Display Driver Logic Inactivity Detection Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display interfaces, such as DisplayPort, require significant power consumption for handshaking and configuration operations, especially in legacy devices that need adapters to conform to new interfaces, leading to inefficiencies in power usage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a display driver logic that detects inactivity in the handshaking channel and deactivates it, determining the minimum number of connection lines needed for operation, and switching to a lower power 'probing mode' when not in use, thereby reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If handshaking and configuration operations are performed continuously to maintain display interface functionality, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic handshaking operations where the display driver logic alternates between active handshaking mode and low-power probing mode. Instead of continuous handshaking, the system performs handshaking operations at specific intervals or triggers, allowing the interface to enter sleep states between operations. This periodic action maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the operational state of the display interface based on activity detection. The system transitions between different power states (active and sleep) and adjusts handshaking frequency based on detected display activity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection lines are kept active to support various display resolutions and modes, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay mode adaptabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection lines into different functional groups and activates only the necessary segments based on current display requirements. Instead of keeping all connection lines active simultaneously, the system divides them and activates only those needed for the current resolution and display mode, reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters of connection lines based on detected display requirements. The system adjusts voltage levels, data rates, and activation states of connection lines according to the specific display mode being used, allowing full adaptability while minimizing power consumption by using lower power settings when high performance is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If handshaking channel remains active to quickly respond to display changes, then response speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of display activity and pre-activates the handshaking channel only when needed. Before entering sleep mode, the system detects upcoming display changes and activates the handshaking channel in advance, ensuring quick response to actual display changes while minimizing the duration of high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8941693B2Method and apparatus for providing reduced power usage of a display interface

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 ATI TECHNOLOGIES ULC

AI summary

A method detects by a display driver logic, inactivity between the display driver logic and a display logic, and deactivates an auxiliary channel by the display driver logic, wherein the auxiliary channel is between the display driver logic and the display logic. The method also detects, by the display driver logic via the auxiliary channel, a required operating mode capability of a display; and determines a minimum number of connection lines needed between the display driver logic and the display logic, to operate the display in the required operating mode capability. A display driver logic includes a connection port suitable for operative connection to a display logic, wherein the display drive logic is operative to detect inactivity between the display driver logic and the display logic, and deactivate an auxiliary channel between the display driver logic and the display logic.