Sink Device Video Frame Self-Refresh Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies consume excessive power due to continuous video frame refreshing between source and sink devices, even when the video frame is static, leading to unnecessary power usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a self-refresh mechanism in sink devices, where the source device determines video frame persistence and instructs the sink to store the frame for self-refresh, using a main link and auxiliary channel, and terminating the main link to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous video frame transmission is performed from source to sink, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transitioning from continuous frame transmission to intermittent transmission. The sink device performs self-refresh using stored frame buffers, transmitting video data only when necessary (e.g., when frame content changes), rather than continuously. This periodic transmission approach maintains image quality while significantly reducing power consumption during static display periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sink device performs self-service by autonomously managing its own frame buffer and self-refresh operation. The sink device stores video frames in its local buffer and uses these stored frames to refresh its display panel independently, without requiring continuous data transmission from the source device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous source-to-sink transmission, reducing power consumption while maintaining display functionality.
2Reliability
If main link is kept powered on for continuous video transmission, then data transmission reliability is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main link transitions from continuous operation to periodic operation. The link is activated only when video data needs to be transmitted from source to sink, and remains inactive during periods when the sink device performs self-refresh using stored frames. This periodic activation maintains data transmission reliability when needed while dramatically reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sink device performs preliminary action by storing video frames in its local buffer before the main link needs to be active. By pre-storing frames and performing self-refresh operations independently, the sink device can maintain display functionality without requiring the main link to be continuously powered on, thus reducing power consumption while ensuring data transmission reliability when transmission does occur.
3Reliability
If graphics controller continuously transmits video data, then display refresh is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sink device's display controller performs self-service by autonomously refreshing its display panel using stored frame buffers. This self-refresh operation eliminates the need for the source device's graphics controller to continuously transmit video data, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining display refresh functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The video data transmission transitions from continuous to periodic operation. The graphics controller transmits video data only when necessary (e.g., when frame content changes or during initial loading), and remains inactive during periods when the sink device performs self-refresh. This periodic transmission maintains display refresh reliability while dramatically reducing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A sink device having a display panel capable of performing a video frame self-refresh as directed by a source device is described. A source determines that a video frame will persist (i.e., remain the same). In this situation, the frame data does not need to be repeatedly transmitted over a main link between the source and sink devices. The main link can be turned off and transmission can cease for a certain time thereby reducing power usage by the devices or system as a whole. The source ensures that the last frame transmitted to the sink is correct by performing CRC checks and then instructs the sink, via certain bit settings in a video status indication symbol, to store the last transmitted frame in the sink's local buffer and use that frame to refresh the panel. The source can then disable the self-refresh when the frame changes.