Asynchronous Display Driver Reducing Memory and Aberrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display driver circuits require significant memory for storing video data, leading to increased chip size, manufacturing defects, and visually perceptible aberrations due to high pulse transitions and the use of multiple storage latches per pixel.
Innovation Solution
A display driver method that writes data bits directly to pixels using a single pulse, with equally-weighted bits updated during specific time intervals to reduce memory requirements and aberrations, and asynchronously drives rows to minimize pulse transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large input buffer is used to store complete video frames, then video data can be stored adequately, but chip space increases and manufacturing defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple blocks, and the input buffer is segmented to store only the current block's video data rather than the entire frame. This allows the buffer to be much smaller while still accommodating the necessary video data for display updating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to data storage by implementing a dual-buffer system where data is stored in one buffer while being displayed from another. This allows efficient use of minimal buffer space through time-multiplexed data storage and display.
2Reliability
If multiple storage latches are used per pixel, then video data can be stored reliably, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple latches into a single latch per pixel by combining data storage and control functions. The single latch works in conjunction with the block-based buffering system to achieve reliable data storage without the complexity of multiple latches per pixel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service mechanisms where the display controller manages data timing and synchronization automatically, eliminating the need for multiple latches per pixel to handle complex data sequencing and storage requirements.
3Productivity
If high pulse transitions are used to update pixels, then data can be written quickly, but visually perceptible aberrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic updating of pixel blocks in a systematic sequence, where each block is updated at regular intervals rather than all simultaneously. This periodic block-by-block updating reduces the number of concurrent pulse transitions, minimizing visual aberrations while maintaining acceptable data writing speed.
4Area of stationary object
If the input buffer capacity is reduced, then chip space decreases, but bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the display into blocks and the buffer to hold only current block data, the patent reduces the total data volume that needs to be transmitted at any given time. This block-based approach allows smaller buffer capacity while maintaining manageable bandwidth requirements through localized data transfers.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel method for driving a display includes the steps of defining a modulation period during which a particular intensity value is asserted on a pixel of the display, dividing the modulation period into a plurality of coequal time intervals, receiving a data word, which includes a plurality of equally-weighted bits and is indicative of an intensity value to be displayed by the pixel, updating a signal asserted on the pixel during each of a plurality of consecutive time intervals during a first portion of the modulation period, and updating the signal asserted on the pixel every mth time interval during a second portion of the modulation period, where m is equal to the weight of each of the equally-weighted bits. The data word can either be composed of two groups of equally-weighed bits, or a combination of binary bits and equally-weighted. The invention also includes a novel display driver for executing the driving methods.