Power Efficient Display Synchronization Using Burst Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronizing images across multiple displays in compute devices is challenging due to differences in refresh rates and power management, leading to potential artifacts and inefficiencies in energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A compute device sends synchronization signals and images in burst mode to multiple displays, using a host display interface to manage power and determine refresh rates, allowing for synchronized image display while conserving energy by entering a low-power state between image transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If continuous power supply is maintained to display devices, then display continuity is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power cycling by placing the display device in a powered-off state between frame transmissions. The controller enters a low-power state after transmitting image data, then periodically powers on to send synchronization signals and new frames. This periodic operation reduces average power consumption while maintaining display functionality through burst mode transmissions that refresh the display at appropriate intervals.
2Reliability
If synchronization signals are sent continuously, then display synchronization is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller sends synchronization signals periodically rather than continuously. After transmitting a frame, the controller enters a low-power state and only wakes up to send the next synchronization signal and frame data. This periodic synchronization maintains display coherence while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses burst mode transmission to send multiple lines of image data in a continuous stream during each powered-on period. This allows the display device to receive sufficient data to refresh the display without requiring continuous communication, enabling the controller to enter low-power states between bursts while maintaining effective synchronization.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If power is reduced between frames, then energy is conserved, but synchronization timing may drift
Solution Approach 1:
The controller sends synchronization signals at the beginning of each frame transmission burst to preemptively establish timing before power is reduced. This preliminary synchronization action ensures the display device is properly timed before entering the low-power state, preventing timing drift during the powered-off period. The synchronization signal is sent in advance to prepare the display for the incoming frame data.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for power efficient display synchronization are disclosed. A compute device may be connected to two display devices. The compute device may send image data to be displayed on each of the display devices in a burst mode, sending the image data in less time than the time between frames. The compute device may then enter a low-power state prior to sending the next image to the display devices. Before sending the next image to the display devices, the compute device may send a synchronization signal, which the display devices may use to synchronize the timing of displaying images between the two display devices.