Low-energy pixel approximation for DVI-based LCD interfaces

Several options are available for the approximating of color images in hardware, both in terms of the type of transformation (e.g., quantization, dithering) as well as in terms of where the approximation takes place (e.g., graphics controller, frame buffer, LCD controller). In this work, we propose a color approximation approach, orthogonal to other color simplification schemes, which is done during the digital transmission of the color data to the LCD. The proposed technique targets a specific digital standard (namely, DVI) and its serial protocols TMDS, to provide a 45-66% savings in the number of bit transitions on the LCD bus (which translate to a corresponding saving of energy), depending on the allowed degradation of image quality