Extending asynchronous frame updates with full and partial frame notifications

Abstract

This invention relates to extending asynchronous frame updates using full and partial frame notifications. Disclosed herein are techniques for providing the type and / or attributes of a notification frame update. A platform is able to notify a panel of a further frame update, whether the frame update is a full frame update or a partial frame update, and attributes of the frame update. The platform is able to signal the information related to the frame update to the panel during the field blanking period by using selected symbols during the field blanking period to issue a command or signaling to the panel. An apparatus is presented comprising: a processor; a transmitter coupled to the processor, the transmitter to transmit one or more symbols to a display panel during a field blanking period, wherein the one or more symbols indicate whether a frame update to be sent after the field blanking period is a full frame or a partial frame.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of the invention patent application entitled "Extending Asynchronous Frame Updates Using Full and Partial Frame Notifications" with application number 201811443232.9 and filing date November 29, 2018. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments described herein generally relate to sending frame updates to a display panel, and in particular, to providing information related to updates to a display panel. BACKGROUND

[0003] A display panel receives a "frame" from an image source that includes an indication of pixel data to be displayed. Typically, frames are delivered from the source periodically, where the period can coincide with a refresh rate of the display. Often, from one period to the next, the frame can not change. In other words, the pixel data can be static for several frames. In such cases, the display panel can reduce its refresh rate and / or enable self-refreshing by caching a copy of the frame and refreshing the display electronics using the cached copy of the frame. SUMMARY

[0004] This application relates to extending asynchronous frame updates using full and partial frame notifications. An apparatus is provided comprising: a processor; a transmitter coupled to the processor, the transmitter to transmit one or more symbols to a display panel during a field blanking period, wherein the one or more symbols indicate whether a frame update to be sent after the field blanking period is a full frame or a partial frame.

[0005] A method is also provided comprising: transmitting, by a transmitter coupled to a processor, one or more symbols to a display panel during a field blanking period, wherein the one or more symbols indicate whether a frame update to be sent after the field blanking period is a full frame or a partial frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 Embodiments of a display system are illustrated.

[0007] Figure 2 A first example technique is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 3 A second example technique is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 4 A third example technique is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 5 A fourth example technique is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 6 A first example logic flow is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 7 FIGURE 2 illustrates a second example logic flow.

[0013] Figure 8 FIGURE 3 illustrates one embodiment of a storage medium.

[0014] Figure 9 FIGURE 4 illustrates one embodiment of a device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present disclosure generally addresses distinguishing between full frame updates and partial frame updates and addressing notifying panels of desired frame updates. Generally, the present disclosure provides for communicating commands during a field blanking interval to indicate to a panel the type of frame update. For example, an image source can send an indication to a sink during a field blanking interval of a full frame or partial frame update in the frame update pipeline. With certain examples, such a signal or command can be sent when a frame is to be updated. In this way, a lack of such a command after a predetermined number of lines in the field blanking interval can be interpreted as no change in frame content. Based on receiving the command or inferring that no update is pending (based on not receiving the command), a panel can implement power saving techniques (e.g., involving self-refresh, power gating electronics, etc.).

[0016] Conventional adaptive frame update schemes do not provide for partial frame updates. Further, conventional schemes do not provide for notifying a panel of an update and / or the type of update. Note that differentiation between full and partial frame updates can provide several advantages. For example, in the case of partial frame updates, a panel can handle frame updates differently than full frame updates, thereby reducing visual tear from partial updates. As another example, a panel can provide various power management operations (e.g., based on a panel's recovery latency). Additionally, a panel can power up and / or put a display in an active state based on the update notification. What is provided here are systems, display panels and source circuitry, and techniques that provide notification to a display panel of the type of frame update and / or information related to the frame update.

[0017] Various embodiments can include one or more elements. An element can comprise any structure used in the implementation and which can perform one or more particular operations. Each element can be implemented in hardware, software or both hardware and software. An element can be configured to perform one or more operations, and each operation can be performed by one or more elements. Although a limited number of elements are described by way of example in a particular topology, an embodiment can include more than one of any one element in alternative topologies. It is worthy to note that any reference to one embodiment or implementation or implementation can be a reference to one or more embodiments or implementations and vice versa. Any reference to an implementation or implementations can refer to an implementation or implementations that include one or more elements of a claim.

