Patent Abstract:
Typical hybrid graphics systems operate in either a “high-performance mode” or in an “energy saver mode.” While operating in the high-performance mode, a discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) performs high-performance graphics processing operations and also receives and satisfies access requests targeting a configuration space within the dGPU. While operating in the energy saver mode, an integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU) performs graphics processing operations and the dGPU is powered down. In this scenario, a system management unit (SMU) intercepts and satisfies access requests targeting the dGPU. Since access requests targeting the dGPU are satisfied while the dGPU is powered down, the dGPU continues to be enumerated in the system using the same system resources as originally granted, and can therefore be switched to for implementing high-performance mode more quickly than if it was removed, and required a complete plug-and-play re-enumeration and re-allocation of system resources.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of graphics software and, more specifically, to a system and method for masking transitions between graphics processing units in a hybrid graphics system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A modern computer system may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) that performs graphics processing operations in conjunction with a central processing unit (CPU) also included in the computer system. For example, the GPU may augment the processing capabilities of the CPU in order to generate digital images that can be output to a display screen associated with the computer system. Some computer systems include two or more GPUs that operate in concert to perform graphics processing operations. A computer system that includes two or more GPUs is often referred to as a “hybrid graphics system.” 
     One example of hybrid graphics system includes an integrated GPU (iGPU) that is integrated into a motherboard included in the hybrid graphics system. The iGPU is configured to perform basic graphics processing operations. In addition to the iGPU, the hybrid graphics system also includes a discrete GPU (dGPU) located on an add-in card coupled to the hybrid graphics system. The dGPU is configured to perform high-performance graphics processing operations and typically consumes more power than the iGPU. 
     When high-performance graphics processing operations are not being performed by the dGPU, the hybrid driver causes the hybrid graphics system to operate in a “nominal mode” and graphics processing operations are performed on the iGPU. When high-performance graphics processing operations are being performed by the dGPU, a hybrid driver causes the hybrid graphics system to operate in a “high-performance mode,” where graphics processing operations are performed on the dGPU. While operating in the nominal mode, the hybrid driver causes the dGPU to be powered off, thereby conserving power. 
     The hybrid driver may cause the hybrid graphics system to transition from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode or, alternatively, from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode. When the hybrid driver causes the hybrid graphics system to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, the hybrid driver powers up the dGPU, causes the dGPU to be re-enumerated, reloads a driver associated with the dGPU, and re-initializes the driver, among other things. High-performance graphics processing operations may then be performed on the dGPU. 
     However, this approach transitioning between graphics processing modes suffers from certain drawbacks. First, the process of transitioning from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode may take up to fifteen seconds or longer to complete, thus forcing a user of the hybrid graphics system to wait during the transition period from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode. During this transition period, the hybrid driver powers up the dGPU, enumerates the dGPU to one or more software applications, reloads a driver into the dGPU, and reinitializes the driver. Each of these various steps prolongs the transition period from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode. Second, during this transition period, the dGPU cannot generate images for display, and so a display screen associated with the hybrid graphics system may display a blank screen, thereby disrupting the visual experience of the user of the hybrid graphics system. 
     Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a more effective way to transition between operating states in a hybrid graphics system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention set forth a computer-implemented method for masking transitions between graphics processing modes in a computer system that includes a graphics processing unit (GPU). The method includes the steps of determining that a hybrid driver has initiated a transition for the computer system from operating in a first graphics processing mode to operating in a second graphics processing mode, creating a virtual configuration space within the computer system by copying a configuration space included within the GPU to a memory unit included within the computer system, receiving, from a software application, an access request that targets the GPU, satisfying the access request by updating the virtual configuration space based on the access request, and transmitting a confirmation to the software application indicating that the access request has been satisfied. 
     Advantageously, the GPU does not need to be re-enumerated when the GPU is powered on, thereby expediting the transition of the computer system from the second graphics processing mode to the first graphics processing mode. Additionally, a driver associated with the GPU does not need to be reloaded into the GPU or reinitialized when the GPU is powered on, further expediting this transition. Further, since the computer system is capable of transitioning quickly from the second graphics processing mode to the first graphics processing mode, the amount of time that the computer system causes a blank screen to be displayed to a user is minimized. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. The appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system configured to implement one or more aspects of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram that illustrates a hybrid graphics system configured to mask the powering up of a discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) using a system management unit (SMU), according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram that illustrates a hybrid graphics system configured to mask the powering up of a dGPU using a system management mode (SMM) application, according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram that illustrates a hybrid graphics system configured to mask the powering up of a dGPU using a bus driver, according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of method steps for transitioning between graphics processing modes in a hybrid graphics system, according to one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of method steps for routing an access request in a hybrid graphics system, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system configured to implement one or more aspects of the invention. As shown, the system  100  includes one or more input/output (I/O) devices  102 , a central processing unit (CPU)  104 , a memory  106 , a chipset root complex  108 , and a discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU)  110 . The I/O devices  102 , the CPU  104 , the memory  106 , the chipset root complex  108 , and the dGPU  110  may be coupled to one another via a system bus (not shown). In one embodiment, the system bus is a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) bus. 
