18391523. DYNAMIC REFRESH RATE SWITCHING simplified abstract (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)

DYNAMIC REFRESH RATE SWITCHING

Organization Name

Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Inventor(s)

Michael Paul Erich Von Hippel of Seattle WA (US)

Ana Marta Amaral De Carvalho of Bellevue WA (US)

Hrushit Kamal Parikh of Bellevue WA (US)

Reiner Fink of Mercer Island WA (US)

Steve Michel Pronovost of Redmond WA (US)

Zhigang Xu of Bellevue WA (US)

Zachary Scott Northrup of Redmond WA (US)

Leonardo E. Blanco of Redmond WA (US)

DYNAMIC REFRESH RATE SWITCHING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18391523 titled 'DYNAMIC REFRESH RATE SWITCHING

Simplified Explanation

Dynamic refresh rate (DRR) switching is a method used to update the refresh rate of content displayed on a user interface. This technology allows for a smooth user experience by adjusting the refresh rate based on the applications being used.

• DRR switching allows for the temporary boost of the refresh rate from a lower rate to a higher rate when needed.
• Applications can be opted in to receive signals to refresh content at the higher rate, while others refresh at a virtualized rate matching the original rate.
• This technology optimizes power consumption by only boosting the refresh rate when necessary, providing a balance between performance and efficiency.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers to enhance the user experience while conserving power.

Problems Solved

1. Inconsistencies in refresh rates between applications on a user interface. 2. Balancing performance and power consumption in display technology.

Benefits

1. Improved user experience with smoother visuals. 2. Efficient use of power by dynamically adjusting refresh rates.

Potential Commercial Applications

"Dynamic Refresh Rate Switching Technology for Enhanced User Experience and Power Efficiency"

Possible Prior Art

There are existing technologies that focus on optimizing display refresh rates for better performance and power efficiency, but none that specifically address dynamic refresh rate switching as described in this patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does DRR switching impact battery life on mobile devices?

DRR switching can help conserve battery life by optimizing the refresh rate based on the applications being used, but the exact impact may vary depending on the device and usage patterns.

Can DRR switching be implemented in existing devices through software updates?

It is possible that DRR switching can be implemented in existing devices through software updates, but hardware limitations may restrict its full functionality in older models.

Original Abstract Submitted

Dynamic refresh rate (DRR) switching is used to dynamically update a refresh rate of content presented on an interface. When a first application and a second application are presented on a user interface at a first refresh rate; a request may be received to temporarily boost the first refresh rate to a second, higher, refresh rate. DRR switching is initiated as the first refresh rate is temporarily boosted to a second refresh rate. Applications that are opted in to the second refresh rate receive signals to refresh content at the second refresh rate, while applications that are not opted in to the second refresh rate receive signals to refresh content at a virtualized refresh rate that matches the first refresh rate. Thus, the first application refreshes content at the first refresh rate and the second application refreshes content at the second, higher refresh rate, providing a smooth user experience without unnecessarily utilizing power consumption.