Display Driver Internal Data Generation Reduces Host Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display systems in electronic devices face challenges in reducing power consumption, particularly in driving display panels efficiently while minimizing the load on the host processor.

Innovation Solution

A display driver that includes a memory for storing image data and an image generator to produce display data based on stored information, allowing for internal generation of display content and selection between internally generated and host-processor-provided data, reducing the need for continuous host processor operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If the display driver continuously receives display data from the host processor, then the display panel can be driven with external data, but the power consumption increases and the host processor load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay data generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The display driver divides display data into two types: first display data generated internally by the image generator and second display data received from the host processor. This segmentation allows the system to use internal generation for certain display needs, reducing the burden on the host processor and lowering overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to receive external data when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display driver includes an image generator that can autonomously generate display data without continuous intervention from the host processor. The image generator uses a memory controller to access stored image data and synthesizes it into display data, enabling the display driver to serve itself and reducing the need for continuous host processor operation, thereby lowering power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the display driver generates display data internally, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay driver structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display driver merges the image generator and memory controller into a single integrated unit within the display driver chip. This combination allows internal display data generation functionality to be added without requiring separate discrete components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving reduced power consumption through autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image generator is designed to handle multiple functions: generating display data from stored image data, synthesizing display data, and working in coordination with the memory controller. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform various tasks that would otherwise require multiple separate components, managing complexity while enabling power-saving autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the display driver uses internally generated display data, then the host processor load is minimized, but the adaptability to external data sources is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehost processor loadVSAvoiddata source flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display driver employs a dynamic selection mechanism that can switch between using internally generated first display data and externally received second display data based on operational requirements. The selector allows the system to adapt its data source dynamically, maintaining flexibility and versatility while minimizing host processor load during periods when internal generation is sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Image data is pre-stored in the memory associated with the display driver, allowing the image generator to create display data in advance without requiring real-time input from the host processor. This preliminary preparation enables the display driver to operate autonomously during certain periods, reducing host processor load while maintaining the ability to switch to external data sources when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10430918B2Display driver, display system, and method of operating the display driver
Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10430918B2 patent drawing
  • US10430918B2 patent drawing
  • US10430918B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display driver includes a first memory configured to store a plurality of pieces of image data, and an image generator configured to access the first memory based on display information and generate first display data based on the plurality of pieces of image data stored in the first memory.