     The I/O devices  102  are coupled to the CPU  104  and may include a mouse, a keyboard, a joystick, a video game controller, a touchpad, a microphone, or a video camera, among other types of input devices. The I/O devices  102  may also include a display screen, a speaker, or a projector, among other types of output devices. The I/O devices  102  may further include various ports that allow data to be transferred to and/or from the system  100 , including a universal serial bus (USB) port, a serial port, a firewire port, a telephone jack, or an Ethernet port, among others. In one embodiment, the I/O devices  102  provide access to a network, such as the Internet. In another embodiment, the I/O devices  102  are coupled to the memory  106  via the CPU  104  and allow data to be transferred to and/or from the memory  106  via the CPU  104 . 
     The CPU  104  may be any type of processor, including an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), among others. In one embodiment, the CPU  104  is a graphics processing unit (GPU). The CPU  104  is configured to execute various software programs stored in the memory  106 , as described in greater detail below. The CPU  104  is coupled to the chipset root complex  108  and configured to transmit data to and receive data from the chipset root complex  108 . 
     The chipset root complex  108  is a controller that manages transactions between various components of the system  100 . The chipset root complex  108  is coupled to the dGPU  110  and to the CPU  104 . In embodiments where the various components of the system  100  are coupled together via a PCIe bus, the chipset root complex  108  is configured to manage data transactions between the various components across the PCIe bus. The chipset root complex  108  includes an integrated GPU (iGPU)  112  that is included in the chipset root complex  108 . The iGPU  112  is configured to execute graphics processing operations. In some embodiments, the CPU  104  offloads graphics processing operations onto the iGPU  112  in order to expedite these graphics processing operations. In other embodiments, the CPU  102  may offload other types of processing operations onto the iGPU  112  in order to expedite these other types of processing operations. 
     Similar to the iGPU  112 , the dGPU  110  is configured to execute graphics processing operations. In some embodiments, the CPU  102  may offload other types of processing operations, other than graphics processing operations, onto the dGPU  110  in order to expedite these other types of processing operations. In further embodiments, the dGPU  110  may be configured to perform high-performance graphics processing operations that cannot be efficiently executed by the iGPU  114 . For example, the dGPU  110  could perform graphics processing operations associated with a graphics-intensive video game that would not be efficiently performed by the iGPU  112 . 
     The dGPU  110  includes a configuration space  114 . The configuration space  114  includes one or more configuration registers that may be accessed by the software applications included in the memory  106 . As further described herein, the software applications may transmit access requests that target the dGPU  110 . In order to satisfy these access requests, the dGPU  110  updates the configuration space  114 . In doing so, the dGPU  110  modifies values stored in specific configuration registers included in the configuration space  114  indicated in the access request. The dGPU  110  updates these specific configuration registers to reflect values indicated in the access request. The dGPU  110  then transmits a confirmation to the software program from which the access request was received. 
     The memory  106  may be any technically feasible type of memory, including a hard disk, a flash drive, a random access memory (RAM) unit, or a read-only memory (ROM) unit, among others. The software programs included in the memory  106 , as referred to above, include one or more applications  116 , one or more operating systems  118 , a plug-n-play (PNP) manager  120 , one or more drivers  122 , and a hybrid driver  124 . 
     The one or more applications  116  may include various types of software applications, including video game applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, or internet browsing applications, among others. The one or more operating systems  118  may include one or more well-known operating systems, including a Windows™ operating system, a Linux operating system, or a Mac OS X™ operating system, among others. In one embodiment, the operating systems  118  include more than one operating system, and the applications  116  include a hypervisor configured to manage the operation of those operating systems. 
     The one or more drivers  122  are executed by the CPU  104 , the iGPU  112 , or the dGPU  110  to translate program instructions into different types of machine code. For example, the CPU  104  could execute the driver  122  associated with the dGPU  110  to translate program instructions into machine code native to the dGPU  110 . When the system  100  is first powered on, the driver  122  associated with the iGPU  112  is loaded into the iGPU  112  and initialized. As with the iGPU  112 , when the hybrid graphics system  100  is first powered on, the driver  122  associated with the dGPU  110  is loaded into the dGPU  110  and initialized. 
     The PNP manager  120  is executed by the CPU  104  to manage the configuration of one or more devices coupled to the system  100 , such as, for example, the dGPU  110 . When executed by the CPU  104 , the PNP manager  120  transmits access requests to the devices coupled to the system  100 , including the dGPU  110 , via the chipset root complex  108 . The access requests may include memory-mapped input/output (MMIO) access requests and/or configuration space access requests. 
     The hybrid driver  124  is a software program that, when executed by the CPU  104 , causes the system  100  to operate in different graphics processing modes, including a “high-performance mode” and a “nominal mode.” In one embodiment, the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to operate in the high-performance mode when high-performance graphics processing operations are required to be performed by the system  100 . For example, the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to operate in the high-performance mode when the system  100  executes a complex physical simulation involving graphics-intensive operations. When the system  100  operates in the high-performance mode, the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to perform graphics processing operations with the dGPU  110 . 
