Patent ID: 8233000
Filing Date: 2012-07-31
Classification: G06F,G09G,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A method for managing a switch from an integrated graphics processing unit (IGPU) to a discrete graphics processing unit (DGPU) for rendering operations, the method comprising: receiving a notification from an operating system that an application wants to begin execution; determining that the application should be executed using the DGPU instead of the IGPU, wherein the IGPU includes a first memory that includes a first buffer, a second buffer and a third buffer, the first and second buffers each corresponding to the DGPU, and the third buffer corresponding to the IGPU; powering on a discrete graphics processing subsystem that includes the DGPU, wherein the DGPU includes a second memory; and instructing a graphics driver to switch to a hybrid processing mode that uses the DGPU for rendering operations, wherein the DGPU is configured, when switching to the hybrid processing mode, to store rendered data in the first or second buffer.