[0018] Figure 1 A display system 100 is illustrated arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted, the display system 100 includes a platform 10 and a panel 18 coupled by a display interface 16. Generally, the platform 10 can include any platform arranged to generate images to be displayed by the panel 18. For example, the platform 10 can be integrated into, be a part of, or include a laptop computer, a desktop computer, an ultrabook, a cellular phone, or any processor-based device. Generally, the panel 18 can be integrated into, be a part of, or include any of various displays such as a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or the like. The display interface 16 can be any of various display interfaces such as a DisplayPort interface, an Embedded DisplayPort interface, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), or the like.

[0019] The platform 10 can have a processing unit 12, which can be a conventional processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a combination of a conventional processor and a GPU. The platform 10 further includes a transmitter 14. The processor 12 and the transmitter 14 can constitute a display engine. The platform 10 can be provided as a system on a chip (SoC), such as can be integrated into a display system device (e.g., a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a portable media device, etc.). Generally, the platform 10 sends images via the display interface 16 for display by the panel 18. For example, the platform 10 can send, via the transmitter 14 and the display interface 16, cells including indications (e.g., colors, positions, etc.) of pixel data generated by the GPU 12 to the panel 18. Such cells (or "frames") are often sent at intervals corresponding to a frame rate of the panel 18. This is described in more detail below.

[0020] The panel 18 can include a receiver 20, a panel register 22, a panel buffer 24, a timer 26, a display controller 28, and display electronics 30. Generally, the panel 18 can receive frames (e.g., from the platform) at the receiver 20 via the display interface 16. The receiver 20 can provide the frames to the display controller 28, which then provides the frames for display on the display electronics 28. The receiver 20 and / or the display electronics can access the panel register 22, which can store setting indications (e.g., refresh rate, etc.) for the panel 18. The timer 24 can be coupled to the receiver 20 and / or the display controller 28 and can operate to provide expiration of frame refresh intervals, or expiration of periods when the display interface 16 link is turned off to save power, for example, when the panel 18 operates in a self-refresh mode, sometimes referred to as panel self refresh (PSR).

[0021] The panel buffer 24 provides storage for frames received via the display interface 16. The display controller 28 can operate to turn off portions of the panel (e.g., the receiver, etc.) during periods of PSR and can refresh the display electronics according to indications of frames stored in the panel buffer 24.

[0022] During operation, frames (e.g., corresponding to images to be displayed) are sent by the platform 10 to the panel 18 at various intervals (typically, corresponding to a refresh rate of the panel 18). An interval period, referred to as a vertical blanking interval (VBI or VBLANK), is between each frame. More particularly, the VBI is a period between the end of the last line of a frame or field and the beginning of the first line of the next frame or field.

[0023] The present disclosure proposes that the platform 10 can transmit information to the panel 18 during the VBI related to future frame updates. For example, during operation, the transmitter 14 can send information to the receiver 20 indicating that a full frame update is in the pipeline or that a partial frame update is in the pipeline. Further, the platform 10 can send information to the panel 18 indicating a number of full frames to be updated or a number of update blocks for a partial frame update and information related to each block (e.g., start and end pixels, etc.). With certain examples, the platform 10 can send an indication to the panel 18 indicating that a synchronization frame will be sent (e.g., during a period when no frame update is to be made) to synchronize the timing between the platform 10 and the panel 18, for example, to reduce screen tearing resulting from decoupling the timings during the self-refresh period, etc.

[0024] Figures 2-5Example techniques 200-500 are depicted in which a sink is able to inform a source of future frame updates and / or coordinate panel synchronization. Each figure depicts a number of frames 220, each frame having various indicia. For example, a frame can be labeled as "Frame N" or "Partial Frame N," etc. For frames labeled with the same designation (e.g., "Frame N+1"), it is indicated that the frames are identical in pixel content, even though the timestamps can be different. Additionally, for frames labeled with an apostrophe, it is indicated that the frame is a partial update. Generally, each frame is preceded and followed by a VBI 210.

