Apparatus and method for improving efficiency of video transmission power between source device and sink device

Abstract

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method and an apparatus for improving the efficiency of video transmission power between a source device and a sink device are provided. In the present disclosure, an operation of reading a DPCD 002025h register is performed between source / sink only when necessary according to the validity of a video frame (whether the video frame is a still image). Therefore, unnecessary power consumption of an AUX_CH data line can be reduced, and an extended refresh rate value can be productively operated by omitting unnecessary logic and reusing existing data.

Description

Device and method for improving the efficiency of video transmission power between a source device and a sink device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of video transmission power between a source device and a sink device.

[0002]

[0003] The Adaptive-Sync Rate Protocol (ARP) feature of eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) provides an opportunity to save power between refreshes without having to place a separate Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) in the sink device. This has the advantage of preventing resync latency that can occur in an RFB-less architecture.

[0004] However, if the source device uses ARP polling mode, the fixed refresh rate is not set. Therefore, after transmitting video frame N, the source device must read the sink device's DPCD (DisplayPort Configuration Data) register 02025h every time to determine the extended refresh rate for transmitting the next frame.

[0005] This polling method involves reading register data through the AUX_CH (AUX channel) every time to transmit the next video frame (N+x), regardless of whether video frame N is valid or has changed. Since such unnecessary register accesses occur repeatedly, there are problems such as degraded system performance and wasted additional power.

[0006]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of video transmission power between a source device and a sink device.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0009]

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operation of a source device supporting an Adaptive Refresh Panel (ARP) polling mode is provided, comprising the steps of: comparing a first video frame stored in a frame buffer with a second video frame following the first video frame; and, if the first video frame and the second video frame are the same still image, omitting the step of polling a register of a sink device and reusing a preset Extended Refresh Rate (ERR) to transmit the second video frame.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a source device supporting an Adaptive Refresh Panel (ARP) polling mode is provided, comprising: a processor; a memory; and a transceiver, wherein the memory stores instructions for performing operations based on execution by the processor, and the operations include: a step of comparing a first video frame stored in a frame buffer with a second video frame after the first video frame; and a step of transmitting the second video frame by reusing a preset Extended Refresh Rate (ERR) and omitting the step of polling a register of a sink device when the first video frame and the second video frame are the same still image.

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores one or more instructions, wherein the one or more instructions perform operations based on being executed by one or more processors, and the operations include: a step of comparing a first video frame stored in a frame buffer with a second video frame after the first video frame; and a step of transmitting the second video frame by reusing a preset Extended Refresh Rate (ERR) and omitting the step of polling a register of a sink device when the first video frame and the second video frame are the same still image.

[0013]

[0014] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present disclosure may provide an apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of video transmission power between a source device and a sink device.

[0015]

[0016] The drawings attached below are intended to aid in understanding the present disclosure and may provide embodiments of the present disclosure together with the detailed description. However, the technical features of the present disclosure are not limited to specific drawings, and the features disclosed in each drawing may be combined with one another to form new embodiments. Reference numerals in each drawing may denote structural elements.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a Source device and a Sink device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a Source device and a Sink device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a video frame.

[0021] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ARP eDP system.

[0022] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of a polling register.

[0023] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the process for determining the ERR (extended refresh rate) when transmitting video frame N+.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a still image determination block in an ARP source device.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a model for determining ERR based on an ARP polling mode according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example of an ARP capable eDP system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ARP-capable eDP system.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ARP-capable eDP system in which a Source device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure reuses the Extended Refresh Rate.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an example of a method of operation of a Source device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030]

[0031] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, "A or B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." Alternatively, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, "A or B" may be interpreted as "A and / or B." For example, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, "A, B or C" may mean "only A," "only B," "only C," or "any combination of A, B and C."

[0032] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a slash ( / ) or a comma used may mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" may mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" may mean "A, B or C."

[0033] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, "at least one of A and B" may mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." Additionally, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the expressions "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" may be interpreted as synonymous with "at least one of A and B."

