Source Driver Upstream Link for Downlink Lock Status Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input devices face challenges in efficiently determining the lock status of downstream links, leading to potential data transmission errors and display artifacts due to the lack of a direct mechanism to indicate link status changes.
Innovation Solution
A processing system that includes upstream and downstream links between a timing controller and source drivers, where the upstream link transfers uplink data including downlink lock status information and touch data, allowing for real-time monitoring and retraining of lost links without affecting other connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate link status monitoring mechanisms are implemented for each downstream link, then link status detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upstream data transmission channel is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits touch data from the source driver to the timing controller, and simultaneously carries downlink lock status information from the source driver to the timing controller. This multi-functional use of the existing upstream channel eliminates the need for separate dedicated status monitoring hardware, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstream link is designed to transmit multiple types of data (touch data and lock status information) through the same communication channel. By making the upstream channel universal for both touch data transmission and link status reporting, the patent avoids adding separate hardware components, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving accurate link status monitoring.
2Reliability
If redundant link retraining mechanisms are implemented, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but productivity and processing efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The source driver continuously monitors downlink lock status and provides real-time feedback to the timing controller through the upstream channel. When lock is lost, the source driver asserts a high-level signal on the upstream link, enabling the timing controller to immediately detect the issue and initiate retraining only when necessary. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable transmission while avoiding unnecessary redundant retraining operations that would reduce processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time lock status feedback is transmitted through the upstream channel, allowing the timing controller to make informed decisions about when retraining is actually needed. This prevents unnecessary retraining operations, maintaining data transmission reliability while preserving processing efficiency by avoiding redundant operations.
3Reliability
If real-time lock status monitoring is implemented on upstream link, then display quality is improved by reducing artifacts, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upstream channel, already dedicated for touch data transmission, is also used for lock status monitoring. By making this channel multi-functional, the patent achieves real-time monitoring that improves display quality without adding separate monitoring hardware or increasing energy consumption, as the same physical channel carries both types of information.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstream link serves dual purposes: transmitting touch data and reporting lock status. This multi-functional approach enables continuous monitoring that prevents display artifacts without requiring additional energy-consuming monitoring circuits or separate communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes one or more source drivers operable to drive a portion of a row or column of a display. The system also includes a timing controller coupled to each of the one or more source drivers and configured to control the one or more source drivers. The system further includes a downstream link for each of the one or more source drivers, configured to transfer data from the timing controller to one of the one or more source drivers. The system also includes an upstream link for each of the one or more source drivers, configured to transfer uplink data from one of the one or more source drivers to the timing controller, wherein the uplink data includes at least one of downlink lock status information and touch data.