Dual-Resolution Display Mode Switching Without Black Screens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transitioning between different display modes on dual-resolution displays often results in a momentary interruption due to the display restarting, causing a black screen and disrupting the user experience.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for seamless mode transition on dual-resolution displays, utilizing a timing controller to store the last known image in a frame buffer and maintain it during the transition, while updating with new image data from video data associated with the target mode, without requiring a power restart.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display device restarts during mode transition, then the display mode can be changed, but the display is interrupted causing a black screen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay mode transitionVSAvoiddisplay continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame buffer stores the last known good image data before the mode transition occurs. This preliminary storage of image data allows the display to maintain continuity during the transition by retrieving and displaying the stored image when the new mode is being established, preventing the black screen interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the display device maintains the last known image during transition, then display continuity is preserved, but additional memory resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay continuityVSAvoidframe buffer memory

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The frame buffer is designed to serve dual purposes: it stores current image data for normal display operations and simultaneously stores the last known good image data for use during mode transitions. This multi-functionality allows the same memory resource to support both regular display operations and transition continuity without requiring entirely separate memory allocations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display device updates with new image data after transition, then the new display mode is activated, but the transition time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay mode switchingVSAvoidtransition duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display controller continuously provides image data to the display device during the mode transition by retrieving data from the frame buffer. This continuous provision of image data maintains the useful action of display output throughout the transition period, preventing interruptions and reducing the perceived transition time while the new mode parameters are being established.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20260004701A1Mode transition on a dual-resolution display

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A display device that includes a display panel, a frame buffer, and a timing controller. The timing controller is configured to store data associated with an image to the frame buffer in response to detecting a signal to switch to a display mode and read the data associated with the image from the frame buffer after the signal is detected. The timing controller is further configured to provide the data associated with the image to the display panel and maintain the image in the display panel until a transition to the display mode is complete. In addition, the timing controller is configured to update the image in the display panel with another image from video data associated with the display mode.