Layered Graphic Composition to Reduce GPU Power Draw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices, such as smartphones, face high current consumption due to graphic data processing, which affects battery life and energy efficiency, especially when rendering images and performing graphic-intensive tasks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves setting composition types for layers based on update frequency, size, and location, using a software composer for non-target layers and a hardware composer for target layers, minimizing GPU composition and reusing frame buffers to reduce current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If graphic data processing is performed using GPU composition for all layers, then rendering quality and visual consistency are improved, but current consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments layers into two categories: target layers that require GPU composition for visual consistency, and non-target layers that can use software composition to save power. This segmentation allows selective application of resource-intensive GPU processing only where necessary, resolving the contradiction between rendering quality and current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different composition methods are applied to different layers based on their specific requirements. Target layers receive high-quality GPU composition while non-target layers use lighter software composition, optimizing the balance between visual quality and energy consumption locally for each layer type.
2Reliability
If GPU composition is used for all layers, then visual consistency across layers is improved, but processing speed and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting layers into target and non-target categories, the patent enables parallel processing where software composition handles non-target layers faster while GPU composition processes target layers for visual consistency, overall improving processing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies GPU composition partially only to target layers that require it, rather than excessively applying it to all layers. This partial action maintains visual consistency where needed while avoiding the performance overhead of universal GPU processing.
3Use of energy by moving object
If frame buffers are reused for non-updated layers, then current consumption is reduced, but visual update accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-checks to determine whether layers require updates before composition. Non-target layers that haven't changed automatically reuse their frame buffers without processing, while target layers undergo update verification, enabling energy-efficient operation without compromising visual accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors layer update status and dynamically adjusts composition behavior. When layers are detected as unchanged, the system feedbacks to reuse frame buffers; when updates are detected, full composition processing is triggered, ensuring visual accuracy is maintained.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a first graphic composer that composes first graphic data associated with a layer of a first composition type, a second graphic composer that composes second graphic data associated with a layer of a second composition type different from the first composition type. The electronic device also includes a processor that sets a composition type of each of a plurality of layers associated with at least one application to the first or second composition type, composes first graphic data corresponding to a layer set to the first composition type using the first graphic composer, compose the composed graphic data in the frame buffer and second graphic data corresponding to a layer set to the second composition type using the second graphic composer, and display the composed graphic data through a display connected with the electronic device.