Content aware targeted image manipulation to reduce power consumption in OLED panels

FHD, QHD and UHD class of high pixel density panel enables precise rendering and smoothens the display quality of images. But driving such high resolution panel requires high power both on panel and rendering (GPU) side. In smartphones especially, where content is usually UI, it doesn´t demand resolutions like 2k and 4k, unless it´s graphics/multimedia. This paper proposes a display content and human visual acuity aware technique to reduce oled panel power consumption by turning off selective subpixels in specific regions of display. This technique uses the fact that power consumption in oled panels has direct relationship with color and intensity of each pixel and considerable power can be saved with intelligent control at pixel/subpixel level. Results obtained through first PoC implementation showed power saving up to 28% depending on aggressiveness of implementation.