[0034] Additionally, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, “at least one of A, B and C” may mean “only A,” “only B,” “only C,” or “any combination of A, B and C.” Also, “at least one of A, B or C” or “at least one of A, B and / or C” may mean “at least one of A, B and C.”

[0035]

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Hereinafter, devices that transmit and receive video, audio, and control data will be collectively referred to as AV (audio / video) systems. Examples of AV systems include HDMI and DisplayPort.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the AV system may include a source device (100) and a sink device (200). In particular, in the AV system, the device that transmits video / audio data corresponds to the source device (100), and the device that receives video / audio data corresponds to the sink device (200). At this time, cables and connectors may be provided as physical devices that connect the two devices to support data transmission and reception.

[0039] Cables and connectors can perform pairing of four channels providing TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) data channels and TMDS clock channels. TMDS data channels can be used to transmit video data, audio data, and auxiliary data.

[0040] Additionally, the AV system provides a Display Data Channel (DC). The DDC is used for exchanging configuration and status information between source and sink devices. The CEC protocol can provide high-level control functions between various audio-visual products in the user environment and may be used optionally. Furthermore, the optional HDMI Ethernet and Audio Return Channel (HEAC) may provide Ethernet-compatible data networking between the Audio Return Channel (ARC) and connected devices from the opposite direction from the TMDS.

[0041] Video data, audio data, and auxiliary data can be transmitted / received through three TMDS data channels. The TMDS clock typically runs the video pixel rate and is transmitted through the TMDS clock channel. The TMDS clock can be used as a frequency reference for data recovery in the three TMDS data channels at the receiver. At the source device, 8 bits of data per TMDS data channel can be converted into a 10-bit DC-balanced, transition-minimized sequence and transmitted serially at a rate of 10 bits per TMDS clock period.

[0042] To transmit audio data and auxiliary data through TMDS channels, AV systems use a packet structure. To achieve high reliability for audio data and control data, data can be transmitted as 10-bit words generated using BCH error correction codes and error reduction coding.

[0043] The source device can read the E-EDID (Enhanced Extended Display Identification Data) of the DDC (Display Data Channel) sink device to determine the configuration information and available functions of the sink device. The E-EDID may also be referred to as EDID information below.

[0044] The utility line can be used for optional extension functions such as HEAC.

[0045] The source device (100) can receive EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information from the sink device (200) through a DDC channel. The source device (100) can parse the received EDID information to recognize configuration information and support functions of the sink device (200). The EDID information may include at least one block containing various information regarding the sink device (200).

[0046] In particular, EDID information according to one embodiment of the present invention may include information regarding the function and power supply capability of the sink device (200) in power transmission and reception. The source device (100) recognizes the power transmission / reception capability of the sink device (200) through this EDID information and, accordingly, can transmit power to the sink device (200) or receive power from the sink device (200).

[0047] The source device (100) includes at least one of a display unit (110), a user input interface unit (120), a control unit (180), a transmitter (Tx), a memory unit (140), a storage unit (150), a multimedia unit (160), a power control unit (130), and a power supply unit (170).

[0048] The sink device (200) includes at least one of an EDID EEPROM (210), a power control unit (220), a display unit (230), a user input interface unit (240), a receiver (Rx), a control unit (280), a power supply unit (250), a memory unit (260), and a multimedia unit (270). In the following description, the description of units performing the same operation will not be duplicated.

[0049] The source device (100) represents a physical device that transmits or streams content stored in the storage unit (150) to the sink device (200). The source device (100) can send a request message to the sink device (200) or receive and process a request message received from the sink device (200). The source device (100) can provide a UI that processes a response message sent by the sink device (200) in response to the transmitted request message and delivers it to the user, and if the source device (100) includes a display unit (110), this UI can be provided as a display. Additionally, the source device (100) can request power to be supplied from the sink device (200).

[0050] The sink device (200) receives content from the source device (100) and can send a request message to the source device (100) or process a message received from the source device (100) and send a response message. The sink device (200) can also provide a User Interface (UI) that processes a response message received from the source device (100) and delivers it to a user, and if the sink device (200) includes a display unit, it can provide this UI as a display. Additionally, the sink device (200) can supply power requested by the source device (100) to the source device (100).

