GPU Power Optimization via Capped Frame Time API

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional graphics processing methods consume excessive power, particularly in battery-powered devices, due to inefficient utilization of capped frame times, which leads to increased energy consumption without significant performance impact.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a new application program interface (API) call that exploits capped frame times to transition graphics processing units into deeper sleep modes during idle periods, adjust clock frequencies, and distribute power usage to optimize power consumption by utilizing higher power modes during rendering and deeper idle states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the graphics processing unit operates continuously to maintain readiness for rendering, then response time is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the power state of the graphics processing unit based on workload conditions. The GPU transitions between active rendering states and idle sleep states, with the API enabling applications to specify frame time constraints that guide these state transitions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain responsiveness when needed while reducing power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the graphics processing unit by introducing controllable idle time and sleep duration as adjustable parameters. The API call allows applications to specify frame time constraints, which the system uses to determine optimal power states. This parameter control enables the GPU to operate at different power levels depending on the rendering requirements, balancing response time and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the graphics processing unit enters deeper sleep modes to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but response time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by allowing the graphics processing unit to enter deeper sleep modes during known idle periods, as indicated by capped frame time specifications. The API enables applications to provide advance information about frame timing requirements, allowing the GPU to confidently transition to lower power states without risking missed deadlines. This preliminary planning eliminates the need to maintain high readiness states during guaranteed idle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the API call provides the graphics processing unit with information about frame time constraints and rendering completion status. This feedback loop allows the system to make informed decisions about when to enter sleep modes and when to remain active, optimizing the balance between energy efficiency and response time based on actual workload conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If clock frequency is increased to improve rendering performance, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverendering performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic action by alternating between high-performance rendering periods and low-power idle periods. The capped frame time specification creates a natural rhythm where the GPU operates at high clock frequencies only during active rendering intervals and transitions to lower frequency or sleep states during idle periods. This periodic operation pattern maintains productivity during rendering while reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10466769B2Reducing power consumption during graphics rendering

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In accordance with some embodiments, the knowledge that a capped frame time is used can be exploited to reduce power consumption. Generally a capped frame time is a pre-allocated amount of time to apply power for rendering in graphics processing. Generally the frame time involves the application of power and some down time in which only idle power is applied pending the next frame time. By making better use of that down time, power consumption reductions can be achieved in some embodiments.