Client Device Suspend Request for Host Communication Link Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols, such as USB, do not allow client devices to suspend communication links with host devices, leading to inefficient power management in portable devices as the host device solely controls communication transactions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where client devices can transmit suspend requests to host devices, enabling the client device to determine when to suspend the communication link based on its communication requirements, and allowing the host device to initiate suspension upon receiving the request, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the host device solely controls communication transactions, then the communication protocol remains simple and compatible, but power consumption increases due to inability to suspend links efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional host-controlled communication model by enabling the client device to initiate suspend requests. Instead of the host continuously managing link state, the client can now request suspension based on its own power needs, fundamentally reversing who controls the communication lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The client device performs preliminary assessment of its communication needs and proactively sends suspend requests before power consumption becomes critical. This preliminary action allows the system to enter low-power state in advance, optimizing energy efficiency without waiting for host intervention.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the host device continuously polls the client device, then the host maintains awareness of communication needs, but power consumption increases due to frequent polling transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanism where the client device provides explicit suspend request signals to the host. Instead of the host continuously polling for status, the client feedbacks its power state needs, allowing the host to adjust polling frequency or enter sleep mode while maintaining awareness of communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device transitions from continuous polling to periodic or event-driven polling based on received suspend requests. When a client indicates it can suspend, the host reduces polling frequency accordingly, maintaining necessary awareness while minimizing power-consuming transactions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the communication link remains active, then data transmission responsiveness is maintained, but battery life decreases due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The communication link dynamically transitions between active and suspended states based on real-time needs. The system adjusts link state from static 'always on' to dynamic 'on-demand', allowing rapid activation when data transmission is needed and suspension when idle, optimizing both responsiveness and battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the communication link, specifically the power state parameter, based on communication activity. When the client device determines no communication is needed, it requests parameter change to suspended state, reducing power consumption while maintaining ability to quickly restore full functionality when needed.
4Measurement precision
If the client device determines suspension appropriateness, then power management accuracy improves, but device autonomy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The client device performs self-service in power management by autonomously determining when suspension is appropriate and initiating suspend requests. This self-service capability allows the device to accurately manage its own power consumption without requiring constant host intervention or complex host-side power management logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication link between a host device and a client device can be suspended based on a suspend request or notification provided by the client device. The suspend request can be transmitted by a client device to a host device if the client device determines that suspension is appropriate, and can be sent in response to receiving a polling request from the host device. After receiving a suspend request, the host device can initiate an operation to suspend the communication link between the devices.