[0025] It is understood that a limited number and arrangement of frames are depicted in these figures. However, these techniques can be implemented using a different number and / or configuration of frames than depicted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Note that these figures are depicted and described with reference to the system 100 of Figure 1 More specifically, these figures describe operations and interactions between a sink (e.g., platform 10) and a source (e.g., panel 18). However, these techniques can be implemented by different sinks and sources than depicted in Figure 1

[0027] More specifically, turning to Figure 2 and technique 200. Technique 200 can be implemented to provide an extended VBI 211 to facilitate power management features. For example, a link (e.g., link 16) between a sink and a source can be powered down during the extended VBI 211. To provide the extended VBI, the platform 10 can transmit a frame 220 (e.g., Frame N) with a preselected hold time 230 (e.g., 2-8 lines) to indicate to the source that the next VBI is an extended VBI 211. With certain examples, the extended VBI 211 can correspond to a minimum refresh rate of the panel 18. In other examples, the extended VBI 211 can be longer than the minimum refresh rate of the panel 18 and the panel 18 can self-refresh (e.g., according to panel buffer 24, etc.) during the extended VBI 211. With these examples, the platform 10 can transmit frames 220 to the panel 18 with a hold time selected to indicate the duration of the extended VBI 211.

[0028] At the end of the extended VBI 211, the link 16 can return to power up and synchronization 240. For example, the link 16 can synchronize based on a fast link training (FLT) method or the like. During the VBI 210 that accompanies the extended VBI 211, the source can indicate to the sink information related to the next frame update (e.g., update type, update details, etc.). For example, the platform 10 can inform the panel 18 that the frame 220 (e.g., Frame N+1) is a full frame update.

[0029] ​As a specific example, platform 10 can indicate to panel 18 information related to frame updates via an existing configuration channel within link 16. For example, DisplayPort links include an AUX channel, which platform 10 can use to indicate to panel 18 (e.g., via control signals, via cells, via selected one or more symbols, etc.) that a frame update is a full frame update. In addition, platform 10 can indicate to panel 18 a number of consecutive full frame updates (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.). In this way, panel 18 can coordinate and / or schedule power management features based on the number of consecutive full frame updates indicated by platform 10.

[0030] For example, Figure 3 Technique 300 is depicted in which platform 10 indicates to panel 18 that 2 consecutive full frame updates are to be performed. In this way, panel 18 can schedule to turn off link 16 and / or other associated panel electronics during extended VBI 211. In particular, the figure depicts frame 220 and VBI 211, corresponding to a normal frame schedule. Frame 220 (e.g., frame N) can be sent to panel 18 with a select number of hold lines 230 to indicate that an extended VBI 211 accompanies frame 220, or to indicate that no frame update accompanies the frame. The link between source and sink (e.g., link 16) can be turned off at the beginning of the extended VBI 211 and can be turned back on at the end of the extended VBI 211 (e.g., using FLT 240, etc.).

[0031] Platform 10 can inform panel 18 of the type of frame update (e.g., full frame update) and the number of consecutive frame updates during VBI 210 (e.g., VBI 210 preceding frame N+l update, etc.) prior to the frame update. For example, platform 10 can inform panel 18 of the type and number of frame updates by sending selected symbols or commands in-band during VBI 210.

[0032] More specifically, turning to Figure 4 and technique 400, in which platform 10 indicates to panel 18 that a partial frame update is to be performed. For example, "frame N" is a partial update to "frame N". Note that panels in which frame buffers are provided can provide partial updates to frames. For example, panel 18 can store frame n in panel buffer 24. Platform 10 can send a partial update (e.g., frame n') to panel 18 and thereby update the contents (e.g., pixels) of frame stored in panel buffer 24. Panel 18 can schedule power management features based on the partial update from platform 10 and / or notification of details of the partial update (e.g., number of blocks updated, start and end pixels of each block, etc.). For example, the platform can avoid prematurely powering up gated panel electronics based on the notification of the partial update.

[0033] Similar to the previous figure, the figure depicts a frame 220 and a VBI 211, corresponding to a normal frame schedule. Frame 220 (e.g., frame N) can be transmitted by platform 10 to panel 18 with a select number of hold rows 230 to indicate that an extended VBI 211 accompanies frame 220, or to indicate that no frame update accompanies frame 200. The link between the source and the sink (e.g., link 16) can be powered down at the beginning of the extended VBI 211 and can be powered back up at the end of the extended VBI 211 (e.g., using FLT 240, etc.).

