Shared Display Mode List for Seamless GPU Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computing systems with multiple graphics processing units (GPUs), switching between integrated and discrete GPUs often results in inconsistent or distorted displays due to differences in performance capabilities, requiring hard reboots and impacting user experience, especially when multiple displays are involved.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that builds a shared list of compatible display modes by compiling GPU-specific base modes with dynamic modes from attached displays, validated across both GPUs, allowing for seamless switching between GPUs while maintaining a consistent graphical experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a discrete GPU is used to generate output at higher display modes, then display performance and capability are improved, but power consumption increases and requires separate power inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between integrated and discrete GPUs based on operational needs, allowing the graphics processing resource to adapt between low-power integrated mode and high-performance discrete mode, resolving the contradiction between display capability and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The output terminal is designed to be universally compatible with both integrated and discrete GPUs, allowing the same terminal to work with different graphics processing units having different power consumption characteristics, enabling flexible selection between power efficiency and display capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If switching between integrated and discrete GPUs is implemented, then flexibility in GPU selection is improved, but display consistency deteriorates due to different performance capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGPU selection flexibilityVSAvoiddisplay consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes a shared display mode list that is compatible with both integrated and discrete GPUs before switching occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when GPU switching happens, the display mode remains consistent and recognizable across both graphics processing units, preventing display distortion or inconsistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system identifies and standardizes specific display mode parameters (such as resolution, refresh rate, and timing) that are supported by both integrated and discrete GPUs. By changing the approach to parameter selection—choosing only those parameters that are common to both GPU types—the system maintains display consistency while allowing GPU flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If hard reboot is performed to switch between GPUs, then GPU switching capability is achieved, but system availability and user experience deteriorate due to extended downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGPU switching capabilityVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring a shared display mode list and establishing compatibility parameters before GPU switching is needed. This preparation allows the system to switch between integrated and discrete GPUs without requiring a hard reboot, as the necessary display configuration is already in place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the shared display mode list and compatibility layer) that mediates between the integrated and discrete GPUs. This intermediary allows seamless switching by translating and harmonizing the interface between different GPU types, eliminating the need for system reboot and maintaining continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8766989B2Method and system for dynamically adding and removing display modes coordinated across multiple graphics processing units

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for coordinating graphics processing units in a single computing system. A method is disclosed which allows for the construction of a list of shared display modes that may be employed by both of the graphics processing units to render an output in a display device. By creating the list of shared commonly supportable display modes, the output displayed in the display device may advantageously provide a consistent graphical experience persisting through the use of alternate graphics processing units in the system. One method builds a list of shared display modes by compiling a list from a GPU specific base mode list and dynamic display modes acquired from an attached display device. Another method provides the ability to generate graphical output configurations according to a user-selected display mode that persists when alternate graphics processing units in the system are used to generate graphical output.