Video Controller Display Refresh Disable for Bandwidth Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
In server systems used for network routing and data storage, the video controller consumes unnecessary memory bandwidth and power when no active display devices are connected, leading to suboptimal performance, as existing solutions require vendor-specific software and operating system interaction for power management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that disable the display refresh process of the video controller when no active display devices are present, allowing the rendering function to continue while reducing memory bandwidth consumption and power usage, without requiring operating system interaction or vendor-specific software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the video controller continuously scans the frame buffer to produce a persistent image, then a stable display output is maintained, but memory bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display refresh process adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically transitions between different operational states (refresh enabled/disabled) based on display device presence, allowing the memory bandwidth consumption to adapt to actual display needs while maintaining stability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the video controller from a constant refresh state to a variable state that can be enabled or disabled. By modifying the refresh rate parameter from continuous scanning to zero or minimal scanning when no display is present, the system reduces memory bandwidth consumption while preserving display stability when needed
2Reliability
If the video controller maintains continuous display refresh functionality, then display output is always available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the system check for display device presence and conditionally enable/disable the refresh process. Instead of continuous operation, the refresh function is activated periodically only when a display device is detected, reducing power consumption while maintaining display availability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The video controller performs self-service by autonomously detecting the presence of display devices and adjusting its own operational state. The system self-regulates power consumption by disabling the refresh process when no display is connected, without requiring external control, thus maintaining display availability while reducing energy use
3Adaptability or versatility
If the video controller is integrated with other system components to share memory, then system cost is reduced, but memory bandwidth is unnecessarily consumed when no display is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the integrated video controller to dynamically adjust its memory bandwidth usage based on actual display needs. The system transitions from a static high-consumption state to a dynamic state that adapts to the presence or absence of display devices, allowing other integrated components to utilize the freed bandwidth
4Use of energy by moving object
If vendor-specific software and operating system interaction are used for power management, then power consumption can be controlled, but system complexity and vendor dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the video controller to autonomously manage its own power consumption through hardware-based display device detection. The system self-determines when to enable or disable the refresh process based on physical display presence, eliminating the need for vendor-specific software or operating system interaction while maintaining power control
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a physical computing system, the method includes disabling a display refresh process of a video controller of the physical computing system if no active display device is connected to the physical computing system. A physical computing system includes a video controller comprising a rendering engine and a display refresh controller; a memory controller connected to a memory; and a display controller to determine whether an active display device is connected to the physical computing system; in which a display refresh process performed by the display refresh controller is disabled when no active display device is connected to the physical computing system.