[0034] Platform 10 can inform panel 18 of the type of frame update (e.g., partial frame update) and information related to the frame update (e.g., number of update blocks, start and end pixels of each block, etc.) during the VBI 210 preceding the partial update. For example, platform 10 can inform panel 18 of the partial update (e.g., frame n') by transmitting a selected symbol or command 250 in-band during VBI 210.

[0035] Platform can then transmit data associated with the partial frame update to the panel via the link between the platform and the panel. For example, platform 10 can transmit partial frame update blocks 270 to panel 18 via link 16.

[0036] During operation, the timing between platform 10 and panel 18 can become misaligned. For example, during extended VBI 211, panel 18 can operate independently of platform 10 timing (e.g., based on timer 26, etc.). As such, visual artifacts (e.g., screen tearing, etc.) can occur due to drift between the timing of platform 10 and the timing of panel 18. The present disclosure provides for periodic synchronization between platform 10 and panel 18 to reduce the introduction of such visual artifacts. Conventionally, platform 10 and panel 18 power up repeatedly during periods without frame updates to transmit repeated frames to maintain synchronization. The present disclosure provides for transmitting synchronization symbols and / or synchronization data from the platform to the panel to maintain synchronization. The present disclosure provides that platform 10 can inform panel 18 that synchronization data accompanies VBI 210 based on indication 250 during VBI 210. As such, the platform and the panel can maintain at least some of the power saving features because they are not required to utilize full frame generation and decoding circuitry within platform 10 and panel 18 to maintain synchronization.

[0037] For example, Figure 5Technique 500 is depicted in which platform 10 indicates to panel 18 that a synchronization symbol will be transmitted. Specifically, platform 10 can indicate via the issuance of a command or symbol 250 during VBI 210 that a synchronization symbol 260 will be transmitted after VBI 210. In this way, platform 10 and panel 18 can synchronize their timing based on synchronization symbol 260. In certain examples, synchronization symbol 260 can be a selected symbol that is transmitted in a known arrangement to provide timing synchronization between platform 10 and panel 18. In certain examples, synchronization symbol 260 can be virtual data that is transmitted to provide timing synchronization between platform 10 and panel 18. Note that the synchronization symbol can have no relation to or be carried on the data of frame 220 or indicated by frame 220, but instead is transmitted to provide timing synchronization without requiring encoding and decoding of image data from frame 220.

[0038] Figure 6 A logic flow 600 is illustrated for communicating an indication of a type of frame update and / or information associated with a frame update. Logic flow 600 can be implemented by a platform coupled to a panel, such as platform 10 coupled to panel 18. Logic flow 600 can begin at decision block 605. At decision block 650, "Frame update available?", the platform can determine whether a frame update is available. For example, platform 10 can determine whether an updated frame 220 is available for transmission to panel 18. From decision block 605, logic flow 600 can continue to block 610 or block 620. For example, logic flow 600 can continue from decision block 605 to block 610 based on a determination that no new frame update is available. Conversely, logic flow 600 can continue from decision block 605 to block 620 based on a determination that a frame update is available for transmission to the panel.

[0039] At block 610, "Continue extended VBI", the platform can continue an extended VBI. For example, platform 10 can continue extended VBI 211 by not activating link 16. At block 620, "Ensure link is active", the platform can ensure that the link between the platform and the panel is active. For example, platform 10 can ensure that link 16 is active. In certain examples, at block 620, platform 10 can activate link 16 via a FLT procedure.

[0040] From block 620, the logic flow continues to decision block 615 "Full Frame Update?" The platform can determine whether the update is a full frame update (or a partial frame update). For example, the platform 10 can determine whether the frame 220 is a full update to a previous frame (e.g., frame n+1, etc.) or a partial update to a previous frame (e.g., frame n', etc.). From decision block 615, the logic flow 600 can continue to block 630 or block 650. For example, the logic flow 600 can continue from decision block 615 to block 630 based on a determination that the frame update is a full frame update. Conversely, the logic flow 600 can continue from decision block 615 to block 650 based on a determination that the frame update is not a full frame update.

