Graphics Driver Dynamic Power Management for Adapter Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern computer systems face inefficiencies in power consumption due to high power usage by graphics adapters, even during idle periods, as they are designed to meet demanding graphics processing requirements, leading to wasteful energy usage when less powerful alternatives are available.

Innovation Solution

A graphics driver dynamically manages power consumption by monitoring the graphics processing load and switching between different graphics adapter configurations, using low-power adapters during low-load conditions and high-power adapters during high-load conditions, thereby optimizing energy use without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a high-power graphics adapter is used to meet demanding graphics processing requirements, then graphics processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases during idle and low-load periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics processing performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different graphics adapter configurations based on real-time monitoring of graphics processing load. The graphics driver continuously assesses whether the current graphics adapter configuration conforms to predefined graphics processing criteria, and automatically transitions between high-power and low-power configurations as conditions change, making the system adaptable rather than static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the graphics system by switching between multiple predefined graphics adapter configurations. Each configuration represents a different parameter state (high-power vs. low-power mode), and the system transitions between these parameter states based on the monitored graphics processing load and predefined criteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a high-power graphics adapter is continuously operated, then graphics processing capability is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates during idle periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics processing capabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic configuration switching where the graphics driver continuously monitors graphics processing load and automatically transitions between high-power and low-power graphics adapter configurations. This dynamic adaptation ensures graphics processing capability is maintained when needed while eliminating continuous operation of high-power adapters during idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The graphics driver performs self-service by autonomously monitoring graphics processing load and making configuration decisions without user intervention. The system automatically determines whether current configuration conforms to predefined criteria and switches configurations as needed, eliminating the need for manual power management while improving energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple graphics adapter configurations are implemented, then power consumption is reduced during low-load conditions, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconfiguration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graphics adapter system is segmented into multiple predefined configurations, each optimized for specific graphics processing load conditions. The graphics driver segments the configuration management task by monitoring specific criteria and switching between predefined segments (configurations), making the complexity manageable through structured division

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the graphics driver continuously monitors graphics processing load and compares it against predefined criteria. This feedback loop enables automatic configuration switching based on actual system conditions, managing the complexity of multiple configurations through intelligent control rather than brute-force enumeration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8514215B2Dynamically managing power consumption of a computer with graphics adapter configurations

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

Dynamically managing power consumption of a computer, the computer including two or more graphics adapters, the computer having a number of graphics adapter configurations including one or more of the graphics adapters, where managing power consumption includes: monitoring, by a graphics driver, operation of a current graphics adapter configuration, the operation characterized by a graphics processing load; determining, in dependence upon the graphics processing load, whether operation of the current graphics adapter configuration conforms to predefined graphics processing criteria; if operation conforms, processing graphics, by the graphics adapter, for display with the one or more graphics adapters of the current graphics adapter configuration; and if operation does not conform, processing graphics, by the graphics adapter, for display with the one or more graphics adapters of another graphics adapter configuration.