Dynamic Clock Frequency Control for Surface Heat Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for controlling processor frequency based on temperature do not allow for flexible adjustment of surface heat generation and user sensory performance, as they fix frequency settings during development, neglecting dynamic changes in load and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and method that monitor graphic performance and power consumption to adjust clock frequencies dynamically, prioritizing heat management and sensory performance by identifying control levels and adjusting CPU and GPU clock values accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If processor frequency is fixed based on temperature, then thermal management is simplified, but performance flexibility and user sensory quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface heat generationVSAvoidperformance flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment by continuously monitoring graphic performance metrics (FPS, rendering time) and power consumption, then adjusting processor frequency in real-time rather than using fixed temperature-based thresholds. This allows the system to adapt performance levels dynamically based on actual workload and thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including frequency ratio, graphic performance threshold, and power consumption limits to achieve optimal balance between thermal management and performance. Different parameter sets are applied based on device type (mobile vs. PC) and operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If processor frequency is increased for higher CPU load, then productivity improves, but surface heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation performanceVSAvoidsurface heat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by monitoring graphic performance metrics and power consumption, then adjusting frequency accordingly. When graphic performance exceeds thresholds or power consumption approaches limits, the system reduces frequency to prevent excessive heat generation while maintaining acceptable productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic monitoring of performance metrics and power consumption at specified intervals, adjusting frequency in periodic cycles rather than continuously. This allows the system to maintain high performance during acceptable periods while periodically checking and adjusting to prevent thermal accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If frequency is adjusted based on graphic performance thresholds, then sensory performance is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensory performance qualityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors multiple graphic performance metrics (FPS, rendering time, frame drops) but only adjusts frequency when specific thresholds are exceeded. This partial action approach maintains simple control logic while achieving quality sensory performance through selective intervention rather than continuous adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Temperature

If temperature-based frequency control is used, then thermal management is straightforward, but power consumption optimization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal control simplicityVSAvoidpower consumption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dual feedback loops: one monitoring power consumption and another monitoring thermal conditions. Frequency adjustments are made based on combined feedback from both metrics, allowing optimization of power consumption while maintaining simple thermal management through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11231763B2Electronic device and method for controlling heat generated on surface of electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.01.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11231763B2 patent drawing
  • US11231763B2 patent drawing
  • US11231763B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device and a method for controlling heat generated on the surface of the electronic device. The electronic device may comprise a display and a processor, wherein the processor: displays, on the display, graphic elements at the request of a first application; during a first period of time, acquires first information corresponding to the graphic performance of the displayed graphic elements, and identifies a clock control level for controlling operation performance according to execution of the first application; and during a second period of time following the first period of time, identifies a clock value corresponding to the identified clock control level on the basis of the acquired first information, and controls the operation performance according to execution of the first application by using the identified clock value.