[0041] At block 630 "Indicate Full Frame Update During Next VBI," the platform can indicate to the panel that the next update is a full frame update. For example, the platform 10 can indicate (e.g., using the symbol 250, etc.) to the panel 18 during the VBI 210 that the frame update is a full frame update. Continuing to block 640 "Transmit Full Frame to Panel Via Link," the platform can transmit the full frame update to the panel via a link between the platform and the panel. For example, the platform 10 can transmit the full frame update 220 to the panel 18 via the link 16.

[0042] At block 650 "Indicate Partial Frame Update During Next VBI," the platform can indicate to the panel that the next update is a partial frame update. For example, the platform 10 can indicate (e.g., using the symbol 250, etc.) to the panel 18 during the VBI 210 that the frame update is a partial frame update. Continuing to block 660 "Transmit Partial Frame Data to Panel Via Link," the platform can transmit data associated with the partial frame update to the panel via a link between the platform and the panel. For example, the platform 10 can transmit the partial frame update block 270 to the panel 18 via the link 16.

[0043] Figure 7A logic flow 700 is illustrated for receiving a type of frame update and / or information associated with a frame update. The logic flow 700 can be implemented by a panel coupled to a platform, such as the panel 18 coupled to the platform 10. The logic flow 700 can begin at block 710 "Receive indication of update frame from platform during VBI," the panel can receive an indication of a frame update from the platform during a VBI. For example, the panel 18 can receive an indication 250 of a frame update from the platform 10 during the VBI 210. Continue to decision block 715. At decision block 715 "Indication of full frame update?", the panel can determine whether a full frame update (or partial frame update) is indicated. For example, the panel 18 can determine whether the platform 10 indicates (e.g., via the symbol 250, etc.) that the frame update 220 is a full update to a previous frame (e.g., frame n+1, etc.) or a partial update to a previous frame (e.g., frame n', etc.). From the decision block 715, the logic flow 700 can continue to block 720 or decision block 725. For example, the logic flow 700 can proceed from the decision block 715 to the block 720 based on an indication that the frame update is not a full frame update. Conversely, the logic flow 700 can proceed from the decision block 715 to the decision block 725 based on an indication that the frame update is a full frame update.

[0044] At block 720 "Determine number of partial frame update blocks," the panel can determine a number of partial frame update blocks. For example, the panel 18 can determine a number of partial frame update blocks 270 from the indication 250. Continue to block 730 "Receive partial frame update blocks," the panel can receive partial frame update blocks from the platform. For example, the panel 18 can receive the partial frame update blocks 270 after the VBI 210 indicating partial frame updates. Continue to block 740 "Update frame data based on partial frame update blocks," the panel can update based on the partial frame update blocks. For example, the panel can refresh a displayed image based on the partial frame update blocks and / or cached frame data. For example, a complete image can be refreshed based on partial updates and a full frame cache. In some examples, the panel 18 can replace portions of a cached frame with partial frame update data.

[0045] At decision block 725 "Indication of number of full frame updates?", the panel can determine whether the platform indicates a number of full frame updates. For example, the panel 18 can determine whether the platform 10 indicates (e.g., at 250) how many full frame updates are ready. From the decision block 725, the logic flow 700 can continue to block 750 or block 760. For example, the logic flow 700 can proceed from the decision block 725 to the block 750 based on an indication that multiple full frame updates are available. Conversely, the logic flow 700 can proceed from the decision block 725 to the decision block 760 based on an indication that there are no multiple full frame updates.

[0046] At block 750, "schedule power management features based on indicated number of full frame updates," the panel can schedule power management functions (e.g., power gating electronics, self-refresh, etc.) based on the number of full frame updates indicated by the platform in the VBI 210. The logic flow 700 can continue from block 750 to block 760. At block 760, "receive full frame update," the panel can receive a full frame update from the platform. For example, the panel 18 can receive the full frame update 220 from the platform 10 via the link 16.

[0047] Figure 8 An embodiment of a storage medium 2000 is illustrated. The storage medium 2000 can comprise an article of manufacture. In some examples, the storage medium 2000 can comprise any non-transitory computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium, such as optical, magnetic or semiconductor storages. The storage medium 2000 can store various types of computer-executable instructions (e.g., 2002). The storage medium 2000 can store various types of computer-executable instructions to implement the technique 200. The storage medium 2000 can store various types of computer-executable instructions to implement the technique 300. The storage medium 2000 can store various types of computer-executable instructions to implement the technique 400. The storage medium 2000 can store various types of computer-executable instructions to implement the technique 500. The storage medium 2000 can store various types of computer-executable instructions to implement the technique 600. The storage medium 2000 can store various types of computer-executable instructions to implement the logic flow 700.