[0051] The user input interface unit (120, 240) can receive user action or input, and as an example, the user input interface (120, 240) may correspond to a remote controller, a voice receiving / recognition device, a touch input sensing / receiving device, etc.

[0052] The control unit (180, 280) can control the overall operation of each device. In particular, the control unit (180, 280) can perform communication between the units included in each device and control the operation of each unit.

[0053] The memory unit (140, 260) represents a volatile physical device in which various types of data are temporarily stored.

[0054] A storage unit (150) represents a non-volatile physical device capable of storing various types of data.

[0055] The EDID EEPROM (210) represents an EEPROM that stores EDID information.

[0056] The memory unit (140, 260), storage unit (150), and EDID EEPROM (210) described above all serve the function of storing data, and they may all be collectively referred to as memory units.

[0057] The display unit (110, 230) can display received data or content, data stored in the memory unit, UI, etc., under the control of the control unit (180, 280).

[0058] The multimedia unit (160, 270) can play various types of multimedia. The multimedia unit (160, 270) may be implemented separately from the control unit (180, 280) or may be implemented as a single physical configuration with the control unit (180, 280).

[0059] The power supply unit (170, 250) can supply power required for the operation of the source device (100), the sink device (200), and the units included therein.

[0060] The transmitter (Tx) is a unit equipped in the source device (100) for transmitting and receiving data, and performs data transmission and reception including not only audio / video data but also messages such as commands, requests, actions, and responses between devices.

[0061] The receiver (Rx) is a unit equipped in the sink device (200) for transmitting and receiving data, and performs data transmission and reception including not only audio / video data but also messages such as commands, requests, actions, and responses between devices.

[0062] The power control unit (130, 220) can manage and control power transmission and reception between devices through the transceiver.

[0063] Among the units described above, units other than the transmitter (Rx), receiver (Tx), and control unit (180, 280) may be optionally included in the source device (100) or sink device (200) according to the embodiment and may not correspond to essential component units.

[0064] Previously, power transfer between source and sink devices was not supported in AV systems. As a result, when operating portable devices for extended periods, there was the inconvenience of having to constantly connect an external power cable to ensure optimal operation. To resolve this inconvenience, this specification proposes a method to ensure optimal operation of the AV system without the need for a separate external device by enabling a wired interface in the AV system to support a power transfer function.

[0065] For the sake of convenience of explanation, the device supplying (or transmitting) power will be referred to as the P-Source device, and the device receiving (or supplying) power will be referred to as the P-Sync device. Additionally, a device that simultaneously supports the functions of both the P-Source device and the P-Sync device will be referred to as a Dual device.

[0066]

[0067] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a Source device and a Sink device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] A detailed description of each component shown in Fig. 2 is as follows.

[0069] (1) Source Device

[0070] A device that sends request messages issuing commands to a Sink Device or receives and processes request messages from a Sink Device.

[0071] A device that supports a UI that processes a response message received from a Sink Device after sending the above request message and delivers it to the user, and a display device that displays the UI, and a device that supports a user input interface that receives user actions through the UI.

[0072] A device that supports a display device for providing a UI that receives, processes, and transmits a request message from the above-mentioned Sink Device to the user, and a device that supports a user input interface that receives user actions through the UI.

[0073] A physical device that transmits or streams content stored in the Source Device's Content Storage to the Sink Device.

[0074] (2) Sink Device

[0075] A device that sends request messages issuing commands to a Source Device or receives and processes request messages from a Source Device.

[0076] A device that supports a UI that processes a response message received from a Source Device after sending the above request message and delivers it to the user, and a display device that displays the UI, and a device that supports a user input interface that receives user actions through the UI.

[0077] A device that supports a UI that receives, processes, and transmits a request message from the above-mentioned Source Device to the user, and a display device that displays the UI, and a device that supports a user input interface that receives user actions through the UI.

[0078] A physical device that receives content from a source device or streams it to provide content rendering to the user.

[0079] (3) Network interface

[0080] A physical device that enables the transmission of messages or data, such as commands, requests, actions, and responses, between devices.

