Graphics Driver Frame Rate Control for Battery Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extending battery life in computing platforms by reducing CPU and GPU workload while on battery power primarily focus on slowing down processing speeds, rather than reducing the actual workload, which may not effectively conserve power.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a graphics driver that determines when the system is operating on battery power and reduces the frame rate of video content generation by putting CPU threads into a sleep state for calculated periods, thereby reducing the workload and conserving battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the frame rate is reduced by slowing down processing speeds, then power consumption is reduced, but the actual workload remains the same
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by putting CPU threads into sleep states during specific time periods (e.g., during vertical blanking intervals or between frame rendering cycles). This creates periodic on/off cycles where the CPU thread is active only when needed for rendering and inactive during display refresh periods, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the same visual output quality and frame rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the CPU thread execution from continuous operation by separating it into discrete rendering intervals. The CPU thread is taken out of the active state during periods when the GPU is independently rendering frames or when the display is refreshing, thereby eliminating unnecessary power consumption during these intervals while maintaining system functionality.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the frame rate is reduced by slowing down processing speeds, then battery life is extended, but the pace of work completion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing CPU thread execution with display refresh cycles, putting the CPU to sleep during vertical blanking intervals or between frames. This creates a rhythm of active rendering followed by inactive display refresh periods, extending battery life by eliminating power consumption during the inactive periods while maintaining the same visual output speed and frame rate perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring display refresh signals (such as vertical synchronization signals) and using this information to control CPU thread scheduling. The system detects when the display is refreshing and adjusts CPU activity accordingly, creating a feedback loop that optimizes power consumption based on actual display needs rather than continuously running the CPU at full speed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If CPU threads are put into sleep state, then power consumption decreases, but frame generation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by putting CPU threads into sleep states during specific intervals (such as vertical blanking periods or between frame rendering cycles) and waking them only when needed for the next rendering operation. This periodic on/off cycling reduces average power consumption while maintaining the same frame generation rate because the CPU is active only during the brief periods when frame rendering is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing and rendering frames in advance during periods when the CPU is active, then putting the CPU to sleep while the GPU independently handles frame delivery to the display. This allows the system to maintain high frame generation capability during active periods while consuming less power overall during sleep periods.
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.