Distributed Power Management System for Device Availability and Energy Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices and other electrical devices continue to consume power even when dormant or inactive, leading to unnecessary energy usage and potential cost, as deactivating them renders them unavailable until reactivated.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows users to customize the power state of devices based on user input, transitioning them to low power states during specified times or conditions, such as inactivity or high energy usage periods, using a centralized power control server that generates calendar data and power state instructions to manage device power states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are kept in active state to remain available for use, then device availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions devices between active and low-power states based on usage patterns and user-defined schedules. Devices are kept active only when needed and automatically transition to low-power states during periods of non-use, resolving the contradiction between maintaining availability and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of device usage and automatic state transitions at scheduled intervals. By periodically assessing whether devices should remain active or transition to low-power states, the system balances availability requirements with energy conservation goals.
2Loss of energy
If devices are deactivated to conserve power, then energy consumption is reduced, but device availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively transitions devices to low-power states before users would naturally need them, based on learned usage patterns and scheduled preferences. This preliminary action reduces energy consumption while maintaining availability by ensuring devices are reactivated in advance of predicted user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors device usage and user interactions, using this feedback to optimize when devices should transition between states. User feedback and usage data are incorporated to refine scheduling algorithms, ensuring devices remain available when needed while maximizing energy savings during non-use periods.
3Extent of automation
If centralized control is implemented to manage power states, then energy management capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary that manages communication between external devices and the audio processing device. This gateway handles the complexity of network communication, authentication, and control signal routing, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the audio processing device itself while maintaining centralized power management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: power management module, audio processing module, communication interface, and control logic. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system by distributing complexity across modular units rather than concentrating it in a single complex device.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices in an environment may be transitioned to a low power state based on calendar data or other types of user input. User input indicating a first device, a time period, and a set of conditions is received. When the time period occurs, device data from one or more devices in the environment is used to determine whether the set of conditions is met. If the conditions are met, an instruction from a device outside of the environment is provided to the first device to cause the first device to enter a low power state, during which the device is no longer accessible to other devices outside of the environment. After a lapse of the time period, a change in conditions, or in response to manual input provided to the first device, the first device returns to an operational state.