[0081] (4) Memory unit

[0082] As an optional device implemented in various types of devices, a volatile physical device (e.g., Memory) in which various types of data are temporarily stored

[0083] (5) Control unit

[0084] Overall operation control of Source and Sink Devices

[0085] (6) Display

[0086] Data received through the network interface or data stored in the Content Storage is displayed on the screen under the control of the Control Unit.

[0087] (7) Multimedia module

[0088] Device for playing various types of multimedia

[0089] The multimedia module can be implemented within the control unit or separately from the control unit.

[0090] (8) Storage

[0091] A non-volatile physical device capable of storing various types of data (e.g., SD card)

[0092] (9) Power Supply

[0093] A device that receives external and internal power under the control of a control unit and supplies the power necessary for the operation of each component.

[0094] (10) EDID / Display block (EEPROM, memory)

[0095] EEPROM storing EDID information

[0096] (11) Video Encoder

[0097] A device that compresses video to be transmitted via HDMI / DisplayPort Tx

[0098] (12) Video Decoder

[0099] A device that decompresses compressed video received via HDMI / DisplayPort Rx

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a Source device and a Sink device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] A detailed description of each component shown in Fig. 3 is as follows.

[0103] (1) Source Device

[0104] A device that sends request messages issuing commands to a Sink Device or receives and processes request messages from a Sink Device.

[0105] A device that supports a UI that processes a response message received from a Sink Device after sending the above request message and delivers it to the user, and a display device that displays the UI, and a device that supports a user input interface that receives user actions through the UI.

[0106] A device that supports a display device for providing a UI that receives, processes, and transmits a request message from the above-mentioned Sink Device to the user, and a device that supports a user input interface that receives user actions through the UI.

[0107] A physical device that transmits or streams content stored in the Source Device's Content Storage to the Sink Device.

[0108] (2) Sink Device

[0109] A device that sends request messages issuing commands to a Source Device or receives and processes request messages from a Source Device.

[0110] A device that supports a UI that processes a response message received from a Source Device after sending the above request message and delivers it to the user, and a display device that displays the UI, and a device that supports a user input interface that receives user actions through the UI.

[0111] A device that supports a UI that receives, processes, and transmits a request message from the above-mentioned Source Device to the user, and a display device that displays the UI, and a device that supports a user input interface that receives user actions through the UI.

[0112] A physical device that receives content from a source device or streams it to provide content rendering to the user.

[0113] (3) Network interface

[0114] A physical device that enables the transmission of messages or data, such as commands, requests, actions, and responses, between devices.

[0115] (4) Memory unit

[0116] As an optional device implemented in various types of devices, a volatile physical device (e.g., Memory) in which various types of data are temporarily stored

[0117] (5) Control unit

[0118] Overall operation control of Source and Sink Devices

[0119] (6) Display

[0120] Data received through the network interface or data stored in the Content Storage is displayed on the screen under the control of the Control Unit.

[0121] (7) Multimedia module

[0122] Device for playing various types of multimedia

[0123] The multimedia module can be implemented within the control unit or separately from the control unit.

[0124] (8) Storage

[0125] A non-volatile physical device capable of storing various types of data (e.g., SD card)

[0126] (9) Power Supply

[0127] A device that receives external and internal power under the control of a control unit and supplies the power necessary for the operation of each component.

[0128] (10) EDID / Display block (EEPROM, memory)

[0129] EEPROM storing EDID information

[0130] (11) Video Encoder

[0131] A device that compresses video to be transmitted via HDMI / DisplayPort Tx

[0132] (12) Video Decoder

[0133] A device that decompresses compressed video received via HDMI / DisplayPort Rx

[0134]

[0135] Background art for various embodiments of the present disclosure

[0136] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method for managing power more effectively and productively during video transmission between a Source device and a Sink device. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when operating in a polling manner during the operation of an Adaptive Refresh Panel (via ARP) for low-power video transmission, the unnecessary need to read registers for every video frame transmission can be improved. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is proposed that power management be made more efficiently by providing a still image detection function in the Source device to read registers through polling only when video frames are actually needed.

[0137]

[0138] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a video frame.

