CN105632431A - Controller and display apparatus with improved performance and associated methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a controller and display apparatus with improved performance and associated methods. An apparatus includes a multiplexed liquid crystal display (LCD) controller. The LCD controller operates in at least first and second phases of operation. The LCD controller drives a first plurality of signal lines to a first set of voltages during the first phase of operation and to a second set of voltages during the second phase of operation. The LCD controller selectively couples to a node at least some of the plurality of signal lines between the first and second phases of operation depending on data provided to the LCD controller.

Description

There is the controller and display device that improve performance and the method being associated

The cross reference of related application

The application be December in 2012 within 19th, submit to be entitled as " there is the controller and display device that improve performance and the method (ControllerandDisplayApparatuswithImprovedPerformanceandA ssociatedMethods) being associated ", attorney is the part continuation application of pending U.S. Patent application No.13/720,037 of SILA345. For all purposes, above-mentioned application is hereby incorporated by full with it by reference.

Technical field

Disclosed concept relates generally to display device and correlation technique. More specifically, it relates to pass through the display with improvement performance of divided reset and the equipment of driver and the method being associated.

Background technology

Various types of electronic equipments and system use display. Display provides the user to equipment or system to present the ability of information. In some instances, display also provides for accepting the functional of information (such as input) from user.

A type of display is liquid crystal display (LCD). LCD is prevalent in various electronic equipment and display. Compared with other kinds of display (such as fluorescence or light emitting diode (LED) display), LCD consumes less power, and it is relatively universal that this part contributes to it.

In some LCD, the order of LCD phase is rearranged to reduce the power consumption of LCD. Those of ordinary skill in the art understands the details of this technology. As an example, the LCD not rearranged is likely to be of the phase arranged by [0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. In order to reduce the number of times of the voltage level conversion of LCD common line, the order of LCD phase is likely to rearrange by [0,2,4,6,1,3,5,7]. Compared with the LCD not rearranged, this technology can provide the power of about 17% to save.

Summary of the invention

According to the disclosure, it is contemplated that various embodiments. Equipment according to an exemplary embodiment includes multiplexing liquid crystal display (LCD) controller. Lcd controller runs at least the first and second and runs under phase (phaseofoperation). Lcd controller drives a plurality of first holding wire to drive to second group of voltage to first group of voltage and during second runs mutually during first runs mutually. According to the data being supplied to lcd controller, lcd controller runs between mutually first and second and optionally at least some of holding wire in many signal line is attached to a node.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a kind of equipment includes the multiplexing liquid crystal display (LCD) with at least the first and second operation phases. This equipment farther includes to be attached to the controller of LCD. According to the data being supplied to lcd controller, this controller runs between mutually at the first and second of LCD and optionally performs divided reset.

According to still another example embodiment, a kind of method running LCD, the method includes making LCD run lower mutually operation first, and after making LCD run run under mutually first, optionally performs divided reset based on the data being supplied to lcd controller. After the method further includes at execution selectivity divided reset, LCD is made to run lower mutually operation second.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Accompanying drawing only illustrates exemplary embodiment and therefore should not be considered limiting its scope. Those of ordinary skill in the art recognizes, themselves is borrowed in other equally effective embodiments by disclosed concept. In the accompanying drawings, the identical digit-marker used in more than one accompanying drawing represents identical, similar or equivalent functionality, parts or block.

Fig. 1 illustrates the circuit arrangement according to exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 illustrates with multiplexing LCD in the exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3 illustrates the sectional capacitance in exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 depicts the LCD control signal according to exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 illustrates conventional LCD segmentation switching.

Fig. 6 depicts the divided reset between according to each phase of exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 7 illustrates and employs the multiple replacement scheme block diagram for the circuit arrangement of divided reset according to exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8 depicts according to exemplary embodiment for determining one group of waveform of the mains voltage (majorityvoltage) (one or more) used in divided reset.

Fig. 9 illustrates the block diagram of the controller 15 according to exemplary embodiment.

Figure 10 illustrates the LCD waveform conversion in exemplary embodiment.

Figure 11 illustrates that the segmentation based on LCD data value according to exemplary embodiment switches.

Figure 12 depicts the divided reset based on LCD data value according to exemplary embodiment.

Figure 13 illustrates the flow chart of the LCD segmentation changing method depending on data according to exemplary embodiment.

Figure 14 illustrates the LCD of the common line scan sorting according to exemplary embodiment.

Figure 15 depicts conventional common line scanning.

Figure 16 illustrates the common line scanning sequency according to exemplary embodiment.

Figure 17 illustrates the flow chart of the common line scan method depending on data according to exemplary embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

Disclosed concept be generally directed in electronic equipment and/or system use display. More properly, disclosed concept provides the method for the equipment for having LCD and/or controller or the driver improving performance, for instance, compared with conventional LCD/ driver, this equipment has lower or relatively low power consumption.

The performance section improved is owing to divided reset causes, i.e. the electric charge at least some of section is back to each known state run between mutually of controller or LCD. Divided reset can apply to common line and segmented line so that Segmented electrical container short circuit or capacitor is attached to known or required voltage, as described in detail below. As described in detail below, divided reset decreases power dissipation.

Fig. 1 illustrates the circuit arrangement 10 according to exemplary embodiment. Circuit arrangement 10 includes controller or driver 15 and LCD or LCD 20. Controller 15 uses coupling mechanism 25 to control the operation of LCD20. Coupling mechanism 25 allows control signal to be sent to LCD20 from controller 15. Additionally, coupling mechanism 25 can as needed in the transmission providing other signals between controller 15 and LCD20, for instance, status signal.

Coupling mechanism 25 can take various forms as required. Generally, coupling mechanism 25 includes providing the conducting element electrically connecting or coupling between controller 15 and LCD20. Such as, in certain embodiments, coupling mechanism 25 can include printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) trace. As another example, in certain embodiments, coupling mechanism 25 can include wire, deposited metal or other conductors etc.

