Display Driver Refresh Queue Switching for Stable Adaptive Frame Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adaptive refresh rate technologies fail to accurately switch refresh rates due to improper timing, leading to frame rate anomalies and increased power consumption when the running scenario of an application cannot be distinguished.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dynamic configuration of refresh rate queues for display driver integrated circuits (DDICs) based on application frame rates and lowest refresh rates, with specific control of TE signal shielding and TEI functions to avoid frame rate anomalies during rate switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If adaptive refresh rate technology switches refresh rate based on running scenario, then power consumption is reduced, but frame rate anomalies occur due to improper switching timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by switching the refresh rate before the TE signal occurs. The display driver is configured to switch from a first refresh rate to a second refresh rate at a timing point before the TE signal is generated. This advance switching prevents frame rate anomalies because the TE signal timing is based on the old refresh rate, and switching after the TE signal would cause the new refresh rate to desynchronize with the expected TE signal arrivals. By switching before the TE signal, the system ensures smooth transition without frame rate instability.
2Loss of energy
If refresh rate is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but display smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate based on actual display needs. The system monitors whether the current display content requires high frame rates (e.g., scrolling, gaming) or can tolerate lower frame rates (e.g., static images, video playback). The refresh rate is dynamically switched between a first refresh rate (higher) and a second refresh rate (lower), optimizing the balance between power consumption and display smoothness according to real-time requirements.
3Ease of operation
If refresh rate switching is performed without timing control, then switching simplicity increases, but frame rate anomalies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the TE signal as a reference point for determining the optimal switching timing. The TE signal provides feedback about the current refresh cycle status, and this feedback is used to determine when to switch refresh rates. The display driver monitors the TE signal generation and uses it to trigger the refresh rate switching at the appropriate moment (before the next TE signal), ensuring reliable transitions while maintaining simple operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A refresh rate switching method includes: controlling, by a display driver of the electronic device, a first DDIC to refresh an image to a first display based on a refresh rate of a first queue; receiving, by the display driver, a first refresh rate switching instruction, where a display frame rate of an APP displayed on the first display and/or a lowest refresh rate of the first display are/is carried in the first refresh rate switching instruction; configuring a second queue for the first DDIC based on the display frame rate and/or the lowest refresh rate that are/is carried in the first refresh rate switching instruction.