Timing Controller PSR Mode Pointer Update Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In display systems with a panel self-refresh (PSR) function, power consumption is not sufficiently reduced when a user moves a mouse cursor, as the system switches from PSR mode to normal mode, even if the background image remains unchanged.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a timing controller that generates display image data based on received image data and positional information, allowing for a first mode where only positional information is received to update a pointer image, and a second mode where image data is output, enabling the system to maintain PSR mode even when the pointer is moved, thereby reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display mode is switched from PSR mode to normal mode when a user moves a mouse cursor, then the pointer image can be updated on the screen, but the power consumption of the display system increases because the system unit restarts outputting new frame image data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointer update functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display image data is segmented into two independent components: background image data (stored in the internal image memory) and pointer image data (received from the system unit). This segmentation allows the background to remain in PSR mode while only the pointer portion is updated, resolving the contradiction between maintaining operational functionality and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pointer image data is extracted from the complete frame image data and transmitted separately to the timing controller. This extraction enables the system to update only the necessary portion (pointer) without restarting the entire frame output, thereby maintaining PSR mode for the background while achieving pointer update functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of energy

If the system unit stops outputting frame image data in PSR mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the system cannot respond to user interactions such as mouse movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption reductionVSAvoidresponse to user interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on activity level. In PSR mode, only essential updates (pointer position) are processed, while full frame output is suspended. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain adaptability to user interactions while minimizing energy consumption during static periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The background image data is pre-loaded and stored in the internal image memory before PSR mode is activated. This preliminary action enables the system to maintain display functionality without continuous data output, allowing rapid response to user interactions while keeping power consumption low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9710049B2Display device, method of driving a display device, and display system

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

In a display device, when a receiving section receives positional information representing a position of a pointer image in a display region in a first display mode, a data generating section generates display image data corresponding to a display image based on an image corresponding to internal image data stored in an internal image memory, the above-mentioned pointer image, and the above-mentioned positional information.