Runtime Flip Stability Characterization for GPU Power Management

The patent segments the flip stability measurement into multiple discrete bins representing different Vblank interval counts. Instead of using a single flip-rate metric, the system divides the measurement space into multiple segments (bins) where each bin tracks the frequency of renders completing within a specific number of Vblank intervals. This segmentation allows for more precise characterization of render timing patterns while maintaining manageable measurement complexity.

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional flip-rate metric to a multi-dimensional measurement space by introducing multiple bins that track different Vblank interval patterns simultaneously. This dimensional expansion captures the complexity of modern rendering workloads (including VR and concurrent desktop applications) that cannot be adequately described by a single flip-rate value, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing measurement difficulty.

The patent implements dynamic GPU frequency selection based on runtime flip stability measurements. Instead of using a fixed high frequency, the system continuously monitors render timing patterns across multiple bins and dynamically adjusts the GPU operating frequency to match the observed stability characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the GPU to operate at higher frequencies when stability permits (improving productivity) while reducing frequency when it would cause instability (reducing power consumption), thereby resolving the contradiction between performance and energy use.

The system employs feedback mechanisms where flip stability measurements from multiple bins are continuously monitored and used to inform GPU frequency selection decisions. The measured render timing patterns feed back into the frequency selection logic, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts GPU operating parameters based on actual runtime behavior. This feedback enables the system to optimize the balance between rendering performance and power consumption by selecting frequencies that maintain visual stability while maximizing productivity.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement system into multiple discrete bins, each tracking a specific Vblank interval pattern. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision by capturing different render timing behaviors in separate categories, allowing for more accurate flip stability characterization. The segmented structure maintains relative simplicity compared to continuous analysis methods, as each bin can be independently tracked and analyzed.

The system manages complexity by changing the parameter representation from continuous timing measurements to discrete bin counts. Instead of tracking continuous render timing values which would require complex analysis, the patent transforms the data into discrete bin representations where each bin corresponds to a specific Vblank interval count. This parameter transformation simplifies the computational requirements while maintaining improved measurement precision through the multi-bin structure.