Area-based screen refreshing method and electronic device

Abstract

An area-based screen refreshing method and an electronic device. The method can be applied to an electronic device at least comprising a processor and a screen. In the method, upon detection that part of a target area to be refreshed of a current image frame changes relative to a target area to be refreshed of a previous adjacent frame, the processor can generate a partial area refreshing command, so that refreshing of a partial area of the screen can be instructed by means of the partial area refreshing command. In this way, the frequency of full-screen refreshing for the screen can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption of the screen.

Description

A screen partition refresh method and an electronic device

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410030769.1, filed on January 9, 2024, entitled "A Screen Partition Refresh Method and Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a screen partition refresh method and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0004] As a crucial component of electronic devices, the screen is used to present the interface and enable human-computer interaction. Screen refresh rate is an important indicator of screen performance, referring to the number of times the screen refreshes its image per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate results in smoother image display. Common screen refresh rates include 10 Hz, 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 75 Hz, and 120 Hz.

[0005] Traditional organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens need to maintain a low refresh rate even when there are no new displayed contents to avoid screen flicker. Furthermore, when there are new displayed contents, even if only a small area of ​​the screen is updated, an OLED screen will refresh the entire displayed content.

[0006] Therefore, how to save screen power consumption is of great research significance.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] This application provides a screen partition refresh method and an electronic device to reduce screen power consumption.

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a screen partition refresh method. This method can be applied to an electronic device, which includes a processor and a screen. In this method, the processor sends a local area refresh command to the screen; wherein the local area refresh command is generated when the processor determines that a first target refresh area to be refreshed in a first frame image is different from a second target refresh area to be refreshed in a second frame image, the first target refresh area being a local area, and the second frame image being the previous frame image adjacent to the first frame image. The screen refreshes the first target refresh area according to the local area refresh command.

[0010] Based on the above method, when the processor detects that the target refresh partition of the current image frame has changed compared to the target refresh partition of the previous image frame, the processor can send a local area refresh command to the screen, instructing the screen to refresh the target refresh partition. This reduces the need for full-screen refreshes due to changes in the target refresh partition, thereby saving screen power consumption.

[0011] In one possible design, the method further includes: the processor sending first area display data to the screen; wherein the first area display data corresponds to the original refresh area in the first frame image, and the first target refresh area is greater than or equal to the original refresh area.

[0012] In this design, the screen can refresh local areas based on updated display data sent by the processor and local area refresh commands, thereby reducing full-screen refreshes caused by changes in the target refresh partition and saving screen power consumption.

[0013] In one possible design, the electronic device further includes a memory. When the first target refresh area is larger than the original refresh area, the method further includes: the screen reading second area display data corresponding to the area of ​​the first target refresh area other than the original refresh area from the memory. Based on this, refreshing the first target refresh area includes: refreshing the original refresh area according to the first area display data; and refreshing the area of ​​the first target refresh area other than the original refresh area according to the second area display data.

[0014] In this design, the screen, based on the updated local area indicated by the local area refresh command and combined with the updated display data received from the processor, can retrieve display data from the cache when needed. This allows for not only partial refreshes via the local area refresh command but also synchronous refreshes of a larger local area than the actual updated area, thus ensuring consistent display quality.

[0015] In one possible design, the method further includes: the processor obtaining the original refresh area based on the dirty areas that have changed compared to the second frame image in the first frame image; the processor adjusting the original refresh area according to a preset rule to obtain the first target refresh area; wherein the preset rule is used to determine that there is at least one constraint area that needs to be refreshed synchronously, and the first target refresh area includes the original refresh area and the at least one constraint area.

[0016] This design, by considering constraints such as display consistency and other synchronous refresh constraints, allows for adjustments to the original refresh area that is actually being updated. This not only enables refreshing of local areas but also ensures display consistency, or allows for partitioned refresh requirements in more scenarios.

[0017] In one possible design, the preset rule includes: a refresh timing for reaching a first constraint region; wherein the first constraint region has a first refresh rate, and the screen does not support the first refresh rate; the refresh timing is obtained based on a second refresh rate supported by the screen; and the first refresh rate is less than the second refresh rate.

[0018] In this design, the processor can adjust the original refresh area to achieve more refresh rates based on the screen's hardware-supported refresh rate. This can meet the needs of partitioned refresh in more scenarios.

[0019] In one possible design, the preset rule includes at least one of the following rules: a refresh rate switching timing when reaching a second constraint region with a third refresh rate; wherein the third refresh rate is the target refresh rate of the second constraint region; a self-refresh timing when reaching a third constraint region with a fourth refresh rate; wherein the fourth refresh rate is the lowest refresh rate among the plurality of refresh rates included in the screen.

[0020] In this design, by considering the constraints of display consistency, adjustments can be made to the original refresh area that is actually being updated. This not only allows for refreshing of local areas but also ensures consistent display quality. For example, display consistency can be defined as the timing of refresh rate switching during a gradual decrease in refresh rate, or the self-refresh timing of the lowest refresh rate among multiple refresh rates.

[0021] In one possible design, the local area refresh command includes first position indication information, which indicates the display position of the first target refresh area on the screen.

[0022] In this design, the processor can use local area refresh commands to indicate the data that the screen needs to refresh, thus enabling more precise partitioned screen refresh. Furthermore, based on the position indication information in the local area refresh command and the updated display data from the processor, the display data that needs to be retrieved from the cache can be accurately determined, ensuring the accuracy of partitioned refresh.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a screen partition refresh method. This method can be applied to an electronic device, which includes a processor and a screen. In this method, when the processor does not send display data to the screen, it detects that a preset rule is met and sends a self-refresh command to the screen; wherein the preset rule is used to determine that at least one constrained area needs to be refreshed. The screen refreshes the at least one constrained area according to the self-refresh command.

[0024] Based on the above method, when the processor detects no image feed refresh but meets the refresh timing requirements for certain areas, it can generate a self-refresh command to ensure accurate data refresh. This reduces display errors caused by image feed jitter and other anomalies.

[0025] In one possible design, the self-refresh command includes second position indication information, which indicates the display position of the at least one constraint area on the screen.

[0026] In this design, the processor can ensure the accuracy of screen refresh by indicating the area of ​​the screen that needs to be refreshed in the self-refresh command.

[0027] In one possible design, the electronic device further includes a memory. The method further includes: the screen reading third region display data corresponding to the at least one constraint region from the memory. Refreshing the at least one constraint region includes: refreshing the at least one constraint region according to the third region display data.

[0028] In one possible design, the preset rule includes: a refresh timing for reaching a first constraint region; wherein the first constraint region has a first refresh rate, and the screen does not support the first refresh rate; the refresh timing is obtained based on a second refresh rate supported by the screen; and the first refresh rate is less than the second refresh rate.

[0029] In one possible design, the preset rule includes at least one of the following rules: a refresh rate switching timing when reaching a second constraint region with a third refresh rate; wherein the third refresh rate is the target refresh rate of the second constraint region; a self-refresh timing when reaching a third constraint region with a fourth refresh rate; wherein the fourth refresh rate is the lowest refresh rate among the plurality of refresh rates included in the screen.

