Display Driver IC Low Power Driving Without Frame Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems for low frequency and low power driving require frame buffers, which increase power consumption and complexity, and there is a need for efficient methods to control display panels without storing frame data.
Innovation Solution
A display system and method that utilize a host processor and display driver integrated circuit to generate and transmit synchronization signals and frame data without storing the frame data, enabling low frequency and low power driving by measuring frame update periods and enabling image providing paths only when necessary, thus eliminating the need for a frame buffer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If frame buffers are used in display driver integrated circuits for low frequency driving, then display panels can be driven at low frequency, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frame buffer from the display driver integrated circuit, extracting this component from the system. By eliminating the frame buffer, the patent achieves low frequency driving without the power consumption and complexity associated with traditional frame buffer-based systems. The host processor generates frame data on-demand and transmits it to the display driver, which updates the display panel without requiring continuous storage of frame data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a host processor as an intermediary component that generates frame data on-demand based on synchronization signals from the display driver. This intermediary approach allows the display driver to operate without an integrated frame buffer, as the host processor supplies frame data only when needed, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining low frequency driving capability.
2Reliability
If frame buffers are included in display driver integrated circuits, then frame data can be stored for display, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the frame buffer from the display driver integrated circuit. This elimination simplifies the device architecture by removing the complex data storage and management functions previously handled by the frame buffer. The system maintains image retention through alternative mechanisms that do not require dedicated buffer memory, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously storing complete frame data in a buffer, the patent implements a system where frame data is generated partially on-demand by the host processor and transmitted only when synchronization signals indicate a need for update. This partial action approach maintains sufficient image retention while significantly reducing the complexity associated with full frame buffer operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If frame data is continuously stored and transmitted, then display operation is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using synchronization signals to trigger frame data generation and transmission only at appropriate intervals rather than continuously. The host processor generates frame data periodically based on display driver feedback, and the display driver updates the panel only when necessary. This periodic operation maintains display continuity while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The display driver integrated circuit performs self-service by generating and transmitting synchronization signals to the host processor, which then autonomously determines when frame data generation and transmission are needed. This self-service mechanism ensures display operation continuity is maintained only when necessary, eliminating wasteful continuous operation and reducing overall power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A display system including a host processor and a display driver integrated circuit may be provided. The host processor may generate a clock signal that swings swinging between a high level and a low level, generate and output a first synchronization signal based on the clock signal, generate a wakeup interrupt by measuring a frame update period of a display panel, generates frame data based on the first synchronization signal by enabling an image providing path based on the wakeup interrupt, and output the frame data for every frame update period. The display driver integrated circuit may receive the first synchronization signal and the frame data from the host processor, and control the display panel such that a frame image corresponding to the frame data is displayed on the display panel based on the first synchronization signal without storing the frame data.