Display Driver Method Equalizing Bandwidth Across Pixel Rows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display driver systems face challenges in equalizing bandwidth and power requirements across rows of pixels, leading to increased manufacturing defects, cost, and visually perceptible aberrations due to high pulse transitions and the need for multiple storage latches per pixel.
Innovation Solution
A display driver method that divides the modulation period into an integer multiple of time intervals equal to the number of rows, allowing for equal bandwidth and power distribution, and uses a single storage latch per pixel by updating signals during specific intervals to reduce pulse transitions and improve image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple storage latches per pixel are used to store video data, then data storage capacity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from the pixel circuit itself by implementing a separate input buffer that stores video data for the entire pixel array. This allows the pixel circuit to use only a single latch for temporary holding during the update cycle, rather than requiring multiple latches per pixel, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining adequate storage capacity through the centralized buffer.
Solution Approach 2:
The input buffer serves multiple functions: it stores video data for all pixels, provides data to the pixel array during updates, and enables the pixel circuit to operate with minimal storage elements. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve adequate data storage capacity without increasing per-pixel circuit complexity.
2Speed
If unequal bandwidth is allocated to different rows, then data transfer speed is improved for certain rows, but power consumption increases and manufacturing defects rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements equipotentiality by allocating equal bandwidth to all rows of the pixel array. The input buffer is designed to output data at a uniform rate to all rows simultaneously, and the update mechanism ensures that each row receives and processes the same amount of data within each frame cycle. This equal distribution prevents power consumption imbalances and reduces manufacturing defects that arise from unequal bandwidth allocation.
3Productivity
If high pulse transitions are used to update pixels rapidly, then image refresh rate is improved, but visually perceptible aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by updating all pixels in the array simultaneously at regular frame intervals. The input buffer holds video data for an entire frame, and all pixels are updated together at the appropriate moment, creating a synchronized periodic refresh cycle. This approach maintains high refresh rates while minimizing visual aberrations that result from asynchronous or staggered updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel method for driving a display having an array of pixels arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows includes the steps of defining a modulation period for a row of pixels, dividing the modulation period into a number of coequal time intervals equal to n times the number of rows in the array, receiving a multi-bit data word that indicates an intensity value, and updating the signal asserted on the pixel during a plurality of the time intervals such that the intensity value is displayed by the pixel. Note that n is an integer greater than zero. The method can be applied to all rows, which can be driven asynchronously. A display driver for performing the novel methods is also disclosed. The present invention facilitates driving the display at 100% bandwidth efficiency during each time interval in the modulation period.