Source Driver Interpolation for 4K to 8K Display Up-Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
When up-converting from 4K to 8K resolution, image data signals for three channels are missing for every pair of source driver ICs, leading to incomplete pixel data interpolation across the display screen.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration with a source driver group of 2j source drivers, where each pair receives image data signals through common data supply lines, allowing for interpolation of pixel data across the entire screen by splitting and transmitting/receiving pixel data pieces between adjacent source drivers, ensuring seamless up-conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If image data signals are supplied through common data supply lines to pairs of source driver ICs, then the number of data supply lines is reduced, but image data signals for three channels are missing for every pair of source driver ICs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission/reception circuit as an intermediary between adjacent source driver ICs. This circuit transmits the missing image data signals for three channels (R, G, and B) from one source driver IC to its adjacent partner, enabling complete pixel data interpolation without requiring additional data supply lines from the timing controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple data supply lines into common data supply lines that connect pairs of source driver ICs. By combining the data transmission paths and supplementing with local transmission/reception circuits, the system achieves the same information delivery with fewer physical lines, reducing device complexity while maintaining data completeness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If source driver ICs perform interpolation of pixel data at their boundaries, then seamless display across the entire screen is achieved, but additional image data channels are required that cannot be provided through branched data supply lines
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission/reception circuit serves as a local intermediary that provides the additional data channels needed at source driver IC boundaries. Instead of requiring complex branched data supply lines from the timing controller, the intermediary circuit locally generates and transmits the necessary pixel data for boundary interpolation, maintaining display seamlessness while simplifying the overall data supply configuration.
3Device complexity
If 12 data supply lines are used to connect timing controller to 24 source driver ICs, then the connection structure is simplified, but image data signals for up-conversion are incomplete for every pair of source drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places transmission/reception circuits within the source driver ICs themselves, creating local intermediaries that compensate for the incomplete data signals received through the simplified 12-line connection structure. These intermediaries ensure that every source driver IC has access to all necessary pixel data for reliable image generation, maintaining signal completeness despite the reduced connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data supply function into two parts: common data supply lines that provide the majority of image data signals from the timing controller, and local transmission/reception circuits that provide the remaining three channels. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable data completeness while using a simplified 12-line connection structure instead of requiring more lines.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device has: a display panel; a source driver group including 2j source drivers that are arranged in the lengthwise direction of gate lines; and a display controller that is connected to the 2j source drivers via j data supply lines provided in common between adjacent pairs of source drivers. The display controller outputs j pixel data piece groups, into which m/2 pixel data pieces were divided, to the data supply lines. The (2k)th source driver receives m/(4j) pixel data pieces via a data supply line, and receives three pixel data pieces from the (2k+1)th source driver. The (2k)th source driver generates m/(2j) of gradation voltage signals on the basis of the pixel data pieces.