As noted, in the exemplary embodiment, LCD20 is multiplexing LCD. Fig. 2 illustrates with multiplexing LCD20 in the exemplary embodiment. LCD20 includes multiple Seven pieces digital displaying or numerical digit, i.e. the well-known configuration of those of ordinary skill in the art. Such as, left numerical digit has seven sections being labeled as 20A-20G. Lcd controller 15 (not shown) drives these section of 20A-20G, thus over the display display digit (with certain letter) information. Similar actuation techniques is applicable to other parts of LCD20.

The section in each numerical digit in LCD20 is driven will generally to use relatively large amount holding wire. But, LCD20 uses multiplexing technique to reduce the quantity of holding wire, and therefore reduces the quantity of conductor or coupling mechanism. In the example shown, controller 15 (not shown) uses two groups of signals to control or drives LCD20: global semaphore or line (being labeled as COM0 to COM3) and block signal or line (being labeled as SEG0 to SEG6).

Noting, public and segmented line or the quantity of signal in Fig. 2 only provide example with configuration. As required, other configurations using the signal of other quantity may be used in other embodiments. Furthermore, it is noted that the LCD20 in Fig. 2 illustrate only the example of display. As those of ordinary skill in the art understands, it is possible to use other configurations of display. Such as, in certain embodiments, display can have the ability of display alphabetical information, alphanumeric information, arbitrary shape or signal indicator etc.

LCD20 has the electric capacity 30 being associated with its segmentation, as shown in Figure 3. Definitely, Fig. 3 presents the LCD segmentation as electric capacity 30 between common line and segmented line. In other words, the segmentation of LCD20 produces to be arranged in the corresponding capacitance 30 of the intersection of common line and segmented line. Such as, the segmentation between common line COM0 and segmented line SEG0 (upper left corner at Fig. 3) it is connected in by capacitor 30 expression etc. By using multiplexing, this arrangement reduces controller for driving the quantity of the holding wire of LCD20. But, this is done so that drive waveforms is more complicated because controller change with the time be function waveform (even for indeclinable display result) to perform multiplexing. Controller 15 controls by resetting the segmentation of LCD20 or drives LCD20, As described in detail below.

Noting, Fig. 3 illustrates the capacitor 30 of exemplary L CD. Example shown takes four common line COM0-COM3 and seven segmented line SEG0-SEG6. But, as one of ordinary skill in the art understand, other LCD configure (such as, different segments), different common lines and/or segmented line quantity etc. can be used, and different configurations and/or electric capacity 30 quantity can be produced, and also the different wave for driving public and/or segmented line can be produced.

In the exemplary embodiment, driver 15 uses time division multiplexing to control LCD20. The quantity of the time-division (or phase) in multiplexing scheme is usually the twice of the quantity of the common line used in LCD20. Such as, 2x multiplexes LCD and has two common line COM0 and COM1, and uses four phases, and 4x multiplexes LCD and has common line COM0 to COM3 and use eight phases.

Controller 15 uses different voltage levels to produce the suitable waveform for driving LCD20, is sometimes described with " biasing " of LCD. Such as, " half biasing " LCD can have three bias voltage level, for instance, 0,1/2V and V, wherein V can represent voltage, and such as supply voltage, wherein 1/2V is often such as by using resitstance voltage divider to derive from supply voltage. As another example, 1/3 biasing LCD can have voltage level 0,1/3V, 2/3V and V etc.

But, as one of ordinary skill in the art understand, above example is nonrestrictive, and is merely illustrative. According to the specification desired by controller and/or LCD, it is possible to use other voltage produces scheme or biasing and/or multiplexing technique.

LCD is normally in response to put on root-mean-square (RMS) voltage of these segmentations, and is not responsive to the attributes such as polarity as voltage. Therefore, when the RMS-voltage putting on LCD segmentation exceedes threshold value, this segmentation " can connect (ON) ". (as those of ordinary skill in the art understands, this threshold value depends on multiple factors of the design such as LCD20 or specification. ) controller 15 provide voltage or signal to LCD20 thus be desired the suitable segmentation of display " on ".

If additionally, be subject to clean DC voltage within the relatively long time period, then LCD20 is likely to be damaged. In order to meet those specifications, controller 15 applies potential pulse or the signal with variation level to the segmentation of LCD20, as Figure 4 shows.

Fig. 4 A to Fig. 4 D illustrates the conventional waveform being applied to control the common line of LCD. Controller corresponding to the waveform in Fig. 4 has four common line COM0-COM3 and is expressed as eight operation phases of mutually 0 to 7. These phases take the time range (time-frame) defined by vertical dotted line.

The data of the display that segmented line obtains desired by basis and the voltage that changes drives (Fig. 4 is not shown). As shown in Figure 4, these common lines are by the time shift version drive of same voltage waveform. More properly, the waveform in Fig. 4 B is time shift (dextrad time shift) version of the waveform in Fig. 4 A. Similarly, the waveform in Fig. 4 C is the time shift version of the waveform in Fig. 4 B. Finally, the time shift version of the waveform in the waveform pie graph 4C in Fig. 4 D.

As noted above, the electric charge that disclosed controller is drawn in from the power supply battery of low-power equipment (such as, portable or) or power supply by resetting the segmentation between each phase to reduce is thus reducing power dissipation. By contrast, conventional LCD controllers is by using the more charge from power supply supply to come Segmented electrical container charging and discharging.

The Fig. 5 being made up of Fig. 5 A to Fig. 5 C depicts the example of the segmentation switching in conventional LCD. More properly, Fig. 5 illustrates how in response to coming the order of self-controller (not shown) or control signal to switch the voltage at sectional capacitance 36 two ends. Switch 39 and 42 is controlled switch, and in response to lcd controller (not shown). Switch 39 and 42 terminal of switch capacitor 36 between power supply 38 (being 3V power supply in present case) and earthing potential.