[0048] Examples of a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium can include any tangible media capable of storing electronic data, including volatile memory or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and so forth. Examples of computer- executable instructions can include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, object-oriented code, visual code, and the like. Examples are not limited to the context.

[0049] Figure 9To illustrate the diagram of an example system embodiment, and to depict the platform 3000, the platform 3000 can include various elements. As an example, the diagram depicts that the platform (system) 3000 can include a processor / graphics core 3002, a chipset 3004, an input / output (I / O) device 3006, a random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) 3008, and a read only memory (ROM) 3010, a faceplate 3020 (e.g., faceplate 18 or the like), and various other platform components 3014 (e.g., fans, crossflow fans, heat sinks, DTM systems, cooling systems, housings, vents, etc.). The system 3000 can also include a wireless communication chip 3016 and a graphics device 3018. However, embodiments are not limited to these elements.

[0050] As depicted, the I / O device 3006, the RAM 3008, and the ROM 3010 are coupled to the processor 3002 by the chipset 3004. The chipset 3004 can be coupled to the processor 3002 by a bus 3012. Thus, the bus 3012 can include a number of lines.

[0051] The processor 3002 can be a central processing unit that includes one or more processor cores and can include any number of processors having any number of processor cores. The processor 3002 can include any type of processing unit, such as CPUs, multi-processing units, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), processors with very long instruction word (VLIW) architectures, complex instruction set computers (CISC), digital signal processors (DSPs), and so forth. In some embodiments, the processor 3002 can be a plurality of separate processors located on separate integrated circuit chips. In some embodiments, the processor 3002 can be a processor with integrated graphics, while in other embodiments the processor 3002 can be one or more graphics cores.

[0052] Certain embodiments can be described using the expression “one or more embodiment” or “an embodiment” along with their derivatives. These terms mean that a described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, certain embodiments can be described using the expression “coupled to” and “connected to” along with their derivatives. These terms are not necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments can be described using the

[0053] It is emphasized that this abstract of the disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted and understood not to be construed as interpreting or limiting the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the preceding detailed description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the sake of flow in this disclosure. The method of this disclosure is not to be construed as reflecting an intention to claim more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim is itself a separate embodiment. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as common English equivalents to the corresponding terms “comprising” and “wherein”, respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used only as designations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0054] The foregoing description includes examples of the disclosed architecture. It is certainly impossible to describe every contemplated combination of components and / or methods; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous further combinations and permutations are possible. Therefore, the new architecture is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications, and variations falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. We now turn from the detailed disclosure to providing examples that pertain to further embodiments. The examples provided below are not intended to be limiting.

[0055] Example 1. An apparatus comprising: a transmitter for transmitting frame updates to a panel via a display interconnect; and a processor coupled to the transmitter for causing the transmitter to transmit cells to the panel during a field blanking period (VBI), the cells being used to include an indication of a frame update.

[0056] Example 2. Based on the apparatus of Example 1, the processor is used to determine whether a frame update is a full frame update or a partial frame update.

[0057] Example 3. According to the apparatus of Example 2, the processor is used to cause the transmitter to transmit a cell including an indication that the frame update is a full frame update during VBI based on determining that the frame update is a full frame update.

[0058] Example 4. Based on the apparatus of Example 3, the processor is used to determine the number of full-frame updates.

[0059] Example 5. According to the apparatus of Example 4, the processor is used to cause the transmitter to send cells including an indication of the determined number of full frame updates during VBI.

[0060] Example 6. The apparatus of example 2, the processor to cause the transmitter to transmit, during the VBI, a cell including an indication that the frame update is a partial frame update based on determining that the frame update is a partial frame update.

[0061] Example 7. The apparatus of example 6, the processor to cause the transmitter to transmit, during the VBI, a cell including an indication of attributes of the partial frame update.

[0062] Example 8. The apparatus of example 7, the attributes including at least one of: a number of partial frame update blocks, or a start and end pixel of the partial frame update.

