Timing Controller Protocol Auto-Selection for Source Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing display devices face inefficiencies in manufacturing due to the time-consuming process of rewriting settings for the timing controller to accommodate different types of source drivers, as they often require specific protocol standards for correct image signal restoration, leading to compatibility issues and increased workload.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration that includes a timing controller and a storage unit storing information on multiple serial transmission standards, allowing the timing controller to select and determine compatible standards through a series of determinations and pattern data outputs to establish and maintain locked data communication states, thereby automatically setting the appropriate protocol for the connected source driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the timing controller is configured to support multiple protocol standards, then compatibility with different source drivers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing controller automatically performs protocol determination by outputting training pattern data and detecting lock signals from the source driver, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The system self-identifies the compatible protocol standard through automated testing and selection based on which standard successfully establishes communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing controller dynamically changes protocol parameters by sequentially testing different protocol standards (e.g., different packet structures, data formats, or communication rules) until finding the one that the source driver can correctly interpret, as indicated by successful lock signal reception.
2Reliability
If manual rewriting of timing controller settings is performed for each source driver type, then protocol compatibility is ensured, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing controller automatically determines the appropriate protocol by testing communication with the source driver using training pattern data, eliminating manual configuration steps. The system self-configures by identifying which protocol standard enables successful data communication based on lock signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Training pattern data is output beforehand to facilitate automatic protocol determination before actual image signal transmission begins, allowing the system to pre-establish communication parameters and avoid time-consuming manual setup during manufacturing.
3Extent of automation
If the timing controller outputs training pattern data for protocol determination, then automatic standard selection is enabled, but data communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing controller outputs training pattern data only temporarily during the protocol determination phase, not continuously during normal operation. This partial action approach enables automatic standard selection while minimizing overall data communication overhead by limiting the extra data transmission to only when needed for configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device according to aspect of the disclosure includes: a source driver; and a timing controller. The source driver and the timing controller perform data communication through serial transmission. The display device further includes a storage unit configured to store information about each of a plurality of standards that are different from each other, the standard defining a protocol for specific serial transmission. The timing controller selects one standard from among the plurality of standards, performs first determination that is determination on the selected standard to determine whether to receive a lock signal from the source driver within a predetermined period after training pattern data compatible with the selected standard is output to the source driver, and outputs an image signal of the protocol of the selected standard to the source driver when a result of the first determination is positive.