driving voltage value applied between the anode and cathode of the self light emitting element, and the like can be applied.
These signals are also used in the existing technology as parameters for giving the light emission luminance and deterioration amount of the self-light-emitting element.
Note that this embodiment can also be applied to the case where the deterioration amount corresponding to each pixel is calculated based on the gradation data after the correction processing by the luminance deterioration correction unit 11.

(A-4) Embodiment 4
FIG. 11 shows another example of the correction apparatus. Also in FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts to FIG. The basic configuration and processing operation of the correction device 41 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
However, the correction device 41 is applied when the input signal used for calculating the deterioration amount, the input signal to be corrected for the burn-in phenomenon, and the gradation data used for determining the brightness are different.
In the case of FIG. 11, a signal used for calculating the deterioration amount is denoted as input signal 1, and a signal to be corrected for the burn-in phenomenon is denoted as input signal 2. The basic processing operation is the same as that of the above-described embodiment except that the input signal 1 and the input signal 2 are two different signals among the signals relating to the driving conditions of the self-light-emitting elements.

(A-5) Embodiment 5
(A) Device Configuration FIG. 12 shows another example of the correction device. Also in FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts to FIG. The correction device 51 is common to the first embodiment in many respects. That is, the same deterioration amount calculation unit 3, deterioration amount storage memory 5, correction amount determination unit 7, and brightness determination unit 9 as those in the first embodiment are used.
However, the correction device 51 uses the moving image still image determination unit 53 as a new processing device. Further, the brightness deterioration correcting unit 55 equipped with a function for reflecting the result of the motion determination in the correction operation for the burn-in phenomenon is used.

The moving image still image determination unit 53 is a processing device that monitors gradation data input for each pixel and determines whether each pixel belongs to a moving image region or a still image region.
FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of the moving image still image determination unit 53. The moving image still image determination unit 53 includes a current frame memory 53A, a previous frame memory 53B, and a comparison determination unit 53C.
The current frame memory 53A is for storing gradation data of the latest frame, and the previous frame memory 53B is for storing gradation data of one frame before the current frame.
The comparison / determination unit 53C compares the gradation data stored in the current frame with the gradation data stored in the previous frame for the same pixel, and determines whether the area is a moving image area or a still image area based on the comparison result. Processing device.

In the case of this example, the comparison / determination unit 53C determines that a pixel whose gradation data matches between frames as a still image area, and determines a pixel whose gradation data does not match between frames as a moving image area.
The comparison determination unit 53C sets the determination output of the pixel determined as the still image region to “0”, and sets the determination output of the pixel determined as the moving image region to “1”.
FIG. 14 shows an operation example of the comparison determination unit 53C. FIG. 14A shows the gradation data of the current frame, and FIG. 14B shows the gradation data of the previous frame. FIG. 14C shows an output example of motion determination data reflecting the comparison result between the current frame and the previous frame.

For example, in the case of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the gradation data of the pixel located at the upper left corner of the frame area is “55” in both the current frame and the previous frame. Therefore, this pixel is determined to be a still image area, and the motion determination data is “0” as shown in FIG.
Also, for example, in the case of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the gradation data of the pixel in the first column from the left end of the frame area and the second row from the top is “111” for the current frame. The frame is “22”. Therefore, this pixel is determined as a moving image area, and the motion determination data is “1” as shown in FIG. The same applies to other pixels.
This determination result is given to the luminance deterioration correction unit 11 from the comparison determination unit 53C.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of the luminance deterioration correction unit 55. The luminance deterioration correction unit 55 includes a brightness determination data memory 55A, a motion determination data memory 55B, a correction data memory 55C, a correction amount correction unit 55D, and a correction execution unit 55E.
Among these, the brightness determination data memory 55 </ b> A is a memory for storing brightness determination data given from the brightness determination unit 9. The motion determination data memory 55B is a memory for storing motion determination data (0 or 1) given from the moving image still image determination unit 53. The correction data memory 55 </ b> C is a memory that stores the correction amount given from the correction amount determination unit 7.

The correction amount correcting unit 55D is a processing device that adaptively corrects the correction amount according to the brightness determination data and the motion determination data. There are several methods for correcting the correction amount.
For example, FIG. 16 shows an example of a correction method in the case where two pieces of information of a bright area and a dark area are given as brightness determination data.
Among these, when the correction method shown in FIG. 16A is adopted, the correction amount corresponding to the bright region where the moving image is displayed is corrected so as to increase significantly in the correction direction. This is because the gradation change is very difficult to visually recognize.
Further, the correction amount corresponding to the dark region where the still image is displayed is output without correcting the correction amount. Further, the correction amount corresponding to an area different from any of these areas is corrected so as to increase in a small width with respect to the correction direction.