[0063] Example 9. The apparatus of example 1, comprising: a display interface coupled to the transmitter, the display interface to couple to a display interconnect.

[0064] Example 10. The apparatus of example 9, the display interface to include a DisplayPort interface or an Embedded DisplayPort interface.

[0065] Example 11. A method comprising: transmitting, from an image source to an image sink, a cell including an indication of a frame update during a vertical blanking interval (VBI); and transmitting, from the image source to the image sink, the frame update.

[0066] Example 12. The method of example 11, comprising: determining whether the frame update is a full frame update or a partial frame update.

[0067] Example 13. The method of example 12, comprising: transmitting, during the VBI, a cell including an indication that the frame update is a full frame update based on determining that the frame update is a full frame update.

[0068] Example 14. The method of example 13, comprising: determining a number of full frame updates.

[0069] Example 15. The method of example 14, comprising: transmitting, during the VBI, a cell including an indication of the determined number of full frame updates.

[0070] Example 16. The method of example 12, transmitting, during the VBI, a cell including an indication that the frame update is a partial frame update based on determining that the frame update is a partial frame update.

[0071] Example 17. The method of example 12, comprising: transmitting, during the VBI, a cell including an indication of attributes of the partial frame update.

[0072] Example 18. The method of example 17, the attributes including at least one of: a number of partial frame update blocks, or a start and end pixel of the partial frame update.

[0073] Example 19. At least one machine readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor at a platform coupled to a panel via a display interconnect, cause the processor to: send a cell to the panel via the display interconnect during a vertical blanking interval (VBI), the cell comprising an indication of a frame update; and send the frame update to the panel via the display interconnect.

[0074] Example 20. The at least one machine readable storage medium of example 19, comprising instructions that further cause the processor to determine whether the frame update is a full frame update or a partial frame update.

[0075] Example 21. The at least one machine readable storage medium of example 20, comprising instructions that further cause the processor to: determine a number of full frame updates based on determining that the frame update is a full frame update; send a cell during the VBI comprising an indication that the frame update is a full frame update and an indication of the determined number of full frame updates.

[0076] Example 22. The at least one machine readable storage medium of example 20, comprising instructions that further cause the processor to: send a cell during the VBI comprising an indication that the frame update is a partial frame update based on determining that the frame update is a partial frame update.

[0077] Example 23. The at least one machine readable storage medium of example 22, comprising instructions that further cause the processor to: send a cell during the VBI comprising an indication of a property of the partial frame update.

[0078] Example 24. The at least one machine readable storage medium of example 23, the property comprising at least one of a number of partial frame update blocks or a start and end pixel of the partial frame update.

[0079] Example 25. The at least one machine readable storage medium of example 19, the display interface comprising a DisplayPort interface or an Embedded DisplayPort interface.

[0080] Example 26. An apparatus comprising: means for sending a cell from an image source to an image sink during a vertical blanking interval (VBI), the cell comprising an indication of a frame update; and means for sending the frame update from the image source to the image sink.

[0081] Example 27. The apparatus of example 26, comprising: means for determining whether the frame update is a full frame update or a partial frame update.

[0082] Example 28. The apparatus of example 27, comprising: means for sending a cell during the VBI comprising an indication that the frame update is a full frame update based on determining that the frame update is a full frame update.

[0083] Example 29. The apparatus of example 28, comprising means for determining a number of full frame updates.

[0084] Example 30. The apparatus of example 29, comprising means for transmitting, during the VBI, a cell including an indication of the determined number of full frame updates.

[0085] Example 31. The apparatus of example 27, comprising means for transmitting, during the VBI, a cell including an indication that the frame update is a partial frame update based on determining that the frame update is a partial frame update.

[0086] Example 32. The apparatus of example 31, comprising means for transmitting, during the VBI, a cell including an indication of properties of the partial frame update.

[0087] Example 33. The apparatus of example 32, the properties including at least one of a number of partial frame update blocks, or a start and end pixel of the partial frame update.

[0088] Example 34. A system comprising: a panel; and a platform coupled to the panel via a display interconnect, the platform comprising: a transmitter to transmit frame updates to the panel via the display interconnect; and a processor coupled to the transmitter, the processor to cause the transmitter to transmit a cell to the panel during a vertical blanking interval (VBI), the cell including a frame update indication.