[0030] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a screen partition refresh method. This method can be applied to an electronic device and includes: determining a first target refresh area to be refreshed in a first frame image; wherein the first target refresh area is a local area of ​​the screen in the electronic device; when it is detected that the first target refresh area is different from a second target refresh area to be refreshed in a second frame image, generating a local area refresh command; wherein the second frame image is the previous frame image adjacent to the first frame image, and the local area refresh command is used to instruct the screen to refresh the first target refresh area.

[0031] In one possible design, determining the first target refresh region in the first frame image includes: obtaining the original refresh region in the first frame image based on the dirty regions that have changed compared to the second frame image; adjusting the original refresh region according to a preset rule to obtain the first target refresh region; wherein the preset rule is used to determine that there is at least one constraint region that needs to be refreshed synchronously, and the first target refresh region includes the original refresh region and the at least one constraint region.

[0032] In one possible design, the preset rule includes: a refresh timing for reaching a first constraint region; wherein the first constraint region has a first refresh rate, and the screen does not support the first refresh rate; the refresh timing is obtained based on a second refresh rate supported by the screen; and the first refresh rate is less than the second refresh rate.

[0033] In one possible design, the preset rule includes at least one of the following rules: a refresh rate switching timing when reaching a second constraint region with a third refresh rate; wherein the third refresh rate is the target refresh rate of the second constraint region; a self-refresh timing when reaching a third constraint region with a fourth refresh rate; wherein the fourth refresh rate is the lowest refresh rate among the plurality of refresh rates included in the screen.

[0034] In one possible design, the local area refresh command includes location indication information, which indicates the display position of the first target refresh area on the screen.

[0035] In one possible design, before determining the first target refresh area to be refreshed in the first frame image, the method further includes: detecting the existence of image sending refresh; detecting that the first frame image is undergoing local area refresh.

[0036] In another possible design, the method further includes: when it is detected that there is no image refresh and a self-refresh timing of reaching the fourth refresh rate is detected, generating a self-refresh command; wherein the self-refresh command is used to instruct the screen to refresh a third target refresh area, the third target refresh area including the area having the fourth refresh rate.

[0037] Fourthly, this application provides an electronic device comprising a plurality of functional modules; the plurality of functional modules interact to implement the methods performed by the electronic device in any of the above aspects and their respective embodiments. The plurality of functional modules can be implemented based on software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, and the plurality of functional modules can be arbitrarily combined or divided based on specific implementations.

[0038] Fifthly, this application provides an electronic device including at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores computer program instructions, and when the electronic device is running, the at least one processor executes any of the above aspects and the methods executed by the electronic device in its various embodiments.

[0039] Sixthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above-described methods and the methods performed by various possible electronic devices.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform any of the above aspects and methods for designing electronic devices.

[0041] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a graphical user interface on an electronic device, the electronic device having a screen, one or more memories, and one or more processors, the one or more processors being configured to execute one or more computer programs stored in the one or more memories, the graphical user interface including a graphical user interface displayed when the electronic device performs any of the above aspects and their various possible designs.

[0042] Ninthly, this application also provides a chip for reading a computer program stored in a memory and executing the methods executed by any of the above aspects and their respective possible electronic devices.

[0043] Tenthly, this application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing any of the above-described aspects and the methods executed by various possible electronic devices. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing programs and data necessary for the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0044] For details on the beneficial effects of any of the second to tenth aspects and their possible designs, please refer to the beneficial effects of the various possible designs in the first aspect above; they will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a partition refresh interface;

[0046] Figure 1B is a timing diagram of a partition refresh;

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 3 is a software architecture block diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 5A is one of the timing diagrams of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5B is a second timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 6 is a timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 7 is a timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a screen partition provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 9A is the fifth timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 9B is a timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 9C is the seventh timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another screen partitioning provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of a refresh area adjustment provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 11B is a schematic diagram of another refresh area adjustment provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 12 is another flowchart illustrating a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] This application's embodiments can be applied to the field of terminal technology, specifically to screen interface refresh scenarios in electronic devices. The interface displayed on the screen generally includes one or more areas that perform different functions. These areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: a top status bar displaying information such as battery level, time, and network status; a main display area containing the main content of the interface, such as desktop icons, video feeds, or application interfaces; and a bottom navigation area, bottom taskbar area, or bottom status bar area. The main display area may further include areas for displaying different functions; for example, the main display area can be used to display live content, and may include a live stream playback area and a comment display area.

[0064] In one possible scenario, with the increasing prevalence of low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) screens, partitioned refresh can be implemented. Partial refresh can be understood as dividing the screen into multiple regions, each with a different refresh rate. This way, when a specific section of content on the screen requires a high refresh rate, the non-updating areas can maintain a lower refresh rate, thus avoiding the need to refresh the entire display and saving power.

[0065] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a partitioned refresh interface. The interface 100 shown in Figure 1A may include a top status bar area 100A, a live stream playback area 100B, and a comment display area 100C. The content in different areas of interface 100 has different refresh rate requirements. For example, the top status bar area 100A, which includes information such as time and battery level, typically changes only every minute or after the battery level decreases; therefore, the top status bar area 100A has a lower refresh rate requirement. The content in the live stream playback area 100B has a higher refresh rate requirement. The content in the comment display area 100C has a lower refresh rate requirement than the live stream playback area 100B, but a higher refresh rate than the top status bar area 100A. Therefore, area 100A may correspond to a low refresh rate zone of 10Hz, area 100B may correspond to a high refresh rate zone of 60Hz, and area 100C may correspond to a medium refresh rate zone of 30Hz.

[0066] Based on the multiple screen regions divided into interfaces 100 in Figure 1A, the refresh timing diagram corresponding to each screen region is shown in Figure 1B. As can be seen from the timing diagram shown in Figure 1B, the tearing effect signal (TE) corresponding to the screen is output according to the screen frame rate of 120Hz. The TE is a feedback signal sent by the screen to the processor to inform the processor about the screen's display progress. For example, the display progress could be that the screen is now reading data from memory starting from the first line and displaying it. In this way, the TE can prevent the processor from writing data to the same location while the screen is reading data from memory, thus avoiding screen tearing due to conflicts.

[0067] Different refresh rate zones can be understood as having different update rates for displayed data. Furthermore, when data is being updated in at least one refresh rate zone, the updated data can be sent to the screen via the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI). It's understandable that, since the screen is divided into multiple zones with different refresh rates, the size of the update data sent to the screen each time is not exactly the same. For example, as shown in Figure 1B, the update data sent via MIPI can include update data from one zone, two zones, or even three zones. However, regardless of how many zones the screen receives update data from, it will refresh and display all the screen data at a 60Hz refresh rate. This "all screen data" includes: update data from MIPI and cached screen data. In other words, the data for the updated zones is received by the screen from the processor via MIPI, while the data for the unupdated zones is read from the cache. Therefore, although this scenario reduces the amount of data sent by the processor to the screen, the load data for screen refresh is still all the screen data. Additionally, refreshing and displaying all the data ensures consistent display quality but results in significant screen power consumption.

[0068] In another possible scenario, even if the screen can achieve partitioned refresh, it may lead to issues with maintaining consistency in the full-screen display. Furthermore, the partitions on the screen may change; for example, in a scenario where a video is playing in a small window, the user might drag the window, making it difficult to guarantee consistency in the full-screen display. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 1B, to ensure consistent display, the screen might refresh all data, but this results in significant screen power consumption.