[0139] VESA Video Frame and Active Video Image

[0140] The terms "Video Frame" and "Active Video Image" are used throughout the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) standards.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 4, a single video frame consists of a vertical blank period (VBlank Period), a horizontal blank period (HBlank Period), and active pixel data.

[0142] Specifically, a video frame is defined as a segment starting from the first BS (Blanking Start) control link symbol sequence of the VBlank (vertical blanking) to the last active pixel of the last active video scan line.

[0143] The active video image is transmitted as a video frame following the VBlank (vertical blanking) period. The active video image starts at the first active pixel following the BE (Blanking End) control link symbol sequence that ends the first HBlank (horizontal blanking) period. The active video image ends at the last active pixel of the last active video scan line. Each active video scan line includes an HBlank period that starts with the BS (Blanking Start) control link symbol sequence and ends with the BE control link symbol sequence. No active pixels are transmitted during this HBlank period.

[0144]

[0145] Adaptive Refresh Panel

[0146] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ARP eDP system.

[0147] ARP (Adaptive Refresh Panel) is an optional feature of eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) that allows an ARP-capable sink device (Panel) to maintain an image for an extended period, such as one second, even if the source device (ARP-capable Source Device) does not have a fixed refresh rate.

[0148] This Extended Refresh Rate is implemented by extending the VBlank (Vertical Blanking) period and may vary per frame depending on the displayed content. The algorithm can determine an Extended Refresh Rate applied that is lower than the Minimum Refresh Rate listed in the DisplayID.

[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the source device and the sink device within the eDP system communicate via an eDP (eDP) link. The source device includes a Frame Buffer in Memory, an eDP transmitter (eDPTX), and an FB controller. The sink device includes an eDP receiver (eDPRX), a timing controller (TCON), and a display.

[0150] In particular, this ARP system provides an opportunity to save power between screen refreshes without generating resync latency by not having a Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) and an RFB controller in the sink device (No RFB, No RFB Controller). To this end, the sink device can send an Extended Refresh Rate Notification to the source device.

[0151]

[0152] Polling Mode with Adaptive Refresh Rate

[0153] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of a polling register.

[0154] Specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of a polling register in an Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARP) polling mode.

[0155] If the source device requires an extended refresh rate in polling mode, it reads the DPCD 02025h register after the video frame transmission is complete to determine the next extended refresh rate. The source device must transmit the next frame before the expiration time of the extended refresh rate thus determined.

[0156] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the source device enables the ARP function, the sink device calculates the DPCD 02025h value after the transmission of the 'last active video scan line' of 'Video Frame N' is completed. The sink device must update this calculated value within one video scan line period, that is, when the 'First Video Scan Line after Active Video Image' is in progress.

[0157] For this reason, as can be seen in the 'DPCD 02025h value' on the right side of Fig. 6, this register value is in an 'INVALID' state while video frame N is being transmitted, and then changes to an 'VALID' state after the last active video scan line. If the source device reads the register before this update is complete, this read operation may return DPCD 02025h[7] = 1, indicating that the value is not yet valid.

[0158]

[0159] Extended Refresh Rate Calculation Method - DPCD 02025h

[0160] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the process for determining the ERR (extended refresh rate) when transmitting video frame N+.

[0161] Specifically, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining the ERR (Extended Refresh Rate) using the DPCD 02025h register (ARP_EXTENDED_REFRESH_DIV).

[0162] The extended refresh rate of the last active video image is calculated based on the DPCD 02025h[6:0] value and the "Minimum Vertical Refresh Rate". This "Minimum Vertical Refresh Rate" is based on the value defined in the "Dynamic Video Timing Range Limits Data Block" table of the DisplayID standard.

[0163] Bits 6:0 of ​​the DPCD 02025h register are used as divider values ​​to calculate the extended refresh rate. The specific formula is 'Extended Refresh Rate = Minimum Refresh Rate / (Divider + 1)'.

[0164] For example, if the minimum refresh rate of DisplayID is 30Hz and the prescaler value of DPCD 02025h[6:0] is 5, the extended refresh rate is calculated as 5Hz (5Hz = 30Hz / (5 + 1)).