In fig. 5, the left terminal of capacitor 36 is attached to power supply 38 by switch 39. Similarly, switch 42 and the right terminal of capacitor 30 is attached to ground 33. Power supply 38 provides electric charge to capacitor 36. As a result, as one of ordinary skill in the art understand, capacitor 36 finally charges to supply voltage 3V with time constant, and this time constant depends on circuit block value and parasitic antenna. Power supply 38 provides absolute value (being left out direction of current flow) charge Q=CV, wherein V=3 volt, or Q=3C, and wherein C is the value of capacitor.

Conventional LCD controllers generally uses break-before-make (break-before-make) switcher control schemes, as Fig. 5 B show. Therefore, changing or before the voltage at switch capacitor 36 two ends, controller makes switch 39 and 42 disconnection. Assuming that charge leakage is negligible, the voltage at capacitor 36 two ends is maintained at about 3V, i.e. from the terminal charging voltage of the configuration in Fig. 5 A.

In figure 5 c, controller (not shown) makes switch 39 connection, so that the left terminal ground connection of capacitor 36. Similarly, the right terminal of capacitor 36 is attached to power supply 38 by switch 42. Using the sign convention of Fig. 5 A, capacitor charges to-3V now. Therefore, power supply 38 provides absolute value charge Q=CV, wherein V=2 �� 3=6 volt or Q=6C.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to reduce the electric charge from power supply 30 supply by the segmentation run between mutually of reset controller (or LCD). The details of this operation according to exemplary embodiment is illustrated including Fig. 6 of Fig. 6 A to Fig. 6 C.

More properly, Fig. 6 illustrates how in response to coming the order of self-controller 15 (not shown) or control signal to switch the voltage at sectional capacitance 30 two ends. Switch 39 and 42 is controlled switch, and in response to controller 15. Switch 39 and 42 switching between power supply 38 (being 3V power supply in this example) and earthing potential has the terminal of the capacitor 30 of electric capacity C.

With reference to Fig. 6 A, during one is run mutually, such as, phase 0, controller 15 makes switch 39 that the left terminal of capacitor 30 is attached to power supply 38. Similarly, controller 15 makes switch 42 be attached to ground by the right terminal of capacitor 30. As a result, power supply 38 provides electric charge to capacitor 30. As a result, capacitor 30 finally charges to supply voltage (being 3V in this example) with time constant, this time constant depends on circuit block value and parasitic antenna. Power supply 38 provides absolute value (being left out direction of current flow) charge Q=CsV, and wherein Cs represents the electric capacity of capacitor 30, V=3 volt, and it produces Q=3Cs.

Illustrate how to configure switch 39 and 42 between first-phase (being phase 0 in this example) with next phase (being phase 1 in this example) with reference to Fig. 6 B, this figure. More properly, switch 39 and switch 42 are subject to controller 15 and control the terminal of capacitor 30 to be attached to required node, point or voltage (usually Vrst). In the example shown, switch 39 and switch 42 are subject to controller 15 and control the terminal of capacitor 30 is attached to earthing potential, i.e. be attached to ground 33.

In this way, corresponding with capacitor 30 segmentation is reset. Any electric current or electric charge are not drawn in this operation from power supply 38 because any come sufficient power from capacitor 30 the electric current of a terminal flow through node (being ground 33 in this example) and arrive another terminal of capacitor 30.

Finally, with reference to Fig. 6 C, controller 15 makes to switch 39 and the left terminal of capacitor 30 is attached to ground 33. Similarly, controller 15 makes switch 42 that the right terminal of capacitor 30 is attached to power supply 38. Using the sign convention of Fig. 6 A, capacitor charges to-3V now. Because the change in voltage at capacitor 30 two ends is from 0 volt to-3V (or generally-Vs, wherein Vs represents supply voltage), so power supply 38 provides absolute value charge Q=CsV, wherein V=3 volt or Q=3Cs.

Therefore, above-mentioned divided reset makes power supply 38 provide for the total electrical charge of capacitor 30 charging and discharging is reduced. As a result, decrease LCD and/or the power dissipation of controller/LCD combination. Therefore, the situation that two divided resets run between mutually constitute the battery in such as portable or low power applications for power supply 38 provides longer battery life.

Noting, the capacitor 30 shown in Fig. 6 constitutes a Segmented electrical container. As one of ordinary skill in the understanding, and as shown in Fig. 3, multiple capacitors 30 may be used in actual embodiment. As required, divided reset as above can apply to the capacitor 30 during this type of arranges. Additionally, as one of ordinary skill in the art understand, with reference to the switching example shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, controller can switch the segmentation of LCD between the magnitude of voltage except 3V and 0V.

It not that capacitor 30 is realized with being attached to divided reset, but other can be used to arrange. It is said that in general, divided reset can pass through to be linked together capacitor 30, or capacitor 30 is attached to together voltage source or current potential (such as, bias voltage) Vrst performs.

Fig. 7 illustrates the block diagram using multiple replacement scheme for the circuit arrangement 50 of divided reset. Note, in order to conveniently introduce concept, Fig. 7 illustrates an outfan of bias generator 80, although as one of ordinary skill in the art understand, bias generator 80 can have multiple outfan (not shown), and these outfans are attached to common line and segmented line by extra switch (not shown). The more generally block diagram of controller 15 occurs in fig .9.

Referring back to Fig. 7, the array of capacitor 30 is similar with the configuration shown in Fig. 3. It is similar to the example shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 7 and includes four common lines (COM0-COM3) and seven segmented line (SEG0-SEG6). With reference to Fig. 7, controller 15 includes the multiple switches allowing that common line and/or segmented line are attached to node 70. More properly, controller 15 includes switch 53A-53D, and these switches are respectively coupled to COM0-COM3, and also are attached to node 70.

