DDIC Internal Memory for Gamma Correction and Sleep Mode Buffering

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display driving integrated circuits (DDICs) face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and reducing size by effectively switching between active and sleep modes, as they require separate buffers and look-up tables, leading to increased complexity and resource usage.

Innovation Solution

A DDIC with an internal memory that functions as both an image correction look-up table in active mode and an image storage buffer in sleep mode, allowing the same memory to be used for different operations based on mode, thereby eliminating the need for a separate buffer in sleep mode and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate buffers and look-up tables are used in DDIC, then the device can perform image correction and storage operations, but the device complexity and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage correction and storage capabilityVSAvoidbuffer and memory structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal memory is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a look-up table for gamma correction during active mode and as an image buffer during sleep mode. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated buffers, reducing device complexity while maintaining full operational capability for both image correction and storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the look-up table function and buffer function into a single internal memory structure. By combining these previously separate components, the DDIC achieves simpler architecture with reduced resource usage, as the same memory hardware fulfills both correction data storage and image data buffering roles depending on operational mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate buffers are used for active and sleep modes, then the DDIC can maintain functionality in both modes, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The internal memory is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a look-up table for gamma correction during active mode and as an image buffer during sleep mode. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated buffers, reducing device complexity while maintaining full operational capability for both image correction and storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the look-up table function and buffer function into a single internal memory structure. By combining these previously separate components, the DDIC achieves simpler architecture with reduced resource usage, as the same memory hardware fulfills both correction data storage and image data buffering roles depending on operational mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the DDIC uses internal memory for dual functions, then the size and power consumption are reduced, but the memory must be efficiently switched between different operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory structureVSAvoidmode switching control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The internal memory's function is made dynamic through mode switching signals. During active mode, the memory operates as a look-up table for real-time gamma correction. When sleep mode is detected, the same memory dynamically reconfigures to function as an image buffer. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt memory usage to operational requirements, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation through automated mode-based control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11170683B2Display driving IC and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An operating method of a display driving integrated circuit (DDIC) includes correcting first image data using correction data in a first operating mode. The first image data is received from a processor via an interface, and the correction data is stored in a first memory included in the DDIC. The method further includes storing second image data received from the processor in the first memory in response to a mode switching signal controlling the DDIC to switch to a second operating mode, and displaying the second image data on a display panel in the second operating mode.