Digital Display Brightness Updates Across PWM Segments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies face challenges in efficiently adjusting display brightness without causing flickering, particularly in scenarios with variable refresh rates and asynchronous brightness value updates.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a clock, counter, and controller is used to perform display brightness updates at any PWM segment within a clock frame, utilizing pulse-width modulation (PWM) and enhanced-spectrum PWM (ES-PWM) to maintain continuous illumination and avoid flickering, even with asynchronous brightness value reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If display brightness is updated asynchronously, then brightness adjustment speed is improved, but display flickering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock frame into multiple PWM segments, allowing brightness updates to be scheduled at specific segments rather than requiring updates only at frame boundaries. This segmentation enables asynchronous brightness adjustments while maintaining synchronization with the display refresh cycle, preventing flickering by ensuring updates occur during appropriate time windows within each frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by preparing brightness update values in advance and scheduling them to take effect at predetermined PWM segments. The controller receives brightness values asynchronously but pre-schedules their application to specific PWM segments, ensuring smooth transitions and preventing flickering by anticipating when updates should occur relative to the display refresh cycle.
2Manufacturing precision
If brightness updates are performed at PWM segments, then display quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a controller that handles multiple functions: it manages PWM segment timing, processes asynchronous brightness values, schedules updates, and coordinates with the display refresh cycle. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single controller rather than requiring separate circuits for each function, improving display quality while managing device complexity through integrated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the current PWM segment position and adjusts brightness update scheduling accordingly. The system receives brightness values, determines appropriate PWM segments for application based on current timing, and schedules updates dynamically. This feedback loop enables precise control of brightness transitions while managing complexity through intelligent timing coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable refresh rates are supported, then adaptability is improved, but display stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a flexible timing system where the number of PWM segments and their durations can be dynamically adjusted according to the current refresh rate. The controller adapts the PWM segment configuration based on variable refresh rate requirements, allowing the display to maintain stability across different refresh rates by dynamically recalibrating timing parameters rather than using fixed timing schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying PWM-related parameters (number of segments, segment durations, timing offsets) according to the current refresh rate. When refresh rates vary, the controller adjusts these parameters to maintain proper synchronization between brightness updates and display refresh cycles. This parameter adaptation enables variable refresh rate support while preserving display stability through coordinated timing adjustments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables prompt and flicker-free display brightness adjustments across a wide range of refresh rates and brightness levels, supporting variable refresh rate displays and maintaining high image quality without latency or flickering.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to perform, upon receiving the brightness value at the input, a digital display brightness update at a temporally proximate PWM segment in a clock frame. A positive integer number of PWM segments occur within the clock frame.
Implementation Method 2
An illumination feature can be provided in an electronic display. For example, an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be used to provide a lighted display.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit comprises a clock, a counter, and a controller. The counter is connected to the clock. The controller is connected to the counter. The controller is configured to control a display brightness according to a brightness value and a count of the counter. The controller is further configured to perform, upon receiving the brightness value at an input, a digital display brightness update at a temporally proximate PWM segment in a clock frame. A positive integer number of PWM segments occur within the clock frame. The clock frame corresponds to a counted duration corresponding to a counting range of the counter. Contiguous counting is performed over an entirety of the clock frame. The controller causes uninterrupted illumination to be maintained from a first display frame to a second display frame, the second display frame being immediately subsequent to the first display frame.