Dual Processor Power Management for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses, such as multifunction peripherals, face high power consumption due to high integration density in processors, necessitating a power-saving function that includes a sleep state to minimize energy usage, but require efficient transitions between operating states to optimize power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second processor that detects when the main processor is in a sleep state and transitions it to a power-saving state to perform lighter processing tasks, thereby reducing overall power consumption by extending the main processor's sleep duration and managing power supply switches to switch between normal and power-saving modes based on load requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the main processor is kept in sleep state to reduce power consumption, then power saving is improved, but the response time to handle processing tasks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing tasks are segmented into two categories: simple tasks handled by the sub-processor and complex tasks handled by the main processor. This segmentation allows the main processor to remain in sleep state longer, reducing power consumption, while the sub-processor handles immediate tasks. The patent divides the processing workload to enable extended sleep periods for the main processor without sacrificing response time for simple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-processor acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the main processor. It wakes up to handle simple processing tasks and only activates the main processor when necessary for complex tasks. This intermediary role reduces the frequency of main processor wake-ups, thereby extending sleep duration and reducing power consumption while maintaining acceptable response times.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a sub-processor is added to handle simple tasks, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into two distinct processing units with different capabilities. The sub-processor handles simple, low-power tasks while the main processor handles complex tasks. This functional segmentation justifies the added complexity by enabling significant power savings through extended sleep periods for the main processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing a second processor with different performance characteristics. The sub-processor operates at lower power consumption levels for simple tasks, while the main processor operates at higher performance levels when activated. This parameter change enables the system to optimize power consumption based on task requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the main processor transitions frequently between sleep and active states, then power consumption is reduced, but processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Processing tasks are segmented by complexity level, with simple tasks assigned to the sub-processor and complex tasks to the main processor. This segmentation reduces the frequency of main processor activations, allowing longer sleep periods and lower power consumption while maintaining processing speed for simple tasks through the sub-processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-processor performs preliminary processing of simple tasks before they would require main processor intervention. By handling simple tasks in advance, the sub-processor reduces the need for frequent main processor wake-ups, thereby maintaining processing speed for routine operations while enabling extended sleep periods for power saving.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first processor and a second processor. The first processor is operable to perform first processing and second processing in one of a plurality of operating states. The operating states includes a normal state and a power-saving state. The power-saving state is a state in which the first processor consumes less power than the normal state. The second processor is operable to perform the second processing while consuming less power than the first processor does. The second processor detects the first processing that the second processor is not able to perform. The second processor also causes the first processor to transition from the sleep state to the power-saving state to perform the first processing when the first processor is in a sleep state in which a power supply is stopped.