     Conversely, the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to operate in the nominal mode when high-performance graphics processing operations are not required to be performed by the system  100 . For example, the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to operate in the nominal mode when the system  100  generates images for a simple web page. When the system  100  operates in the nominal mode, the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to perform graphics processing operations with the iGPU  112 . When the system  100  operates in the nominal mode, hybrid driver  124  causes the dGPU  110  to be powered down. 
     The hybrid driver  124  is further configured to cause the system  100  to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, and to transition from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode. The hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to transition between different graphics processing modes based on the complexity of graphics processing operations required to be performed by the system  100 , based on an amount of battery power remaining in a battery associated with the system  100 , or based on user input, among other things. 
     For example, when the CPU  104  executes a graphics-intensive video game that involves high performance graphics processing operations, the hybrid driver  124  could initiate a transition of the system  100  from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode in order to perform high-performance graphics processing operations on the dGPU  110 . In another example, if the system  100  is a laptop computer system that includes a battery, and the amount of battery power remaining in the battery decreases below a particular level, then the hybrid driver  124  could initiate a transition of the system  100  from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode in order to perform graphics processing operations on the iGPU  112 , thereby conserving battery power. 
     When the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to transition from nominal mode to high-performance mode, the hybrid driver  124  causes the dGPU  110  to power up, migrates any threads executing on the iGPU  112  to the dGPU  110 , and reroutes graphics processing operations to the dGPU  110 . When the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to transition from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode, the hybrid driver  124  migrates any threads executing on the dGPU  110  to the iGPU  112 , causes the dGPU  110  to power down, and reroutes graphics processing operations to the iGPU  112 . 
     When the system  100  operates in the nominal mode, although the dGPU  110  is powered down, the dGPU  110  remains enumerated and recognized by the PNP manager  120 . However, when the PNP manager  120  transmits one or more access requests to the dGPU  110 , as described above, the dGPU  110  cannot satisfy these access requests since the dGPU  110  is powered down. As described in greater detail below in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment a system management unit (SMU) included in the chipset root complex  108  is configured to intercept the access requests transmitted by the PNP manager  120  on behalf of the dGPU  110  and to satisfy the access requests. In other embodiments such a management unit capable of receiving and satisfying accessing requests may be located in the CPU, GPU or other places along the route. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram that illustrates a hybrid graphics system  200  configured to mask the powering up of a discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) using a system management unit (SMU)  210 , according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the hybrid graphics system  200  includes substantially the same components as the system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the hybrid graphics system  200  operates in similar fashion as the system  100 . In this embodiment, the hybrid graphics system  200  performs graphics processing operations on either the iGPU  110  or the dGPU  112  based on the current graphics processing mode of the hybrid graphics system  200 . 
     In another embodiment, the hybrid graphics system  200  may include only one GPU, such as the dGPU  112 , and optionally perform graphics processing operations on the one GPU based on the current graphics processing mode of the hybrid graphics system  200 . For example, the hybrid graphics system  200  could perform graphics processing operations on the dGPU  110  when operating in a first graphics processing mode, and perform graphics processing operations on the CPU  104  when operating in a second graphics processing mode. 
     In addition to including substantially the same components as the system  100 , the hybrid graphics system  200  also includes a SMU  210  within the chipset root complex  108 . The SMU  210  is a microcontroller configured to manage the power consumption of the hybrid graphics system  200 . The SMU  210  includes a SMU processor  212  and a SMU memory  214 . The SMU processor  212  may be any technically feasible type of processor configured to execute program instructions, such as a CPU, an IC, an ASIC, or an FPGA. The SMU processor  212  is coupled to the SMU memory  214  and is configured to execute one or more software applications stored in the SMU memory  214 . The SMU memory  214  may be any type of memory unit, including a flash memory unit, a RAM unit, or a ROM unit, among others. The SMU memory  214  includes an access request management application  216  and a virtual configuration space  218 . 
     The access request management application  216  is a software application that, when executed by the SMU processor  212 , satisfies access requests on behalf of the dGPU  110  when the dGPU  110  is powered down (e.g., when the hybrid graphics system  200  operates in the nominal mode). 
     When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  200  to transition from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode, the SMU processor  212  executes the access request management application  216 . When executed by the SMU processor  212 , the access request management application  216  copies the configuration space  114  from the dGPU  110  to the virtual configuration space  218 . In doing so, the access request management application  216  copies the value of each configuration register included in the configuration space  114  to a corresponding virtual configuration register included in the virtual configuration space  218 . In one embodiment, the access request management application  216  generates the virtual configuration space  218  within the memory  106  instead of generating the virtual configuration space  218  within the SMU memory  214 . 
     The access request management application  216  then satisfies access requests transmitted from the PNP manager  120  that target the dGPU  110  by updating the virtual configuration space  218  based on the access requests. For example, when executed by the CPU  104 , the PNP manager  120  transmits an access request that targets the dGPU  110  along path A. The access request management application  216  receives the access request and then determines whether the access request targets the dGPU  110 . 
