Graphics power savings system and method

Abstract

The present invention facilitates utilization of flexible and efficient power savings in graphics systems. A graphics power management method loads a first set of graphics commands from a CPU into a GPU at the beginning of a frame cycle. The CPU is put into a power saving mode after the loading is complete. The GPU processes the commands and forwards the results to a graphics buffer. The display begins the presentation of the data at the beginning of the following refresh cycle. The CPU leaves the power savings mode at end of the frame cycle to begin loading a second set of commands. The CPU recognizes the end of the frame cycle by counting a predetermined number of frame flip interrupt requests. After the CPU counts the predetermined number of frame flip interrupt requests the CPU begins to communicate additional graphics commands and then returns to the power savings mode.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.