Asynchronous Single Frame Update for Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display panels face inefficiencies in energy consumption and image quality due to fixed refresh rates, leading to issues like image jitter and tearing, as they struggle to adapt to varying render rates and extended pixel memory retention times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an asynchronous single frame update (ASFU) mechanism that dynamically adjusts the refresh rate by varying the vertical blanking interval, allowing the display panel to power down during idle periods and refresh from local buffers, synchronizing only when new frames are available, thereby matching the render rate and optimizing power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed refresh rate is used, then the display panel maintains stable image display, but energy consumption increases and adaptability to varying render rates decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic refresh rate adjustment by varying the vertical blanking interval based on whether a frame update is scheduled. The system transitions from a fixed refresh rate to a dynamic one that adapts to the render rate, allowing the display panel to power down during idle periods and refresh only when new frames are available, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vertical blanking interval parameter dynamically. When a frame is scheduled to be sent, the VB interval is adjusted to synchronize with the frame arrival; when no frame is scheduled, the VB interval is extended to allow the display link to power down. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying render rates while optimizing power consumption.
2Productivity
If the display link remains powered on continuously, then frame updates are transmitted without delay, but power consumption increases during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the display link rather than continuous operation. The link is powered on only during periods when frame updates are scheduled to be transmitted, and powered down during idle periods between frame updates. This periodic action maintains productivity when needed while significantly reducing power consumption during idle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the frame scheduling information to automatically control the power state of the display link. When a frame is scheduled, the link is activated; when no frame is scheduled, the link is deactivated. This self-service mechanism ensures that the link is operational only when necessary for frame transmission, optimizing both productivity and power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vertical blanking interval is extended to maximum, then power consumption is reduced during idle periods, but frame synchronization may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the vertical blanking interval based on frame scheduling. When a frame is scheduled to be sent, the VB interval is reduced to ensure proper synchronization and timely frame delivery. When no frame is scheduled, the VB interval is extended to maximum to reduce power consumption. This dynamic adjustment maintains frame synchronization reliability while optimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses frame scheduling information as feedback to control the vertical blanking interval. The scheduling status (whether a frame is ready to be sent) provides feedback that determines the VB interval setting. This feedback mechanism ensures that frame synchronization is maintained when frames are available while allowing power savings when frames are not available.
4Manufacturing precision
If the display panel refreshes at a higher rate, then image quality is improved, but unnecessary refreshes increase power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by refreshing the display panel only when necessary - specifically, only when a new frame is scheduled to be sent. Instead of continuous refreshing at a fixed high rate, the system performs refresh actions partially, only during periods when frame updates are available. This reduces unnecessary refreshes and power consumption while maintaining image quality when frames are updated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refresh rate parameter dynamically based on frame availability. When frames are being rendered and scheduled for transmission, the refresh rate is increased to match the render rate, ensuring high image quality. When no frames are scheduled, the refresh rate is reduced or the display link is powered down, reducing power consumption. This parameter change optimizes both image quality and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are techniques to provide both asynchronous frame updates and panel self-refresh in a single implementation. A platform can be arranged to provide frame updates asynchronously with the refresh rate of a connected panel while the connected panel can be arranged to self-refresh where no new updates are provided.