By controlling one or more switch 53A-53D, one or more bar common line COM0 to COM3 can be respectively coupled to node 70 by controller 15. Such as so that switch 53A and 53C close-coupled common line COM0 and COM2 is to be attached to node 70. As another example, Guan Bi switch 53A-53D makes all common lines (COM0-COM3) be attached to node 70.

Controller 15 also includes switch 65A-65G. Switch 65A-65G is respectively coupled to segmented line SEG0-SEG6. By controlling one or more switch 65A-65G, one or more bar segmented line SEG0 to SEG6 can be attached to node 70 by controller 15 respectively. Such as so that switch 65B and 65F close-coupled segmented line SEG1 and SEG5 is to be attached to node 70. As another example, Guan Bi switch 65A-65G makes all segmented line (SEG0-SEG6) be attached to node 70.

Additionally, controller 15 includes switch 75, node 70 can be attached to the outfan of bias generator 80 by this switch. Bias generator 80 can provide required bias level at its output, such as earthing potential, or other required current potentials (such as, mains voltage, As described in detail below), it is common that Vrst as noted above. The outfan of bias generator 80 can be attached to node 70 by control switch 75 by controller 15.

In the exemplary embodiment, controller 15 uses switch 53A-53D, switch 65A-65G and switch 75 to run between mutually at two and performs divided reset. Switch 53A-53D, switch 65A-65G and switch 75 are allowed for the operation of multiple divided reset together with bias generator 80. Multiple factor is depended in the selection of divided reset, such as design and performance specification, for instance, the ghost effect level etc. that required power dissipation reduces degree, exists.

In certain embodiments, controller 15 makes switch 53A-53D and switch 65A-65G close to perform divided reset. Guan Bi switch 53A-53D and switch 65A-65G makes common line COM0-COM3 and segmented line SEG0-SEG6 be linked together (or being attached to node 70) by node 70. Switch 75 remains open. This configuration causes divided reset by following operation: make common line COM0-COM3 and segmented line SEG0-SEG6 be in identical voltage or current potential, thus the electric charge being connected on all sectional capacitances between COM0-COM3 and SEG0-SEG6 is back to zero.

In certain embodiments, controller 15 makes switch 53A-53D, switch 65A-65G and switch 75 Guan Bi to perform divided reset. Guan Bi switch 53A-53D and switch 65A-65G makes common line COM0-COM3 and segmented line SEG0-SEG6 be linked together (or being attached to node 70) by node 70. Switch 75 outfans that node 70 is attached to bias generator 80. Therefore, in this configuration, divided reset is to perform by the voltage of the output of bias generator 80 is applied to common line COM0-COM3 and segmented line SEG0-SEG6.

Voltage in several modes or current potential can be supplied (as noted above, it is common that Vrst) by bias generator 80. In some configuration, node 70 is attached to earthing potential by bias generator 80 via switch 75 and performs by divided reset. In certain embodiments, node 70 is attached to required current potential by bias generator 80 performs via switch 75 by divided reset. Current potential is likely to constitute bias voltage, mains voltage (As described in detail below) or certain other voltage. As one of ordinary skill in the art understand, Fig. 9 illustrates a kind of possible embodiment of controller 15. Other embodiments multiple are possible and are taken into account. Such as, in certain embodiments, switch 75 can not use and current potential can not be driven on node 70 by bias generator 80, or current potential can be driven on node 70 by bias generator 80 continuously.

As noted above, Fig. 7 presents block diagram. As required, the actual embodiment of controller 15 is likely to use extra switch or miscellaneous part for common line and segmented line. Additionally, as required, depending on the type of LCD, Control Cooling etc., bias generator 80 can provide more bias voltage. Fig. 9 illustrates the more generally block diagram of controller 15.

Relating in one aspect to of the disclosure performs divided reset in the mode reducing the power dissipation caused due to ghost effect (such as, parasitic antenna, defect etc.). In some cases, the additional charge that the parasitic antenna in circuit (such as, the parasitic capacitance in driver 15), cross tie part (such as, the coupling mechanism 25 in Fig. 1) and/or LCD20 can aid in from power supply 38 is transmitted. The power dissipation increased makes power supply 38 exhaust. Particularly in low-power or portable use, additionally exhaust and be probably relatively serious shortcoming, for instance, shorten battery life.

In certain embodiments, it is understood that there may be being attached to holding wire or capacitor parasitics associated there, controller is attached to LCD by these holding wires. If as it has been described above, these holding wires are attached to ground between each phase during divided reset, then the capacitor parasitics being attached to those holding wires will electric discharge. When during follow-up phase, then those signals are driven to suitable bias voltage, the electric current from battery or power supply will be consumed to capacitor parasitics is recharged, so that divided reset is likely to due to capacitor parasitics produce added power dissipation.

Generally, dissipate to remedy the excess power caused due to ghost effect, not by Segmented electrical container 30 being attached to ground 33 to reset segmentation (see Fig. 6), but reset these segmentations by Segmented electrical container 30 being attached to the given mains voltage running phase (such as, current phase). In other words, divided reset is by common line and segmented line being attached to same node (such as each operation between mutually, node 70 in Fig. 7) and/or it is attached to same potential (such as, the outfan of the bias generator 80 in Fig. 7) perform, wherein this current potential is the mains voltage of given phase, as discussed below. Fig. 8 illustrates the waveform for deriving, select or determine mains voltage.

Definitely, Fig. 8 illustrates the waveform of the common line COM0-COM3 of lcd controller. Noting, the waveform in Fig. 8 is similar with the waveform in Fig. 4, but Fig. 8 illustrates the typical voltage level of common line during each phase, and these voltage levels may be used for selecting or deriving or determine mains voltage.

