GPU Reset via Wireless Display Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless display systems face issues where the graphics processing unit (GPU) can enter an unstable state due to lost or erroneous data during transmission, leading to prolonged malfunctions and undesirable user experiences.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that detect a GPU in an unstable state, transmit a GPU refresh request message, and switch from a first wireless display mode to a second mode to receive data for resetting the GPU to a stable state at a random access point in the GPU commands trace, before switching back to the first mode once stable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless transmission is used to display content on multiple devices, then display versatility and user convenience are improved, but data loss during transmission occurs causing GPU instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless display capabilityVSAvoidGPU stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by switching to a second wireless display mode before the GPU fully enters an unstable state, and by preparing a recovery plan that includes switching back to the first mode after GPU reset. This preventive approach interrupts the degradation process before complete GPU failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second wireless display mode serves as an intermediary state between the normal operating mode (first mode) and the GPU failure state. When GPU instability is detected, the system transitions to this intermediate mode which has different transmission characteristics that can handle the unstable state, allowing the GPU to be reset without complete system failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the GPU remains in an unstable state, then system complexity is reduced by not implementing recovery mechanisms, but malfunction duration increases causing poor user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidGPU malfunction duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the wireless display mode based on GPU stability conditions. It automatically switches from the first mode to the second mode when instability is detected, and switches back when recovery is complete. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain low complexity in normal operation while providing sophisticated recovery capabilities when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors GPU stability and triggers mode switching based on detected conditions. When the GPU enters an unstable state, the feedback loop activates the recovery process by switching to the second mode, resetting the GPU, and then switching back to the first mode, thereby minimizing malfunction duration through automated response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If mode switching is implemented to reset the GPU, then GPU stability is improved, but display interruption occurs during the switching process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGPU stabilityVSAvoiddisplay interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system minimizes display interruption by rapidly executing the mode switching process. The transition from the first mode to the second mode and back is performed quickly to reduce the duration of any potential display interruption. The GPU reset operation is completed in the second mode before switching back, ensuring the recovery process itself is brief.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP3353643B1Switching a wireless display mode and refreshing a graphics processing unit in an unstable state
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3353643B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3353643B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3353643B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure provide for detecting a condition indicating that a graphics processing unit (GPU) is in an unstable state while receiving GPU commands in a first wireless display mode, transmitting a GPU refresh request message and switching from the first wireless display mode to a second wireless display mode in response to detecting the condition, receiving data sufficient to reset the GPU from the unstable state to a stable state at a random access point (RAP) in a trace of the GPU commands, and switching from the second wireless display mode to the first wireless display mode after receiving the data. The GPU refresh request message may include information requesting the data sufficient to reset the GPU at an upcoming RAP in the trace of the GPU commands. Various other aspects are also provided throughout the present disclosure.