Dynamic Performance State Manager for Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power management techniques in data processing systems lack accuracy and reliability, failing to efficiently manage power consumption as they do not account for the actual states of system components and often have limited control over multiple components, leading to inefficient power usage.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic performance state manager (DPSM) unit is introduced to determine the current system performance state based on the actual states of components and required performance states, adjusting the performance level of components by changing frequency, voltage, or bandwidth, ensuring optimal power management while maintaining performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional timer-based power management is used to turn off subsystems after inactivity, then power consumption is reduced, but the system lacks accuracy in managing power based on actual component states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidaccuracy of power management

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors actual component states and uses this information to dynamically adjust power management decisions. The system receives feedback from multiple components about their current operational states and uses this feedback to make informed decisions about when to transition between power states, rather than relying on fixed timers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static timer-based power management to dynamic state-based power management. The power management approach adapts in real-time based on the actual operational states of system components, allowing the system to respond flexibly to changing conditions rather than following predetermined time-based schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If local power management control is used for individual components, then each component can be managed independently, but the system lacks coordination and overall power optimization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent-level power controlVSAvoidoverall power management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges local component-level power management with global system-wide power management. Multiple components each report their power states and requirements to a central coordination mechanism, which then synthesizes this information to make holistic power management decisions that optimize overall system efficiency while respecting individual component needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power management system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it manages individual component power states, coordinates across the entire system, optimizes overall power consumption, and adapts to different operational scenarios. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle both localized and global power management requirements through a unified mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If theoretical assumptions are used for power management, then the system is simple to implement, but the power management lacks reliability in real-world scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of power managementVSAvoidreliability of power management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where components automatically report their actual operational states to the power management system. This eliminates the need for complex external monitoring while ensuring accurate, real-time information is available for power management decisions, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing communication channels and state reporting mechanisms in advance, so that when power management decisions need to be made, accurate real-time information is already available. This preparation ensures reliable power management without adding complexity to the decision-making process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8230124B2Methods and systems to dynamically manage performance states in a data processing system

Publication Date: 2012.07.24 APPLE INC

AI summary

Data processing systems which operate in different modes, including a mode which supports providing an output of images through a port on the systems. In one embodiment, a data processing system includes a processing system, a cellular telephone transceiver, and a port which is configured to provide, as an output from the handheld data processing system, data representing movie video images. Methods and machine readable media are also described.