[0089] Example 35. The system of example 34, the processor to determine whether the frame update is a full frame update or a partial frame update.

[0090] Example 36. The system of example 35, the processor to cause the transmitter to transmit, during the VBI, a cell including an indication that the frame update is a full frame update based on determining that the frame update is a full frame update.

[0091] Example 37. The system of example 36, the processor to determine a number of full frame updates.

[0092] Example 38. The system of example 37, the processor to cause the transmitter to transmit, during the VBI, a cell including an indication of the determined number of full frame updates.

[0093] Example 39. The system of example 35, the processor to cause the transmitter to transmit, during the VBI, a cell including an indication that the frame update is a partial frame update based on determining that the frame update is a partial frame update.

[0094] Example 40. The system of example 39, the processor to cause the transmitter to transmit, during the VBI, a cell including an indication of properties of the partial frame update.

[0095] Example 41. The system of example 40, the attributes including at least one of: a number of partial frame update blocks, or a start and end pixel of a partial frame update.

[0096] Example 42. The system of example 34, comprising: a display interface coupled to the transmitter, the display interface to couple to a display interconnect.

[0097] Example 43. The system of example 42, the display interface comprising a DisplayPort interface or an Embedded DisplayPort interface.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a processor; a transmitter coupled to the processor, the transmitter to transmit one or more symbols to a display panel during a field blanking period, wherein the one or more symbols indicate whether a frame update to be sent after the field blanking period is a full frame or a partial frame, and wherein the transmitter is further to transmit one or more symbols indicating a duration of a subsequent field blanking period.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the transmitter is further to transmit a frame update in a frame update period immediately after the field blanking period.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a link between the transmitter and the display panel is closed during at least a portion of the subsequent field blanking period.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the duration of the subsequent field blanking period corresponds to a minimum refresh rate of the display panel.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the duration of the subsequent field blanking period is longer than a duration of a field blanking period at the minimum refresh rate of the display panel.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, transmitting the one or more symbols to the display panel comprises: sending a first data packet to the display panel, wherein the first data packet indicates that the transmitter is to send a frame update after the field blanking period; and sending a second data packet to the display panel that is different than the first data packet, wherein the second data packet indicates whether the frame update is a full frame or a partial frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, transmitting the one or more symbols to the display panel comprises sending a data packet to the display panel, wherein the data packet indicates that the transmitter is to send a frame update after the field blanking period and indicates whether the frame update is a full frame or a partial frame.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the display panel, wherein the display panel is to: receive the one or more symbols from the transmitter during the field blanking period; and receive a frame update after the field blanking period.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the transmitter is further to transmit one or more synchronization symbols during one or more extended field blanking periods.

10. A method comprising: transmitting, by a transmitter coupled to a processor, one or more symbols to a display panel during a field blanking period, wherein the one or more symbols indicate whether a frame update to be sent after the field blanking period is a full frame or a partial frame, and wherein the method further comprises transmitting, by the transmitter, one or more symbols indicating a duration of a subsequent field blanking period.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising transmitting, by the transmitter, a frame update in a frame update period immediately after the field blanking period.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising closing a link between the transmitter and the display panel during at least a portion of the subsequent field blanking period.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, the duration of the subsequent field blanking period corresponds to a minimum refresh rate of the display panel.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein, the duration of the subsequent field blanking period is longer than a duration of a field blanking period at the minimum refresh rate of the display panel.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein, transmitting the one or more symbols to the display panel comprises: sending a first data packet to the display panel, wherein the first data packet indicates that the transmitter is to send a frame update after the field blanking period; and sending a second data packet to the display panel that is different than the first data packet, wherein the second data packet indicates whether the frame update is a full frame or a partial frame.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein, Transmitting the one or more symbols to the display panel includes sending a data packet to the display panel, where the data packet indicates that the transmitter is to send a frame update after a field blanking period and indicates whether the frame update is a full frame or a partial frame.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving, by the display panel, the one or more symbols from the transmitter during a field blanking period; and receiving, by the display panel, a frame update after a field blanking period.

18. The method of claim 10, further comprising transmitting, by the transmitter, one or more synchronization symbols during one or more extended field blanking periods.

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