     When the access request targets the dGPU  110 , the access request management application  216  satisfies the access request by updating the virtual configuration space  218  based on the access request. More specifically, the access request management application  216  modifies values stored in specific virtual configuration registers indicated in the access request. The access request management application  216  updates these specific virtual configuration registers to reflect values indicated in the access request. When the access request does not target the dGPU  110 , the access request management application  216  routes the access request to the device targeted by the access request. 
     The access request management application  216  then transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  along path A′ indicating that the access request has been satisfied. The access request management application  216  is configured to repeatedly satisfy access requests transmitted from the PNP manager  120  that target the dGPU  110  while the hybrid graphics system  200  operates in the nominal mode. In one embodiment, the access request management application  216  also satisfies access requests transmitted by the applications  116  and/or the O/S  118  that target the dGPU  110 . 
     As previously described, the hybrid driver  124  may cause the hybrid graphics system  200  to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode in order to perform high-performance graphics processing operations with the dGPU  110 . When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  200  to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, the hybrid driver  124  causes the dGPU  110  to power up, migrates any threads executing on the iGPU  112  to the dGPU  110 , and reroutes graphics processing operations to the dGPU  110 , as also described. The access request management application  216  then copies the virtual configuration space  218  to the configuration space  114 . In doing so, the access request management application  216  copies the value of each virtual register included in the virtual configuration space  218  to a corresponding configuration register included in the configuration space  114 . 
     The dGPU  110  may then receive and satisfy the access requests transmitted by the PNP manager  120  or, in some embodiments, by the applications  116  and/or the O/S  118 . When the hybrid graphics system  200  operates in the high-performance mode, the PNP manager transmits access requests to the dGPU  110  along path B. The SMU  210  receives the access requests and routes the access requests to the dGPU  110 . The dGPU  110  then satisfies the access requests by updating the configuration space  114 . The dGPU  110  then transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  along path B′. 
     When the access request management application  216  is implemented within the hybrid graphics system  200 , the PNP manager  120  may continue to transmit access requests that target the dGPU  110  when the dGPU  110  is powered down (e.g., when the hybrid graphics system  200  operates in the nominal mode). The dGPU  110  remains enumerated to the PNP manager  120  when the dGPU  110  is powered down. Further, the driver  122  associated with the dGPU  110  remains loaded on the dGPU  110  when the dGPU  110  is powered down. When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  200  to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, the dGPU  110  is not re-enumerated to the PNP manager  120  and the driver  120  is not reloaded into the dGPU  110  or reinitialized. Thus, the dGPU  110  does not need to be re-added to the hybrid graphics system  200 . Accordingly, by implementing the access request management application  216 , the transition of the hybrid graphics system  100  from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode is expedited and, therefore, masked from a user of the hybrid graphics system  200 . 
     In contrast to prior art approaches that require the steps of re-enumerating the dGPU to the PNP manager, reloading and reinitializing the driver associated with the dGPU, and re-adding the dGPU to the hybrid graphics system when powering up the dGPU, the techniques described herein avoid such time-consuming steps. 
     Although the foregoing description is directed towards the functionality of the access request management application  216 , other embodiments of the invention contemplate alternative approaches to masking the powering up of the dGPU  110 , as described in greater detail below in  FIGS. 3-4 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram that illustrates a hybrid graphics system  300  configured to mask the powering up of a dGPU  110  using a system management mode (SMM) application  302 , according to one embodiment of the invention. Similar to the system  100 , hybrid graphics system  300  is configured to operate in the nominal mode or in the high-performance mode. Additionally, the hybrid driver  124  is configured to cause the hybrid graphics system  300  to transition between these two graphics processing modes. 
     As shown, the hybrid graphics system  300  includes some of the same components included in the system  100  described above in  FIG. 1 . In addition, the hybrid graphics system  300  also includes a system management mode (SMM) application  302  and an SMM protected memory region  304  within the memory  106 . The SMM protected memory region  304  includes a virtual configuration space  306 . 
     The SMM application  302  is a software application that, when executed by the CPU  104 , satisfies access requests on behalf of the dGPU  110  when the dGPU  110  is powered down (e.g., when the hybrid graphics system  300  operates in the nominal mode). 
     When the hybrid driver  124  causes the system  100  to transition from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode, the CPU  104  executes the SMM application  302 . When executed by the CPU  104 , the SMM application  302  copies the configuration space  114  from the dGPU  110  to the virtual configuration space  304 . In doing so, the SMM application  302  copies the value of each configuration register included in the configuration space  114  to a corresponding virtual configuration register included in the virtual configuration space  304 . 
     The SMM application  302  then satisfies access requests transmitted from the PNP manager  120  that target the dGPU  110  by updating the virtual configuration space  304  based on the access requests. When executed by the CPU  104 , the PNP manager  120  transmits an access request that targets the dGPU  110  along path A. However, the CPU  104  intercepts this access request, as indicated by path A. In response to the PNP manager  120  transmitting an access request that targets the dGPU  110 , the CPU  104  executes the SMM application  302 . 
