Remote Display Resource Scaling for USB Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems face challenges in efficiently processing high-definition video content and higher resolution displays, particularly in minimizing power consumption and avoiding the need for dedicated power supplies when connecting multiple displays to a host computing device, especially with limited video outputs and increased processing demands.
Innovation Solution
A method where a host computing device determines and sends processing resource requirements to a remote device, allowing it to adjust its processing resources dynamically based on the received data, such as varying the number of processing units, clock rate, and operating voltage, to minimize power consumption and only use the necessary resources for decompressing display data, which can be sent in compressed form over a general-purpose network like USB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the remote device uses a fixed high level of processing resources to handle worst-case demands, then it can process high-definition video content and higher resolution displays, but power consumption increases and it cannot be powered by the host computing device via USB
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the remote device adjusts its processing resources (number of processing units, clock rate, operating voltage) based on real-time feedback about actual processing performance and workload demands. This allows the device to scale resources up for high-definition content and down for lower demands, enabling USB power operation while maintaining capability for peak performance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting processing resource levels based on feedback loops. The host computing device sends control information about required processing resources, and the remote device modifies its operational parameters (clock rate, voltage, active processing units) to match the actual processing needs, thereby reducing average power consumption while maintaining reliability for high-definition display processing.
2Quantity of substance
If display data is sent in compressed form to minimize network bandwidth usage, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but processing resources required at the remote device for decompression increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic resource allocation to balance compression benefits against decompression costs. The host computing device determines the processing resources required at the remote device for decompression and sends control information accordingly. The remote device dynamically adjusts its processing resources based on feedback about actual decompression performance, optimizing the trade-off between bandwidth efficiency and processing power consumption in real-time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional graphics cards are added to provide multiple video outputs, then multiple display devices can be connected, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary between the host computing device and display devices. This single remote device handles multiple display connections through a general-purpose network interface (USB or Ethernet), eliminating the need for multiple graphics cards. The remote device receives compressed display data over the network, decompresses it locally, and outputs to multiple displays, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining adaptability for multiple display connections.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of processing display data, a host device (e.g. a PC) determines display data to send to a remote device and compresses it, and determines processing resources required at the remote device to decompress the compressed display data. The host sends the compressed display data and control information regarding the required processing resources data to the remote device, and the remote device adjusts its processing resources based on the control information, saving energy. The required processing resources can be the number of processing units, clock speed, or operating voltage required by the remote device. The host may determine the required resources for each display frame. The remote device may send details of its processing capabilities to the host.