Switchable Image Source for Hybrid Graphics Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Personal computers face challenges in efficiently managing power usage between integrated and discrete graphics controllers, as they struggle to seamlessly switch between high-performance discrete graphics and low-power integrated graphics to optimize battery life and performance.

Innovation Solution

A processing system that includes a graphics processing engine with a system agent core and power control unit, which manages power states and executes graphics processing operations by dynamically switching between integrated and discrete graphics engines based on application requirements, allowing for efficient power management and performance optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If discrete graphics controller is used for high performance applications, then graphics processing performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics processing performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between integrated and discrete graphics controllers based on application requirements. The switchable image source component enables real-time selection of the active graphics controller, allowing the system to adapt power consumption and performance levels according to workload demands rather than being fixed in one state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates both integrated and discrete graphics controllers in a single hybrid graphics system that can serve multiple functions. The same hardware infrastructure supports both low-power integrated graphics for basic tasks and high-performance discrete graphics for demanding applications, eliminating the need for separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of moving object

If integrated graphics controller is used to save power, then battery life is extended, but graphics processing performance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidgraphics processing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the active graphics controller can change based on needs. The switchable image source monitors application requirements and automatically switches between integrated and discrete controllers, ensuring optimal balance between battery life and performance at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid graphics system includes automatic detection and switching capabilities that operate without user intervention. The system self-manages the selection of appropriate graphics controller based on application characteristics, eliminating the need for manual configuration or user awareness of the switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If switchable image source is implemented, then power management flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switchable image source acts as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of switching between graphics controllers. It provides a unified interface for image output while handling the complex logic of selecting the appropriate source, isolating the complexity from the rest of the system and presenting a simple switching function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of energy

If discrete graphics controller powers down to save power, then energy consumption is reduced, but application execution capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidapplication execution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of application requirements before switching graphics controllers. By analyzing application characteristics in advance, the system ensures that the discrete graphics controller remains active when needed for specific applications, preventing capability loss while still enabling power savings for unsuitable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11935151B2Switchable image source in a hybrid graphics systems

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Examples described herein relate to a graphics processing system that includes one or more integrated graphics systems and one or more discrete graphics systems. In some examples, an operating system (OS) or other software supports switching between image display data being provided from either an integrated graphics system or a discrete graphics system by configuring a multiplexer at runtime to output image data to a display. In some examples, a multiplexer is not used and interface supported messages are used to transfer image data from an integrated graphics system to a discrete graphics system and the discrete graphics system generates and outputs image data to a display. In some examples, interface supported messages are used to transfer image data from a discrete graphics system to an integrated graphics system and the integrated graphics system uses an overlay process to generate a composite image for output to a display.