Pixel Scan Timing for Lower-Power Display Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices incur unnecessary power consumption due to the structure of their pixel circuits.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a pixel component comprising specific transistors and capacitors, and a driving method that includes varying scan periods and voltage application sequences to minimize power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional pixel circuit structure is used, then display function is achieved, but unnecessary power consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpixel circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic control to the pixel circuit by implementing multiple operational modes (first mode with first frequency, second mode with second frequency less than first frequency) that can be switched based on display requirements. The circuit dynamically adjusts its operation by applying different scan signals to different transistors during different time periods, allowing the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining display functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the use of frame periods that are divided into multiple time periods within each frame. Scan signals are applied periodically to different transistors (first transistor, second transistor, third transistor, fourth transistor, fifth transistor, sixth transistor) at specific time intervals, creating a rhythmic pattern of charging and discharging that reduces unnecessary power consumption while maintaining display operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If continuous scanning is performed, then display refresh is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay refreshVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous scanning process into distinct time periods within each frame period. Each time period is assigned to scan specific transistors (first scan line, second scan line, third scan line, fourth scan line, fifth scan line, sixth scan line) sequentially rather than continuously scanning all transistors simultaneously. This segmentation allows the display to maintain refresh functionality while reducing the overall power consumption by activating only the necessary scanning operations at each time period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a scanning strategy where certain transistors are scanned and charged during specific time periods, then allowed to discharge or maintain their state during subsequent periods. The first capacitor charges during certain time periods and then maintains or discharges during others, effectively discarding unnecessary charging operations and recovering power by allowing capacitors to maintain their charge states without continuous replenishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4697312A1Display device and driving method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4697312A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4697312A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4697312A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A display device includes a pixel component including a plurality of pixels. A pixel among the plurality of pixels is connected to a first scan line, a second scan line, a third scan line, a fourth scan line, and a fifth scan line. At least one frame period includes a first period during which while a turn-on level scan signal is applied to the third scan line, turn-off level scan signals are applied to the first, second, fourth and fifth scan lines.