[0165] Also, bit 7 of DPCD 02025h is a flag (INVALID) indicating the validity of the prescaler value. If bit 7 is 0, it means that the DPCD 02025h[6:0] value is valid, and if it is 1 (default), it means that it is invalid.

[0166]

[0167] Problems with conventional technology

[0168] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a still image determination block in an ARP source device.

[0169] The Adaptive Refresh Rate Protocol (ARP) feature of eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) provides an opportunity to save power between refreshes without causing resync latency, even without placing a Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) in the sink device.

[0170] However, when the source device uses ARP polling mode, since there is no fixed refresh rate, the extended refresh rate must be determined each time by reading the DPCD 02025h register of the sink device after video frame N is transmitted.

[0171] As illustrated in Fig. 8, this polling method implies that the 'Extended Refresh Rate determination' process must be performed repeatedly whenever the transmission of each video frame, such as video frames N, N+1, N+2, N+3, etc., is completed. This operation has the problem of causing performance degradation and power waste because, regardless of the validity of video frame N—that is, even in the case of still images—regardless of the validity of video frame N, register data must be read through AUX_CH every N+x times to determine the Extended Refresh Rate and transmit the video frame.

[0172]

[0173] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a model for determining ERR based on an ARP polling mode according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0174] Specifically, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a model for determining the Extended Refresh Rate (ERR) based on the Adaptive Refresh Rate Protocol (ARP) polling mode according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0175] To solve the problems of the prior art, the present disclosure adds a 'Still Image Discriminator' block to an ARP-capable source device as illustrated in FIG. 9. This 'Still Image Discriminator' block compares a video frame N in the source device's 'Frame Buffer in Memory' with the next video frame N+1.

[0176] If the comparison results indicate that the two frames are identical images—that is, determined to be still images—the source device skips the process of determining a new Extended Refresh Rate. Instead, by reusing the existing Extended Refresh Rate, productivity can be improved and power consumption associated with AUX_CH usage can be saved.

[0177] Here, 'process for determining the Extended Refresh Rate' refers to the logic in which the source device uses the AUX_CH line to read the sink device's register DPCD 02025h to calculate the Extended Refresh Rate and determines it anew for every video frame.

[0178]

[0179] Composition and operation of the invention

[0180] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ARP-capable eDP system.

[0181] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an Adaptive Refresh Rate Protocol (ARP) eDP system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is explained in comparison with the operation of the prior art illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0182] In the existing model (see Fig. 8), when in ARP polling mode, the source device must read the DPCD 002025h register of the sink device through the AUX_CH line every time the transmission of Video Frame N is completed. Based on this data, the next Extended Refresh Rate is determined. This method has the problem of causing power waste and inefficient data read / write operations by unnecessarily repeating the process of determining the Extended Refresh Rate even when Video Frame N and N+1 are the same still image.

[0183] On the other hand, in the proposed model according to the present disclosure (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 10), when in ARP polling mode, the source device includes a 'Still Image Discriminator'. This block compares video frame N and video frame N+1 in the frame buffer to determine whether they are the same image, i.e., whether they are still images.

[0184] As illustrated in FIG. 10, after 'video frame N' is transmitted, 'Extended Refresh Rate determination' is performed. Subsequently, if the still image identification block compares video frame N with N+1 and determines them to be the same still image, the new Extended Refresh Rate determination process for 'video frame N+1' is omitted. Instead, 'existing Extended Refresh Rate reuse' is performed. Then, if 'video frame N+2' is a new image different from N+1, 'Extended Refresh Rate determination' is performed again, and if 'video frame N+3' is the same still image as N+2, 'existing Extended Refresh Rate reuse' is performed again. In this way, by omitting unnecessary determination processes in the case of still images, productivity can be improved and power consumption reduced.

[0185]

[0186] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ARP-capable eDP system.

[0187] Specifically, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation flow of an ARP (Adaptive Refresh Rate Protocol) capable eDP system according to the prior art.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 11, when ARP is active, the source device sets DPCD 00107h to 1. At the same time, the sink device that supports the 'Extended Receiver Capability field' sets DPCD 00007h[6], DPCD 02207h[6], etc. to 1 to indicate ARP support.

