GPU Command Buffer Preemption for Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPUs face inefficiencies in switching between processes, leading to system latencies and reduced performance due to their inability to efficiently switch from one command buffer to another and resume earlier processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method within the GPU to preempt the source stream on a command boundary, save the state, and resume the original process after a time quantum has lapsed, allowing for efficient switching and prioritization of processes based on local resource availability and priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional GPUs execute commands from command buffers sequentially without switching mechanisms, then process execution is simple and stable, but system latency increases and performance decreases due to inability to switch between processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-saving the state of the first process at a command boundary before switching to the second process. This includes storing the command buffer identifier and the position within the buffer, enabling rapid resumption without reinitialization. The state information is prepared in advance, allowing the GPU to quickly switch between processes while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the command buffer execution into discrete save points at command boundaries. Each process state is segmented and stored independently, allowing the GPU to switch between multiple processes by loading different saved states. This segmentation enables efficient process management without requiring complete buffer reexecution.
2Loss of time
If the GPU switches between command buffers without saving state information, then the switching mechanism is simple, but the ability to resume earlier processes is lost and system latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by saving the first process state at a command boundary before switching to the second process. This pre-saved state includes the command buffer identifier and position, enabling rapid resumption and minimizing latency. The state is prepared in advance rather than reconstructed after switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating a copy of the first process state information (command buffer identifier and position) and storing it in a dedicated storage location. This copy allows the GPU to restore the original process state without needing to maintain the actual execution context, reducing the complexity of state management while minimizing latency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the GPU allows user control and dynamic prioritization of processes, then user control and scheduling flexibility increase, but the complexity of process management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the GPU to dynamically switch between processes based on scheduling decisions. The system can pause the first process, execute the second process, and then resume the first process at its saved state. This dynamic switching capability provides user control and scheduling flexibility while managing complexity through state copying at command boundaries.
4Speed
If the GPU implements efficient process switching at command boundaries, then pre-emption time is reduced and performance increases, but the complexity of tracking and restoring process locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by saving the process state at command boundaries before switching. This pre-saved state includes the exact position within the command buffer, enabling rapid resumption without needing to track complex execution states. The save points are established in advance at natural boundaries, reducing pre-emption time while managing tracking complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating simple copies of the command buffer identifier and position at save points. These copied values are stored in dedicated locations and can be quickly loaded to resume execution. This copying approach reduces pre-emption time by avoiding complex state reconstruction while keeping the tracking mechanism relatively simple through standardized save point data structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for executing processes within a computer system is provided. The method includes determining when to switch from a first process, executing within the computer system, to executing another process. Execution of the first process corresponds to a computer system storage location. The method also includes switching to executing the other process based upon a time quantum and resuming execution of the first process after the time quantum has lapsed, the resuming corresponding to the storage location.