Display Control Unit Image Descriptor Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing display control units face issues with generating video signals due to inconsistent image descriptors, leading to faulty graphical representations when updating image parameters is not completed before the next frame begins, resulting in incorrect positioning and other visual anomalies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where image descriptors are updated and copied to a secondary memory unit only after a proceed signal is generated, indicating that the update is complete, ensuring consistent image descriptors are used for generating the next frame, thereby synchronizing the copying process with vertical synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image descriptors are updated continuously in memory during frame generation, then the display control unit can respond quickly to parameter changes, but inconsistent image descriptors may be used if updates are not completed before the next frame begins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action by copying image descriptors from first memory to second memory in advance, before frame generation begins. This ensures that the descriptors are ready and consistent for use during frame generation, preventing inconsistencies even though updates may occur during the frame period. The copy operation is triggered by a proceed signal that indicates the update is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second memory unit as an intermediary between the first memory (where descriptors are updated) and the frame generation process. This intermediary buffer allows updates to occur in the first memory without affecting the consistency of descriptors used during frame generation, as the frame generator reads from the stable second memory.
2Productivity
If image descriptors are copied to second memory at the beginning of each frame, then frame generation can proceed without waiting for updates, but updates may be incomplete leading to faulty graphical representations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a proceed signal that indicates when image descriptor updates are complete. The copying operation from first to second memory is controlled by this feedback signal, ensuring that only complete and consistent descriptor sets are copied. This feedback control maintains both productivity and precision by synchronizing copies with update completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the copy operation as a preliminary action before frame generation uses the descriptors. By waiting for the proceed signal and then copying in advance, the system ensures descriptors are ready and consistent before being used, maintaining both throughput and accuracy.
3Reliability
If the display control unit waits for update completion before copying descriptors, then consistency is ensured, but frame generation may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the copy operation as a preliminary action immediately when the proceed signal indicates update completion, before frame generation begins. This timing ensures consistency is captured while minimizing the window for potential delays, as the copy is done in advance rather than waiting during frame generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second memory acts as an intermediary that decouples the update completion timing from frame generation timing. Once descriptors are copied to the second memory, frame generation can proceed independently without waiting for subsequent updates, reducing delays while maintaining consistency through the buffer.
Data Source
AI summary
A display control unit is connected to a display and arranged to generate a video signal representing a sequence of video frames to be displayed consecutively on said display. The display control unit may include a first memory unit arranged to buffer a set of image descriptors; a second memory unit connected between said first memory unit and said display; an update unit connected to said first memory unit and arranged to update said image descriptors in said first memory unit and to generate a proceed signal only when said set of image descriptors in said first memory unit is up to date; a copy unit arranged to copy said image descriptors from said first memory unit to said second memory unit in response to said proceed signal; and a video unit arranged to generate said video signal on the basis of said image descriptors in said second memory unit.