Further, for example, when the correction method shown in FIG. 16B is adopted, the correction amount corresponding to the bright area where the moving image is displayed is corrected so as to increase in the correction direction. This is because the gradation change is very difficult to perceive.
Further, the correction amount corresponding to the dark region where the still image is displayed is corrected so as to decrease the correction amount with respect to the correction direction. This is because the gradation change is very easily perceived. Further, the correction amount corresponding to an area different from any of these areas is output without being corrected. These regions are effective when the gradation change and the visibility are balanced.
Of course, also in this case, the correction amount used when the correction amount is increased or decreased may be a fixed value for all the pixels, or may be varied according to the correction amount. It is also possible to give a correction method and a correction amount for each emission color.

Note that when the brightness determination data is given by the correction coefficients A0 to A255, the correction method shown in FIG. 17 can be applied.
Among these, when the correction method shown in FIG. 17A is adopted, the correction amount corresponding to the bright area where the moving image is displayed is the correction amount * At (t is any value from 0 to 255) + fixed. Calculated as a quantity K.
Note that the fixed amount K is a fixed correction amount added for the moving image area. Since the correction coefficient At in this region is large, the absolute value of the correction amount is greatly increased with respect to the correction direction.
Also, the correction amount corresponding to the dark area where the moving image is displayed is also calculated as correction amount * At + fixed amount K. The formula for giving the correction amount is the same as in the bright region, but the correction coefficient At takes a negative value.

Further, the correction amount corresponding to the bright area where the still image is displayed is calculated as a correction amount * At. The correction amount is reduced by the absence of the fixed amount K, but the correction amount is increased in the correction direction. Further, the correction amount corresponding to the dark region where the still image is displayed is zero. That is, the correction amount is output without correction.
In addition, the correction amount correction unit 55D can employ the correction method shown in FIG. In this case, the correction amount corresponding to the bright area in which the moving image is displayed is calculated as correction amount * At + fixed amount K.
Further, the correction amount corresponding to the dark region where the still image is displayed is calculated as a correction amount * At. However, the correction coefficient At takes a negative value. Therefore, the correction amount is corrected in the direction opposite to the correction direction. The correction amount corresponding to the other areas is zero. That is, the correction amount is output without correction.

The correction execution unit 55E is a processing device that executes correction processing of gradation data based on the corrected correction amount given from the correction amount correction unit 55D. That is, the correction execution unit 55E adds a correction amount having a sign corresponding to the correction direction to the gradation data of each pixel, and corrects the gradation data. The corrected gradation data is finally used to control the light emission of the light emitting element corresponding to each pixel.
As a result, on the screen of the self-luminous device, an image modified so as to promote the correction effect of the burn-in phenomenon is displayed for the moving image area. The still image area differs depending on which correction method is adopted.

(B) Correction Processing Operation FIG. 18 shows a processing procedure example executed by the correction device 51. Here, it is assumed that the correction amount correction unit 55D employs the correction method shown in FIG.
Also in this case, the deterioration amount calculation unit 3 calculates the deterioration amount for each pixel (S11). This process is executed based on gradation data that is an input signal.
Next, the correction amount determination unit 5 determines a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount (S12).
Next, the correction amount correction unit 55D determines whether or not each pixel is a bright region (S13). Of course, it can also be determined whether each pixel is a dark region.

  When it is determined that the region is a bright region (when a positive result is obtained in S13), the correction amount correcting unit 55D further determines whether or not each pixel is a still image region (S14). Here, when it is determined that the region is a still image region (when a positive result is obtained in S14), the correction amount correction unit 55D gives the correction amount to the correction execution unit 55E without correction (S15). On the other hand, when it is determined to be a moving image area (when a negative result is obtained in S14), the correction amount correcting unit 55D corrects the correction amount so as to increase in the correction direction and gives the correction execution unit 55E (S16). .

  On the other hand, when it is determined to be a dark region (when a negative result is obtained in S13), the correction amount correcting unit 55D further determines whether or not each pixel is a still image region (S17). Here, when it is determined that the image is a still image region (when a positive result is obtained in S17), the correction amount correction unit 55D corrects the correction amount so as to decrease in the correction direction, and provides the correction execution unit 55E (S18). ). On the other hand, when it is determined as a moving image area (when a negative result is obtained in S17), the correction amount correction unit 55D gives the correction execution unit 55E without correction (S19).

