Scheduling Interface for Computing Operations Based on Environmental Impact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing systems lack interfaces that consider environmental impacts when scheduling computing operations, failing to inform users about the environmental impact of their jobs and not allowing users to schedule operations based on renewable energy usage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an interface that identifies and presents environmentally-friendly time slots for scheduling computing operations, allowing users to select times when the environmental impact of the operation is below a threshold, thereby enabling scheduling based on renewable energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If computing operations are scheduled without environmental considerations, then scheduling simplicity is maintained, but environmental impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidscheduling interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling interface is segmented to separately display conventional time slots and environmentally-friendly time slots. This allows users to choose between simple scheduling and environmentally-conscious scheduling without requiring complete interface redesign, thus reducing the perceived complexity while improving environmental outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary layer is introduced between the user and the scheduling system that automatically calculates and presents environmentally-friendly time slots based on renewable energy availability. This intermediary handles the complexity of environmental calculations while presenting a simplified interface to users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If environmentally-friendly time slots are identified and presented, then environmental impact is reduced, but user interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon emissionsVSAvoidinterface usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface uses color coding to visually differentiate environmentally-friendly time slots from conventional time slots. This visual distinction helps users quickly identify green scheduling options without requiring complex analysis or additional steps, maintaining ease of operation while promoting environmentally-conscious choices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies and presents environmentally-friendly time slots without requiring users to manually query or analyze environmental data. The interface self-updates to show available green time slots based on current and forecasted renewable energy availability, reducing the cognitive load on users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If scheduling is based on renewable energy availability, then environmental sustainability improves, but scheduling flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling interface dynamically adapts to user needs by allowing switching between conventional and environmentally-friendly time slot views. Users can adjust their preferences based on whether they prioritize speed, cost, or environmental impact for different computing operations, maintaining flexibility while enabling sustainable choices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduling system serves multiple functions: it can schedule based on conventional criteria (time, cost, resource availability) and based on environmental criteria (renewable energy availability). This multi-functionality allows the same interface to adapt to different user priorities and operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250181397A1Environmental impact-based scheduling interface for controlling computing operations

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 SAP SE

AI summary

Systems and processes for providing an environmental impact-based scheduling interface for scheduling computing operations are provided. In a method for providing the scheduling interface, environmentally-friendly time slots for performing the computing operation may be identified. The environmentally-friendly time slots may correspond to times at which an environmental impact of performing the computing operation is below a threshold. A user interface may be updated to present the environmentally-friendly time slots to a user of the user interface, and the computing operation may be scheduled to be performed at a selected environmentally-friendly time slot that is selected via the user interface.