Display Driver Synchronization for Seamless Mode Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for switching between command mode and video mode in display driving face challenges in achieving seamless transitions without screen flickering, particularly due to asynchronous clock sources and latency issues related to processor and equipment restrictions.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic synchronization method that adjusts the internal synchronization signal generated by a display driver integrated-circuit to align with an external synchronization signal using a horizontal front porch control and fine-tuning method, ensuring synchronization between the two signals to prevent flickering during mode transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display switches between command mode and video mode using different clock sources, then the display can operate in both modes, but screen flickering occurs due to asynchronous synchronization signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoiddisplay stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a synchronization signal adjustment mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the internal oscillator and external synchronization signals. This mediator measures the time interval between signals and dynamically adjusts the internal synchronization signal timing to align with the external signal, preventing flickering during mode transitions while maintaining adaptability to both command and video modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the internal synchronization signal timing based on real-time measurement of time intervals between internal and external signals. The system continuously adapts the synchronization signal phase and timing to match external signals, enabling seamless mode transitions without flickering by making the synchronization mechanism flexible rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the internal synchronization signal timing is adjusted to align with external synchronization signal, then screen flickering is prevented, but additional complexity is introduced in measuring and adjusting signal timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay stabilityVSAvoidsynchronization control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-adjusting synchronization mechanism where the system automatically measures the time interval between internal and external synchronization signals and adjusts its own timing without external intervention. The display driver integrated circuit performs self-diagnosis and self-correction of synchronization timing, reducing the need for complex external control circuits while maintaining display stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the time interval between internal and external synchronization signals is continuously measured and used to adjust the internal signal timing. The system monitors the synchronization status and dynamically modifies the internal oscillator output timing based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates flickering through automatic timing adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the synchronization signal is shifted to synchronize with external signal, then seamless mode transition is achieved, but delay or latency may occur due to host processor restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode transition smoothnessVSAvoidsynchronization delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of the time interval between internal and external synchronization signals before mode transitions occur. By pre-calculating the required timing adjustment and preparing the synchronization alignment in advance, the system can execute mode transitions smoothly without experiencing noticeable delay or latency during the actual switching moment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11676557B2Method and device for seamless mode transition between command mode and video mode

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 MAGNACHIP SEMICON LTD

AI summary

A method of seamlessly switching over between the command mode and the video mode includes receiving a command for switching over from the command mode to the video mode; generating a sampling value by measuring a time interval between a point in time of an internal synchronization signal used in the command mode and a point in time of an external synchronization signal received in the video mode; generating a parameter for shifting the internal synchronization signal based on the sampling value; shifting the internal synchronization signal to synchronize with the external synchronization signal based on the parameter; and switching over from the command mode to the video mode when the internal synchronization signal of the command mode synchronizes with the external synchronization signal. According to the disclosure, while driving a display.