     The SMM application  302  then satisfies the access request by updating the virtual configuration space  304 . The SMM application  302  satisfies the access request by updating the virtual configuration space  304  based on the access request. More specifically, the SMM application  302  modifies values stored in specific virtual configuration registers indicated in the access request. The SMM application  302  updates these specific virtual configuration registers to reflect values indicated in the access request. 
     The SMM application  302  transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  along path A′ indicating that the access request has been satisfied. The SMM application  302  is configured to repeatedly satisfy access requests transmitted from the PNP manager  120  that target the dGPU  110  while the hybrid graphics system  300  operates in the nominal mode. In one embodiment, the SMM application  302  also satisfies access requests transmitted by the applications  116  and/or the O/S  118  that target the dGPU  110 . When the access request does not target the dGPU  110 , the CPU  104  routes the access request to the device targeted by the access request. 
     As with the system  100 , the hybrid driver  124  may cause the hybrid graphics system  300  to transition from the nominal mode into the high-performance mode in order to perform high-performance graphics processing operations with the dGPU  110 . When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  300  to transition from nominal mode to high-performance mode, the hybrid driver  124  causes the dGPU  110  to power up, migrates any threads executing on the iGPU  112  to the dGPU  110 , and reroutes graphics processing operations to the dGPU  110 , as also previously described. The SMM application  302  then copies the virtual configuration space  304  to the configuration space  114 . In doing so, the SMM application  302  copies the value of each virtual register included in the virtual configuration space  304  to a corresponding configuration register included in the configuration space  114 . 
     The dGPU  110  may then receive and satisfy access requests transmitted by the PNP manager  120  or, in some embodiments, by the applications  116  and/or the O/S  118 . When the hybrid graphics system  300  operates in the high-performance mode, the PNP manager  120  transmits access requests to the dGPU  110  along path B. The dGPU  110  then satisfies these access requests, as described, and transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  along path B′. 
     As with the access request management application  216  described in  FIG. 2 , the SMM application  302  allows the PNP manager  120  to continue to transmit access requests that target the dGPU  110  when the dGPU  110  is powered down (e.g., when the system  100  operates in the nominal mode). The dGPU  110  remains enumerated to the PNP manager  120  when the dGPU  110  is powered down. Further, the driver  122  associated with the dGPU  110  remains loaded on the dGPU  110 . When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  300  to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, the dGPU  110  is not re-enumerated to the PNP manager  120 , and the driver is not reloaded into the dGPU  110  or reinitialized. Thus, the dGPU  110  does not need to be re-added to the hybrid graphics system  300 . Accordingly, by implementing the SMM application  302 , the transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode is expedited and, therefore, masked from a user of the hybrid graphics system  300 . 
     In contrast to prior art approaches that require the steps of re-enumerating the dGPU to the PNP manager, reloading and reinitializing the driver associated with the dGPU, and re-adding the dGPU to the hybrid graphics system when powering up the dGPU, the techniques described herein avoid such time-consuming steps. 
     In addition to the access request management application  216  described in  FIG. 2  and the SMM application  302  described in  FIG. 3 , further embodiments of the invention contemplate alternative approaches to masking the powering up of the dGPU  110 , as described in greater detail below in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram that illustrates a hybrid graphics system  400  configured to mask the powering up of a dGPU  110  using a bus driver  402 , according to one embodiment of the invention. Similar to the system  100 , the hybrid graphics system  400  is configured to operate in the nominal mode or in the high-performance mode. Additionally, the hybrid driver  124  is configured to cause the hybrid graphics system  400  to transition between these two graphics processing modes. 
     As shown, the hybrid graphics system  400  includes substantially the same components included in the system  100  described above in  FIG. 1 . In addition, the hybrid graphics system  400  also includes a bus driver  402 , and a virtual configuration space  404  within the memory  106 . 
     The bus driver  402  is a software application that, when executed by the CPU  104  coordinates data flow between the CPU  104  and the chipset root complex  108 . In addition, the bus driver  402  is configured to satisfy access requests on behalf of the dGPU  110  when the dGPU  110  is powered down (e.g., when the hybrid graphics system  400  operates in the nominal performance mode). 
     When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  400  to transition from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode, the bus driver  402  copies the configuration space  114  from the dGPU  110  to the virtual configuration space  404 . In doing so, the bus driver  402  copies the value of each configuration register included in the configuration space  114  to a corresponding virtual configuration register included in the virtual configuration space  404 . 
     The bus driver  402  then satisfies access requests transmitted from the PNP manager  120  that target the dGPU  110  by updating the virtual configuration space  404  based on the access requests. When executed by the CPU  104 , the PNP manager  120  transmits an access request that targets the dGPU  110  along path A. The bus driver  402  receives the access request and then determines whether the access request targets the dGPU  110 . When the access request does not target the dGPU  110 , the bus driver  402  routes the access request to the device targeted by the access request. 
