Display Controller Memory Segmentation for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices face increased power consumption and electromagnetic interference due to the high amount of image data required for sophisticated displays, particularly when using bitmap form for all image types, which is inefficient and costly in terms of circuit size.
Innovation Solution
A controller/driver architecture that includes a control section, first and second memory sections, and a driver section, capable of handling both bitmap and vector image data forms, with the first memory section used as a work area and storage area for data processing, and the second memory section used for storing and processing bitmap data, reducing memory size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bitmap form is used for all image types to achieve sophisticated display, then image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image data into two categories: bitmap data for photograph images requiring rich grayscale representation, and vector data for graphic images where contrast is more important. This segmentation allows the system to use appropriate data formats selectively, reducing overall data transmission volume and power consumption while maintaining image quality where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data representation parameter from always using bitmap to selectively using bitmap or vector form based on image type. By changing this parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between image quality and power consumption, transmitting only the necessary amount of data for each image type.
2Measurement precision
If bitmap form is used for all image types to achieve sophisticated display, then image quality is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image data transmission into two paths: bitmap data transmission for photograph images and vector data transmission for graphic images. This segmentation reduces the total volume of bitmap data transmitted, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference generated during data transmission while maintaining image quality for photographs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data transmission parameter from always transmitting bitmap data to selectively transmitting bitmap or vector data based on image type. This parameter change reduces the overall data transmission volume, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while preserving image quality where bitmap is necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If converter circuit is incorporated to handle vector form, then adaptability is improved, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the first display memory serve multiple functions: it acts as a work area for vector-to-bitmap conversion and as a storage area for bitmap data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate converter circuitry, reducing circuit size while maintaining adaptability to handle both vector and bitmap data formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the conversion function and storage function into a single integrated system using the first display memory. By combining these functions, the patent avoids adding separate converter circuits, thereby reducing overall circuit size while maintaining the ability to handle multiple data formats.
4Measurement precision
If display memory stores all bitmap data, then image quality is maintained, but memory size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments memory usage into two parts: the first display memory serves as a work area for vector data conversion, and the second display memory stores the final bitmap data for display. This segmentation optimizes memory usage by allocating space efficiently, maintaining image quality in the second memory while using the first memory temporarily for processing, thereby reducing the total memory size required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to memory usage by using the first display memory as a temporary work area during the conversion process, then transferring the result to the second display memory for storage. This dimensional approach to memory management allows efficient use of memory space, maintaining image quality while reducing the overall memory footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is composed of a control section, first and second memory sections, and a driver section. The control section divides first bitmap image data representative of n1 grayscale image into first and second data pieces, n1 being a natural number. The first memory section stores first storage data selected out of the first data piece and second bitmap image data representative of n2 grayscale image, n2 being smaller than n1. The second memory section stores second storage data selected out of the second data piece and the first storage data received from the first memory section. The driver section is configured to drive data lines of a display panel in response to the first and second storage data stored in the first and second memory sections, respectively.