Dynamic Refresh Rate Integrated Circuit for Display Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices consume significant power due to fixed refresh rates, which are not optimized with advancements in display technology, particularly in mobile applications where power saving is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus comprising a frame buffer, controller circuit, and display driver circuit that dynamically refreshes the display based on changes in image frames or expiration of a refresh time, allowing for a variable refresh rate rather than a fixed one, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed refresh rate is used in conventional display devices, then the display operates reliably without image flicker, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic refresh rate mechanism where the display refresh rate is adjusted based on whether image frame changes are detected. When no changes are detected, the refresh rate is reduced or suspended; when changes are detected, the refresh rate returns to normal. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the refresh rate adaptive rather than fixed, reducing power consumption while maintaining display reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refresh rate parameter dynamically based on image frame change detection. The system monitors image data changes and adjusts the refresh rate parameter accordingly - lowering it when content is static and maintaining it when content changes. This parameter change strategy allows the display to operate reliably only when necessary, significantly reducing power consumption during static display periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the refresh rate is lowered to save power, then energy consumption decreases, but image flicker may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through image frame change detection to control the refresh rate. The system continuously monitors whether image content has changed and uses this feedback to determine whether to maintain or reduce the refresh rate. This feedback mechanism ensures that the refresh rate is lowered only when appropriate (no image changes), preventing flicker while maximizing power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image frame change detection before adjusting the refresh rate. By checking whether image content has changed in advance, the system determines the appropriate refresh rate to use, ensuring that flicker-free operation is maintained when needed while enabling power savings when content is static.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a variable refresh rate is implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the image frame change detection functionality into the existing display controller, making it multi-functional. The same controller that manages display operations also performs image change detection and refresh rate management. This universal approach reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while enabling variable refresh rate operation for power savings.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus, an integrated circuit and method thereof are disclosed. The display apparatus includes a frame buffer, a controller circuit, and a display driver circuit. The frame buffer is configured to retain a plurality of image frames to be displayed. The controller circuit, coupled to the frame buffer, is configured to determine whether a change in the image frames has occurred and whether a refresh time is expired. The display driver circuit, operatively coupled to the frame buffer and adapted to couple to an active display device, is configured to receive the image frames to be displayed from the frame buffer and dynamically refreshing the active display device when the change is determined or when a refresh time is expired.