Dynamic Graphics Adapter Reconfiguration Without System Reboot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphics processing systems require a reboot to change graphics adapter/display configurations, which is inefficient and disruptive, as they need to shut down applications and restart the system, consuming many clock cycles.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows dynamic reconfiguration of graphics adapters and displays without rebooting, using a single display driver to interface with the operating system and check for memory leaks or errors, enabling seamless transitions between configurations without shutting down the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional system reboot is performed to change graphics adapter/display configuration, then the configuration can be changed, but the system experiences significant downtime and loss of productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of graphics adapters and displays without requiring a system reboot. The display driver dynamically adjusts adapter configurations, enables/disables adapters, and redistributes display devices among adapters while the system remains operational, eliminating the static nature of conventional reboot-based reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by checking for memory leaks and error conditions before executing reconfiguration. The display driver validates the current configuration state, identifies potential issues, and prepares the system for seamless transition, ensuring that reconfiguration can proceed without system shutdown
2Adaptability or versatility
If a system reboot is performed to reconfigure graphics adapters, then the adapter/display configuration can be changed, but application continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by enabling configuration changes while applications remain running. The display driver handles reconfiguration in the background, allowing users to continue working with applications uninterrupted while the graphics adapter and display configuration is dynamically adjusted
3Productivity
If multiple graphics adapters are used to provide output for a single display, then complex images with improved performance can be produced, but configuration management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal display driver that can manage multiple graphics adapters and various display configurations through a single interface. The display driver provides multi-functional capabilities to enable/disable adapters, redistribute displays, and handle configuration changes regardless of the number of adapters involved, simplifying what would otherwise be complex multi-device management
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for modifying the configuration of one or more graphics adapters and one or more displays without rebooting the system allows a user to quickly transition between different graphics adapter/display configurations. A single display driver interfaces between the operating system and the one or more graphics devices. The display driver reconfigures the one or more graphics devices to change the adapter/display configuration without shutting down or rebooting the system. Unlike a conventional system reboot performed by the operating system, the display driver checks that there are no memory leaks or error conditions during the reconfiguration.