Display Refresh Rate Transition Using Intermediate Frame Scanning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices experience user-perceptible flicker during transitions between different refresh rates due to abrupt changes in scan rates, leading to energy inefficiency and reduced battery life in mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an intermediate scan rate during transitions between refresh rates, scanning frames of image content line-by-line at a rate between the initial and final scan rates, thereby minimizing visual artifacts and optimizing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display device switches abruptly between different refresh rates, then the transition is fast and simple, but user-perceptible flicker occurs and visual quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition speedVSAvoiduser-perceptible flicker

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate scan rate between the first and second scan rates during refresh rate transitions. This intermediate scan rate acts as a mediator that gradually bridges the gap between different refresh rates, preventing abrupt changes that cause flicker. The display device transitions through this intermediate rate to smoothly connect the two different refresh rates, eliminating user-perceptible flicker while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the scan rate parameter dynamically during transitions. Instead of maintaining fixed scan rates or switching abruptly between them, the system adjusts the scan rate parameter to an intermediate value during the transition period. This parameter change allows the display to smoothly transition between refresh rates while maintaining visual quality and eliminating flicker artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the display device operates at lower refresh rates to save energy, then battery life is extended, but visual quality and smoothness deteriorate during transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidvisual artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate scan rate serves as a mediator that enables smooth transitions between different energy-saving refresh rates. By introducing this intermediate state, the system can transition between low refresh rates without producing visual artifacts or flicker, thus maintaining both energy efficiency and visual quality during rate changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of scan rates during transitions. The system adapts the scan rate based on the transition state, using intermediate values when switching between refresh rates. This dynamic approach allows the display to maintain visual quality during transitions while still operating at energy-efficient lower refresh rates during steady-state operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the oscillator operates at fixed frequencies for specific refresh rates, then power consumption is optimized, but smooth transitions between rates become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic changes to the oscillator frequency parameter during transitions. While the oscillator operates at fixed frequencies for specific refresh rates to optimize power consumption, the system temporarily adjusts the frequency parameter to an intermediate value during transitions. This parameter change provides the flexibility needed for smooth transitions while maintaining power efficiency during steady-state operation at fixed rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic frequency adjustment for the oscillator during refresh rate transitions. The oscillator frequency is adapted to intermediate values during transitions, providing versatility and smooth rate changes. After the transition completes, the oscillator returns to its fixed frequency optimized for the target refresh rate, maintaining power consumption efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12603033B2Scanning image data to an array of pixels at an intermediate scan rate during a transition between different refresh rates

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in technology for operating a display device that includes a pixel array. A first frame is programmed to the array, while the display device is operating at a first refresh rate, including by scanning the first frame line-by-line to the pixel array at a first scan rate. An indication that the display device is to transition from the first refresh rate to a second refresh rate is received. An intermediate frame is then programmed to the pixel array, including by scanning the intermediate frame line-by-line to the pixel array at an intermediate scan rate. A second frame is then programmed to the pixel array, while the display device is operating at the second refresh rate, including by scanning the second frame line-by-line to the pixel array at the second scan rate.