Network Adapter Frame Filtering for Low-Power Cloud Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud-based content streaming consumes excessive power and compute resources in computing devices due to maintaining an active network connection and processing unit state, even when user interaction is minimal.
Innovation Solution
A network adapter with a frame comparator selectively transmits graphic data frames to the processing unit based on similarity thresholds, preventing transmission when frames are unchanged, allowing the processing unit to enter a low-power state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processing unit remains in an active state to maintain network connection for cloud-based content streaming, then the display functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The network adapter acts as an intermediary between the processing unit and the display. It receives graphic data frames from the processing unit, compares them with previous frames, and selectively transmits only updated portions to the display. This allows the processing unit to enter low-power states while the display remains functional, as the network adapter manages the data flow independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The network adapter performs preliminary comparison of graphic data frames before transmission to the processing unit. By determining whether frames are identical or modified in advance, it prevents unnecessary transmission of unchanged data, allowing the processing unit to remain in low-power states longer without compromising display updates.
2Reliability
If graphic data frames are transmitted continuously to the processing unit, then display updates are maintained, but power consumption and compute resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting the entire graphic data frame regardless of changes, the network adapter identifies and transmits only the specific portions that have changed or been modified. This local transmission approach maintains display update reliability while significantly reducing the volume of data transmitted and the compute resources required for processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The network adapter extracts and separates the essential updated portions of graphic data frames from the unchanged portions. By taking out only the necessary changed data for transmission, it eliminates redundant data transfer and reduces the computational burden on the processing unit while maintaining necessary display updates.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the processing unit enters a low power state to save energy, then power consumption decreases, but the ability to process graphic data frames is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the graphic data frame transmission process into two parts: comparison and selection (performed by the network adapter while the processing unit is in low-power state) and actual data transmission and processing (performed by the processing unit only when necessary). This segmentation allows the processing unit to remain in low-power state longer while still maintaining necessary data processing capability when updates are needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable storage media described herein provide network adapter-based smart streaming front-end for computing devices. In an aspect, a network adapter separate from and communicatively coupled to a processor receives a first graphic data frame and transmits it to the processor. The network adapter receives a second graphic data frame and determines a level of similarity between a portion of the second graphic data frame and a corresponding portion of the first graphic data frame satisfies a threshold condition. Responsive to the determination, the network adapter prevents transmission of at least the portion of the second graphic data frame. In a further aspect, the network adapter transmits a different portion of the second graphic data frame. In an alternative aspect, a network adapter of a source device selectively transmits and prevents transmission of portions of graphic data frames to a remotely located computing device.