Single Graphics Processor Driving Multiple Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional multiple-display systems require multiple graphics processors to drive multiple displays, leading to increased cost as the number of displays grows, as each graphics processor can only drive two displays effectively.

Innovation Solution

A unique monoscopic output is generated from a single graphics processor, allowing multiple displays to be driven using a single port, where frames are time-sequentially transmitted to displays using a switch triggered by vertical synchronization signals, enabling a single graphics processor to manage multiple displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple graphics processors are used to drive multiple displays, then the number of displays that can be driven increases, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of displays drivenVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single graphics processor is designed to perform multiple functions by time-sequentially driving multiple displays through a single output port. The graphics processor alternates between sending frames to different displays in sequence, allowing one processor to serve multiple displays that would traditionally require separate processors, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining the capability to drive multiple displays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The graphics processor uses periodic time-sequential frame transmission to drive multiple displays. Frames are sent to different displays in alternating time intervals, with each display receiving its designated frames at regular periodic intervals. This periodic switching allows a single processor to effectively drive multiple displays without requiring simultaneous dedicated output ports for each display

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If a single graphics processor drives multiple displays through time-sequential frame transmission, then the number of graphics processors needed decreases, but the frame transmission speed requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of graphics processorsVSAvoidframe transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches the output port connection between different displays based on the current frame transmission phase. A switch mechanism dynamically routes frames from the single graphics processor output to the appropriate display at the appropriate time, enabling flexible time-sequential transmission without requiring dedicated static connections for each display, thus managing the increased speed requirement through intelligent dynamic routing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7808447B1System and method for driving a plurality of displays

Publication Date: 2010.10.05 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

A system, method, and computer program product are provided. In use, a unique monoscopic output is received from a graphics processor. The unique monoscopic output includes a first frame for display utilizing a first display, and a second frame for display utilizing a second display. Thus, a plurality of displays may be driven utilizing the unique monoscopic output.