Video Signal Switching for External GPU Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems experience image quality deterioration when using an external GPU device to process video data for display on a built-in display, due to data transfer issues between devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system for video signal switching that includes an input unit, processing unit, and switching unit to determine the optimal route for video display signals, allowing output to a display unit without going through the processing unit, and an output unit to communicate performance information for enhanced image quality processing by the external GPU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If video data is transferred through the processing unit for display on a built-in display using an external GPU device, then the external GPU can process graphics data, but image quality deteriorates due to multiple data transfer steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video signal transmission path into two independent routes: an external route that bypasses the processing unit for direct display output, and an internal route that goes through the processing unit. This segmentation allows the external GPU to transmit video signals directly to the display without passing through the processing unit, thereby maintaining image quality while preserving external GPU connectivity functionality.
2Productivity
If video signals pass through multiple processing steps and data transfer routes, then the external GPU can be utilized, but signal deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching unit as an intermediary device that controls the transmission route of video signals. The switching unit can selectively connect the external GPU output to either the display unit directly (external route) or through the processing unit (internal route). This intermediary control mechanism enables the system to utilize external GPU processing capability while maintaining signal quality by choosing the optimal transmission path.
3Ease of operation
If the processing unit handles all video processing tasks, then the system has centralized control, but the processing load on the CPU increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the video processing function from the processing unit and relocates it to the external GPU device. By using the external route where the external GPU directly outputs video signals to the display unit without passing through the processing unit, the system reduces the CPU processing load while maintaining centralized control through the switching unit that manages the transmission route selection.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for video signal switching for use with an external graphics processing unit device includes an input unit of an information processing device configured to input a first video signal from an external device comprising a graphics processing unit (“GPU”) and an input/output interface, a processing unit of the information processing device configured to output a second video signal, and a switching unit configured to determine a route for a video display signal that is output to a display unit, the route selected from an external route along which the first video signal is output to the display unit without going through the processing unit and an internal route along which the second video signal is output to the display unit. A computer program product and a system perform the functions of the apparatus.