VSYNC Scheduler for Multi-VR Display Frame Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computers can only support one virtual reality (VR) display device, leading to inefficiencies and lag when trying to render frames for multiple VR display devices simultaneously due to unpredictable vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signals, resulting in dropped frames and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a VSYNC scheduler that alternates VSYNC signals at a specific frequency, allowing the graphics processing unit (GPU) to evenly allocate time for rendering frames between multiple VR display devices, ensuring efficient frame rendering and reduced latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a computer attempts to render frames for multiple VR display devices simultaneously without a VSYNC scheduler, then the GPU can process multiple devices, but the unpredictable VSYNC signals cause rendering latency and dropped frames
Solution Approach 1:
The VSYNC scheduler implements periodic action by generating VSYNC signals at fixed, predictable time intervals for each VR display device. This periodic signaling allows the GPU to allocate rendering time slots systematically, ensuring that each device receives consistent frame rendering at its required refresh rate while maintaining predictable timing patterns that eliminate the randomness causing dropped frames and latency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the GPU renders frames for multiple VR display devices without time allocation, then device support is enabled, but time is wasted due to unpredictable signal handling and rendering interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The VSYNC scheduler applies segmentation by dividing the GPU's rendering time into distinct, non-overlapping time slots allocated to each VR display device. Each time slot is precisely defined by the periodic VSYNC signals, allowing the GPU to process multiple devices sequentially without interference. This time segmentation eliminates wasted rendering time by ensuring the GPU works continuously on assigned devices without interruptions from unpredictable signal arrivals
3Productivity
If alternating VSYNC signals are transmitted at double the refresh rate, then frame rendering efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the VSYNC scheduler
Solution Approach 1:
The VSYNC scheduler acts as an intermediary component between the display engine and the GPU, mediating the timing and allocation of rendering tasks. By introducing this dedicated scheduling layer that generates standardized periodic VSYNC signals, the system achieves efficient multi-device rendering without requiring complex modifications to the GPU or display devices themselves. The intermediary absorbs the scheduling complexity, presenting a simple periodic signal interface to the GPU while managing the underlying time allocation logic
Data Source
AI summary
Computers for supporting multiple virtual reality (VR) display devices and related methods are described herein. An example computer includes a graphics processing unit (GPU) to render frames for a first VR display device and a second VR display device, a memory to store frames rendered by the GPU for the first VR display device and the second VR display device, and a vertical synchronization (VSYNC) scheduler to transmit alternating first and second VSYNC signals to the GPU such that a time period between each of the first or second VSYNC signals and a subsequent one of the first or second VSYNC signals is substantially the same. The GPU is to, based on the first and second VSYNC signals, alternate between rendering a frame for the first VR display device and a frame for the second VR display device.