     When the bus driver  402  determines that the access request targets the dGPU  110 , the bus driver  402  satisfies the access request by updating the virtual configuration space  404 . The bus driver  402  satisfies the access request by updating the virtual configuration space  404  based on the access request. More specifically, the bus driver  402  modifies values stored in specific virtual configuration registers indicated in the access request. The bus driver  402  updates these specific virtual configuration registers to reflect values indicated in the access request. 
     The bus driver  402  then transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  along path A′ indicating that the access request has been satisfied. The bus driver  402  is configured to repeatedly satisfy access requests transmitted from the PNP manager  120  that target the dGPU  110  while the hybrid graphics system  400  operates in the nominal mode. In one embodiment, the bus driver  402  also satisfies access requests transmitted by the applications  116  and/or the O/S  118  that target the dGPU  110 . 
     As previously described, the hybrid driver  124  may cause the hybrid graphics system  400  to transition from the nominal mode into the high-performance mode in order to perform high-performance graphics processing operations with the dGPU  110 . When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  400  to transition from nominal mode to high-performance mode, the hybrid driver  124  causes the dGPU  110  to power up, migrates any threads executing on the iGPU  112  to the dGPU  110 , and reroutes graphics processing operations to the dGPU  110 , as also previously described. The bus driver  402  then copies the virtual configuration space  404  to the configuration space  114 . In doing so, the bus driver  402  copies the value of each virtual register included in the virtual configuration space  404  to a corresponding configuration register included in the configuration space  114 . 
     The dGPU  110  may then receive and satisfy access requests transmitted by the PNP manager  120  or, in some embodiments, by the applications  116  and/or the O/S  118 . When the hybrid graphics system  400  operates in the high-performance mode, the PNP manager  120  transmits access requests to the dGPU  110  along path B. The dGPU  110  then satisfies these access requests, as described, and transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  along path B′. 
     As with the access request management application  216  described in  FIG. 2 , and the SMM application  302  described in  FIG. 3 , the bus driver  402  allows the PNP manager  120  to continue to transmit access requests that target the dGPU  110  when the dGPU  110  is powered down (e.g., when the hybrid graphics system  400  operates in the nominal mode). The dGPU  110  therefore remains enumerated to the PNP manager  120  when the dGPU  110  is powered down. Further, the driver  122  associated with the dGPU  110  remains loaded on the dGPU  110 . When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  400  to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, the dGPU  110  is not re-enumerated to the PNP manager  120 , and the driver is not reloaded into the dGPU  110  or reinitialized. Thus, the dGPU  110  does not need to be re-added to the hybrid graphics system  400 . Accordingly, by implementing the bus driver  402 , the transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode is expedited and therefore masked from a user of the hybrid graphics system  400 . 
     In contrast to prior art approaches that require the steps of re-enumerating the dGPU to the PNP manager, reloading and reinitializing the driver associated with the dGPU, and re-adding the dGPU to the hybrid graphics system when powering up the dGPU, the techniques described herein avoid such time-consuming steps. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of method steps for routing a configuration space access request in a hybrid graphics system, according to one embodiment of the invention. Persons skilled in the art will understand that, although the method  500  is described in conjunction with the systems of  FIGS. 1-4 , any system configured to perform the method steps, in any order, is within the scope of the present invention. 
     As shown, the method  500  begins at step  502 , where the hybrid graphics system performs graphics processing operations with the dGPU  110 . The hybrid graphics system performs graphics processing operations with the dGPU  110  when operating in the high-performance mode. The hybrid graphics system  100  operates in the high-performance mode when high-performance graphics processing operations are required. For example, when the hybrid graphics system executes a complex physical simulation, the hybrid graphics system operates in the high-performance mode to render the physical simulation. 
     At step  504 , hybrid driver  124  determines whether to cause the hybrid graphics system to transition from a first graphics processing mode to a second graphics processing mode. In one embodiment, the first graphics processing mode represents the high-performance mode and the second graphics processing mode represents the nominal mode. The hybrid driver  124  determines whether to transition the hybrid graphics system from the first graphics processing mode to the second graphics processing mode based on the complexity of graphics processing operations required to be performed by the hybrid graphics system, based on an amount of battery power remaining in a battery associated with the hybrid graphics system, or based on user input, among other things. 
     If the hybrid driver  124  determines that the hybrid graphics system should not be transitioned from the first graphics processing mode to the second graphics processing mode, then the method  500  returns to step  502 , as described above. If the hybrid driver  124  determines that the hybrid graphics system should be transitioned from the first graphics processing mode to the second graphics processing mode, then the method  500  proceeds to step  506 . 
     At step  506 , in one embodiment, the access request management application  216  generates the virtual configuration space  218 . In this embodiment, the access request management application  216  generates the virtual configuration space  218  by copying the configuration space  114  associated with the dGPU  110  to the memory  214 . In doing so, the access request management application  216  copies the value of each configuration register included in the configuration space  114  to a corresponding virtual configuration register included in the virtual configuration space  218 . In another embodiment, the CPU  104  may execute the SMM application  302  described in  FIG. 3  to perform step  506 . In yet another embodiment, the bus driver  402  described in  FIG. 4  may perform step  506 . 