[0069] In view of this, this application provides a screen partition refresh method. This method adds a processing module to the processor side, which can determine the screen refresh area and send local area refresh commands to the screen, thereby achieving local data refresh of the screen at the frame level. In this way, the screen can perform more precise partition refresh based on the processor's local area refresh commands, providing a technical solution that balances display consistency and screen power consumption.

[0070] The processing module is a logical functional unit that can be integrated into the processor. This application does not limit the hardware composition.

[0071] The technical solutions in this application can be applied to electronic devices, which are any devices including a screen with display functionality. For example, electronic devices can be mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices (e.g., watches, bracelets, etc.), in-vehicle devices, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) devices, laptops, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), netbooks, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart home devices (e.g., smart TVs, etc.), and other electronic devices capable of displaying a user interface (UI). It is understood that this application does not limit the specific type of electronic device.

[0072] The electronic devices to which this application's embodiments can be applied include, but are not limited to, those equipped with... Alternatively, it can be an electronic device running another operating system. For example, the electronic device described in the foregoing embodiments can be used.

[0073] Figure 2 illustrates a possible hardware structure diagram of an electronic device. The electronic device 200 includes components such as a radio frequency (RF) circuit 210, a power supply 220, a processor 230, a memory 240, an input unit 250, a display unit 260, an audio circuit 270, a communication interface 280, and a Wi-Fi module 290. Those skilled in the art will understand that the hardware structure of the electronic device 200 shown in Figure 2 does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 200. The electronic device 200 provided in this application embodiment may include more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or may have different component configurations. The various components shown in Figure 2 can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and / or application-specific integrated circuits.

[0074] The following is a detailed description of each component of the electronic device 200 with reference to Figure 2:

[0075] The RF circuit 210 can be used for receiving and sending data during communication or a call. Specifically, after receiving downlink data from the base station, the RF circuit 210 sends it to the processor 230 for processing; additionally, it sends uplink data to be sent to the base station. Typically, the RF circuit 210 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a duplexer, etc. Furthermore, the RF circuit 210 can also communicate with other devices via a wireless communication network. The wireless communication can use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), email, Short Message Service (SMS), etc.

[0076] Wi-Fi technology is a short-range wireless transmission technology. The electronic device 200 can connect to an access point (AP) via the Wi-Fi module 290, thereby enabling access to the data network. The Wi-Fi module 290 can be used for receiving and sending data during communication.

[0077] The electronic device 200 can physically connect to other devices through the communication interface 280. Optionally, the communication interface 280 can be connected to the communication interfaces of other devices via a cable to enable data transmission between the electronic device 200 and other devices.

[0078] The electronic device 200 can also perform communication services and interact with other electronic devices. Therefore, the electronic device 200 needs to have data transmission capabilities, meaning it needs to include a communication module. Although Figure 2 shows the RF circuit 210, the Wi-Fi module 290, and the communication interface 280, it is understood that the electronic device 200 contains at least one of the aforementioned components or other communication modules (such as a Bluetooth module) for data transmission. For example, when the electronic device 200 is a mobile phone, it may include the RF circuit 210, the Wi-Fi module 290, or a Bluetooth module (not shown in Figure 2); when the electronic device 200 is a tablet computer, it may include the Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module (not shown in Figure 2); when the electronic device 200 is a smart home device, it may include the Wi-Fi module 290 or a Bluetooth module (not shown in Figure 2).

[0079] The memory 240 can be used to store software programs and modules. The processor 230 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device 200 by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 240. Optionally, the memory 240 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system (mainly including software programs or modules corresponding to the kernel layer, system layer, application framework layer, and application layer). In addition, the memory 240 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0080] The input unit 250 can be used to receive editing operations on various types of data objects, such as numbers or characters, input by the user, and to generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the electronic device 200. Optionally, the input unit 250 may include a touch panel 251 and other input devices 252. The touch panel 251, also known as a touchscreen, can collect touch operations performed by the user on or near it (e.g., operations performed by the user using a finger, stylus, or any suitable object or accessory on or near the touch panel 251), and drive corresponding connection devices according to a pre-set program. Optionally, the other input devices 252 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a physical keyboard, function keys (e.g., volume control buttons, power buttons), a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick.

[0081] The display unit 260 can be used to display information input by the user or information provided to the user, as well as various menus of the electronic device 200. The display unit 260 is the display system of the electronic device 200, used to present the interface and realize human-computer interaction. The display unit 260 may include a display panel 261; wherein, the display panel 261 can also be understood as a screen or monitor, etc., and can be used interchangeably in this embodiment. Optionally, the display panel 261 can be configured using a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) or other technology that supports screen partition refresh. In this embodiment, the display unit 260 can be used to display the interface, and the display unit 260 can receive a local area refresh command from the processor 230, and in response to the local area refresh command, realize partition refresh. In addition, the display unit 260 and the processor 230 transmit data through a MIPI interface; wherein, the display unit 260 receives screen update data from the processor 230 through the MIPI interface, and the display unit 260 sends a TE signal to the processor 230 through the MIPI interface. The TE signal is used to ensure the frequency of screen update data transmission between the display unit 260 and the processor 230, so as to better ensure the consistency of screen effect.

[0082] The processor 230 is the control center of the electronic device 200. It connects various components via various interfaces and lines, and executes software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 240, as well as calling data stored in the memory 240, to perform various functions and process data of the electronic device 200, thereby enabling various services based on the electronic device 200. In this embodiment, the processor 230 can also be called a system on a chip (SOC). In this embodiment, the processor 230 and the SOC can be used interchangeably. For example, the processor 230 can be used to detect and respond to self-refresh events in low refresh rate areas, sending a self-refresh command to the screen via MIPI, thereby ensuring consistent screen display. In another example, the processor 230 can also be used to detect and respond to local area refresh events, acquire updated data and determine the local area to be refreshed, and send updated data and local area refresh commands to the screen via MIPI, thereby achieving precise partitioned refresh and saving screen power consumption.

[0083] The electronic device 200 also includes a power supply 220 (such as a battery) for supplying power to various components. Optionally, the power supply 220 can be logically connected to the processor 230 through a power management system, thereby enabling the power management system to manage functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption.

[0084] As shown in Figure 2, the electronic device 200 also includes an audio circuit 270, a microphone 271, and a speaker 272, providing an audio interface between the user and the electronic device 200. The audio circuit 270 converts audio data into signals recognizable by the speaker 272 and transmits the signals to the speaker 272, where the speaker 272 converts them into sound signals for output. The microphone 271 collects external sound signals (such as human speech or other sounds) and converts the collected external sound signals into signals recognizable by the audio circuit 270, sending them to the audio circuit 270. The audio circuit 270 can also convert the signals transmitted by the microphone 271 into audio data, and then output the audio data to the RF circuit 210 for transmission to, for example, another electronic device, or output the audio data to the memory 240 for further processing.

[0085] Although not shown in Figure 2, the electronic device 200 may also include a camera, at least one sensor, etc., which will not be described in detail here. The at least one sensor may include, but is not limited to, a pressure sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a distance sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a touch sensor, a temperature sensor, etc.

