Virtual graphics device driver
US9336028B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2009/45583
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed to enable switching of graphics processing unit (GPU) resources based on different factors. Embodiments include a virtual graphics driver as an interface between GPU drivers and the applications or graphics framework executing on an electronic device. The virtual graphics driver may switch GPU resources from a first GPU to a second GPU by routing function calls to the first GPU or the second GPU. The switching of GPU resources may be based on power management, system events such as hot-plug events, load management, user requests, any other factor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a virtual frame buffer driver is provided that interfaces with the frame buffer of the GPU and provides a virtual view of the frame buffer to manage additional system application programming interfaces (APIs) during the switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.