Display Panel Timing Control for Flicker-Free Write Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display panel drive methods, such as PWM, result in unavoidable flicker due to all light-emitting elements being turned off during the write period, necessitating high-speed drive ICs and transistors, which is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A control device for a display panel with alternating write and light emission periods for first and second light-emitting elements, allowing both types to emit light during different periods within a frame, without increasing frame frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the frame frequency is increased to reduce flicker, then flicker is suppressed, but the write period is shortened and high-speed drive ICs and transistors are required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflickerVSAvoiddrive IC and transistor requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is divided into multiple display units, each containing first and second light-emitting elements that are driven independently. This segmentation allows different light-emitting elements to operate at different times, ensuring continuous light emission without requiring increased frame frequency or high-speed drive circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic light emission by alternating between first light-emitting elements during write periods and second light-emitting elements during light emission periods. This periodic switching maintains continuous illumination while following the existing frame frequency, eliminating flicker without requiring high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If all light-emitting elements are turned off during the write period, then data writing is enabled, but flicker generation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata writing capabilityVSAvoidflicker

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of first and second light-emitting elements within each display unit, where both types work together to provide continuous light emission. While first light-emitting elements are written during the write period, second light-emitting elements emit light, and vice versa during light emission periods, combining their operations to eliminate flicker while maintaining data writing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by arranging that at least one type of light-emitting element (first or second) continuously emits light throughout both write periods and light emission periods. This continuous light emission eliminates flicker while data writing proceeds normally during write periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20260080824A1Control device and display device

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 SHARP DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

In a period during which a write period and a light emission period are alternately repeated, a timing control unit included in a control device writes data to a first drive circuit group based on input image data during the write period, causes multiple first light-emitting elements to emit light during the light emission period, and causes multiple second light-emitting elements to emit light during at least part of the write period.