Panel Self-Refresh Bulk Data Transfer via DisplayPort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring bulk data, such as OLED compensation data, over interfaces like I2C, AUX channel, or chainable in-band Secondary Data Packet require extended times (minutes, hours, or days) for a 4K panel, necessitating a more efficient high-speed data transfer solution.

Innovation Solution

Employing a high-speed interface and modifying the Panel Self-Refresh (PSR) mode to maintain an active state for the source transmitter circuitry, sink receiver circuitry, and high-bandwidth communication link, allowing for the transfer of bulk data as Data Transport Units (DTUs) across a high-bandwidth connection like DisplayPort, enabling simultaneous data transfer with image display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional interfaces (I2C, AUX channel, SDP) are used for bulk data transfer, then power consumption is reduced by keeping interfaces inactive, but data transfer time increases significantly (minutes to days)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the PSR mode based on operational requirements. When bulk data transfer is needed, the system transitions from a low-power state (where transmitter and receiver are inactive) to an active PSR state, enabling high-speed data transfer through the DisplayPort interface. This dynamic state change allows the system to optimize between power consumption and transfer speed based on real-time needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the DisplayPort interface by modifying the PSR mode. Specifically, it adjusts the link training state and enables the transmitter and receiver circuits to operate at full bandwidth capability during bulk data transfer operations, transforming the interface from a low-power standby state to a high-performance active state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If DisplayPort interface is kept active for bulk data transfer, then data transfer speed increases, but power consumption increases due to maintaining active transmitter and receiver circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic activation of the DisplayPort interface for bulk data transfer operations. Instead of maintaining continuous active state, the interface is activated only when bulk data transfer is required, performs the transfer operation, and then returns to a low-power state. This periodic action pattern enables high-speed transfer when needed while minimizing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary link training and interface activation before bulk data transfer operations. By preparing the DisplayPort interface in advance with proper link training and signal calibration, the system ensures that when the interface is activated for data transfer, it immediately operates at optimal speed without requiring prolonged activation periods, thus reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If PSR mode is disabled during bulk data transfer, then simple control logic is maintained, but data transfer requires complete interface reactivation losing power efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The PSR mode is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it continues to enable panel self-refresh for display operations while simultaneously providing a high-bandwidth data transfer channel for bulk data operations. This multi-functionality allows the same interface and control logic to handle both display refresh and bulk data transfer without requiring separate control paths, maintaining simplicity while enabling power-efficient high-speed transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the bulk data transfer function with the existing PSR mode operation. By combining these two functions into a single integrated mode, the system eliminates the need for separate control logic for data transfer operations. The merged approach allows the DisplayPort interface to handle both panel refresh and bulk data transfer simultaneously or alternately without requiring complete interface reactivation, thus maintaining control logic simplicity while improving power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11501733B2Panel self-refresh (PSR) transmission of bulk data

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 INTEL CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of transferring bulk data, such as OLED compensation mask data, generated by a source device to a sink device using a high-bandwidth embedded DisplayPort (eDP) connection contemporaneous with an ENABLED Panel Self-Refresh (PSR) mode. Upon ENABLING the PSR mode, the source control circuitry causes the source transmitter circuitry, the sink receiver circuitry, and the eDP high-bandwidth communication link to remain active rather than inactive. The source control circuitry generates one or more data transport units (DTUs) having a header portion that contains data indicative of the presence of a bulk data payload and the non-display status of the bulk data payload carried by the DTUs.