[0086] The operating system (OS) involved in this application embodiment is the most basic system software running on the electronic device 200. The software system of the electronic device 200 can adopt a layered architecture, event-driven architecture, microkernel architecture, microservice architecture, or cloud architecture. This application embodiment takes an operating system adopting a layered architecture as an example to illustrate the software architecture of the electronic device 200.

[0087] Figure 3 is a software architecture block diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the software architecture of the electronic device can be a layered architecture, for example, the software can be divided into several layers, each with a clear role and division of labor. The layers communicate with each other through software interfaces. In some embodiments, the operating system is divided into five layers, from top to bottom: the application layer, the application framework layer (framework, FWK), the runtime and system library, the kernel layer, and the hardware layer. The system software can be run through the processor 230 in Figure 2, thereby enabling various functions of the electronic device 200 to be implemented together with various hardware components.

[0088] The application layer can include a series of application packages. As shown in Figure 3, the application layer can include the UI, camera, settings, skin modules, third-party applications, etc. Third-party applications may include, for example, wireless local area network (WLAN), music, call, Bluetooth, and video applications. Within the application layer, the UI, including elements and their shadow attributes, can also be defined according to the system interface.

[0089] In one possible implementation, the application can be developed using Java, by calling the application programming interface (API) provided by the application framework layer. Developers can then interact with the underlying operating system layers (such as the hardware layer and kernel layer) to develop their own applications. This application framework layer primarily consists of a series of services and management systems within the operating system.

[0090] The application framework layer provides application programming interfaces and a programming framework for applications within the application layer. The application framework layer includes some predefined functions. As shown in Figure 3, the application framework layer may include a view system, activity manager, window manager, content provider, phone manager, resource manager, notification manager, etc.

[0091] The Activity Manager manages the lifecycle of each application and provides commonly used navigation and back functions, offering an interactive interface for all program windows.

[0092] The window manager is used to manage windowed applications. It can retrieve screen size, determine the presence of a status bar, lock the screen, and capture screenshots. The content provider stores and retrieves data, making this data accessible to applications. This data may include videos, images, audio, made and received phone calls, browsing history and bookmarks, phone books, etc.

[0093] A view system includes both visual and non-visual controls, such as controls that display text and controls that display images. View systems can be used to build applications. A display interface can consist of one or more views. For example, a display interface including a text message notification icon could include views that display text and views that display images.

[0094] A phone manager is used to provide communication functions for electronic devices. For example, it manages call status (including connection and disconnection).

[0095] The file explorer provides applications with various resources, such as localized strings, icons, images, layout files, video files, and more.

[0096] The notification manager allows applications to display notifications in the status bar. These can be used to convey informational messages and can disappear automatically after a short pause, requiring no user interaction. For example, the notification manager can be used to notify users of download completion or message alerts. The notification manager can also display notifications as icons or scrolling text in the top status bar, such as notifications from background applications, or as dialog boxes on the screen. Examples include displaying text messages in the status bar, emitting sounds, vibrating electronic devices, and flashing indicator lights.

[0097] The runtime includes the core libraries and the virtual machine. The runtime is responsible for the scheduling and management of the operating system.

[0098] The core library consists of two parts: one part contains the functionalities that the Java language needs to call, and the other part contains the core libraries of the operating system. The application layer and application framework layer run in the virtual machine. The virtual machine executes the Java files of the application layer and application framework layer as binary files. The virtual machine is used to perform functions such as object lifecycle management, stack management, thread management, security and exception management, and garbage collection.

[0099] A system library can include multiple functional modules. For example: a surface manager, a media framework, a 3D graphics processing library (e.g., OpenGL ES), a 2D graphics engine (e.g., SGL), etc.

[0100] The Surface Manager is used to manage the display subsystem and provides the blending of 2D and 3D layers for multiple applications.

[0101] The media framework supports playback and recording of various commonly used audio and video formats, as well as still image files. It supports multiple audio and video encoding formats, such as MPEG4, H.264, MP3, AAC, AMR, JPG, and PNG.

[0102] The 3D graphics processing library is used to implement 3D graphics drawing, image rendering, compositing, and layer processing.

[0103] A 2D graphics engine is a drawing engine for 2D drawing. A 2D graphics engine can perform drawing operations, drawing UI elements and their shadows on the screen.

[0104] In some embodiments, a 3D graphics processing library can be used to draw 3D motion trajectory images, and a 2D graphics engine can be used to draw 2D motion trajectory images.

[0105] The kernel layer is the layer between hardware and software. The kernel layer includes at least a display driver, a camera driver, an audio driver, and a sensor driver. In this embodiment, the processor 230 can transmit data with the display unit 260 through the display driver. For example, the processor 230 can use the display driver to send screen update data to the display unit 260 via the MIPI interface and receive TE signals from the display unit 260 via the MIPI interface.

[0106] The hardware layer can include various types of sensors, such as accelerometers, gravity sensors, and touch sensors.

[0107] Typically, an electronic device 200 can run multiple applications simultaneously. In a simpler scenario, one application corresponds to one process; in a more complex scenario, one application can correspond to multiple processes. Each process has a unique process ID.

[0108] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "at least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. "Multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0109] In addition, it should be understood that in the description of this application, the words "first" and "second" are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0110] It should be understood that the hardware structure of the electronic device can be as shown in Figure 2, and the software system architecture can be as shown in Figure 3. The software programs and / or modules corresponding to the software system architecture in the electronic device can be stored in the memory 240. The processor 230 can run the software programs and applications stored in the memory 240 to execute the process of a screen partition refresh method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0111] To facilitate understanding of the screen partition refresh method provided in this application, the implementation process of the method provided in this application will be described below with reference to the contents shown in Figures 4 to 11B.

[0112] The method provided in this application can be applied to scenarios where the screen is refreshed in sections, or it can be understood as refreshing a local area of ​​the screen while leaving the remaining area unchanged. Exemplary possible application scenarios include, but are not limited to: non-full-screen video playback interfaces, such as live streaming; overlaying information such as bullet comments, progress bars, and status bars on full-screen video playback interfaces; windowed interfaces such as split-screen and small windows; and input method typing interfaces.

[0113] For ease of understanding, the following explains the technical terms or terminology that may be involved in the embodiments of this application:

[0114] (1) Display consistency refers to the synchronized display of pixel pairs belonging to the same frame on the screen. It should be understood that ensuring display consistency can avoid abnormal display problems such as screen flickering and tearing.

[0115] In partitioned refresh scenarios, the screen is divided into multiple partitions, each using a different refresh rate. Understandably, as the screen partitions refresh, it's impossible to guarantee that the display of two partitions will remain synchronized during subsequent refreshes. When two partitions are out of sync, it can lead to display issues such as screen flickering and tearing. Therefore, ensuring synchronization when at least two partitions need to refresh simultaneously is crucial for consistent display quality. Optionally, the screen can use constraints on display consistency to ensure synchronization when at least two partitions need to refresh simultaneously.

[0116] (2) Constraints on display consistency refer to the screen's forced refresh of more partitions or all content when certain constraints are met to ensure consistent display performance. Optionally, the screen may no longer divide the frame refresh into regions but perform a global refresh, thus facilitating display synchronization during subsequent refresh processes. Alternatively, although the SOC detects that partition 1 needs to be refreshed, the screen may force a refresh of both partition 1 and partition 2 in accordance with the constraints to ensure display synchronization between partition 1 and partition 2.

