Display Pixel-Array Resolution Switching to Reduce Multiplexer Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices in battery saver mode continue to consume high power due to multiplexers switching transistors frequently, even when presenting content under always-on-display conditions, limiting battery savings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a reduced-resolution mode that operates multiplexers at a fraction of their normal frequency, toggling only for every other pixel row, and reducing the frequency of multiplexer operations to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the display operates in always-on-display mode at full resolution, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adjusts its operating resolution based on the display mode. In always-on-display mode, the system operates at reduced resolution to lower power consumption, while switching to full resolution when normal display mode is activated. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between power consumption and image quality based on actual usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resolution parameter of the display output based on the operating mode. When battery power is detected or always-on-display mode is active, the resolution parameter is reduced to minimize power consumption. The controller adjusts this parameter without requiring hardware changes, enabling flexible power management through software-controlled parameter modification.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiplexers switch transistors frequently to maintain image data, then display accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously updating image data through the multiplexers, the system employs periodic updates at reduced frequency. The multiplexer switching is throttled to occur only when necessary, reducing the switching frequency while still maintaining adequate image data accuracy for the always-on-display mode. This periodic action significantly lowers multiplexer power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by updating only a subset of pixel rows or using reduced-resolution image data for always-on-display mode. Rather than fully refreshing the entire display buffer through the multiplexers, the system updates only the necessary portions or uses a lower-resolution representation, thereby reducing multiplexer activity and power consumption while maintaining acceptable display quality.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for operating a display device that includes a pixel array addressed by a set of data lines and a set of scan lines. A method includes: addressing the set of data lines with first image data; sending a first scan signal to a first line of pixels using a first scan line to move the first image data to the first line of pixels; activating the first line of pixels to emit light; sending a second scan signal to a second line of pixels using a second scan line, without having addressed the set of data lines with image data after having addressed the set of data lines with the first image data; and activating the second line of pixels to emit light after the second scan signal has been sent.