Interferometric Modulator Display Power Reduction via Selective Element Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interferometric modulator displays face high power consumption due to frequent updates of display elements, especially in color or greyscale displays, which increases energy usage and reduces battery life in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that adjusts the frame update rates for display elements, allowing for reduced display element resolution in certain modes to decrease power consumption, by periodically resetting only a portion of display elements at lower rates and skipping unnecessary row or column voltage strobes, and filtering image data to reduce data transmission and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If display elements are updated frequently to maintain image quality, then image display quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by updating only a portion of display elements at full frame rate while other portions are updated at lower rates or held static. This selective updating approach maintains acceptable image quality for moving elements while reducing overall power consumption across the entire display array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using duty-cycled updating where display elements are refreshed at different time intervals based on their content requirements. Static or slowly changing content is updated less frequently, while dynamic content receives more frequent updates, creating a periodic rather than continuous updating pattern that reduces average power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If all display elements are updated at full resolution, then display resolution is maintained, but data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display data transmission by dividing the display array into different update zones or groups. Each segment is updated independently at appropriate rates, allowing differential data transmission where only necessary portions of the display data are transmitted at full resolution and frequency, reducing overall data volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting full-resolution data only for portions of the display that require it, while other portions receive reduced-resolution or differential updates. This selective data transmission maintains necessary display quality while significantly reducing the total quantity of data that must be transmitted.
3Speed
If frame update rate is increased to improve motion display, then motion display quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the frame update rate variable rather than fixed. The update rate is dynamically adjusted based on scene complexity, motion detection, and display content characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows high update rates only when necessary for motion display quality, while reducing update rates during static scenes to minimize power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through variable refresh rate mechanisms where the display updates at different periodic intervals based on content requirements. High-speed periodic updating occurs only when motion is detected or during critical display moments, while lower-speed periodic updating is used during static periods, optimizing the balance between motion quality and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for reducing power consumption in a display includes driving a display comprising a plurality of display elements characterized by a display state. In a first mode of operation, the display state of substantially all the display elements is periodically re-set so as to display a first series of image frames. Upon changing to a second mode of operation, a second mode of operations comprises re-setting the display state of only a portion of the display elements so as to display a second series of image frames at a display element resolution which is less than said display element resolution used to display said first series of image frames.