[0117] Some possible constraints include, but are not limited to:

[0118] Constraint 1) When to switch refresh rates.

[0119] For example, implementing a low refresh rate typically involves gradually decreasing the screen's frame rate to the target refresh rate, thus avoiding display issues such as screen flickering and tearing. For instance, if the screen frame rate is 120Hz and the target refresh rate is 10Hz, the low refresh rate range could be achieved by decreasing the refresh rate from 120Hz to 60Hz, then to 30Hz, and finally to 10Hz. Therefore, during this gradual decrease in refresh rate, the screen can force a complete refresh of all content each time the refresh rate is switched.

[0120] Another example is that the refresh rate may change as the displayed content changes. For instance, if the refresh rate for displayed content 1 is 10Hz and the refresh rate for displayed content 2 is 30Hz, the refresh rate will switch from 10Hz to 30Hz when switching from displayed content 1 to displayed content 2. Therefore, when switching refresh rates, the screen can force a refresh of all content.

[0121] Constraint 2) The partition changes.

[0122] For example, the partitioning result changes. Optionally, the partitioning change can be in response to user operations, such as the user dragging the display position of a small window to adjust the distribution of the live stream playback area and the comment display area. Alternatively, the partitioning change can also be automatic upon detecting that preset conditions are met, such as in a scenario where bullet comments are superimposed on a video playback interface. Since the refresh rate of the video and the refresh rate of the bullet comments are generally different, it may cause the partitions to switch back and forth. Therefore, when the partitioning changes, the screen can force a full refresh of the content.

[0123] Constraint 3) Self-refresh based on low refresh rate.

[0124] For example, the screen includes multiple sections belonging to different refresh rates, and can perform self-refresh based on the lowest of these refresh rates. For instance, the different refresh rates could include 120Hz, 60Hz, and 10Hz, so the screen can be refreshed full-screen based on 10Hz to achieve self-refresh. Therefore, when a 10Hz refresh is detected, the screen can force a full refresh of all content.

[0125] Optionally, Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to electronic devices, and Figure 4 illustrates the processing performed by a SOC and a screen included in the electronic device; wherein, the SOC can be, for example, the processor 230 shown in Figure 2 or integrated into the processor shown in Figure 2, and the screen can be, for example, the display panel 261 shown in Figure 2. The process may include the following steps:

[0126] Step 401: The SOC checks if there is image refresh. Image refresh can be understood as updating image frames, that is, whether there are updated image frames that need to be sent to the screen for display. In a scenario without image refresh, the SOC will not send updated data to the screen.

[0127] Optionally, depending on whether there is an image refresh or not, the following possible processing methods can be included. Optionally, in a scenario without image refresh, see Processing Method 1 below. Alternatively, in a scenario with image refresh, see Processing Methods 2 and 3 below.

[0128] Solution 1

[0129] Step 402: The SOC checks whether at least one constraint condition is met. For example, during screen refresh, it is necessary to ensure the consistency of the display effect across all areas of the screen. Therefore, there is a constraint on display effect consistency, which can be found in the description of the constraint on display effect consistency in the preceding embodiments. Optionally, when the SOC detects that the current refresh timing meets at least one constraint condition, it can determine that a screen refresh is required.

[0130] For example, Figure 5A is a timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. Within the timing range corresponding to the dashed box 501 shown in Figure 5A, the screen display refresh timing satisfies constraint condition 1, where the low refresh rate range decreases from 60Hz to 30Hz. Since the SOC detects no image refresh, constraint condition 1 can be detected through step 402. Within the timing range corresponding to the dashed box 502 shown in Figure 5A, the screen display refresh timing satisfies constraint condition 1, where the low refresh rate range decreases from 30Hz to 10Hz. Since the SOC detects no image refresh, constraint condition 1 can be detected through step 402. It should be understood that the timing diagram shown in Figure 5A is a partial timing diagram of the screen refresh process.

[0131] For example, Figure 5B is another timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. Within the timing range corresponding to the dashed box 503 shown in Figure 5B, the screen display refresh timing satisfies constraint 3 of self-refreshing based on 10Hz. Since the SOC detects no image refresh, the constraint condition can be detected through step 402. It can be understood that 10Hz is the lowest refresh rate among multiple refresh rates included in the screen. It should be understood that Figure 5B only shows the timing processing corresponding to the dashed box 503; processing of other timing sequences is not shown.

[0132] Step 403: SOC generates a self-refresh command. Referring to the timing diagram shown in Figure 5A, during the refresh timings enclosed in dashed boxes 501 and 502, since the SOC detects no image feed for refresh, a self-refresh command can be generated before the refresh timing.

[0133] Referring to the timing diagram shown in Figure 5B, at the refresh timing included in the dashed box 503, since the SOC detects no image feed refresh, a self-refresh command can be generated before the refresh timing.

[0134] Step 404: The SOC sends a self-refresh command to the screen. The self-refresh command can be used to instruct the screen to refresh.

[0135] Optionally, the self-refresh command provided in this application embodiment can be used to instruct the screen to refresh all displayed content. In this case, the screen can read all display data from a data cache location, such as memory 240, to achieve a global refresh of the screen area. The all display data included in the data cache location can, for example, be data corresponding to the previous frame's display interface.

[0136] Alternatively, the self-refresh command provided in this embodiment can be used to instruct the screen to refresh the display content of at least one partition. In this case, the screen can read the display data corresponding to the at least one partition from a data cache location such as memory 240 to achieve a refresh of a local area of ​​the screen. For example, the self-refresh command may also include position indication information of the at least one partition, which can be used by the screen to read display data.

[0137] By using processing method one, the SOC can generate a self-refresh command when at least one constraint condition is met in scenarios without image refresh. This allows the screen to refresh based on the self-refresh command from the SOC. Thus, even in scenarios without image refresh due to abnormal states such as image refresh frequency fluctuations leading to missing images, the self-refresh command can ensure consistent display performance.

[0138] Method 2

[0139] Step 405: The SOC checks whether it is a partial refresh. Optionally, if it is not a partial refresh, step 406 can be executed, i.e., processing method two can be executed; where, not a partial refresh can also be understood as a global refresh. Alternatively, if it is a partial refresh, steps 407 and 410B can be executed, i.e., processing method three can be executed.

[0140] Step 406: The SOC sends global data to the screen. For example, Figure 6 is another timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in the dashed box 601 in Figure 6, the SOC detects that the entire screen area needs to be refreshed and sends global data to the screen through MIPI.

[0141] Method 3

[0142] Step 407: SOC calculates the original refresh area based on the dirty area. The dirty area refers to the region where content has been updated compared to the previous two frames; it can also be called a dirty region. For example, the rectangular blocks corresponding to local area refreshes shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 6 can be used to represent dirty areas, that is, regions where the display content has been updated compared to the previous adjacent image frame.

