Display Device Source Channel Multiplexing for Signal Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

In high-resolution flat panel displays, the increasing number of data lines and gate lines leads to overlapping multiplexer (MUX) signals, causing undesirable data voltage distribution and reduced display quality due to delayed MUX signals.

Innovation Solution

The display device employs a multiplexer controller that connects each source channel to multiple data lines, ensuring that each source channel outputs data voltage of the same color during one horizontal period, reducing the number of source channels needed and minimizing the impact of signal delays on display quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of data lines and gate lines is increased to achieve high-resolution display, then the display resolution is improved, but the MUX signals overlap and cause delayed signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay resolutionVSAvoidsignal delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data lines into multiple groups, where each group is driven by a dedicated source channel. This segmentation prevents signal overlap by ensuring that MUX signals for different data line groups do not interfere with each other, thereby maintaining signal timing integrity while supporting high-resolution displays with increased data line count

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by arranging data lines in a two-dimensional grid structure with row and column addresses. This dimensional approach allows for systematic routing and timing control of MUX signals, preventing overlap by spatially separating signal paths while maintaining high display resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If more source channels are used to drive more data lines, then the display quality is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidnumber of source channels
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal source channel architecture where each source channel can dynamically serve multiple data line groups through time-division multiplexing. The source channels are designed to be multi-functional, capable of driving different data line groups at different time periods, thereby reducing the total number of source channels needed while maintaining high display quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by organizing data line driving into distinct time periods, where each source channel is activated in sequence to drive different data line groups. This periodic time-division approach allows fewer source channels to effectively manage more data lines, reducing device complexity and power consumption while preserving display quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the number of source channels is reduced to lower power consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to drive high-resolution displays is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay resolution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic switching capability where source channels can be selectively activated and deactivated based on the current scanning requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to use fewer source channels at any given moment, reducing power consumption, while still maintaining the capability to drive all data lines for high-resolution displays through time-division multiplexing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing data lines into groups and pre-configuring the timing sequences for source channel activation. This preliminary organization allows the system to efficiently manage data line driving with fewer source channels, as the routing and timing are predetermined, enabling high-resolution display capability with reduced power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3089150B1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3089150B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3089150B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3089150B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device is disclosed comprising a display panel (100) including a plurality of subpixels, a plurality of data lines connected to the subpixels, and a plurality of gate lines connected to the subpixels, a data driver (400) configured to generate a data voltage to be supplied to the subpixels and to output the data voltage through source channels; and a switching unit (150) configured to connect the source channels to the data lines, wherein two subpixels having the same color and being connected to the same gate line are connectable to the same source channel. Further, a method for driving a display panel is disclosed, the display panel (100) comprising a plurality of subpixels; a plurality of data lines connected to the subpixels, a plurality of gate lines connected to the subpixels, and source channels to provide the data lines with data voltages, wherein during one horizontal period at least two subpixels having the same color are connected to the same source channel.