Integrated Memory Pixels for Low Power Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies, such as LED and OLED panels, face high power consumption due to the need to drive entire rows and columns of pixels simultaneously, which limits efficiency and refresh rates, and require remote frame buffers and analog interfaces.
Innovation Solution
Integration of memory, such as SRAM, directly into display pixels, allowing for localized control of light emitters based on stored data and timing information, reducing the need for remote frame buffers and analog interfaces, and enabling non-isochronous high-speed digital pixel interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If remote frame buffers and analog interfaces are used to drive display pixels, then display coverage and signal transmission are achieved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into autonomous pixel units, each with its own memory and control circuitry. This segmentation allows each pixel to operate independently with localized data storage, eliminating the need for centralized frame buffers and reducing the complexity of analog interface circuits while maintaining display functionality.
2Productivity
If entire rows and columns of pixels are driven simultaneously, then display refresh is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing pixel data in local memory within each pixel unit before it is needed for display. This allows pixels to be refreshed asynchronously and independently rather than requiring simultaneous row-by-row scanning, enabling higher refresh rates with lower power consumption by activating only the necessary pixel circuits at each moment.
3Ease of manufacture
If analog interfaces are used for pixel driving, then signal transmission to pixels is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog electrical signal transmission with digital data storage and processing at the pixel level. By integrating memory and digital logic directly in each pixel, the system eliminates complex analog interface circuits and their associated precision manufacturing requirements, simplifying both manufacturing and device architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in power-efficient, responsive displays with superior brightness and refresh rates, reduced power consumption, and simplified manufacturing, enabling compact electronic devices with improved computational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter and a comparator in circuit with the memory, the comparator to control a flow of electrical current to the light emitter
Data Source
AI summary
Display pixels having integrated memory are disclosed. A disclosed example memory pixel includes a light emitter on a semiconductor substrate, memory co-located with the light emitter on the same semiconductor substrate, and a comparator in circuit with the memory, the comparator to control a flow of electrical current to the light emitter based on pixel data from the memory and timing information.