With reference to example illustrated in Fig. 8 A to Fig. 8 D, it is noted that during any given phase, three in four common lines have identical driving voltage, i.e. mains voltage. Such as, during mutually 3, common line COM0, COM2 and COM3 line are in+1V, i.e. the mains voltage of phase 3. As another example, in (mutually 4) period of phase subsequently, common line COM0, COM2 and COM3 are in+2V, i.e. the mains voltage of phase 4.

Therefore, during shown any phase, three common lines in these four common lines are in same potential (mains voltage), and for the example illustrated, this same potential is+1V or+2V. Noting, be generally directed to shown example, during even number is mutually, mains voltage is+2V, and during Odd Phases, mains voltage is+1V.

Additionally, for shown great majority but not all conversion, it does not have the common line of the mains voltage being in given phase will stride across mains voltage when next phase transformation. Such as, during having the phase 0 of mains voltage+2V, COM0 is in 0V. During next phase transformation, COM0 strides across+2V level, because it is converted to+3V. As another example, during mutually 2, mains voltage is+2V. During that phase, COM1 has 0V level. During phase transformation subsequently, COM1 is converted to 3V through+2V level from 0V.

Therefore, during each phase, three lines in these common lines are in mains voltage, and in some transition period of phase transformation subsequently, Article 4 common line is changed through that mains voltage. Use this experience, in some embodiments it is possible to perform divided reset by common line and segmented line being attached to the mains voltage of given phase. As an alternative, in certain embodiments, during given phase, it is possible to perform divided reset by common line and segmented line being attached to the mains voltage of phase subsequently.

Additional advantage is provided by using mains voltage to carry out divided reset. Definitely, carry out divided reset and do not increase the parasitic drain being associated with segmented line by common line to be attached to mains voltage with segmented line or do not make it dramatically increase, because most of capacitor parasiticses will be charged to mains voltage, or will be converted to mains voltage or this mains voltage of traverse during follow-up phase. Generally, with compared with LCD divided reset to free voltage (such as 0V), due to capacitor parasitics, this attribute causes less power attenuation.

In a similar fashion, same node driving to certain bias voltage (such as, it is allowed to node suspends (float)) is not reset segmentation can also reduce the power attenuation owing to ghost effect causes by common line and segmented line are connected to same node. In a word, disclosed divided reset technology provides and a kind of reduce power dissipation or reduce the mode of running down of battery in portable use.

As noted, the operations that controller 15 control is associated with divided reset. Controller 15 can be implemented in many ways. Fig. 9 illustrates the block diagram of the controller 15 according to exemplary embodiment.

Definitely, controller 15 includes bias generator 80, electric charge pump 85, phase generator 90, switch controller 100, segmentation enable circuit 105, host interface circuit 110, common line switch 115 and segmented line switch 120. In general, controller 15 can run from given supply voltage (such as, cell voltage). Supply voltage maybe can not correspond to the bias voltage for controlling given LCD20 or other voltage. As required, electric charge pump 85 produces output voltage by being scaling up or reducing input power. Generally, the output voltage of electric charge pump 85 (is referred to as V corresponding to the ceiling voltage being supplied to LCD segmentation_LCD), it is+3V in conjunction with the example described in Fig. 8. Electric charge pump 85 provides its output voltage to bias generator 80.

Bias generator 80 uses the output voltage of electric charge pump 85 to provide one group of bias voltage 95. In the exemplary embodiment corresponding to the waveform in Fig. 8, bias voltage 95 can include 0V (earthing potential) ,+1V ,+2V and+3V, although as one of ordinary skill in the art understand, it is possible to use other voltage levels and/or quantity.

Referring back to Fig. 9, host interface circuit 110 provides the mechanism for communicating with main frame or controller (not shown). Main frame can by providing the information specifying which segmentation in LCD segmentation should be switched on or cut off to indicate information needed to control the various operations of controller 15. If necessary, host interface circuit 110 can provide information from controller 15 to main frame, such as data or status signal.

As required, main frame can have various ways, such as processor, microcontroller, CPU (CPU) etc. In certain embodiments, main frame is likely to inside controller 15. Such as, in certain embodiments, as required, controller 15 (including main frame) can be integrated in integrated circuit (IC), semiconductor element etc.

Segmentation enables circuit 105 and keeps the information being such as form with register-bit, and main frame writes this information to specify the solicited status (such as, connect (ON) or cut off (OFF)) of LCD segmentation, thus producing required display. Segmentation enables circuit 105 and provides the control signal corresponding with the required state of LCD segmentation to switch controller 100.

Phase generator 90 produces the timing signal that the different switchings that use from controller 15 are mutually corresponding. Such as, for driving the controller of four common lines, as discussed above, there are eight phases of 0 to 7. Generally, in the exemplary embodiment, as described above, phase generator 90 provides to switch controller 100 and makes to perform the control signal of divided reset. Perform the sub-fraction of persistent period (between each phase the time period of divided reset) usually each phase duration of divided reset, and be can be adjustable in certain embodiments as required.

Switch controller 100 uses the control signal from segmentation enable circuit 105 and the control signal from phase generator 90 to realize suitable switching (hereinafter described) during suitable operation mutually with the bias voltage suitable to corresponding common line and segmented line offer, thus finally making LCD show needed for producing.

As noted above, controller 15 includes common line switch 115 and segmented line switch 120. Under the control of switch controller 100, common line switch 115 is optionally by common line (such as, COM0, COM1...COM3) it is attached to required or suitable bias voltage (being such as, 0V ,+1V ,+2V or+3V in example shown embodiment). In addition, under the control of switch controller 100, segmented line (such as, SEG0, SEG1 ... SEG6) is optionally attached to required or suitable bias voltage (being such as, 0V ,+1V ,+2V or+3V in example shown embodiment) by segmented line switch 120. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the one or more bar lines being attached to bias voltage 95 can play the effect of the node 70 shown in Fig. 7.

