Multiple Frame Buffers for Seamless Display Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In server-class computer systems, using a single frame buffer for displaying user interfaces of multiple applications results in downtime during switching between applications, as the screen becomes blank or receives no signals during the transition.
Innovation Solution
A service processor allocates multiple frame buffers, writes image data to a first frame buffer while loading an application, and then switches to a second frame buffer once the application is loaded, allowing seamless display of user interfaces without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single frame buffer is used for displaying user interfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but downtime occurs during application switching causing screen blanks or signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single frame buffer into multiple frame buffers (first frame buffer, second frame buffer, etc.). Each frame buffer can independently store image data for different applications or display states, allowing seamless switching between them without display interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-loads image data into multiple frame buffers before application switching is needed. By having multiple frame buffers ready with pre-prepared image data, the system can immediately switch between them without waiting for data preparation, eliminating display downtime.
2Reliability
If multiple frame buffers are allocated for seamless display switching, then display continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the frame buffer allocation mechanism universal by enabling it to handle multiple applications and display states through a standardized multi-frame buffer architecture. This universal approach allows any application to benefit from seamless switching without requiring application-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of frame buffer structures (first frame buffer, second frame buffer, etc.) that can be independently managed. Each frame buffer serves as a copy that can be independently prepared and switched to, simplifying the management of display continuity through redundant buffer structures.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If image data is written to a frame buffer during application loading, then the display shows a predetermined image continuously, but memory usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allocating multiple frame buffers only when seamless display switching is required, rather than always using the maximum number of buffers. The system can dynamically manage the number of active frame buffers based on the specific application scenario, using resources efficiently while maintaining display continuity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables discarding of frame buffer data when it is no longer needed for display continuity. After switching between applications, unused frame buffers can have their data discarded or reused for new applications, allowing the system to recover memory resources while maintaining the capability for seamless switching when required.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a service processor. The service processor allocates a plurality of frame buffers. The service processor also writes image data of a predetermined image to a first frame buffer of the plurality of frame buffers. The service processor further loads a first application. The service processor displays the predetermined image in accordance with the image data stored in the first frame buffer while the first application is being loaded. The service processor then writes image data of the first application to a second frame buffer of the plurality of frame buffers.