Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing display image refresh in bursts to a display device. A buffered refresh controller includes capabilities to drive the display based on video signals generated from a local frame buffer at a first rate. The graphics controller may optimally be configured to burst a new frame of pixel data to the buffered refresh controller at a second rate to replace the previous frame of pixel data in the local frame buffer. The second rate is different than the first rate. Additionally, the graphics controller may send frames only when they contain new pixel data. By enabling the graphics controller to selectively transmit the new frame of pixel data at the second rate, higher than the first rate, the graphics controller may be placed in a power-saving state during at least a portion of each frame update.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes techniques for compositing image surfaces to generate a display image for display. A display engine receives a first set of parameters associated with a first image surface stored in a memory. The display engine receives a second set of parameters associated with a second image surface stored in the memory, wherein the second image surface overlaps at least a portion of the first image surface. The display engine selects a first pixel group that is associated with the first image surface and does not contribute visually to the display image. The display engine prevents the first pixel group from being retrieved from the first image surface. One advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that power consumption is reduced and memory performance is improved by preventing retrieval of pixel information that does not contribute to the final visual display transmitted to the display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling sparse refresh of a self-refreshing display device coupled to a graphics controller are disclosed. The display device includes capabilities to drive the display based on video signals generated from a local frame buffer. The graphics controller may optimally be placed in one or more power-saving states when the display device is operating in a panel self-refresh mode. When exiting the power-saving state to update the image displayed by the display device, a fast-resume initialization routine may be run to reconfigure the GPU when operating in a sparse refresh mode, i.e., where the image being displayed on the display device is updated infrequently. In such cases, the graphics controller may be configured to receive instructions and data from a central processing unit via an alternative low-bandwidth communications path instead of the high-bandwidth communications path used in normal operation.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for a dynamic display refresh. In use, a state of a display device is identified in which an entirety of an image frame is currently displayed by the display device. In response to the identification of the state, it is determined whether an entirety of a next image frame to be displayed has been rendered to memory. The next image frame is transmitted to the display device for display thereof, when it is determined that the entirety of the next image frame to be displayed has been rendered to the memory. Further, a refresh of the display device is delayed, when it is determined that the entirety of the next image frame to be displayed has not been rendered to the memory.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for distributed processing of overlapping portions of pixels. In use, a plurality of pixels to be processed utilizing a plurality of display processing modules across a plurality of interfaces are identified. Additionally, the pixels are apportioned into a plurality of overlapping portions of the pixels in accordance with a number of the display processing modules and display interfaces. Further, processing of the overlapping portions of the pixels is distributed across the display processing modules and the display interfaces in such way that the portions can be recombined into a single contiguous final image by a plurality display controllers.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for a dynamic display refresh. In use, a state of a display device is identified in which an entirety of an image frame is currently displayed by the display device. In response to the identification of the state, it is determined whether an entirety of a next image frame to be displayed has been rendered to memory. The next image frame is transmitted to the display device for display thereof, when it is determined that the entirety of the next image frame to be displayed has been rendered to the memory. Further, a refresh of the display device is delayed, when it is determined that the entirety of the next image frame to be displayed has not been rendered to the memory.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for dynamically reconfiguring a digital video link based on previously determined link training parameters. Reusing the previously determined link training parameters enables a no link training (NLT) protocol for quickly configuring the digital video link without the need for repeating a link training process. A display device advertises NLT capabilities information to a GPU indicating it can retain link characteristics for one or more link configurations. The GPU uses the NLT capabilities information to determine whether the display device is able to quickly transition to a specific link configuration using the NLT protocol, or to switch between configurations. The NLT capability allows a link to be advantageously quiesced and restored quickly while the GPU is transitioning in and out of power-saving sleep states, or placing the link in a more power efficient configuration, or higher-bandwidth higher-performance configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing display image refresh in bursts to a display device. A buffered refresh controller includes capabilities to drive the display based on video signals generated from a local frame buffer at a first rate. The graphics controller may optimally be configured to burst a new frame of pixel data to the buffered refresh controller at a second rate to replace the previous frame of pixel data in the local frame buffer. The second rate is different than the first rate. Additionally, the graphics controller may send frames only when they contain new pixel data. By enabling the graphics controller to selectively transmit the new frame of pixel data at the second rate, higher than the first rate, the graphics controller may be placed in a power-saving state during at least a portion of each frame update.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for dynamically reconfiguring a digital video link based on previously determined link training parameters. Reusing the previously determined link training parameters enables a no link training (NLT) protocol for quickly configuring the digital video link without the need for repeating a link training process. A display device advertises NLT capabilities information to a GPU indicating it can retain link charactristics for one or more link configurations. The GPU uses the NLT capabilities information to determine whether the display device is able to quickly transition to a specific link configuration using the NLT protocol, or to switch between configurations. The NLT capability allows a link to be advantageously quiesced and restored quickly while the GPU is transitioning in and out of power-saving sleep states, or placing the link in a more power efficient configuration, or higher-bandwidth higher-performance configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling sparse refresh of a self-refreshing display device coupled to a graphics controller are disclosed. The display device includes capabilities to drive the display based on video signals generated from a local frame buffer. The graphics controller may optimally be placed in one or more power-saving states when the display device is operating in a panel self-refresh mode. When exiting the power-saving state to update the image displayed by the display device, a fast-resume initialization routine may be run to reconfigure the GPU when operating in a sparse refresh mode, i.e., where the image being displayed on the display device is updated infrequently. In such cases, the graphics controller may be configured to receive instructions and data from a central processing unit via an alternative low-bandwidth communications path instead of the high-bandwidth communications path used in normal operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a self-refreshing display device coupled to a graphics controller are disclosed. A self-refreshing display device has a capability to drive the display based on video signals generated from a local frame buffer in the display device. A graphics controller coupled to the display device may optimally be placed in one or more power saving states when the display device is operating in a panel self-refresh mode. The graphics controller detects one or more progressive levels of idleness in the graphics controller and the pixel data stored in a frame buffer. Based on the detected idleness, the graphics controller signals the display device to enter or exit the panel self-refresh mode and enters a power saving state. When exiting the panel self-refresh mode, the display device and/or graphics controller ensure that the video signals generated by the local controller and the graphics controller are aligned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a self-refreshing display device coupled to a graphics controller are disclosed. A self-refreshing display device has a capability to drive the display based on video signals generated from a local frame buffer in the display device. A graphics controller coupled to the display device may optimally be placed in one or more power saving states when the display device is operating in a panel self-refresh mode. The graphics controller detects one or more progressive levels of idleness in the graphics controller and the pixel data stored in a frame buffer. Based on the detected idleness, the graphics controller signals the display device to enter or exit the panel self-refresh mode and enters a power saving state. When exiting the panel self-refresh mode, the display device and/or graphics controller ensure that the video signals generated by the local controller and the graphics controller are aligned.