The correction execution unit 55E executes the correction process for the burn-in phenomenon based on the correction amount given from the correction amount correction unit 55D (S20).
These processes are repeatedly executed for all the pixels within the correction target range. The correction target range is desirably all pixels (effective image area) of the display device, but it is also possible to specify a specific pixel or area.

(C) Effects of Embodiments Using the correction device 51, the correction amount can be corrected in consideration of not only brightness but also a moving image region or a still image region. In other words, in a bright area where a moving image in which deterioration in image quality is difficult to perceive is displayed, the correction amount is corrected so as to increase more actively, while in other areas, correction is made according to the ease of perception of gradation changes. The amount can be corrected.
Accordingly, it is possible to realize a burn-in correction technique that can more actively achieve both the correction effect of the burn-in phenomenon and the visual characteristics. That is, it is possible to realize a burn-in phenomenon correction method that is more practical than the conventional technique.

(D) Mounting Example to Self-Light-Emitting Device FIG. 19 shows a mounting example of the burn-in phenomenon correction device to the self-light-emitting device.
The self-light-emitting device 61 has a burn-in phenomenon correction device 65 and a display device 67 mounted on a housing 63.
Here, the burn-in phenomenon correction device 65 corresponds to one of the above-described embodiments. The burn-in phenomenon correction device 65 inputs an image signal generated at an external terminal or inside, and executes an input signal correction operation so that a deterioration amount difference does not occur between the correction target pixel and the reference pixel.

The display device 67 is assumed to be composed of a display device and its drive circuit. As the display device, an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel, a PDP (plasma display panel), an FED (field emission display) panel, an LED panel, or a CRT is used.
In the case of FIG. 19, the self-light-emitting device 61 is illustrated as having a burn-in phenomenon correction device 65 that is a processing device dedicated to correction of the burn-in phenomenon. However, when all the functions are executed in software. These functions are realized by a computer mounted on the self-luminous device.

(E) Mounting Example on Image Processing Device FIG. 20 shows a system example of an image processing device 73 on which the burn-in correction device 71 is mounted. The image processing device 73 is connected to a self-luminous display device 75 via a wired path or a wireless path.
In the case of this system example, the burn-in correction process is executed in the housing of the image processing apparatus 73. That is, the image signal output to the display device 75 is input to the burn-in correction circuit 71 disposed between the output interface and the burn-in correction process described above is executed.

  Examples of this type of image processing apparatus 73 include a video camera, a digital camera, and other imaging devices (including not only a camera unit but also an apparatus configured integrally with a recording device), a computer (including a server). Various information processing terminals (portable computers, mobile phones, portable game machines, electronic notebooks, etc.), various image playback devices (including home servers), image editing devices, and game machines can be applied. is there.

(F) Other Embodiments (a) In the embodiment described above, the case where the correction amount is added to or subtracted from the input signal to be corrected has been described. However, the input signal may be corrected using other methods. For example, a method of multiplying the input signal by a correction amount to increase or decrease the absolute value of the input signal may be employed.
(B) In the above-described embodiment, the case where it is determined in the burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus whether each pixel is a bright region or a dark region has been described.
However, a motion vector decoded by an image data decoding device prepared separately from the burn-in phenomenon correction device may be used as the information on the bright region or the dark region.
FIG. 21 shows an example of this system. FIG. 21 shows an example of a system in which image data and motion vectors decoded by the image data decoding device 81 are input to the burn-in phenomenon correction device.

The image data decoding device 81 employs a configuration in which the encoded image data is decoded by giving the motion vector decoded by the motion vector decoding unit 81A to the image data decoding processing unit 81B. Such a decoding mechanism is employed in various moving image processing technologies.
At present, the motion vector is basically used only for the decoding process of the image data. However, by giving this motion vector to the burn-in phenomenon correction device 83, the moving image still image determination unit described in the embodiment is not used. Both can achieve the same effect.
However, a function for classifying each pixel into a moving image area and a still image area based on a motion vector is necessary.
This system configuration can be mounted in the housing of the self-light-emitting device, or can be mounted in the housing of the image processing apparatus described above.

(C) Although the functional configuration of the burn-in phenomenon correction device has been described in the above-described embodiment, it is needless to say that an equivalent function can be realized as hardware or software.
Further, not only all the functions constituting the burn-in phenomenon correcting apparatus are realized by hardware or software, but some of the functions can also be realized by using hardware or software. That is, a combination of hardware and software may be used.
(D) Various modifications can be considered for the above-described embodiments within the scope of the gist of the invention. Various modifications and application examples created based on the description of the present specification are also conceivable.

