Multiple-Buffer Display Architecture with Frame Mask Map for High-Resolution Image Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional single buffer architecture in image display systems experiences performance degradation due to high memory access requirements and screen tearing, especially when handling high-resolution images, as it struggles to move frame image content within the vertical retrace interval of the display device.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-buffering architecture with a frame mask map mechanism is employed to determine inconsistent regions between adjacent frame buffers, reducing data transfer and improving image reconstruction by using bit-map masks to identify altered pixels and optimize data movement between buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single buffer architecture is used to simplify the display system structure, then device complexity is reduced, but memory access overhead increases and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frame buffer into multiple segments (first frame buffer and second frame buffer) and introduces a frame mask map to segment the buffer content into altered and unaltered regions. This segmentation allows selective data transfer, reducing memory access overhead while maintaining system performance.
2Loss of substance
If single buffer architecture is used to reduce memory resources, then loss of substance is reduced, but screen tearing occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer switching between first and second frame buffers based on the frame mask map. The system dynamically determines which regions need updating and switches buffers during vertical retrace intervals, preventing screen tearing while efficiently using memory resources.
3Manufacturing precision
If full frame image content is transferred from shadow surface to primary surface, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but memory access overhead increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the altered regions from the frame buffer using a frame mask map, rather than transferring the entire frame. This extraction process identifies changed pixels and transfers only those regions to the display buffer, reducing processing time while maintaining image data accuracy.
4Productivity
If frame image content is moved within vertical retrace interval, then productivity is improved, but screen tearing occurs due to insufficient time for high resolution images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by preparing the frame mask map in advance to identify altered regions before the display refresh cycle. This allows the system to pre-calculate which regions need updating and plan buffer switching during the vertical retrace interval, ensuring complete data transfer without screen tearing even for high-resolution images.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for displaying images is disclosed. The method of the invention includes the steps of: transferring a content of a first one of the display buffers to the display device; overwriting a second one of the display buffers with first image data, wherein the first image data represent data of updated pixels between two corresponding adjacent frames; obtaining a bit-map mask according to the updated pixels, wherein the bit-map mask indicates altered pixels for the two corresponding adjacent frames; and, then overwriting the second one of the display buffers with second image data from the other display buffers according to at least one bit-map mask.