Multi-Processor UI Rendering for Seamless Interface Handoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface transitions between different processors in devices like smartwatches and AR/VR devices result in abrupt seams and increased power consumption, leading to a subpar user experience and reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system where a first processor with limited functionality handles complex user interface rendering by using pre-coordinated and synchronized user interface elements from a second processor, minimizing the need for hand-offs and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a first processor with limited functionality is used for Always-On-Display and a second processor with greater processing capabilities is used for other user interfaces, then processing capabilities for complex user interfaces are improved, but user interface transitions between processors result in abrupt visual seams and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a buffer memory that pre-stores user interface elements before they are needed for display. When transitioning between processors, the buffer already contains the required UI elements, allowing the first processor to seamlessly display them without waiting for real-time generation. This preliminary preparation eliminates visual seams during transitions while maintaining low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a buffer memory as an intermediary component between the processors and display system. This buffer acts as a mediator that decouples the UI element generation from the display rendering, allowing seamless transitions between processors without direct visual seams. The buffer intermediates the data flow, ensuring continuous display output regardless of processor transitions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the second processor is used for rendering graphically intensive and interactive user interfaces, then user interface quality is improved, but power consumption burden on device batteries increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing workload by dividing user interface rendering into two parts: simple UI elements are rendered by the low-power first processor, while complex UI elements that require high processing capability are pre-rendered by the second processor and stored in the buffer. This segmentation allows the system to use the powerful second processor only when necessary, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining UI quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using the second processor only for pre-rendering specific complex UI elements in advance, rather than continuously. The first processor handles ongoing display tasks with minimal power consumption. This partial use of the high-power processor achieves the necessary UI quality without excessive power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user interface control is handed off from the first processor to the second processor, then complex user interface rendering is achieved, but transition abruptness and visual seam appearance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer memory pre-stores user interface elements that will be needed during transitions. When the first processor needs to hand off control to the second processor, the buffer already contains the prepared UI elements, allowing the first processor to continue displaying seamlessly from the buffer while the second processor takes over. This eliminates abrupt transitions and visual seams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of display output by maintaining the buffer memory as a continuous source of UI elements. During processor hand-off, the first processor continues to supply display data from the buffer without interruption, ensuring continuous useful action in the display pipeline. This continuity prevents visual seams and maintains smooth transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing seamless transitions between different user interfaces using multiple processors of a single device is described. The method includes causing, by a first processor of the device, display of a first user interface and receiving a user input requesting display of a second user interface instead of the first user interface. In accordance with determining that the user input request requires performance of an operation that does not satisfy processor performance criteria, the method includes sending, by the first processor and to a second processor, a wake-up message based on the user input. The first processor causes, based on the user input, partial display of the second user interface. In conjunction with handing-off display control for the second user interface to the second processor, the method causes the second processor, to display a complete second user interface.