Computing system employing a multi-GPU graphics processing and display subsystem supporting single-GPU non-parallel (multi-threading) and multi-GPU application-division parallel modes of graphics processing operation

摘要

A computing system employing a multi-GPU graphics processing and display subsystem supporting single-GPU non-parallel (i.e. multi-tasking) and multi-GPU parallel application-division modes of graphics processing operations, in order to execute graphic commands and process graphics data (GCAD) render pixel-composited images containing graphics for display on a display device during the run-time of the multiple graphics-based applications, while managing and conserving electrical power and graphics processing resources. An automatic mode control module (AMCM) analyzes the application profiles assigned to graphics applications running on the computing system, and automatically controls the mode of operation of the multi-GPU graphics processing and display subsystem during the run-time of the multiple graphics-based applications.

主权项

1. A computing device comprising:
a multi-GPU graphics processing and display subsystem having at least one internal GPU and at least one discrete external GPU, in order to execute graphic commands and process graphics data (GCAD) and render pixel-composited images containing graphics for display on a display device during a run-time of a graphics-based application; an automatic mode control module (AMCM) to automatically control the selection of either the at least one external GPU or the at least one internal GPU of said multi-GPU graphics processing and display subsystem during the run-time of said graphics-based applications; wherein said AMCM comprises a database to store graphic application profiles (APDB) associated with said graphics-based application, and verifies said stored (APDB) during run times of said graphic-based application to update said stored application profiles for successive runs; wherein said AMCM estimates a graphics load associated with said graphics-based application by analyzing said APDB real-time and directs low graphics load applications to the at least one internal GPU and high graphics load applications to one of: the at least one external GPU or the at least one external GPU and the at least one internal GPU; and wherein for an unknown graphics based application that has not been previously profiled for graphic processing requirements, said AMCM automatically reads the initialization header of said graphics based application to determine whether the said unknown graphics based application is a low graphics based application or a high graphics based application, and based on such determination automatically sends the graphics commands and data (GCAD), associated with said unknown graphics based application to said at least one internal GPU or the said at least one discrete GPU.