An aspect of this disclosure relates to divided reset or switching by considering to be supplied to the data of LCD. Technology according with disclosure above carries out divided reset can provide relatively large power to save. For example, it is assumed that be supplied to the equiprobability random data of LCD/LCD controller, these technology are used to be likely to lower power consumption 37.5%.

By considering the data being supplied to LCD or driving LCD, it is possible to obtain extra power is saved. This technology utilizes the characteristic of the voltage of common line and the segmented line being applied to LCD. More properly, the waveform of common line is unrelated with data, i.e. be applied to the data that the voltage of the common line of LCD is not dependent on asking to be shown on LCD.

On the other hand, the waveform of segmented line relies on data. In other words, the data that the character (that is, the voltage of drive segment line) of the waveform of segmented line depends on asking to be shown on LCD it are applied to. Exemplary embodiment utilizes this characteristic to reduce LCD power consumption.

More properly, the exemplary embodiment of proposed technology changes replacement or the switching of segmented line based on the data being supplied to segmented line or drive segment line. Therefore, depending on the value of the data of drive segment line, segmented line is reset or keeps suspending or be allowed to suspend between conversion or suspended.

The conversion of LCD waveform typically requires the short time period. Figure 10 illustrates this time period of exemplary L CD waveform 150. Waveform 150 runs the voltage V1 during phase n from LCD and is converted to LCD and runs the voltage V2 during phase n+1, and wherein n represents integer.

Assuming that LCD common line and segmented line present a certain electric capacity, as it has been described above, waveform 150 does not carry out the instantaneous conversion from voltage V1 to voltage V2. But, waveform 150 (is labeled as t in the drawings during the time period of relatively short (compared with the LCD persistent period running phase)_rst(resetting the phase)) change.

Lcd controller (such as, the controller shown in Fig. 9) checks the data of drive segment line. As discussed above, corresponding with LCD element (and being likely to parasitic antenna) some capacitors are attached to same LCD segmented line. For given segmented line, if current mutually during the segmentation (its common line has the voltage different from the voltage of other common lines) of excited target and need the segmentation both of which of excited target during next phase there is identical value (or both connect or both cut off), then segmented line keeps suspending or being allowed to suspension or suspended during the replacement phase. Common line is attached to required voltage, it is common that Vrst.

If on the contrary, current mutually during excited target segmentation with during next phase, need the segmentation both of which of excited target there is contrary or different value (connects and another cuts off), then segmented line is at replacement phase (t_rst) period is reset by this segmented line is attached to required voltage as above (be usually Vrst). Common line is attached to required voltage, it is common that Vrst.

Figure 11 and Figure 12 provides the details of this technology. The Figure 11 being made up of Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B illustrates the segmentation switching in above-mentioned first sight, i.e. current mutually during the segmentation of excited target and need the segmentation of excited target during next phase and be respectively provided with identical value. More properly, Figure 11 illustrates how in response to coming the order of self-controller (not shown) or control signal to switch the voltage at sectional capacitance 36 two ends. Switch 39 and 42 is controlled switch, and in response to lcd controller (not shown). Switch 39 and 42 terminal of switch capacitor 36 between power supply 38 (being 3V power supply in present case) and earthing potential.

With reference to Figure 11 A, the left terminal of capacitor 36 is attached to power supply 38 by switch 39. Similarly, switch 42 and the right terminal of capacitor 36 is attached to ground 33. Power supply 38 provides electric charge to capacitor 36. As a result, as one of ordinary skill in the art understand, capacitor 36 finally charges to supply voltage 3V with time constant, and this time constant depends on circuit block value and parasitic antenna.

During the replacement phase discussed above, controller (not shown) makes switch 42 disconnect and switchs 39 to be attached to required voltage as above (being ground in the example shown), it is common that Vrst. (noting, be not be attached to required voltage, switch 39 can be similar to switch 42 disconnection, so that the left terminal of capacitor 36 suspends (or allowing to suspend or keep to suspend)).

As noted above, if current mutually during the segmentation of excited target and need the segmentation of excited target during the next one is mutually there is contrary or different values, then segmented line uses one or more technology in above-mentioned technology resetting phase (t_rst) period be attached to voltage Vrst. Figure 12 including Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B illustrates the details that divided reset in this case operates.

More properly, Figure 12 illustrates how in response to coming the order of self-controller 15 (not shown) or control signal to switch the voltage at sectional capacitance 30 two ends. Switch 39 and 42 is controlled switch, and in response to controller 15 (not shown). Switch 39 and 42 switching between power supply 38 (illustrating it is 3V power supply in this example) and earthing potential has the terminal of the capacitor 30 of electric capacity C.

With reference to Figure 12 A, during one is run mutually, such as, current phase, controller 15 (not shown) makes switch 39 that the left terminal of capacitor 30 is attached to power supply 38. Similarly, controller 15 (not shown) makes switch 42 be attached to ground by the right terminal of capacitor 30. As a result, power supply 38 provides electric charge with time constant to capacitor 30, so that capacitor finally charges to supply voltage (being 3V in this example), this time constant depends on circuit block value and parasitic antenna.

Illustrate with reference to Figure 12 B, this figure between first-phase (current phase) and next phase, how to configure switch 39 and 42. More properly, switch 39 and switch 42 are subject to the control of controller 15 (not shown) the terminal of capacitor 30 to be attached to required node, point or voltage (usually Vrst). In the example shown, switch 39 and switch 42 are subject to the control of controller 15 (not shown) the terminal of capacitor 30 is attached to earthing potential, i.e. be attached to ground 33. Any electric current or electric charge are not drawn in this operation from power supply 38 because any come sufficient power from capacitor 30 the electric current of a terminal flow through node (being ground 33 in this example) and arrive another terminal of capacitor 30.

Figure 13 illustrates the flow chart of the LCD segmentation changing method depending on data according to exemplary embodiment. During the replacement phase, common line is attached to required voltage as above or point or node, it is common that Vrst. At 155 places, segmented line is selected to check the data of segmentation of current excited target and need the data of segmentation of excited target subsequently.