[0189] If the source device supports ARP polling mode, it checks whether 'video frame N transmission completed'. When the transmission of frame N is completed ('yes' branch), the source device always performs the 'Read DPCD 02025h from Sink' operation. Afterwards, based on the read value, it goes through the 'Determine Extended Refresh Rate' process to 'Transmit video frame N+1', and the sink performs 'Receive a video frame N+1'.

[0190] This existing method has the problem of causing power consumption and inefficient operation of the AUX_CH line because it unnecessarily reads DPCD 02025h and performs logic to determine the extended refresh rate every time, even when video frames N and N+1 are the same still image.

[0191]

[0192] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ARP-capable eDP system in which a Source device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure reuses the Extended Refresh Rate.

[0193] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation flow of an ARP capable eDP system with an added still image detection function according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure operates by adding a block ('still image detection' of FIG. 7) that detects a still image by comparing video frames N and N+1 in a frame buffer within a source device of an existing ARP capable eDP system.

[0194] Referring to Fig. 12, when the ARP is enabled as in Fig. 11, the source device and the sink device each set the DPCD register to prepare for the ARP operation.

[0195] If the source device supports an ARP polling mode, the present disclosure includes a step of first determining whether ‘video frame N != video frame N+1’ prior to the ‘video frame N transmission complete’ step.

[0196] As a result of the judgment, if the 'no' branch occurs—that is, if video frame N and video frame N+1 are the same (in the case of a still image)—the source device skips the process of determining a new Extended Refresh Rate (dotted box area). Instead, it performs 'Transmit video frame N+1' by reusing the previously determined Extended Refresh Rate. As indicated on the sink side of Fig. 12, 'If still image, corresponding area is skipped' indicates that this process can be skipped.

[0197] When the result of the judgment is a 'yes' branch, that is, when it is determined that video frame N+1 is valid because video frame N and N+1 are not equal and a new video image has been transmitted, the source device operates in the existing polling mode. That is, after confirming 'video frame N transmission completed', it performs 'read DPCD 02025h from the sink', and then performs 'video frame N+1 transmission' through 'determining extended refresh rate'.

[0198] As such, the present disclosure performs the operation of reading the DPCD 002025h register between the source and sink only when necessary, depending on the validity of the video frame (whether it is a still image). This reduces unnecessary power consumption of the AUX_CH data line and allows for the productive operation of the Extended Refresh Rate value by omitting unnecessary logic and reusing existing data.

[0199]

[0200] [Explanation regarding Source device claim]

[0201] The embodiments described above will be explained in detail below with reference to FIG. 13 regarding the operation of the Source device. The methods described below are distinguished only for the convenience of explanation, and it is obvious that as long as they are not mutually excluded, a part of one method may be substituted with a part of another method or combined with one another and applied.

[0202] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an example of the operation process of a Source device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0203] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method is provided that is performed by a source device that supports an Adaptive Refresh Panel (ARP) polling mode.

[0204] A source device includes a processor; memory; and a transceiver. The memory stores instructions for performing operations based on execution by the processor.

[0205] In step S1301, the source device compares a first video frame stored in a frame buffer with a second video frame after the first video frame.

[0206] In step S1302, if the first video frame and the second video frame are the same still image, the source device skips the step of polling the registers of the sink device and transmits the second video frame by reusing a preset Extended Refresh Rate (ERR).

[0207]

[0208] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiment of FIG. 13 may further include the step of determining a new ERR by polling the register of the sink device when the first video frame and the second video frame are not the same, and transmitting the second video frame based on the new ERR.

[0209] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the register may be the DPCD (DisplayPort Configuration Data) 002025h register of the sink device. The step of polling the register may be performed via the AUX_CH (Auxiliary Channel) line.

[0210] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, power consumption of the AUX_CH line can be reduced by omitting the step of polling the register in the case of the still image.

[0211] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of comparing the first video frame and the second video frame may be performed based on a Still Image Detection Block included in the source device.

[0212] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the ARP polling mode may operate in an eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) system in which the sink device does not include an RFB (Remote Frame Buffer).

