Method and apparatus to optimize system battery-life for static and semi-static image viewing usage models

A method of entering a power conservation state, the method comprising:

• detecting a system idle event of a computer system;
• activating a local frame buffer;
• responsive to the detecting, storing display information in the local frame buffer from a graphics processor before the graphics processor enters into a power conservation state, wherein the local frame buffer comprises display information of a display icon indicating entry into the power conservation state;
• subsequent to the storing the display information and responsive to the detecting, initiating the power conservation state for the graphics processor;
• and
• during the power conservation state, self-refreshing a display device with the display information stored in the local frame buffer, wherein the display device is refreshed a plurality of times with the same display information while the graphics processor remains in the power conservation state.

A computer system comprising:

• a graphics processing unit (GPU) operable to generate display information, wherein the GPU is further operable to enter a power reduction state;
• a display device operable to display generated display information;
• a local frame buffer that when activated is operable to store display information transferred directly from the GPU, wherein the local frame buffer is further operable to self-refresh the display device with unchanging, generated display information during a power reduction state of the GPU,
• wherein the GPU is operable to change display information upon entry into the power reduction state, and
• wherein the display device is refreshed a plurality of times with the same display information while the GPU remains in the power reduction state;
• and
• a processor operable to detect a system idle event, wherein the processor is further operable to activate the local frame buffer and to initiate the power reduction state of the GPU.