     At step  508 , the hybrid driver  124  migrates all active threads currently executing on the dGPU  110  to the iGPU  112 . At step  510 , the hybrid driver  124  causes the dGPU  110  to power down. At step  512 , the hybrid driver  124  reroutes graphics processing operations being performed by the hybrid graphics system to the iGPU  112 . 
     At step  514 , the hybrid graphics system performs graphics processing operations with the iGPU  112 . The hybrid graphics system performs graphics processing operations with the iGPU  112  when operating in the nominal mode. The hybrid graphics system operates in the nominal mode when high-performance graphics processing operations are not required. For example, when the hybrid graphics system generates images for a simple web page, the hybrid graphics system operates in the nominal mode to render the web page. 
     In one embodiment, as described in greater detail below in  FIG. 6 , when the hybrid graphics system operates in the nominal mode, and the PNP manager  120  transmits one or more access requests that target the dGPU  110 , the SMU processor  212  executes the access request management application  216  in order to receive and to satisfy these access requests. The access request management application  216  updates the virtual configuration space  218  to satisfy the access requests, then transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  indicating that the access request has been satisfied. In another embodiment, the SMM application  302  described in  FIG. 3  may receive and satisfy the access requests and then transmit the confirmation to the PNP manager  120 . In yet another embodiment, the bus driver  402  described in  FIG. 4  may receive and satisfy the access requests and transmit the confirmation to the PNP manager  120 . 
     At step  516 , hybrid driver  124  determines whether to cause the hybrid graphics system to transition from the second graphics processing mode to the first graphics processing mode. The hybrid driver  124  determines whether to transition the hybrid graphics system from the second graphics processing mode to the first graphics processing mode based on the graphics processing operations being performed by the hybrid graphics system  100  or based on the complexity of graphics processing operations required to be performed by the hybrid graphics system, based on an amount of battery power remaining in a battery associated with the hybrid graphics system, or based on user input, among other things. 
     If the hybrid driver  124  determines that the hybrid graphics system should not be transitioned from the second graphics processing mode to the first graphics processing mode, then the method  500  returns to step  514 , as described above. If the hybrid driver  124  determines that the hybrid graphics system should be transitioned from the second graphics processing mode to the first graphics processing mode, then the method  500  proceeds to step  518 . 
     At step  518 , the hybrid driver  124  causes the dGPU  110  to power up. In contrast to prior art approaches that require the steps of re-enumerating the dGPU to the PNP manager, reloading and reinitializing the driver associated with the dGPU, and re-adding the dGPU to the hybrid graphics system when powering up the dGPU, the techniques described herein avoid such time-consuming steps. 
     At step  520 , the hybrid driver  124  migrates all active threads currently executing on the iGPU  112  to the dGPU  110 . At step  522 , the hybrid driver  124  reroutes graphics processing operations being performed by the hybrid graphics system  100  to the dGPU  110 . 
     At step  524 , in one embodiment, the access request management application  216  copies the virtual configuration space  218  to the configuration space  114 . In this embodiment, the access request management application  216  copies the value of each virtual configuration register included in the virtual configuration space  218  to a corresponding configuration register included in the configuration space  114 . In another embodiment, the CPU  104  may execute the SMM application  302  described in  FIG. 3  to perform step  524 . In another embodiment, the bus driver  402  described in  FIG. 4  may perform step  524 . The method  500  then returns to step  502 , described above. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart of method steps for transitioning between operating modes in a hybrid graphics system, according to one embodiment of the invention. Persons skilled in the art will understand that, although the method  600  is described in conjunction with the systems of  FIGS. 1-4 , any system configured to perform the method steps, in any order, is within the scope of the present invention. 
     As shown, the method  600  begins at step  602  where, in one embodiment, the SMU  210  receives an access request from the PNP manager  120 . The access request could be, for example, an MMIO access request or a configuration space access request, among others. In another embodiment, the CPU  104  may perform step  602 , as described in  FIG. 3 . In yet another embodiment, the bus driver  402  may perform step  602 , as described in  FIG. 4 . 
     At step  604 , in one embodiment, the SMU  212  determines whether the first graphics processing mode is enabled. The first graphics processing mode could be, for example, the high-performance graphics processing mode. If the SMU  212  determines that the first graphics processing mode is enabled, then the method  600  proceeds to step  606 . In another embodiment, the CPU  212  may perform step  604 , as described in  FIG. 3 . In yet another embodiment, the bus driver  402  may perform step  604 , as described in  FIG. 4 . 
     At step  606 , in one embodiment, the SMU  210  routes the access request to the dGPU  110 . In another embodiment, the CPU  104  may perform step  606 , as described in  FIG. 3 . In yet another embodiment, the bus driver  402  may perform step  606 , as described in  FIG. 4 . 