[0143] Optionally, in step 408, the SOC adjusts the original refresh area according to the constraint of display effect consistency to obtain the target refresh area. The target refresh area and the original refresh area can be the same or different. Optionally, if the original refresh area is adjusted according to the constraint of display effect consistency, the target refresh area and the original refresh area are different. Alternatively, if the original refresh area is not adjusted according to the constraint of display effect consistency, the target refresh area and the original refresh area are the same, i.e., the original refresh area. For ease of understanding, the following embodiments will all use the target refresh area for description.

[0144] For example, Figure 7 is another timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. Within the timing range corresponding to the dashed box 701 shown in Figure 7, the SOC detects an image refresh and identifies it as a partial refresh, with the original refresh area 700a to be refreshed. Based on the constraint of display consistency, the screen refresh timing satisfies constraint 1, where the low refresh rate area decreases from 60Hz to 30Hz. Therefore, the SOC can adjust the original refresh area 700a to obtain the target refresh area 700b. For example, the target refresh area 700b can be the entire screen area.

[0145] Optionally, the target refresh area can be the entire screen area. Alternatively, the target refresh area can also be a larger area than the original refresh area; for example, the original refresh area may only include the low refresh rate area, while the target refresh area may include not only the low refresh rate area but also the medium refresh rate area.

[0146] Step 409: The SOC detects whether the target refresh area has changed. For example, the SOC can detect whether the target refresh area of ​​two image frames has changed. For instance, if the target refresh area of ​​image frame 1 is a low refresh rate area and the target refresh area of ​​image frame 2 is a medium refresh rate area, and image frame 1 is the preceding frame of image frame 2, then the target refresh area of ​​image frame 2 has changed compared to image frame 1. As another example, if the target refresh area of ​​image frame 3 is a high refresh rate area and the target refresh area of ​​image frame 4 is also a high refresh rate area, and image frame 3 is the preceding frame of image frame 4, then the target refresh area of ​​image frame 4 has not changed compared to image frame 3.

[0147] It is understandable that, according to the constraint 2 for display consistency described above, a forced full-screen refresh will be triggered when the target refresh area changes. However, in this embodiment, when the SOC detects a change in the target refresh area, it can continue to execute step 410A, thereby enabling the screen to maintain the refresh of only a local area when the target refresh area is a local area, thus saving screen power consumption. For example, within the timing range corresponding to the dashed box 702 in Figure 7, the target refresh area 702b has changed compared to the target refresh area 702a. According to constraint 2 for display consistency, a forced full-screen refresh will be triggered when the target refresh area changes. In this embodiment, through steps 410A to 414, the screen can refresh only a local area, thereby saving screen power consumption.

[0148] Additionally, it should be noted that if the original refresh area is not adjusted in step 408, the target refresh area in step 409 is also the original refresh area.

[0149] Step 410A: The SOC generates a local area refresh command. This means that when a change in the target refresh area is detected in step 409, a local area refresh command is generated; this command can be used to instruct a partial screen refresh. This way, the screen does not need to force a global refresh when the screen refresh area changes.

[0150] Optionally, the local area refresh command includes location indication information of the target refresh area, which can be used by the screen to determine the refresh position corresponding to the local area data.

[0151] Step 410B: The SOC generates a local area transmission command. This local area transmission command can be used by the SOC to transmit display data of an updated local area to the screen. It should be noted that the execution order of steps 410B and steps 407 to 410A is not limited in this embodiment. For example, step 410B can be executed by one process, and steps 407 to 410A by another process. Alternatively, step 410B can be executed first, followed by steps 407 to 410A.

[0152] Step 411: The SOC sends local area data and a local area refresh command to the screen. For example, in response to the local area transmission command, the SOC sends local area data to the screen; and the SOC sends the local area refresh command to the screen, thus eliminating the need for a forced global refresh of the screen.

[0153] In addition, the screen may integrate or be connected to a display driver IC (DDIC). Through the DDIC, the screen can perform the following steps 412 to 414:

[0154] Step 412: The screen detects whether there is a local refresh area based on the self refresh command, or global data, or local area data and local area refresh command.

[0155] Optionally, if the screen does not detect a partial refresh area, step 413 can continue. For example, when the screen receives global data, it is determined that no partial refresh area has been detected. Alternatively, when the screen receives a self-refresh command, it can also be determined that no partial refresh data has been detected. Or, for example, when the screen receives a self-refresh command, and the position indication information included in the self-refresh command is used to indicate the global refresh area, it can also be determined that no partial refresh area has been detected.

[0156] Alternatively, when a partial refresh area is detected, step 414 can continue. For example, when the screen receives a partial refresh command, it is determined that a partial refresh area has been detected. Or, for example, when the screen receives a self-refresh command, and the position indication information included in the self-refresh command is used to indicate a partial refresh area, it can also be determined that a partial refresh area has been detected.

[0157] Step 413: Refresh global area data. For example, if the screen receives a self-refresh command, it can respond by reading the display data corresponding to the full-screen area from the cache and refreshing the full-screen content based on the read display data. Alternatively, if the screen receives global data, it can refresh the full-screen content based on the received global data.

[0158] Step 414: Refresh the target area data on the screen. For example, if the screen receives a partial area refresh command and partial area data, it can respond to the partial area refresh command by refreshing the target refresh area based on the received partial area data. Alternatively, if the screen receives a self-refresh command, it can respond to the self-refresh command by reading the display data corresponding to the partial area from the cache and refreshing the target refresh area based on the read display data; the target refresh area can be indicated by the self-refresh command.

[0159] By using processing method three, the SOC can generate a local area refresh command on the SOC side when it detects that the conditions are met. This local area refresh command enables a partial refresh of the screen. This reduces the forced full-screen refresh that occurs with each partition change, thereby lowering screen power consumption.

[0160] In one possible scenario, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of screen partitioning provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the interface 810 can divide the screen into a 10Hz low refresh rate area, a 60Hz high refresh rate area, and a 30Hz medium refresh rate area. Several possible screen refresh processes are described below with reference to Figures 9A to 9C.

[0161] For example, Figure 9A is a timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. This timing diagram indicates that the screen is transitioning from a 60Hz full-screen refresh mode to a partitioned partial refresh mode.

[0162] Refresh timing 901-903: The screen is in full-screen refresh mode, performing a global refresh. This can be understood as the SOC sending global data to the screen via MIPI in global refresh mode.

[0163] Refresh Timing 904-906: Starting from refresh timing 904, the screen begins a partitioned partial refresh mode, with the refresh rate of the medium and low refresh rate areas gradually decreasing. For example, the medium refresh rate area decreases from 60Hz to 30Hz, and the low refresh rate area also decreases from 60Hz to 30Hz. In this partitioned partial refresh mode, the SOC can acquire updated local data and send it to the screen via MIPI. Correspondingly, the screen can refresh the local data. Referring to Figure 4, when the SOC detects a partial refresh scenario and the target refresh area changes (e.g., from the global area to only the high refresh rate area), it can instruct the screen to perform a partial area refresh command. Through the partial area refresh command, the screen can avoid forced full-screen refresh when the refresh rate decreases. In addition, during the refresh timing 904 to refresh timing 906, the lowest refresh rate among the multiple refresh rates included in the screen is 30Hz. Therefore, refresh timing 905 satisfies constraint 3. The original refresh area corresponding to refresh timing 905 can be adjusted according to step 408 to obtain the target refresh area, as shown in Figure 9A. The original refresh area corresponding to refresh timing 905 is a local area, and the target refresh area is a global area.

