Dynamic Refresh Rate Adjustment for Video Rendering Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Higher refresh rates in computing devices consume more power, as they require faster processing, leading to increased energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method to dynamically adjust the refresh rate based on user presence and pixel change detection, reducing the refresh rate when the user is not actively engaged or when pixel changes are minimal, and increasing it when necessary, thereby optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the refresh rate is increased to support higher frame rates, then image quality and responsiveness are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefresh rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic refresh rate adjustment by monitoring pixel changes between frames and user presence detection. The system transitions from a fixed high refresh rate to a variable refresh rate that adapts to current display conditions, lowering the rate when pixel changes are minimal or during user absence, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining performance when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of refresh rate based on detected conditions. By monitoring pixel change thresholds and user presence states, the system adjusts the refresh rate parameter between different levels (e.g., 60Hz, 120Hz, 240Hz), optimizing the balance between image quality and energy consumption according to actual display requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the refresh rate is reduced to save power, then energy consumption decreases, but image quality and responsiveness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring pixel changes between frames and user presence detection results. This feedback loop enables the system to make informed decisions about refresh rate adjustment, ensuring that image quality is maintained at acceptable levels while optimizing power consumption. The system only reduces refresh rate when conditions permit, such as during static displays or user absence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of pixel changes and user presence before adjusting the refresh rate. By anticipating when refresh rate reduction is appropriate (e.g., detecting minimal pixel changes or user absence beforehand), the system can smoothly transition to lower refresh rates without compromising perceived image quality or user experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12087254B2Computing devices, computer-readable medium, and methods for reducing power consumption during video rendering

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

Methods, computing devices, and computer-readable medium storing machine-readable instructions are disclosed for rendering video images for reducing energy consumption. An exemplary method performed in a computing system includes rendering video images at a first refresh rate, sending the rendered video images to a display device, determining if a reduced refresh rate event is occurring, and rendering video images at a second refresh rate responsive to determining the reduced refresh rate event is occurring. The second refresh rate is slower than the first refresh rate.