It is a figure which shows the example of a form of the burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a conversion table holding the correspondence of a gradation value and a deterioration rate. It is a figure which shows the example of a determination operation of brightness. It is a figure which shows the example of a determination operation of brightness. It is a figure which shows the internal structural example of a brightness degradation correction | amendment part. It is a figure which shows the example of correction of correction amount. It is a figure which shows the example of correction of correction amount. It is a flowchart which shows the example of correction | amendment operation | movement of a burn-in phenomenon. It is a figure which shows the other example of a burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of a burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of a burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus. It is a figure which shows the other example of a burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a moving image still image determination part. It is a figure which shows the determination operation example of a moving image area | region and a still image area | region. It is a figure which shows the internal structural example of a brightness degradation correction | amendment part. It is a figure which shows the example of correction of correction amount. It is a figure which shows the example of correction of correction amount. It is a flowchart which shows the example of correction | amendment operation | movement of a burn-in phenomenon. It is a figure which shows the system example which mounts the burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus in the self-light-emitting device. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system example in which a burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus is mounted on an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the system example in the case of using a motion vector for determination of a moving image area | region and a still image area | region.

Explanation of symbols

1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 65, 71, 83 Burn-in phenomenon correction device 3 Deterioration amount calculation unit 5 Deterioration amount storage memory 7 Correction amount determination unit 9 Brightness determination unit 11, 55 Brightness deterioration correction unit 11A, 55A Brightness Length determination data memory 11B, 55C Correction data memory 11C, 55D Correction amount correction unit 11D, 55E Correction execution unit 53 Video still image determination unit 55B Motion determination data memory

Claims (16)

