Graphics Driver Frame Rate Reduction for Battery Conservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing platforms face challenges in extending battery life while delivering video frames, as current techniques either slow down CPU and GPU frequencies or reduce workload, which may not be sufficient to conserve battery power effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a graphics driver that determines when the system is operating on battery power and reduces the frame rate by putting the CPU thread into a sleep state for calculated periods, thereby conserving battery life by limiting the maximum frames per second executed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If CPU and GPU frequencies are reduced to extend battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but the amount of work performed by CPU and GPU is not reduced, only the pace is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the CPU and GPU by dynamically adjusting their workload and activity levels. When battery power is detected, the system modifies the frame rate parameter and reduces CPU/GPU activity periods, thereby changing the energy consumption characteristics while maintaining acceptable performance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by putting the CPU thread into sleep states during certain periods and activating it only when necessary for frame delivery. This creates a periodic on-off pattern of CPU activity that reduces average power consumption while still meeting the minimum frame rate requirements for video delivery.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the frame rate is reduced to conserve battery power, then battery life is extended, but the video delivery performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by reducing the frame rate to the minimum level necessary for acceptable video delivery rather than eliminating frames entirely. The system performs just enough work to maintain the minimum frame rate requirement, avoiding excessive processing while still delivering functional video output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the frame rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change the frame rate based on power availability, transitioning between higher frame rates when power is abundant and minimum frame rates when battery power is detected, thereby adapting performance to energy constraints.
3Loss of energy
If the CPU thread is put into sleep state to reduce power consumption, then battery power is conserved, but the time to execute frames may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting battery power status in advance and proactively adjusting the frame rate and CPU activity patterns before significant power depletion occurs. The graphics driver continuously monitors power source and preemptively transitions to power-saving modes, avoiding last-minute performance degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having the graphics driver automatically manage CPU thread scheduling and frame rate adjustment based on detected power conditions. The system monitors its own power state and autonomously optimizes its execution schedule without requiring external intervention, balancing power consumption and execution time automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are presented herein that may reduce the workload of a system tasked with delivering frames of video data to a display generated by applications executing within the system. Applications executing within the system may generate new frames of video content at a specified frame rate known as frames per second (FPS). The CPU and/or GPU may be responsible for actually generating the frames at the specified FPS. These frames are then delivered to a display communicatively coupled with the system for rendering. Reducing the frame rate (FPS) may reduce the work being performed by the system because fewer frames may be generated within a given time period. This may be especially advantageous when the system is operating on battery power because it can extend the life of the battery.