Dynamic Display Resolution Limiting for Discrete GPU Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems with limited PCI-e interface bandwidth, especially in portable devices, the performance of discrete graphics processing units is adversely affected due to insufficient data transfer rates, leading to significant delays in graphical rendering, particularly in 3D gaming applications where high resolutions exceed the capacity of the frame buffer, causing frame rate issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically limit display resolutions to optimize performance by detecting memory usage and frame buffer size, calculating an optimal resolution, and proactively limiting user-selectable resolutions to ensure graphics resources fit within the frame buffer, thereby improving data transfer efficiency and reducing rendering times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If display resolution is increased to provide higher graphical quality, then visual output quality is improved, but data transfer time exceeds the capacity of the frame buffer and rendering performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the display resolution based on real-time conditions including frame buffer status, PCI-e bandwidth availability, and application requirements. The resolution is not fixed but adapts to current system state, allowing the system to optimize between quality and performance automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the display resolution parameter dynamically based on system conditions. By monitoring frame buffer usage, PCI-e bandwidth, and application needs, the system adjusts the resolution parameter to maintain optimal performance while preserving visual quality when conditions permit
2Productivity
If discrete GPU is used to achieve higher performance levels, then graphical processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases and requires separate power inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by dynamically scaling down the display resolution when full GPU performance is not needed. This allows the discrete GPU to operate at lower utilization levels, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate visual quality for the application's needs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptation where the system monitors performance requirements and adjusts rendering parameters accordingly. This allows the discrete GPU to operate efficiently by matching its output to actual application needs rather than constantly operating at maximum capacity
3Weight of moving object
If PCI-e interface with limited bandwidth is used in portable devices, then device portability is improved, but data transfer rate decreases causing rendering delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the display resolution parameter to match the available PCI-e bandwidth capacity. By calculating the maximum resolution that can be sustained given the bandwidth constraints, the system optimizes visual output quality within the limitations of the portable device's data transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic resolution adjustment based on real-time monitoring of PCI-e bandwidth utilization and frame buffer status. This allows the system to adapt to varying workloads and maintain smooth rendering performance despite the limited bandwidth of portable device interfaces
4Manufacturing precision
If frame buffer size is reduced to accommodate higher resolutions, then display quality is improved, but graphics resources cannot be stored and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing frame buffer size to accommodate higher resolutions, the invention inverts the approach by adjusting the resolution to match the frame buffer size. This ensures that graphics resources can be stored in the frame buffer while maintaining the highest possible resolution that fits within the available memory capacity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to provide a method and system for automatically applying artificial limits to display resolutions in a computing system to improve performance. Embodiments are described herein that automatically limits the display resolution of an application executing in a discrete graphics processing unit operating from configurations with limited means of data transfer to the system memory. By automatically limiting the resolution in certain detected circumstances, the rate of generated graphics data may be dramatically increased. Another embodiment is also provided which allows for the automatic detection of an application's initialization and pro-actively limiting the user-selectable resolutions in which the output of the application may be displayed in to a maximum resolution calculated for optimal performance. The application's termination is also detected, whereupon a comprehensive list of supported resolutions becomes available.