[0164] It is understandable that as the refresh rate gradually decreases, there is no limit to the number of times the screen refreshes at the intermediate refresh rate. For example, if the intermediate refresh rate is 30Hz, it can refresh once at 30Hz, or it can refresh multiple times before reducing to the next refresh rate.

[0165] For example, Figure 9B is a timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. This timing diagram is used to indicate the process of the low refresh rate area gradually decreasing in the partitioned partial refresh mode of the screen.

[0166] Refresh timing 907-909: The refresh rate in the medium refresh rate zone is reduced to the target refresh rate, while the refresh rate in the low refresh rate zone is gradually decreasing. For example, the medium refresh rate zone has already reduced to the target refresh rate of 30Hz, while the low refresh rate zone is still refreshing at the intermediate refresh rate of 30Hz and has not yet reduced to the target refresh rate of 10Hz.

[0167] During the refresh timing process from 907 to 909, the lowest refresh rate among the multiple refresh rates included in the screen is still 30Hz. Therefore, refresh timing 907 satisfies constraint 3. The original refresh area corresponding to refresh timing 907 can be adjusted according to step 408 to obtain the target refresh area, as shown in Figure 9B. The original refresh area corresponding to refresh timing 907 is a local area, and the target refresh area is a global area.

[0168] Refresh timing 909 is the switching timing for the refresh rate of the low refresh rate area, which satisfies constraint 1. The original refresh area corresponding to refresh timing 909 can be adjusted according to step 408 to obtain the target refresh area, as shown in Figure 9B. The original refresh area corresponding to refresh timing 909 is a local area, and the target refresh area is a global area. Therefore, the SOC can send the updated display data of the local area to the screen and indicate the position of the target refresh area through a local area refresh command, thereby enabling the screen to refresh the target refresh area. The display data corresponding to the areas in the target refresh area that do not belong to the original refresh area can be obtained by the screen from the cache.

[0169] Refresh timings 910 to 915: The refresh rate in the medium refresh rate area is reduced to the target refresh rate, and the refresh rate in the low refresh rate area is also reduced to the target refresh rate. For example, the medium refresh rate area has been reduced to 30Hz, and the low refresh rate area has been reduced to 10Hz. During refresh timings 910 to 915, the lowest refresh rate among the multiple refresh rates included on the screen is 10Hz. Therefore, refresh timing 915 satisfies constraint 3. The original refresh area corresponding to refresh timing 915 can be adjusted according to step 408 to obtain the target refresh area, as shown in Figure 9B. The original refresh area corresponding to refresh timing 915 is a local area, and the target refresh area is a global area.

[0170] For example, Figure 9C is a timing diagram of a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. This timing diagram indicates the process by which each partition in the screen partition partial refresh mode is stably refreshed according to its corresponding refresh rate.

[0171] Refresh timings 916 to 922: Each refresh rate zone refreshes stably according to its corresponding refresh rate. The low refresh rate zone performs a self-refresh. For example, during refresh timings 916 and 922, even if the screen does not receive update data from the SOC for the low refresh rate zone, it will still refresh the low refresh rate zone, or it will refresh the entire screen area including the low refresh rate zone, to ensure consistent display quality. During refresh timings 916 to 922, the lowest refresh rate among the multiple refresh rates included on the screen is 10Hz. Therefore, refresh timings 916 and 922 satisfy constraint 3. The original refresh areas corresponding to refresh timings 916 and 922 can be adjusted according to step 408 to obtain the target refresh area, as shown in Figure 9C. The original refresh areas corresponding to refresh timings 916 and 922 are local areas, while the target refresh area is a global area.

[0172] In another possible scenario, considering that the screen hardware can only support a limited number of refresh rate levels, such as only two, this embodiment of the application can also achieve more refresh rate levels by adjusting the refresh area. It is understood that this method can also be applied to scenarios where the screen hardware cannot achieve the desired refresh rate, such as when the screen hardware supports multiple refresh rates, but the target refresh rate set by an application cannot be directly achieved through hardware.

[0173] For example, Figure 10 is another schematic diagram of screen partitioning provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in the interface 1010 included in Figure 10, the screen can be divided into a 10Hz low refresh rate area, a 60Hz high refresh rate area, a 120Hz high refresh rate area, a 30Hz medium refresh rate area, and a 1Hz low refresh rate area.

[0174] Taking a screen whose hardware only supports 120Hz and 10Hz refresh rates as an example, 60Hz and 30Hz can be achieved with hardware that supports 120Hz refresh rates, and 1Hz can be achieved with hardware that supports 10Hz refresh rates.

[0175] For example, Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of refresh area adjustment provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11A, the refresh of the 120Hz refresh rate area can be implemented based on the screen's hardware function; the refresh of the 60Hz refresh rate area can be based on the 120Hz refresh rate area, and every two frames of images are refreshed, the target refresh area is adjusted to include both the 120Hz and 60Hz refresh rate areas, thereby enabling the hardware based on the 120Hz refresh rate to achieve the refresh of the 60Hz refresh rate area; the refresh of the 30Hz refresh rate area can be based on the 120Hz refresh rate area, and every four frames of images are refreshed, the target refresh area is adjusted to include both the 120Hz and 30Hz refresh rate areas, thereby enabling the hardware based on the 120Hz refresh rate to achieve the refresh of the 30Hz refresh rate area.

[0176] As shown in Figure 11A, the target refresh area corresponding to the first frame image includes: a 60Hz refresh rate area, a 120Hz refresh rate area, and a 30Hz refresh rate area; the target refresh area corresponding to the second frame image includes: a 120Hz refresh rate area; the target refresh area corresponding to the third frame image includes: a 60Hz refresh rate area and a 120Hz refresh rate area; the target refresh area corresponding to the fourth frame image includes: a 120Hz refresh rate area; the target refresh area corresponding to the fifth frame image includes: a 60Hz refresh rate area, a 120Hz refresh rate area, and a 30Hz refresh rate area; and so on…

[0177] For example, Figure 11B is another schematic diagram of refresh area adjustment provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11B, the refresh of the 10Hz refresh rate area can be implemented based on the hardware function of the screen; the refresh of the 1Hz refresh rate area can be based on the 10Hz refresh rate area. Every ten frames of images are refreshed, the target refresh area is adjusted to include both the 10Hz refresh rate area and the 1Hz refresh rate area, thereby enabling the hardware to achieve a 1Hz refresh rate area refresh based on the 10Hz refresh rate.

[0178] As shown in Figure 11B, the target refresh area corresponding to the first frame includes a 10Hz refresh rate area and a 1Hz refresh rate area; the target refresh areas corresponding to the second to tenth frames include a 10Hz refresh rate area; the target refresh area corresponding to the eleventh frame includes a 10Hz refresh rate area; and so on...

[0179] As illustrated in Figures 10 to 11B, the method provided in this application embodiment can achieve more refresh rate partitions by adjusting the target refresh area. Furthermore, in conjunction with Figure 4, in a scenario where the target refresh area is obtained based on partial refresh, the SOC can also send a partial area refresh command to the screen, thereby enabling partial area data display on the screen and saving screen power consumption.

