Timing Controller Power Reduction via Dynamic Buffer Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid crystal display (LCD) devices operating in panel self refresh (PSR) mode consume substantial power due to continuous frame data processing and transmission through the timing controller (TCON) and frame buffer.

Innovation Solution

Implementing control logic in the TCON to switch from reading image data from the frame buffer to reading directly from the processor when the buffer reaches a threshold, synchronizing frame timing with incoming data, and continuing to store data in parallel, thereby reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the LCD operates in panel self refresh mode with continuous frame data processing through TCON and frame buffer, then the display refresh function is maintained, but power consumption increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay refresh functionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: PSR mode for power saving and non-PSR mode for full functionality. The TCON controller adjusts its operation based on buffer status, transitioning from reading frame buffer data to reading processor data when buffer threshold is reached, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining display refresh capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the TCON and frame buffer by introducing a threshold-based control mechanism. When the frame buffer data amount exceeds the threshold, the system switches from PSR mode (reading from frame buffer) to non-PSR mode (reading directly from processor), effectively using parameter changes to balance power consumption and display performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the frame buffer continuously stores and reads image data for PSR operation, then panel self refresh is enabled, but the amount of power consumed increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel self refresh capabilityVSAvoidframe buffer power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs partial PSR operation by monitoring the frame buffer data amount against a threshold. Instead of continuously operating in full PSR mode, the system partially utilizes the frame buffer when data amount is below threshold, and switches to direct processor reading when threshold is exceeded, thereby reducing excessive power consumption while maintaining essential PSR functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9947277B2Devices and methods for operating a timing controller of a display

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 APPLE INC

AI summary

Methods and devices for reducing the power consumption of a frame buffer and timing controller of an electronic display are provided. By way of example, a method of operating an electronic display includes receiving image data from a processor of the electronic display, storing the image data to a buffer of the electronic display, reading the image data from the buffer to supply the image data to a column driver of the electronic display, determining whether an amount of image data stored in buffer is less than a threshold, and switching from reading the image data from the buffer to reading the image data directly from the processor when the amount of image data stored in buffer is less than the threshold.