SoC Display Controller Mode Switching for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing image resolution and data traffic between mobile application processors and display driver ICs lead to higher power consumption, necessitating methods to reduce power consumption in system-on-chip (SoC) devices and display drivers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system-on-chip (SoC) device with a display controller that adjusts its output frequency based on trigger signals and interrupts, switching between modes to optimize power usage by reducing the frequency of image data output when displaying still images, and utilizing an image analyzer in the display driver to determine frame rates and generate interrupts for efficient data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the display controller outputs image data at high frequency to maintain image quality, then image quality is preserved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display controller dynamically adjusts its operating mode between first mode (high frequency output for moving images) and second mode (low frequency output for still images) based on the type of image being displayed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining appropriate image quality for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the output frequency parameter of the display controller based on image type. In the first mode, image data is output at high frequency (n times per second) to preserve moving image quality. In the second mode, output frequency is reduced (m times per second, where m < n) for still images, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the display controller operates in first mode continuously to maintain image updates, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage data output frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by using trigger signals to activate the display controller only when needed. In the second mode, the display controller operates intermittently based on trigger signals from the display driver, outputting image data only at necessary intervals rather than continuously, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate image update frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The display controller dynamically switches between continuous operation (first mode) and intermittent operation (second mode) based on the display driver's needs and image type, optimizing the balance between power consumption and image update frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the display driver includes a frame buffer to maintain image quality, then image quality is preserved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddisplay driver structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the frame buffer function from the display driver by implementing a dual-mode system where the display controller itself handles image data management. In the second mode, the display controller outputs image data only when triggered, eliminating the need for a separate frame buffer in the display driver, thereby reducing device complexity and power consumption while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The display controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the image data output device and the timing control device. By integrating these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate frame buffer hardware in the display driver, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining image quality through intelligent timing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10311832B2System-on-chip (SoC) devices, display drivers and SoC systems including the same

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A system-on-chip (SoC) device includes: a display controller configured to receive a trigger signal, and to output image data based on the trigger signal; and a transceiver configured to receive a first interrupt. In a first mode, the display controller is configured to output the image data in synchronization with a pulse of the trigger signal. In a second mode, which is different from the first mode, the display controller is configured to output the image data in synchronization with a pulse included in the trigger signal only after receiving the first interrupt.