Virtual Display Buffer Allocation for Continuous App Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to efficiently manage buffer areas for software applications, leading to inefficient resource allocation and display management, particularly when switching between foreground and background applications.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device allocates a first buffer area for foreground software applications, allowing for input and display, while simultaneously allocating a second virtual buffer area to maintain application execution without displaying on the screen, and prioritizes processing of foreground applications over background ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single buffer area is allocated for display, then display simplicity is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates when switching between foreground and background applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the buffer area management into two distinct segments: a first buffer area for foreground applications and a second buffer area for background applications. This segmentation allows independent management and allocation of buffer resources, improving resource allocation efficiency when switching between applications without requiring complete buffer reallocation, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
2Reliability
If buffer area is reallocated for background application, then application execution continuity is maintained, but display resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual display as an intermediary between the second buffer area and the physical display. The virtual display allows background applications to maintain execution continuity with their own buffer area while preventing direct conflict with the physical display resources allocated to foreground applications, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and area utilization.
3Productivity
If display is updated for background application, then application responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the virtual display properties different from the physical display. The virtual display can be configured with lower refresh rates or disabled entirely for background applications, providing necessary responsiveness without the full power consumption of the physical display, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a display, a processor, and memory. The processor is configured to allocate a first buffer area to a software application being executed in foreground. The processor is configured to display, on the display, an execution screen of the software application, being executed in the foreground, using the first buffer area. The processor is configured to, while displaying the execution screen on the display, obtain a first input. The processor is configured to, based on the first input, allocate a second buffer area corresponding to a virtual display, to the software application, and maintain the execution of the software application by allocating the second buffer area to the software application.