[0213] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the new ERR may be determined based on the 'DIVIDER' value and the Minimum Refresh Rate value received from the register.

[0214]

[0215] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a Source device is provided. The Source device comprises a processor; a memory; and a transceiver, and the processor may be configured to perform the method of operation of the Source device according to FIG. 13.

[0216]

[0217] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for controlling a Source device is provided. The device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory operably connected to the at least one processor. The at least one memory may be configured to store instructions for performing a method of operating the Source device according to FIG. 13 based on execution by the at least one processor.

[0218]

[0219] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (CRMs) storing one or more instructions are provided. The one or more instructions perform operations based on execution by one or more processors, and the operations may include a method of operation of a Source device according to FIG. 13.

[0220]

[0221] The claims described in various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features of the method claims of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to be implemented as a device, and the technical features of the device claims of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to be implemented as a method. Furthermore, the technical features of the method claims and the technical features of the device claims of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to be implemented as a device, and the technical features of the method claims and the technical features of the device claims of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to be implemented as a method.

Claims

1. A method of operation of a source device that supports an Adaptive Refresh Panel (ARP) polling mode, A step of comparing a first video frame stored in a frame buffer with a second video frame after the first video frame; When the first video frame and the second video frame are the same still image, the step of transmitting the second video frame by reusing a preset Extended Refresh Rate (ERR) and omitting the step of polling the registers of the sink device. method.

2. In Paragraph 1, If the first video frame and the second video frame are not identical, the method further includes the step of polling the register of the sink device to determine a new ERR and transmitting the second video frame based on the new ERR. method.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above register is the DPCD (DisplayPort Configuration Data) 002025h register of the sink device, and The step of polling the above register is performed via the AUX_CH (Auxiliary Channel) line, method.

4. In Paragraph 1, In the case of the above still image, by omitting the step of polling the register, power consumption of the AUX_CH line is reduced. method.

5. In Paragraph 1, The step of comparing the first video frame and the second video frame is performed based on a Still Image Detection Block included in the source device. method.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above ARP polling mode is for an eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) system in which the sink device does not include an RFB (Remote Frame Buffer), method.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above new ERR is determined based on the 'DIVIDER' value and the Minimum Refresh Rate value received from the above register, method.

8. In a source device that supports an Adaptive Refresh Panel (ARP) polling mode, It includes a processor; memory; and a transceiver, The above memory stores instructions for performing operations based on execution by the processor, and The above operations are, A step of comparing a first video frame stored in a frame buffer with a second video frame after the first video frame; When the first video frame and the second video frame are the same still image, the step of transmitting the second video frame by reusing a preset Extended Refresh Rate (ERR) and omitting the step of polling the registers of the sink device. Source device.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above operations are, If the first video frame and the second video frame are not identical, the method further includes the step of polling the register of the sink device to determine a new ERR and transmitting the second video frame based on the new ERR. Source device.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above register is the DPCD (DisplayPort Configuration Data) 002025h register of the sink device, and The step of polling the above register is performed via the AUX_CH (Auxiliary Channel) line, Source device.

11. In Paragraph 8, In the case of the above still image, by omitting the step of polling the register, power consumption of the AUX_CH line is reduced. Source device.

12. In Paragraph 8, The step of comparing the first video frame and the second video frame is performed based on a Still Image Detection Block included in the source device. Source device.

13. In Paragraph 8, The above ARP polling mode is for an eDP (Embedded DisplayPort) system in which the sink device does not include an RFB (Remote Frame Buffer), Source device.

14. In Paragraph 8, The above new ERR is determined based on the 'DIVIDER' value and the Minimum Refresh Rate value received from the above register, Source device.

15. In one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more instructions, The above one or more instructions perform operations based on being executed by one or more processors, and The above operations are, A step of comparing a first video frame stored in a frame buffer with a second video frame after the first video frame; When the first video frame and the second video frame are the same still image, the step of transmitting the second video frame by reusing a preset Extended Refresh Rate (ERR) and omitting the step of polling the registers of the sink device. Computer-readable media.

Images