Timing Controller Panel Self-Refresh Compressed Data

The patent implements panel self-refresh mode where the display driver IC periodically reads still image data from its internal frame buffer and transmits it to the display panel, instead of continuous transmission from the host. This periodic operation allows the host to enter low-power states while the display maintains still image display, directly resolving the contradiction between power consumption and display functionality.

The display driver IC performs self-refresh operations by autonomously reading data from its internal frame buffer and transmitting it to the display panel without continuous host intervention. This self-service mechanism enables the display system to maintain still images independently, reducing the host's power consumption while preserving display functionality.

The host or timing controller compresses image data before storing it in the frame buffer, performing the compression action in advance. This preliminary compression reduces the data size stored in memory, lowering power consumption during panel self-refresh operations while the decompression occurs during the refresh cycle itself, balancing time and energy trade-offs.

The patent introduces a timing controller as an intermediary between the host and display driver IC that handles compressed data format conversion and decompression. This intermediary component manages the complex decompression process efficiently, allowing compressed data to be stored in frame memory for power savings while minimizing the time penalty through optimized decompression operations.

The timing controller is designed to perform multiple functions including receiving data from host in various formats (compressed/uncompressed), converting data formats, controlling panel self-refresh operations, and managing vertical blanking interval timing. This multi-functional design consolidates timing control complexity into a single dedicated component rather than distributing it across multiple components, simplifying the overall system architecture.

The patent replaces complex hardware timing control circuits with a programmable timing controller that uses software-based timing management. The timing controller can be configured through control registers to adapt to different display modes and data formats, substituting rigid hardware timing logic with flexible software-controlled timing that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise timing control for panel self-refresh operations.