[0180] Figure 12 is another flowchart illustrating a screen partition refresh method provided in an embodiment of this application. This process can be applied to an electronic device, which may include at least a processor and a screen; wherein the processor is, for example, the SOC described in the foregoing embodiments. The process may include the following steps:

[0181] Step 1201: The processor sends a local area refresh command to the screen; wherein, the local area refresh command is generated when the processor determines that the first target refresh area to be refreshed in the first frame image is different from the second target refresh area to be refreshed in the second frame image, the first target refresh area is a local area, and the second frame image is the previous frame image adjacent to the first frame image.

[0182] Step 1202: The screen refreshes the first target refresh area according to the local area refresh command.

[0183] It should be noted that the specific implementation process of steps 1201 and 1202 can be referred to the content described in Figures 4 to 11B above, and will not be repeated here.

[0184] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides an electronic device, which includes multiple functional modules; the multiple functional modules interact to realize the functions performed by the electronic device in the methods described in the embodiments of this application. The multiple functional modules can be implemented based on software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, and the multiple functional modules can be arbitrarily combined or divided based on specific implementations. For example, steps 401 to 414 performed by the electronic device in the embodiment shown in FIG4, or steps 1201 to 1202 performed by the electronic device in the embodiment shown in FIG12.

[0185] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides an electronic device, which includes at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores computer program instructions. When the electronic device is running, the at least one processor performs the functions performed by the electronic device in the various methods described in the embodiments of this application. For example, steps 401 to 414 performed by the electronic device in the embodiment shown in FIG4, or steps 1201 to 1202 performed by the electronic device in the embodiment shown in FIG12.

[0186] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods described in the embodiments of this application.

[0187] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the embodiments of this application.

[0188] Based on the above embodiments, this application also provides a chip for reading computer programs stored in a memory to implement the methods described in the embodiments of this application.

[0189] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing the methods described in the embodiments of this application. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that include computer-usable program code.

[0190] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0191] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0192] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0193] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A screen partition refresh method, characterized in that, Applied to an electronic device, the electronic device including a processor and a screen, including: The processor sends a local area refresh command to the screen; wherein, the local area refresh command is generated when the processor determines that the first target refresh area to be refreshed in the first frame image is different from the second target refresh area to be refreshed in the second frame image, the first target refresh area is a local area, and the second frame image is the previous frame image adjacent to the first frame image; The screen refreshes the first target refresh area according to the local area refresh command.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The processor sends first area display data to the screen; wherein the first area display data corresponds to the original refresh area in the first frame image, and the first target refresh area is greater than or equal to the original refresh area.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electronic device further includes a memory, and when the first target refresh area is larger than the original refresh area, the method further includes: The screen reads the second area display data corresponding to the area outside the original refresh area in the first target refresh area from the memory; The step of refreshing the first target refresh area includes: The original refresh area is refreshed based on the data displayed in the first area; Based on the data displayed in the second area, refresh the area in the first target refresh area other than the original refresh area.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The processor obtains the original refresh area based on the dirty areas that have changed between the first frame image and the second frame image; The processor adjusts the original refresh area according to a preset rule to obtain the first target refresh area; The preset rule is used to determine that there is at least one constraint region that needs to be refreshed synchronously, and the first target refresh region includes the original refresh region and the at least one constraint region.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preset rules include: the refresh timing when the first constraint region is reached; Wherein, the first constrained region has a first refresh rate, and the screen does not support the first refresh rate; the refresh timing is obtained based on a second refresh rate supported by the screen; the first refresh rate is less than the second refresh rate.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The preset rules include at least one of the following rules: The refresh rate switching timing when reaching the second constraint region with a third refresh rate; wherein, the third refresh rate is the target refresh rate of the second constraint region; The self-refresh timing for reaching the third constraint region with a fourth refresh rate; wherein the fourth refresh rate is the lowest refresh rate among the plurality of refresh rates included in the screen.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The local area refresh command includes first position indication information, which is used to indicate the display position of the first target refresh area on the screen.

8. A screen partition refresh method, characterized in that, Applied to an electronic device, the electronic device including a processor and a screen, including: When the processor does not send display data to the screen, it detects that a preset rule is met and sends a self-refresh command to the screen; wherein, the preset rule is used to determine that there is at least one constrained area that needs to be refreshed; The screen refreshes the at least one constrained area according to the self-refresh command.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The self-refresh command includes second position indication information, which is used to indicate the display position of the at least one constraint area on the screen.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The electronic device further includes a memory; the method further includes: The screen reads the third area display data corresponding to the at least one constraint area from the memory; Refreshing the at least one constraint region includes: The at least one constraint region is refreshed based on the data displayed in the third region.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The preset rules include: the refresh timing when the first constraint region is reached; Wherein, the first constrained region has a first refresh rate, and the screen does not support the first refresh rate; the refresh timing is obtained based on a second refresh rate supported by the screen; the first refresh rate is less than the second refresh rate.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The preset rules include at least one of the following rules: The refresh rate switching timing when reaching the second constraint region with a third refresh rate; wherein, the third refresh rate is the target refresh rate of the second constraint region; The self-refresh timing for reaching the third constraint region with a fourth refresh rate; wherein the fourth refresh rate is the lowest refresh rate among the plurality of refresh rates included in the screen.

13. A screen partition refresh method, characterized in that, Applied to electronic devices, including: A first target refresh area to be refreshed is determined in the first frame image; wherein, the first target refresh area is a local area of ​​the screen of the electronic device; When it is detected that the first target refresh area is different from the second target refresh area to be refreshed in the second frame image, a local area refresh command is generated; wherein, the second frame image is the previous frame image adjacent to the first frame image, and the local area refresh command is used to instruct the screen to refresh the first target refresh area.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Determining the first target refresh region in the first frame image includes: Based on the dirty regions in the first frame image that have changed compared to the second frame image, the original refreshed region in the first frame image is obtained; The original refresh area is adjusted according to preset rules to obtain the first target refresh area; The preset rule is used to determine that there is at least one constraint region that needs to be refreshed synchronously, and the first target refresh region includes the original refresh region and the at least one constraint region.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The preset rules include: the refresh timing when the first constraint region is reached; Wherein, the first constrained region has a first refresh rate, and the screen does not support the first refresh rate; the refresh timing is obtained based on a second refresh rate supported by the screen; the first refresh rate is less than the second refresh rate.

16. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The preset rules include at least one of the following rules: The refresh rate switching timing when reaching the second constraint region with a third refresh rate; wherein, the third refresh rate is the target refresh rate of the second constraint region; The self-refresh timing for reaching the third constraint region with a fourth refresh rate; wherein the fourth refresh rate is the lowest refresh rate among the plurality of refresh rates included in the screen.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The local area refresh command includes location indication information, which is used to indicate the display position of the first target refresh area on the screen.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, Before determining the first target refresh area to be refreshed in the first frame image, the method further includes: Image refresh detected; A local area refresh was detected in the first frame image.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: When it is detected that there is no image refresh and the self-refresh timing of the fourth refresh rate is reached, a self-refresh command is generated. The self-refresh command is used to instruct the screen to refresh a third target refresh area, which includes an area with the fourth refresh rate.

20. An electronic device, characterized in that, The method includes at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being configured to read a computer program stored in the at least one memory to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19.

22. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19.

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