Standby Display Control via Dual Memory Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In audiovisual program receivers, the challenge is to modify the display in standby mode without accessing the display controller's memory in write mode, as the equipment cannot be modified to accommodate changing display information due to energy consumption constraints and European energy directives.
Innovation Solution
A method using a second memory and a switching circuit to alternate the display element's association with storage elements, allowing the microcontroller to modify the display by controlling the switching circuit to activate or deactivate pictograms, indicating events like remote control commands, even when the main control unit cannot access the display memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display memory is kept accessible in write mode during standby mode, then the display can be modified to indicate events, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory system into two separate memory units: a first memory that stores display information and a second memory that stores event indication information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain display update capability while keeping energy consumption low by only periodically updating the second memory with event status rather than continuously accessing the main display memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by setting up the dual-memory structure and switching circuitry before standby mode is entered. The first memory is prepared with display information, and the second memory is ready to receive event indicators. This preliminary configuration enables the display to show event indications during standby without requiring continuous memory access or processing power.
2Loss of information
If the display is kept operational in standby mode to indicate events, then user awareness of commands is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a switching circuit that alternates between displaying content from the first memory and content from the second memory at predetermined time intervals. This periodic switching allows the display to indicate events (from the second memory) without requiring continuous operation of the full display system, thereby reducing standby energy consumption while maintaining event indication capability.
3Ease of operation
If the microcontroller can access display memory in standby mode, then display modification is possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching circuit as an intermediary between the microcontroller and the two memory units. This switching circuit simplifies the control structure by providing a straightforward mechanism to select which memory's content is displayed, rather than requiring complex memory management protocols. The switching circuit acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of dual-memory management, allowing the microcontroller to operate simply by controlling the switch state.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for controlling a display device in an electronic device and associated control device. The electronic device includes a control unit and the display device comprising a plurality of display elements, a display controller and a switching circuit. The display elements have a plurality of pictograms. The display controller having a plurality of storage elements associated with the display elements. The method includes the steps of writing into the storage elements of a contents for display on the display elements, the configuration in standby mode of the electronic device making the storage elements associated with the display elements by the control unit inaccessible, the detection of an event to be indicated by display, and the control of a switching circuit to vary the active pictograms by alternately displaying the contents of at least two of the storage elements on the same display element.