Gamma Generator Voltage Scaling for Low-Brightness Display Power

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic displays consume excessive power due to constant supply voltage and current usage in pixel drive circuitry, regardless of brightness settings, leading to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Adjusting the supply voltage and bias current of gamma generators and pixel drive circuitry based on brightness settings to reduce power consumption by utilizing variable supply voltages and reducing current demand in amplifiers, especially at lower brightness levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If constant supply voltage and current are used in pixel drive circuitry, then reliable operation is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant supply voltage and current to variable supply voltage and current that adapt based on brightness settings. The gamma generator and pixel drive circuitry dynamically adjust their operating parameters according to the display brightness level, allowing the system to consume less power at lower brightness while maintaining reliable operation across all brightness conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the supply voltage and bias current parameters based on brightness settings. The gamma generator adjusts its output voltage range and the pixel drive circuitry adjusts its bias current according to the selected brightness level, enabling power consumption to scale with actual display requirements rather than operating at maximum parameters continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If supply voltage is reduced at lower brightness settings, then power consumption decreases, but image quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback by using the brightness setting as a control parameter that informs the gamma generator and pixel drive circuitry how to adjust their operating parameters. The system receives brightness level information and uses it to appropriately scale the supply voltage and bias current, ensuring that image quality remains adequate for the selected brightness level while optimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting the supply voltage and bias current parameters in response to brightness settings. The gamma generator modifies its voltage output range and the pixel drive circuitry adjusts its current parameters based on the brightness level, creating a coordinated parameter adaptation that maintains image quality within acceptable ranges while reducing power consumption at lower brightness settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12518697B2Brightness based pixel driver power reduction systems and methods
Publication Date: 2026.01.06 APPLE INC
  • US12518697B2 patent drawing
  • US12518697B2 patent drawing
  • US12518697B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device may include a display panel having display pixels and pixel drive circuitry that drives the display pixels based on a set of analog voltages according to display image data. Additionally, the electronic device may include a gamma generator to generate the set of analog voltages and voltage regulating circuitry that adjusts a supply voltage to a portion of the gamma generator based on a brightness setting of the display panel.