At 158 places, check that the data of segmentation of current excited target are to determine data value (such as, connect, cut off). At 162 places, check and need the data of segmentation of excited target subsequently to determine data value (such as, connect, cut off). At 165 places, it is determined that whether data mate. In another words, it is determined that the segmentation of current excited target with in follow-up phase, need the segmentation of excited target whether mate (both of which is connected or both of which cut-out).

If Data Matching, then at 172 places, segmented line keeps suspending or be allowed to suspend or suspended during the replacement phase. If on the contrary, data are not mated, then at 168 places, segmented line resets phase t as above_rstPeriod is attached to required voltage, it is common that Vrst.

At 175 places, it is determined that whether extra segmented line still has to be treated. If it is, then control to be back to 155, extra segmented line (one or more bar) is processed, as mentioned above.

Method shown in Figure 13 can be implemented in lcd controller or be realized by it. Fig. 9 has illustrated the example of this controller. Multiple circuit and/or firmware may be used for implementing the method. Such as, in some embodiments it is possible to use finite state machine (FSM). There is the selection of other embodiments, such as processor, FPGA etc. As one of ordinary skill in the art understand, many factors is depended in the selection of embodiment, such as cost, complexity, available technology, desired properties specification etc.

The above-mentioned divided reset technology depending on data provides extra power to save compared with the reset technique being left out LCD data value. In certain embodiments, compared with the divided reset technology not relying on data, the divided reset technology depending on data can provide the power consumption reducing by 30% to 35%. Compare conventional LCD, provide according to the reset technique being independent of data of exemplary embodiment the power of 37.5% to save. Therefore, in a word, compared with conventional LCD, the divided reset technology depending on data provides the power of 56.25% to save.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to the improvement to the above-mentioned divided reset depending on data or handoff technique. Definitely, if two continuous segments in segmented line are (such as, current mutually during the segmentation of excited target and during next phase, need the segmentation of excited target) be to turn on or cut off, then the divided reset or the handoff technique that depend on data make LCD use less power. In the exemplary embodiment, the scanning (driving) of LCD common line it is modified sequentially, it is possible to obtain extra power is saved.

Conventional LCD presses consecutive order scanning (driving) common line. Such as, have the conventional LCD com1 in order of four common line com1 to com4, com2, com3 and com4 scan these lines. It not order or continuous print scanning common line, but with reference to the LCD shown in Figure 14, As described in detail below, exemplary embodiment changes scanning sequency based on LCD data value.

Definitely, the LCD in Figure 14 includes four common line com1-com4 and ten segmented line S1-S10. In the example shown, circle is generally represented in the segmentation 177 of common line and the intersection of corresponding segmented line. Segmentation 180 is driven into by corresponding data value and is in dissengaged positions. On the contrary, segmentation 183 is driven in an ON state by corresponding data value.

As noted, regardless of segment data how conventional LCD controllers will scan common line by consecutive order 1,2,3,4. Figure 15 illustrates the common line scanning sequency of this lcd controller. Therefore, conventional LCD controllers will drive common line com1, with rear drive common line com2, com3 and finally drive common line com4.

In view of the configuration of the segment data in Figure 14, drive common line to cause according to conventional scheme and cutting off three conversions between on-state. Definitely, with reference to Figure 15, it is cut to connection conversion and occurs at point 200 places, i.e. when controller completes scanning com1 and continues to drive com2. Similarly, it is switched to cut-out conversion to occur at point 203 places. Another time is cut to connection conversion and occurs at point 206 places. The power consumption of LCD is caused to increase as it has been described above, cut off-connect or connect-cut off conversion.

By contrast, exemplary embodiment considers segment data when selecting common line scanning sequency. Figure 16 illustrates the common line scanning sequency according to exemplary embodiment.

As Figure 16 is illustrated, controller drive common line com1, with rear drive common line com3, common line com2 and finally drive common line com4. Controller is based on the selection of configuration common line scanning sequency of segment data. With reference to the data configuration shown in Figure 14, it is corresponding that controller determines that common line 1 cuts off configuration with 3 with segmentation, and common line 2 is corresponding with sectional closing-up configuration with 4. Then, controller is determined and is driven or the order or sequence of scanning common line is so that the conversion times reducing or minimizing between sectional closing-up and dissengaged positions.

In view of the example arrangement of the segment data in Figure 14, drive common line to cause in the way of shown in by Figure 16 and once change between cut-out and on-state. Definitely, with reference to Figure 16, cut off-connect conversion and occur at point 210 places, i.e. when controller completes scanning com3 and continues to drive com2.

Compared with conventional sweep method (see Figure 15), the rearrangement to the scanning of common line as shown in Figure 16 causes less segmented line to change, i.e. cut-out and the conversion between on-state. As it has been described above, the conversion times cut off between on-state reduces the lower power consumption causing LCD.

Figure 17 illustrates the flow chart of the common line scan method depending on data according to exemplary embodiment. At 220 places, check that the data of segmented line are to select the scanning sequency of common line.

At 223 places, select the scanning sequency of common line to minimize or to reduce the number of times of fragmentation state conversion (cut off-connect or connect-cut off conversion). At 226 places, according to selected scanning sequency scanning common line.

Method shown in Figure 17 can be implemented in lcd controller or be realized by it. Fig. 9 has illustrated the example of this controller. Multiple circuit and/or firmware may be used for implementing the method. Such as, in some embodiments it is possible to use finite state machine (FSM). There is the selection of other embodiments, such as processor, FPGA etc. As one of ordinary skill in the art understand, many factors is depended in the selection of embodiment, such as cost, complexity, available technology, desired properties specification etc.