A method of correcting a burn-in phenomenon of a self-light-emitting device in which a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix,
A process of calculating the deterioration amount of each pixel;
A process of determining a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount;
A process of classifying pixels to be corrected into a plurality of categories according to the magnitude of a signal that defines the emission luminance;
When a pixel to be corrected corresponds to a section to which a signal defining high emission luminance belongs, a process of correcting the correction amount corresponding to the pixel so as to increase with respect to the correction direction;
A burn-in phenomenon correction method, comprising: correcting an input signal related to a driving condition of the self-luminous element based on the determined correction amount or the corrected correction amount. A method of correcting a burn-in phenomenon of a self-light-emitting device in which a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix,
A process of calculating the deterioration amount of each pixel;
A process of determining a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount;
A process of classifying pixels to be corrected into a plurality of categories according to the magnitude of a signal that defines the emission luminance;
When the pixel to be corrected corresponds to a section to which a signal defining high emission luminance belongs, the correction amount corresponding to the pixel is corrected so as to increase in the correction direction, and the pixel to be corrected is When it corresponds to a section to which a signal defining low emission luminance belongs, a process of correcting the correction amount corresponding to the pixel so as to decrease with respect to the correction direction;
A burn-in phenomenon correction method comprising: correcting an input signal related to a driving condition of the self-light-emitting element based on the corrected correction amount. In the burn-in phenomenon correction method according to claim 1 or 2,
The burn-in phenomenon correction method, wherein the classification includes two types of a bright region and a dark region, and a pixel to be corrected is classified into one of a bright region and a dark region. In the burn-in phenomenon correction method according to claim 1 or 2,
The correction amount corresponding to the correction amount is a fixed amount assigned to each category. In the burn-in phenomenon correction method according to claim 1 or 2,
The burn-in phenomenon correction method, wherein the correction amount corresponding to the correction amount is obtained by multiplying the correction amount by a correction coefficient assigned to each category. In the burn-in phenomenon correction method according to claim 1 or 2,
The burn-in phenomenon correction method, wherein the deterioration amount is calculated based on an input signal before correction processing using the correction amount. In the burn-in phenomenon correction method according to claim 1 or 2,
The burn-in phenomenon correction method, wherein the deterioration amount is calculated based on an input signal after correction processing using the correction amount. In the burn-in phenomenon correction method according to claim 1 or 2,
The burn-in phenomenon correction method, wherein the input signal relating to the driving condition of the self-light-emitting element is gradation data for designating luminance. In the burn-in phenomenon correction method according to claim 1 or 2,
The burn-in phenomenon correction method, wherein the input signal relating to the driving condition of the self-light-emitting element is a drive current value applied to the self-light-emitting element. In the burn-in phenomenon correction method according to claim 1 or 2,
The burn-in phenomenon correction method, wherein the input signal related to the driving condition of the self-light-emitting element is a drive voltage value applied between the anode and the cathode of the self-light-emitting element. A self-light-emitting device in which a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix,
A deterioration amount calculation unit for calculating the deterioration amount of each pixel;
A correction amount determination unit that determines a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount;
A brightness determination unit that classifies pixels to be corrected into a plurality of categories according to the magnitude of a signal that defines the emission luminance;
A correction amount correction unit that corrects the correction amount corresponding to the pixel to increase in the correction direction when the pixel to be corrected corresponds to a section to which a signal that defines high emission luminance belongs,
A self-luminous device comprising: a luminance deterioration correcting unit that corrects an input signal related to a driving condition of the self-luminous element based on the determined correction amount or the corrected correction amount. A self-light-emitting device in which a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix,
A deterioration amount calculation unit for calculating the deterioration amount of each pixel;
A correction amount determination unit that determines a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount;
A brightness determination unit that classifies pixels to be corrected into a plurality of categories according to the magnitude of a signal that defines the emission luminance;
When the pixel to be corrected corresponds to a section to which a signal defining high emission luminance belongs, the correction amount corresponding to the pixel is corrected so as to increase in the correction direction, and the pixel to be corrected is A correction amount correction unit that corrects the correction amount corresponding to the pixel so as to decrease with respect to the correction direction when corresponding to a section to which a signal defining low emission luminance belongs;
A self-luminous device, comprising: a luminance deterioration correcting unit that corrects an input signal related to a driving condition of the self-luminous element based on the corrected correction amount. A burn-in phenomenon correction device that corrects a burn-in phenomenon of a self-light-emitting device in which a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix,
A deterioration amount calculation unit for calculating the deterioration amount of each pixel;
A correction amount determination unit that determines a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount;
A brightness determination unit that classifies pixels to be corrected into a plurality of categories according to the magnitude of a signal that defines the emission luminance;
A correction amount correction unit that corrects the correction amount corresponding to the pixel to increase in the correction direction when the pixel to be corrected corresponds to a section to which a signal that defines high emission luminance belongs,
A burn-in phenomenon correction device, comprising: a luminance deterioration correction unit that corrects an input signal related to a driving condition of the self-light emitting element based on the determined correction amount or the corrected correction amount. A burn-in phenomenon correction device that corrects a burn-in phenomenon of a self-light-emitting device in which a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix,
A deterioration amount calculation unit for calculating the deterioration amount of each pixel;
A correction amount determination unit that determines a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount;
A brightness determination unit that classifies pixels to be corrected into a plurality of categories according to the magnitude of a signal that defines the emission luminance;
When the pixel to be corrected corresponds to a section to which a signal defining high emission luminance belongs, the correction amount corresponding to the pixel is corrected so as to increase in the correction direction, and the pixel to be corrected is A correction amount correction unit that corrects the correction amount corresponding to the pixel so as to decrease with respect to the correction direction when corresponding to a section to which a signal defining low emission luminance belongs;
A burn-in phenomenon correction apparatus, comprising: a luminance deterioration correction unit that corrects an input signal related to a driving condition of the self-light-emitting element based on the corrected correction amount. A process of calculating the deterioration amount of each pixel;
A process of determining a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount;
A process of classifying pixels to be corrected into a plurality of categories according to the magnitude of a signal that defines the emission luminance;
When a pixel to be corrected corresponds to a section to which a signal defining high emission luminance belongs, a process of correcting the correction amount corresponding to the pixel so as to increase with respect to the correction direction;
Based on the determined correction amount or the corrected correction amount, the computer executes a process for correcting the input signal related to the driving condition of the self-light-emitting element, so that a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix. A program for correcting a burn-in phenomenon of a light emitting device. A process of calculating the deterioration amount of each pixel;
A process of determining a correction amount corresponding to each pixel based on the calculated deterioration amount;
A process of classifying pixels to be corrected into a plurality of categories according to the magnitude of a signal that defines the emission luminance;
When the pixel to be corrected corresponds to a section to which a signal defining high emission luminance belongs, the correction amount corresponding to the pixel is corrected so as to increase in the correction direction, and the pixel to be corrected is When it corresponds to a section to which a signal defining low emission luminance belongs, a process of correcting the correction amount corresponding to the pixel so as to decrease with respect to the correction direction;
By causing the computer to execute processing for correcting the input signal related to the driving conditions of the self-light-emitting elements based on the corrected correction amount, the burn-in phenomenon of the self-light-emitting device in which a plurality of self-light-emitting elements are arranged in a matrix is reduced. A program characterized by correction.

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