IHS Processor Standby Mode for Static Display Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Information Handling Systems (IHSs) consume excessive power when handling both dynamic and static display applications, despite dedicated e-book devices using less power for similar content.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a hybrid operation mode in IHSs that allows the processor to enter standby while maintaining the display refreshed with static content, using an Embedded Controller to manage power states and keep the display on, and waking the processor only when necessary to update content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the processor continuously refreshes the display to maintain static content, then the display remains updated and responsive, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay refresh capabilityVSAvoidprocessor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates display refresh functionality from the main processor by introducing a dedicated refresh circuit that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the main processor to enter low-power states while the refresh circuit maintains the static display content using minimal power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The refresh circuit is designed to autonomously maintain the static display content without requiring continuous processor intervention. Once the processor outputs a frame, the refresh circuit self-sustains the display by recycling the last frame data, eliminating the need for continuous processor involvement and enabling significant power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If the processor enters standby mode to reduce power consumption, then power usage decreases, but the ability to update display content is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor power consumptionVSAvoidcontent update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential content updates by implementing a wake-up mechanism that detects user input or system events before full processor activation is needed. The refresh circuit continues to maintain display content during standby, so when updates are needed, the processor can quickly resume without losing display state, enabling fast response to update requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The refresh circuit acts as an intermediary between the processor and display during standby mode. It maintains the display content and handles basic refresh operations independently, allowing the processor to remain in low-power state while still supporting display functionality. When content updates are needed, the intermediary seamlessly transitions control back to the processor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a general-purpose IHS is used to handle both dynamic and static display applications, then versatility is improved, but power consumption increases compared to dedicated e-book devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay application capabilityVSAvoidoverall system power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes: a high-performance mode for dynamic content that uses the full processor capability, and a low-power static mode that uses the refresh circuit for maintenance. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power consumption based on the current display content type while maintaining versatility to handle both static and dynamic applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The refresh circuit is designed with universal functionality that can maintain both static content and serve as a base for dynamic content updates. This multi-functional component allows the system to handle various display application types (e-book reading, web browsing, video playback) using the same hardware infrastructure, achieving versatility without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10228750B2Reducing the power consumption of an information handling system capable of handling both dynamic and static display applications

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Systems and methods for reducing the power consumption of an Information Handling System (IHS). In some embodiments, an IHS may be configured to: in response to a request to operate in static display mode: (a) render static content on a display, (b) allow the processor to enter standby by notifying an OS that the display is off while keeping the display on, and (c) maintain the display refreshed with the static content; while in static mode and in response to a command that requires updating the static content, wake up the processor and generate updated static content using the processor; and after generating the updated static content: render the updated static content on the display while the processor is awake, allow the processor to re-enter standby by notifying the OS that the display is off while keeping the display on, and maintain the display refreshed with the updated static content.