Local Vsync Generation for Low-Latency Frame Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The discrepancy between the frame rate of the GPU and the refresh rate of the display can cause tearing in displayed images, which is exacerbated by latency and inaccuracy in traditional vertical synchronization (Vsync) signals due to inter-process communication.
Innovation Solution
Generate a local vertical synchronization signal within the high-level programming layer without referencing hardware signals, using predicted synchronization signals based on previous frame intervals to synchronize GPU and display rates, reducing the need for inter-process communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hardware vertical synchronization signal is used to synchronize GPU frame rate and display refresh rate, then tearing effect can be avoided, but latency and inaccuracy are introduced due to inter-process communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vertical synchronization function from the hardware layer and relocates it to the software layer (application layer). The application layer generates its own Vsync signal locally without relying on hardware Vsync, thereby eliminating the latency introduced by inter-process communication while maintaining synchronization accuracy between GPU frame rate and display refresh rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a software-based intermediary mechanism (application layer Vsync generator) that mediates between the GPU and display. This intermediary generates prediction-based Vsync signals that coordinate GPU rendering with display refresh cycles, avoiding the need for direct hardware signaling and reducing communication latency.
2Reliability
If traditional hardware vertical synchronization signal is used, then frame rate synchronization can be achieved, but processor load and energy consumption increase due to inter-process communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the Vsync signal generation from the hardware communication path and places it in the application layer, eliminating the need for continuous inter-process communication. This reduces processor load and energy consumption while maintaining frame rate synchronization through local prediction-based signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The application layer becomes self-sufficient by generating its own Vsync signals locally based on prediction algorithms. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external hardware signaling and inter-process communication, thereby reducing energy consumption and processor load while maintaining synchronization reliability.
3Loss of time
If local vertical synchronization signal is generated in application layer without referencing hardware signal, then latency is reduced and processor load is minimized, but synchronization accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and predicting Vsync signal timing based on historical frame intervals. The application layer maintains a record of previous frame rendering times and uses this information to predict future Vsync moments, ensuring accurate synchronization without real-time hardware communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual frame rendering times and adjusting the prediction algorithm accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the locally generated Vsync signals remain synchronized with the actual display refresh cycles, maintaining precision without requiring hardware references.
Data Source
AI summary
An image display method is provided. The image displaying method includes the following steps. A request signal for a vertical synchronization signal for rendering an image of a next frame is transferred from an application to a handler layer of a system. In response of the receiving the request signal by the handler layer, the handler may be configured to generate a local vertical synchronization signal without referencing a hardware vertical synchronization signal. The application may be configured to render the image of the next frame based on the local vertical synchronization signal.