Disclosed divided reset technology can apply in multiple arrangement. Such as, although the figures illustrate the common line corresponding with exemplary L CD and segmented line, but those of ordinary skill in the art is it is understood that according to detailed description of the invention, it is possible to use the common line of other quantity multiple and segmented line. Additionally, the multiple factors according to the such as type etc. of given LCD, multiplexing scheme (2MUX etc.) and/or bias scheme (1/3 bias etc.) can be implemented in many ways.

Similarly, as required, it is possible to select and implement quantity and the level of bias voltage in many ways, no matter be still otherwise used for controlling LCD for divided reset. As those of ordinary skill in the art understands, according to multiple factors such as the specifications of such as given embodiment, it is also possible to select to run the quantity of phase, supply voltage (one or more) etc.

With reference to figure, those of ordinary skill in the art it is to be noted that, it is shown that each block is likely to mainly describe conceptual function and signal stream. Side circuit embodiment is likely to comprise or be likely to not comprise the hardware that individually can identify of each functional device and be likely to use or be likely to not use shown physical circuit. Such as, as required, it is possible to by the functional combination of each block a to circuit block. Additionally, as required, it is possible to achieve single piece in some circuit blocks functional. Various factors is depended in the selection of circuit implementation, such as specific design and the performance specification of given embodiment. Other amendments and alternate embodiment except those embodiments described here will be apparent from for the ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, this specification instructs those skilled in the art to perform the mode of disclosed concept, and should be construed as merely illustrative.

Shown in and described form and embodiment be considered as illustrative embodiment. Those skilled in the art can carry out the various scope being varied without departing from concept disclosed in presents in the shape of each several part, size and arrangement. Such as, those skilled in the art can substitute element that is illustrated herein and that describe with equivalence element. And, those skilled in the art can independent of some feature made for using disclosed concept of other features, without deviating from the scope of disclosed concept.

Claims (20)

1. an equipment, the lower multiplexing LCD controller run and lcd controller mutually is run including at least the first and second, this lcd controller drives a plurality of first holding wire to drive to second group of voltage to first group of voltage and during this second operation mutually during this first operation mutually, wherein according to the data being supplied to this lcd controller, this lcd controller runs with second mutually in this first operation and this is attached to at least some of signal-line choosing in a plurality of first holding wire between mutually a node.

2. equipment according to claim 1, wherein this plurality of first holding wire includes a plurality of segmented line.

3. equipment according to claim 1, wherein this first time period run between phase with the second operation mutually includes one period of replacement phase.

4. equipment according to claim 1, if wherein this first run mutually during excited target segmentation data with this second run mutually during treat the Data Matching of segmentation of excited target, then this at least some of holding wire in this plurality of first holding wire first runs mutually at this and second runs suspension between mutually.

5. equipment according to claim 4, if wherein during this first operation phase, the data of the segmentation of excited target are different from the data of the segmentation treating excited target during this second operation mutually, then between this first operation phase and the second operation phase, by this, this at least some of holding wire in a plurality of first holding wire is attached to this node.

6. equipment according to claim 1, the order wherein scanning a plurality of secondary signal line is to select according to these data being supplied to this lcd controller.

7. equipment according to claim 6, wherein this plurality of secondary signal line includes a plurality of common line.

8. equipment according to claim 6, the order wherein scanning a plurality of secondary signal line is whether to be different from the data of the segmentation treating excited target during this second operation mutually according to the data of the segmentation of excited target during this first operation mutually and select.

9. equipment according to claim 1, wherein this plurality of first holding wire is optionally attached to by this lcd controller: (a) earthing potential; Or (b) mains voltage of a plurality of common line of this first operation phase; Or (c) mains voltage of a plurality of segmented line of this second operation phase.

10. an equipment, including:

Multiplexing liquid crystal display and LCD, this LCD at least have the first and second operation phases; And

Being attached to the controller of this LCD, wherein according to the data being supplied to this lcd controller, selectivity between this first and second operation mutually of this LCD is performed divided reset by this controller.

11. equipment according to claim 10, if wherein during this first operation mutually, the data of the segmentation of excited target are different from the data of the segmentation treating excited target during this second operation mutually, then this controller performs divided reset by optionally a plurality of segmented line of this LCD being attached to a voltage.

12. equipment according to claim 11, if wherein this first run mutually during excited target segmentation data with this second run mutually during treat the Data Matching of segmentation of excited target, then this controller makes this plurality of segmented line of this LCD first and second run suspension between mutually at this.

13. equipment according to claim 12, the order wherein scanning a plurality of secondary signal line of this LCD is to select according to these data being supplied to this lcd controller.

14. equipment according to claim 13, wherein this plurality of secondary signal line of this LCD includes a plurality of common line of this LCD.

15. equipment according to claim 11, wherein this voltage includes: the earthing potential of (a) this equipment; (b) bias voltage; The mains voltage of the common line of (c) this LCD; Or the mains voltage of the segmented line of (d) this LCD.

16. equipment according to claim 10, wherein this controller performs divided reset by a plurality of segmented line of this LCD is optionally attached to a plurality of common line of this LCD.

17. the method running liquid crystal display and LCD, the method includes:

This LCD is made to run lower mutually operation first;

Making this LCD after this first operation lower operation mutually, optionally perform divided reset based on the data being supplied to this lcd controller; And

After performing selectivity divided reset, this LCD is made to run lower mutually operation second.

18. method according to claim 17, if wherein execution divided reset farther includes the data of the segmentation of excited target during this first operation mutually and is different from the data of the segmentation treating excited target during this second operation mutually, then optionally a plurality of segmented line of this LCD is attached to a voltage.

19. method according to claim 18, if wherein this first run mutually during excited target segmentation data with this second run mutually during treat the Data Matching of segmentation of excited target, then this controller makes this plurality of segmented line of this LCD first and second run suspension between mutually at this.

20. method according to claim 19, farther include to select to scan the order of a plurality of common line of this LCD according to these data being supplied to this lcd controller.