Source Driver Programmable Voltage Buffer Dynamic Gamma Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LCD technologies require frequent changes in gamma reference voltage to optimize display quality, but separate voltage buffer and source driver ICs cannot meet the requirement of different gamma curves for different image regions within a frame.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a programmable voltage buffer unit within the source driver IC, controlled by a timing controller to dynamically adjust voltage configurations and generate different reference voltage groups for varying display characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate voltage buffer IC and source driver IC are used, then the system structure is simple and cost is reduced, but the ability to dynamically change gamma reference voltage for different image regions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage buffer unit and source driver unit into a single integrated circuit device. The voltage buffer unit generates reference voltages while the source driver unit processes pixel data, and both units share the same IC substrate with interconnected signal paths. This integration enables dynamic gamma reference voltage changes for different image regions without requiring separate IC devices, thus improving adaptability while managing system complexity.
2Productivity
If the voltage buffer and source driver are integrated into the same IC, then dynamic voltage configuration changes are enabled, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the voltage buffer unit and source driver unit into a single IC to enable rapid voltage configuration changes. The integrated design allows the voltage buffer unit to instantly update reference voltages for different image regions based on image characteristics, achieving high productivity in terms of response speed. The manufacturing cost increase is offset by the elimination of external voltage buffer ICs and the reduction in signal transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic voltage configuration capability where the voltage buffer unit can change gamma reference voltages in real-time based on image characteristics. The timing controller unit determines image regions with different characteristics and dynamically adjusts the reference voltages accordingly, enabling the system to adapt quickly to changing display requirements without manual intervention or external hardware changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If different gamma curves are required for different image regions, then display quality is optimized, but the conventional source driver cannot provide different reference voltages to different channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different gamma reference voltages for different image regions. The timing controller unit analyzes image characteristics and identifies regions requiring different gamma curves. The voltage buffer unit then provides channel-specific reference voltages to different source driver channels based on their respective image region requirements, optimizing display quality for each local region rather than using a uniform gamma curve for the entire display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display into multiple image regions with different characteristics. The timing controller unit divides the display area and assigns different gamma reference voltages to different segments based on their specific display requirements. This segmentation allows each channel to receive appropriately optimized reference voltages for its designated image region, improving overall display quality through region-specific optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A source driver includes a first drive channel circuit, a voltage controller and a first programmable voltage buffer unit. The first drive channel circuit receives a first pixel data and a first reference voltage group, for driving the display device. The voltage controller receives a voltage command during a line data transmitting period, a horizontal blanking period or a vertical blanking period for generating a first reference voltage configuration data. The first programmable voltage buffer unit is coupled to the voltage controller and the first drive channel circuit, and receives the first reference voltage configuration data for applying the first reference voltage group to the first drive channel circuit. Furthermore, a method for driving a display device is also provided.