Display Refresh Conversion for DP-to-HDMI Variable Refresh Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face limitations in providing a variable refresh rate (VRR) function due to differences in specifications between DisplayPort (DP) and High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standards, leading to issues such as tearing and input delay in image transmission between source and sink devices.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus and method that detect a VRR activation signal from a source device with a DP interface, converting images to match HDMI standards, thereby adjusting the refresh rate and minimizing tearing and input delay by synchronizing synchronization signals and clock counts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If image transmission is performed between DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces, then connectivity between devices is improved, but variable refresh rate function cannot be provided due to specification differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidVRR function provision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism that translates DisplayPort interface signals into HDMI interface signals. The display apparatus includes a converter that receives DisplayPort signals and converts them to HDMI format, enabling compatibility between the two different interface standards while maintaining VRR functionality through the conversion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the interface parameters by implementing a conversion process that adapts DisplayPort signal parameters (including variable refresh rate parameters) to HDMI interface parameters. The converter modifies timing parameters, synchronization signals, and data formatting to match HDMI specifications while preserving the variable refresh rate capability from the DisplayPort source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed refresh rate is used in HDMI interface, then interface stability is improved, but tearing and input delay occur due to inability to adapt to variable frame rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface stabilityVSAvoidtearing and input delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic refresh rate adjustment by converting the variable refresh rate capability from DisplayPort to HDMI. The display apparatus dynamically adapts its refresh rate based on the incoming DisplayPort signal's frame rate variations, allowing the HDMI interface to maintain stability while accommodating variable frame rates and eliminating tearing and input delay issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The converter dynamically changes the refresh rate parameter based on the source signal characteristics. It receives variable refresh rate information from the DisplayPort interface and translates it into corresponding HDMI parameters, enabling the display to adjust its refresh rate in real-time to match the content being displayed, thereby preventing tearing and reducing input delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If VRR function is provided on HDMI sink device, then image quality is improved by minimizing tearing, but interface complexity increases due to conversion requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidconversion mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal converter that handles multiple functions within a single component. The conversion mechanism not only translates DisplayPort signals to HDMI format but also simultaneously manages variable refresh rate conversion, synchronization signal adaptation, and timing parameter adjustment, thereby providing VRR functionality without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250373889A1Display apparatus and controlling method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A display apparatus according to an embodiment may include: a display, a second standard port connected to a first standard port of an external device; communication circuitry configured to receive a first standard image and variable refresh rate information through the second standard port; a controller configured to convert the first standard image into a second standard image based on the variable refresh rate information, and control the display to display the converted second standard image.