Multi-Panel Display Synchronization via Composition Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting multiple displays to a computer poses challenges due to limited video output options, requiring additional hardware and software, and results in synchronization issues like tearing and interference when displaying large or high-resolution images across multiple panels.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling a display device with multiple panels by processing and synchronizing display data using a processing module with multiple processors, receiving packets from a host device, and outputting them simultaneously to ensure synchronized display across all panels, utilizing existing connections like USB for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple displays are connected to a computer using additional graphics cards, then the usable display area increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single graphics card capable of driving multiple displays by implementing a display composition engine that can process and compose images for multiple different display configurations. The system can dynamically adapt to various display arrangements (side-by-side, cascaded, cloned) using one graphics card, eliminating the need for additional graphics cards while maintaining multi-display functionality.
2Ease of operation
If display data is sent to multiple panels through USB connection, then the connection topology is simplified, but the video output quality deteriorates due to bandwidth management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display data stream into separate image portions for each display panel before transmission through the USB connection. The display composition engine divides the overall display content into distinct image segments, each optimized for its target panel's resolution and characteristics. This segmentation allows efficient bandwidth utilization while maintaining high video output quality for each individual panel.
3Quantity of substance
If two smaller display panels are placed next to each other to form a single display, then the bandwidth requirement is reduced, but synchronization issues like tearing and flickering occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary composition of display images before they are sent to the separate panels. The display composition engine pre-processes the display data, composing the left and right image portions in advance and buffering them appropriately. This preliminary action ensures that both panels receive synchronized image data at the correct timing, eliminating tearing and flickering artifacts while maintaining reduced bandwidth requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for co-ordinating display data sent to a display device includes two or more panels or sub-displays together forming a single display screen for displaying at least one complete image. Each display panel has a display input for receiving display data of part of the complete image from a corresponding display output of a display control device. The display control device receives, from a host device, packets of display data destined for one of the display panels. The display control device directs the packets to one or more processors in the display control device for processing and storing the display data in a respective buffer according to which respective display panel the display data is destined for. The processed display data is output from the buffers at a synchronized time to the display output corresponding to the respective display panel for which the display data is destined.