     At step  608 , the dGPU  110  receives the access request. At step  610 , the dGPU  110  updates the configuration space  114  in order to satisfy the access request. In doing so, the dGPU  110  modifies the values stored in specific configuration registers included in the configuration space  114  that are indicated in the access request. The dGPU  110  updates these specific configuration registers to reflect values indicated in the access request. At step  612 , the dGPU  110  transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  indicating that the access request has been satisfied. 
     Referring back now to step  604 , if the SMU  210  determines that the first graphics mode is not enabled, then the method  600  proceeds to step  614 . At step  614 , in one embodiment, the SMU processor  212  executes the access request management application  216 . The access request management application  216  resides within the SMU memory  214 . In another embodiment, at step  614 , the CPU  104  may execute the SMM application  302  to process the access request, as described in  FIG. 3 . 
     At step  616 , in one embodiment, the access request management application  216  updates the virtual configuration space  218 . In doing so, the access request management application  216  updates the value of each virtual configuration register included in the virtual configuration space  218  based on the access request. 
     At step  618 , in one embodiment, the access request management application  216  transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager  120  indicating that the access request has been satisfied. The method  600  then terminates. 
     In another embodiment, the SMM application  302  described in  FIG. 3  may perform steps  618 ,  620 , and  622 . In yet another embodiment, the bus driver  402  described in  FIG. 4  may perform steps  618 ,  620 , and  622 . 
     When the hybrid graphics system implements the method  600 , the PNP manager  120  may continue to transmit access requests that target the dGPU  110  when the dGPU is powered down (e.g., when the hybrid graphics system  100  operates in the nominal mode). The dGPU  110  remains enumerated to the PNP manager  120  when the dGPU  110  is powered down. Further, the driver  122  associated with the dGPU  110  remains loaded on the dGPU  110  when the dGPU  110  is powered down. When the hybrid driver  124  causes the hybrid graphics system  100  to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, the dGPU  110  is not re-enumerated to the PNP manager  120 , and the driver does is not reloaded into the dGPU  110  or reinitialized. Accordingly, when a hybrid graphics system implements the method  600 , the transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode is expedited and, therefore, masked from a user of the hybrid graphics system  100 . 
     In sum, a hybrid graphics system is configured to operate in a high-performance mode when high-performance graphics processing operations are required and in a nominal mode when high-performance graphics processing operations are not required. When the hybrid graphics system operates in the high-performance mode, a discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) performs graphics processing operations. When the hybrid graphics system operates in the nominal mode, an integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU) performs graphics processing operations, and the dGPU is powered down. A hybrid driver is configured to cause the hybrid graphics system to transition from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode, and vice-versa. 
     When the hybrid graphics system operates in the high-performance mode, a plug-and-play (PNP) manager included in the hybrid graphics system is configured to enumerate the dGPU and to transmit access requests that target the dGPU. The access requests may include memory-mapped input/output (MMIO) requests or configuration space access requests. When the PNP manager transmits an access request that targets the dGPU, the dGPU updates a configuration space included in the dGPU in order to satisfy the access requests. 
     When the hybrid driver causes the hybrid graphics system to transition from the high-performance mode to the nominal mode, a system management unit processor within a system management unit executes an access request management application. The access request management application copies the configuration space included in the dGPU to a virtual configuration space included in a memory unit associated with the hybrid graphics system. 
     Once the hybrid graphics system is transitioned to the nominal mode, the dGPU is powered down and therefore cannot satisfy access requests received from the PNP manager. When the PNP manager transmits an access request that targets the dGPU, the access request management application receives the access request and satisfies the access request on behalf of the dGPU. The access request management application updates the virtual configuration space based on the access request, and then transmits a confirmation to the PNP manager indicating that the access request has been satisfied. Since the access request management application satisfies access requests on behalf of the dGPU when the dGPU is powered down, the dGPU remains enumerated to the PNP manager. In addition, the driver associated with the dGPU remains loaded in the dGPU. 
     When the hybrid driver causes the hybrid graphics system to transition from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, the access request management application copies the virtual configuration space to the configuration space within the dGPU. When the PNP manager transmits access requests that target the dGPU, the dGPU satisfies these access requests by updating the configuration space. 
     Advantageously, the dGPU does not need to be re-enumerated to the PNP manager when the dGPU is powered on, thereby expediting the transition of the hybrid graphics system from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode. Additionally, the driver associated with the dGPU does not need to be reloaded into the dGPU or reinitialized when the dGPU is powered on, further expediting this transition. Further, since the hybrid graphics system is capable of transitioning quickly from the nominal mode to the high-performance mode, the amount of time that the hybrid graphics system causes a blank screen to be displayed to a user is minimized. 
     While the forgoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. For example, aspects of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or software or in a combination of hardware and software. One embodiment of the invention may be implemented as a program product for use with a computer system. The program(s) of the program product define functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can be contained on a variety of computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, flash memory, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory) on which alterable information is stored. Such computer-readable storage media, when carrying computer-readable instructions that direct the functions of the present invention, are embodiments of the present invention. 
     Therefore, the scope of the present invention is determined by the claims that follow.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6