Sub-pixel Data Reordering for Display Bandwidth Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display technologies face inefficiencies in transmitting image data due to the requirement of 24 bits per pixel in RGB format, which can be reduced by using sub-pixel formatted displays with fewer colors per pixel, such as RGBG or RGBW formats, but these require reordering and may not match the display's sub-pixel color order, leading to potential display quality issues.

Innovation Solution

A display system and method that generates sub-pixel formatted data in a specific order (e.g., RGBG or RGBW) and reorders it to match the display's sub-pixel color order, using a processor and sub-pixel conversion unit to convert RGB data into sub-pixel formatted data, which is then transmitted and applied to the display using standards like MIPI DSI or eDP, with indicators to ensure correct ordering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If sub-pixel formatted data is transmitted to match display color order, then display quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to reordering requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidreordering complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The source device performs sub-pixel conversion and reordering operations in advance before transmission, so that the data arrives at the display device already in the correct format. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for complex reordering operations at the display device, reducing its complexity while maintaining high display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A sub-pixel conversion unit acts as an intermediary component between the standard RGB data source and the sub-pixel formatted display. This intermediary performs the necessary data transformation and reordering, isolating the complexity from the display device itself and allowing the display to focus on its primary function of rendering high-quality images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If 24-bit RGB data is transmitted, then color accuracy is maintained, but bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the data format parameters from standard 24-bit RGB to sub-pixel formatted data with fewer bits per pixel. By altering the organizational structure and bit depth parameters of the image data, the system achieves comparable color accuracy while significantly reducing the total bandwidth required for transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the traditional RGB pixel structure into sub-pixel components (such as RGBG or RGBW formats) and transmits them separately with optimized bit allocation. This segmentation allows each sub-pixel channel to use fewer bits while maintaining overall color accuracy, thereby reducing total bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If sub-sampled pixel data is received, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but processing complexity at the sink device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The source device performs all necessary sub-pixel conversion and reordering operations in advance before transmission. This preliminary action ensures that the sink device receives data already in the correct format, eliminating the need for complex processing at the receiving end while maintaining bandwidth efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3358561B1Method and apparatus for a sink device to receive and process sub-sampled pixel data
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3358561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3358561B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3358561B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A display system including a sub-pixel formatted display (330) is disclosed. A source (310) generates image data, converts the image data into sub-pixel formatted data having a first sub-pixel colour order (RGBG), transmits the sub-pixel formatted data to a display device (320) including the display (330). The display device (320) converts the sub-pixel formatted data into sub-pixel formatted data having a second sub-pixel colour order, and applies the sub-pixel data with the second sub-pixel colour order to the display (320).