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Apple patents display method that reuses static images to save power

Apple has been granted a patent for a display system that avoids recalculating image data when the screen shows the same picture multiple times in a row. The device stores the image data in a buffer and re-reads it for consecutive frames, allowing the data connection between the processor and screen to switch to a low-power mode during these static periods.

Why it mattersThis technique could help extend battery life on devices like laptops or tablets by reducing the energy needed to refresh screens that are not showing changing content.

In the filing’s own words

A device may include image processing circuitry that generates image data corresponding to an image to be displayed during a first image frame and a second image frame. However, the image data is not regenerated for the second image frame. The device may also include an electronic display having a frame buffer that receives and stores the image data from the image processing circuitry. The electronic display may also include a display panel that displays the image during the first image frame based on a first read of the image data from the frame buffer in response to a first emission sync signal and displays the image during the second image frame based on a second read of the image data from the frame buffer in response to a second emission sync signal.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An electronic device comprising: image processing circuitry configured to generate image data corresponding to an image to be displayed during a first image frame and a second image frame subsequent the first image frame, wherein the image data is not regenerated for the second image frame; and an electronic display comprising: a frame buffer configured to: receive the image data via an image datalink in a higher power mode, wherein the image datalink is coupled between the image processing circuitry and the electronic display; and store the image data from the image processing circuitry; and a display panel configured to: receive, via a command bus while the image datalink is in a lower power mode, a first emission sync signal; display the image during the first image frame based on a first read of the image data from the frame buffer in response to the first emission sync signal; receive, via the command bus while the image datalink is in the lower power mode, a second emission sync signal; and display the image during the second image frame based on a second read of the image data from the frame buffer in response to the second emission sync signal, wherein the image to be displayed over an entire display panel during the first image frame is the same as the image to be displayed over the entire display panel during the second image frame, and wherein the first emission sync signal and the second emission sync signal are supplied to the command bus by a controller of the image processing circuitry exterior to the electronic display.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Static image frame efficient refresh systems and methods
Patent number
US12725558B2
Application number
18353584
Filed
Jul 17, 2023
Granted
Sep 1, 2026
Inventors
7
Claims
20

Classified under

G09G 3/2096 Physics & computingG02B 26/0833 Physics & computingG09G 2320/0626 Physics & computingG09G 2330/021 Physics & computingG09G 2360/18 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.