Display System GPU Switching via Memory Buffer

Solution Overview

Problem

Switching between multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) during operation can cause defects in image quality, such as image glitches, especially when switching between internal and external GPUs, due to power consumption differences and the need to balance graphics capabilities with battery life in portable devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a memory buffer in the display system that stores data from the current GPU frame before switching, allowing the display to refresh from this buffer during the transition, thereby minimizing visual artifacts and maintaining image continuity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If GPU switching is performed to balance power consumption and graphics capabilities, then power efficiency is improved, but image quality defects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing the current video frame in a memory buffer before the GPU switch occurs. This pre-stored frame data is then used to maintain display continuity during the transition, preventing image glitches while enabling GPU switching for power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A memory buffer is introduced as an intermediary component between the GPUs and the display. This buffer temporarily holds video frame data and allows the display to continue refreshing from stored data during GPU switching, thus mediating between the need to switch GPUs for power efficiency and the need to maintain image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If GPU switching is performed to extend battery life, then energy efficiency is improved, but visual artifacts are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidvisual artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing the current video frame in a memory buffer before the GPU switch occurs. This pre-stored frame data is then used to maintain display continuity during the transition, preventing image glitches while enabling GPU switching for power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A memory buffer is introduced as an intermediary component between the GPUs and the display. This buffer temporarily holds video frame data and allows the display to continue refreshing from stored data during GPU switching, thus mediating between the need to switch GPUs for power efficiency and the need to maintain image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple GPUs with different capabilities are used to enhance graphics performance, then graphics abilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics capabilitiesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory buffer serves multiple functions: it acts as a temporary storage for video frames, a buffer during GPU switching operations, and a mechanism for maintaining display continuity. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle different GPU capabilities without requiring separate complex control mechanisms for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A memory buffer is introduced as an intermediary component between the GPUs and the display. This buffer temporarily holds video frame data and allows the display to continue refreshing from stored data during GPU switching, thus mediating between the need to switch GPUs for power efficiency and the need to maintain image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9542914B2Display system with improved graphics abilities while switching graphics processing units

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 APPLE INC

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for improving graphics abilities while switching between graphics processing units (GPUs). Some embodiments may include a display system, including a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs) and a memory buffer coupled to the GPUs via a timing controller, where the memory buffer stores data associated with a first video frame from a first GPU within the plurality of GPUs and where the timing controller is switching between the first GPU and a second GPU within the plurality.