Timing Controller Signal Path Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display device inspection techniques fail to detect abnormalities in the transmission path of timing signals, such as the start pulse, leading to undetected issues even if abnormalities exist.

Innovation Solution

A timing controller with a delay output unit that generates a second pulse based on a first pulse, allowing for comparison with a threshold value to detect errors, thereby identifying abnormalities in the transmission path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a start pulse waveform deformation technique is used for inspection, then the inspection method is simple, but abnormalities in the transmission path of the start pulse cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection method simplicityVSAvoidabnormality detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by generating a test signal before normal operation to inspect the transmission path. The inspection signal is generated in advance and sent through the scanning circuit to detect abnormalities before they affect normal display operation. This allows the system to perform self-diagnosis without requiring external inspection equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by comparing the original inspection signal with the signal after it has passed through the transmission path. The delay output unit measures the delay time of the returned signal, and the error output unit compares this delay with a threshold value to generate an error signal when abnormalities are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic detection and reporting of transmission path issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If no transmission path inspection is performed, then the device complexity is low, but abnormalities remain undetected leading to prolonged operation with errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection system complexityVSAvoidtime to detect abnormalities
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the timing controller perform multiple functions: both normal display signal processing and self-inspection of the transmission path. The same controller that generates timing signals for display also generates inspection signals and processes the returned signals. This eliminates the need for separate inspection equipment, reducing overall system complexity while enabling continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the timing controller to autonomously inspect its own transmission path without requiring external inspection equipment. The controller generates inspection signals, receives the returned signals, measures delay times, and generates error signals automatically. This self-diagnostic capability reduces the need for external maintenance and inspection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11210984B2Timing controller and display device
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US11210984B2 patent drawing
  • US11210984B2 patent drawing
  • US11210984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A timing controller that controls a drive circuit of a display panel includes: a delay output unit configured to output a delay value based on a delay time of a second pulse with respect to a first pulse that is output by the drive circuit, the first pulse being generated in synchronization with a data signal supplied to the display panel; and an error output unit configured to compare the delay value and a threshold value to each other and output an error signal based on a result of the comparison, and the second pulse is a pulse that is output from the drive circuit based on the first pulse.