Display Signal Controller Soft Fail Protection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face issues with soft fails due to signal noise caused by static electricity, leading to abnormal images, as existing countermeasures are inadequate in managing temporary malfunctions from external static electricity-induced signal noise.
Innovation Solution
A display device and method that include a signal controller, data driver, and level shifter, where the signal controller maintains control signals in an off level when an abnormality is detected, and the level shifter generates gate pulse start signals with an off voltage to prevent abnormal image display by continuously applying a gate off voltage to all gate lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display device uses conventional countermeasures for static electricity, then the device can handle electromagnetic noise to some extent, but it cannot prevent abnormal image display caused by soft fails from external static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the signal controller detect signal abnormalities before they cause abnormal image display. When the data driver detects an abnormality in received signals (indicating soft fail from static electricity), it immediately notifies the signal controller, which then proactively maintains control signals at off-level to prevent abnormal display. This preemptive detection and response mechanism prevents the harmful effect before it manifests visually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the notification mechanism where the data driver continuously monitors signal quality and provides feedback to the signal controller. When signal abnormalities are detected (indicating soft fail conditions), the feedback signal triggers the signal controller to maintain control signals at off-level. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time adaptation to static electricity-induced disturbances, preventing abnormal image display while maintaining normal operation under typical conditions.
2Reliability
If the signal controller continuously monitors signal exchange for abnormalities, then it can detect soft fails and prevent abnormal display, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the data driver to autonomously detect signal abnormalities and generate notifications without requiring complex external monitoring systems. The data driver internally checks whether received signals conform to expected formats and automatically generates notification signals when abnormalities are detected. This self-monitoring capability simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing the detection function within existing components rather than adding separate complex monitoring hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring signal characteristics (such as format conformity, timing, and voltage levels) to detect abnormalities. The data driver compares received signal parameters against predetermined criteria and triggers notifications based on parameter deviations. This parameter-based detection approach provides reliable soft fail detection while maintaining relatively simple implementation, as it leverages existing signal processing capabilities rather than requiring complex analysis systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the signal controller maintains control signals at off-level during abnormalities, then abnormal image display is prevented, but the display shows the previous image instead of blank screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by temporarily discarding the current image display function during soft fail conditions. When signal abnormalities are detected, the system maintains control signals at off-level, which discards the normal display function and shows the previous stable image state. This is considered an acceptable trade-off because it prevents harmful abnormal display caused by static electricity, and the previous image serves as a stable fallback rather than a loss of information. The system recovers normal display operation automatically when signal abnormalities are resolved.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a data driver for applying a data signal to a data line; a gate driver for applying a gate signal to a gate line; a level shifter for shifting a voltage level of a signal applied to the gate driver; and a signal controller for controlling the data driver, the level shifter, and the gate driver, wherein when a signal exchange between the data driver and the signal controller has an abnormality, the signal controller maintains a control signal applied to the level shifter in an off level.