Display Panel Refresh Rate Control for Low Power Mode Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display panels in low power active modes face difficulties in displaying smooth transitions and animations due to their lower refresh rates, which hinder visual performance while conserving power.
Innovation Solution
A controller temporarily increases the refresh rate of a display panel from a low power mode to an intermediate rate for image updates, allowing smooth transitions and animations without switching to a full power mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the display panel operates in low power active mode with reduced refresh rate, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to display smooth transitions and animations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on operational needs. The controller monitors for image update requests and temporarily transitions from the low refresh rate (first refresh rate) to a higher refresh rate (second refresh rate) when updates are needed, then returns to the low refresh rate when not needed. This dynamic adjustment allows the display to maintain smooth visual transitions during updates while consuming minimal power during static display periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refresh rate parameter from a fixed low value to a variable value that adapts between two states: a first refresh rate for power-saving operation and a second refresh rate for smooth image updates. This parameter change enables the system to optimize between power consumption and visual quality based on real-time operational requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the display panel uses lower bit depth and brightness in low power mode, then power consumption decreases, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a low power mode with reduced bit depth and brightness for power saving, and a high quality mode with full bit depth and brightness for image updates. The controller activates the high quality mode temporarily when image updates are requested, ensuring that smooth transitions and animations are displayed with full visual fidelity only when necessary.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the display panel maintains low refresh rate continuously, then power consumption is minimized, but visual smoothness during transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display operates in periodic cycles, alternating between low refresh rate operation for power saving and high refresh rate operation for image updates. The controller detects when image updates are needed and temporarily increases the refresh rate to the second value, maintaining visual smoothness during transitions. When no updates are pending, the system returns to the lower refresh rate to minimize power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, an apparatus comprises a display panel having a first active mode with a first refresh rate and at least one of a first bit depth or a first brightness, and further having a second active mode with a second refresh rate and at least one of a second bit depth or a second brightness, the second refresh rate being lower than the first refresh rate, the second bit depth being lower than the first bit depth, and the second brightness being lower than the first brightness. The apparatus further comprises a controller. In response to receiving an image update request while the display panel is in the second active mode, the controller is configured to otherwise keep the display panel in the second active mode but switch the display panel to an intermediate refresh rate higher than the second refresh rate until completion of the image update request.