Eindhoven, The Netherlands, May 13, 2004--Royal Philips Electronics has announced a series of patented algorithms, dubbed LifePix, intended to significantly enhance the performance of mobile LCD and OLED displays. The introductory algorithm, advanced color gamut mapping on mobile displays, offers the most complete color enhancing solution on the market for optimal brightness and color, according to a company statement.
The first in a series, the advanced color gamut mapping algorithm essentially identifies how the human eye perceives color and maps the intrinsic color and brightness for each pixel to the clarity and color capabilities of the display screen. Since color is often sacrificed for brightness in displays, primary colors (red, green and blue) are generally reduced in saturation and deviate from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) color standard. The color mapping algorithm is designed to identify the optimal color ranges of the primary colors and to reprocess the color information to produce more realistic colors. The result is a vividly enhanced color reproduction on any mobile device with a color display, without compromising on other areas of screen performance.
The basis of the mapping algorithm includes four steps: The first step is to reduce the brightness of saturated colors to create room for the mapping algorithm. The second step is to reproduce all the colors inside the display gamut with the correct hue and saturation. The third step involves clipping the pixels outside the display gamut by adding a certain amount of white. In the final step, pixels that are too bright are reduced without altering the saturation or hue. This concise mapping algorithm complements the displays without compromising performance or changing the panel. Consequently, this algorithm can be implemented on any existing display application.
"We believe that this mapping algorithm raises the bar significantly for enhancing the way consumers experience their mobile applications," said Johan van de Ven, CTO Communications Businesses, Mobile Display Systems and senior vice president, Philips Semiconductors. "As we see an increase in demand for more content on mobile displays, this color mapping algorithm gives our technology partners the advantage of offering this high-end feature on their mobile devices without altering the display panel."
The advanced color gamut mapping algorithm can be applied in software for still pictures or in the display driver or the display module for full motion video. Additionally, the algorithm can be implemented on an application processor or in future generations of image processors for mobile phones and handhelds. The color mapping algorithm is available now to manufacturers and ready for use.