Scan Output Timing for Multi-Area Display Driver Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices require multiple driver integrated circuits, leading to increased static power consumption, cost, and complexity in processes.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that reduces the number of driver integrated circuits by controlling multiple display areas with a single driver integrated circuit, utilizing a scan output unit and data driver to efficiently manage scan and data signals across divided pixel areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple driver integrated circuits are used to control different display areas, then each display area can be independently controlled, but static power consumption increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of display areasVSAvoidstatic power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple driver integrated circuits into a single driver integrated circuit that controls multiple display areas. The scan output unit integrates multiple scan outputs within one DIC, allowing it to drive multiple display areas simultaneously, thereby reducing the total number of DICs and lowering static power consumption while maintaining independent control capability through time-division multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scan output unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple display areas. It can selectively output scan signals to different display areas based on control signals, making a single DIC universally capable of controlling multiple regions that previously required separate dedicated drivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple driver integrated circuits are used to control different display areas, then each area can be driven independently, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of display areasVSAvoidnumber of driver integrated circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple driver integrated circuits into one unified DIC structure. The scan output unit integrates multiple scan signal generation and distribution functions within a single DIC, reducing the overall device complexity by eliminating redundant circuitry and interconnections between multiple separate DICs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While merging the DICs, the patent segments the scan signal distribution through time-division multiplexing. The scan output unit can selectively route scan signals to different display areas in different time periods, maintaining independent control capability while using a single integrated circuit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If multiple driver integrated circuits are used, then comprehensive display area coverage is achieved, but manufacturing processes become more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay area coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple driver functions into a single DIC, simplifying the manufacturing process. Instead of procuring, testing, and assembling multiple separate DICs, the manufacturer only needs to handle one DIC type, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the same display area coverage through the multi-output scan signal distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Use of energy by stationary object

If a single driver integrated circuit controls multiple display areas through time-division multiplexing, then static power consumption is reduced, but signal timing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic power consumptionVSAvoidsignal timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scan output unit employs periodic time-division multiplexing to alternately output scan signals to different display areas. By using periodic switching based on horizontal periods and sub-periods, the system achieves efficient power utilization while managing timing complexity through regular, predictable signal patterns rather than arbitrary timing sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250384841A1Display device and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel comprising pixels connected to data lines and scan lines, wherein the pixels are divided into first and second unit areas; a scan driver configured to provide scan signals to the scan lines; and a scan output unit connected between the scan driver and the display panel and configured to output the scan signals to the first and second unit areas, wherein the scan output unit is configured to output a first scan signal received from the scan driver to a first pixel in the first unit area of the pixels during a first period of a first horizontal period and to output the first scan signal to a second pixel in the second unit area of the pixels during a second period of the first horizontal period following the first period of the first horizontal period.