Communication Processor DRX Control for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, experience unnecessary power consumption when the application processor (AP) enters a sleep state due to periodic wake-ups by the communication processor (CP) for discontinuous reception (DRX) operations, even if no user input or data communication occurs, leading to excessive energy usage without providing user information.

Innovation Solution

The communication processor (CP) is configured to control various functions and modules during the AP's sleep state by collecting information from sensor and communication modules, allowing it to skip certain DRX periods and manage radio resources, thereby minimizing power consumption by reducing unnecessary activations of the AP.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the AP enters a sleep state to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot respond to user input or notifications promptly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponse to user input

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processor functionality into two separate processors: an application processor (AP) that handles power-intensive operations and a communication processor (CP) that handles communication-specific tasks. This segmentation allows the AP to enter sleep mode while the CP remains active to handle notifications and user input, resolving the contradiction between power savings and operational responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication processor (CP) acts as an intermediary between the external communication environment and the sleeping application processor (AP). The CP receives and processes notifications, messages, and user inputs during the AP's sleep period, then selectively wakes the AP only when necessary, thereby maintaining responsiveness while enabling power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the CP periodically wakes up for DRX operations to check for messages, then communication functionality is maintained, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when no user information is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication processor (CP) is designed to independently handle communication tasks without requiring the application processor (AP) to be active. The CP autonomously performs DRX operations, checks for messages, and determines whether to wake the AP based on its own judgment, eliminating the need for the higher-power AP to participate in routine communication monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the DRX cycle parameters and AP wake-up frequency based on communication activity patterns. When no messages or notifications are present over extended periods, the CP extends the DRX cycle or suppresses unnecessary AP wake-ups, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to respond when communication events actually occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the AP remains in an active state to ensure immediate response to notifications, then user interaction is maintained, but significant power is consumed unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interactionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments processor responsibilities so that the communication processor (CP) handles notification reception and preliminary processing, while the application processor (AP) handles user interaction. This allows the AP to remain dormant during periods without user activity while the CP maintains communication functionality, reducing overall power consumption while preserving user interaction capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of keeping the AP continuously active, the system implements periodic wake-up cycles where the AP is activated only at specific intervals or when triggered by the CP. This periodic operation pattern reduces the AP's active time and power consumption while still ensuring timely response to user interactions when the device is actually in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10156888B2Method and apparatus for controlling multiple processors to reduce current consumption

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method and apparatus are provided for controlling multiple processors in order to reduce current consumption in electronic device. An electronic device includes an application processor (AP) configured to control a plurality of functions; a communication processor (CP) electronically connected to the AP; and a sensor module or a communication module electronically connected to the CP. When the AP enters a sleep state, the CP is configured to control at least one function among the plurality of functions based on information collected from the sensor module or the communication module according to a discontinuous reception (DRX) operating period.