Information Processing System with Selective Refresh in Power-Saving Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifunction machines face challenges in achieving both power saving and responsiveness in a power saving mode due to the complexity of hardware and software configurations when using multiple processors, and the need to continuously energize volatile storage devices in single-processor systems.

Innovation Solution

A configuration with a single processor that utilizes a volatile SRAM for data retention and divides the DRAM into areas for different OS modules, allowing selective refresh control and power management during power saving mode, enabling interrupt detection and data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple processors are used to enable response in power saving mode, then responsiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness in power saving modeVSAvoidhardware and software configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operating system into multiple modules with specific functions (interrupt detection module, communication control module, data processing module) and loads them into different storage devices. This allows selective operation of modules during power saving mode, achieving responsiveness without requiring multiple full processors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the operation state of storage devices based on system state. During power saving mode, only the first volatile storage device is continuously energized while the second and third storage devices perform periodic refresh operations. This dynamic power management enables responsiveness when needed while reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the entire operating system is loaded into one volatile storage device in a single-processor configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor configuration simplicityVSAvoidpower consumption of volatile storage device

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operating system is divided into functional modules distributed across multiple volatile storage devices. This segmentation allows the system to energize only the storage devices containing modules needed for current operations, rather than continuously energizing a single large storage device containing the entire OS.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

During power saving mode, the system performs partial action by continuously energizing only the first volatile storage device containing the interrupt detection module, while applying periodic refresh operations to the second and third storage devices. This partial energization reduces power consumption while maintaining essential functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Stability of the object's composition

If volatile storage devices are continuously energized to retain data, then data retention is ensured, but power saving effect is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retention in volatile storageVSAvoidpower consumption during power saving mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic refresh operations for the second and third volatile storage devices during power saving mode. Instead of continuous energization, these storage devices receive periodic refresh signals that maintain data retention while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the power state of different storage devices based on operational requirements. The first volatile storage device remains continuously energized to maintain interrupt detection capability, while the second and third storage devices switch to periodic refresh mode, creating a dynamic power management strategy that balances data retention and power saving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250280085A1Information processing system, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and information processing method

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing system includes a processor, a first storage device that is volatile and does not lose data with energization in a power saving mode, and a second storage device and a third storage device that are volatile and subjected to a refresh control in the power saving mode, wherein the processor, when activated, loads, into the first storage device, a first module having a function of detecting an interrupt due to reception of data among modules formed by dividing an operating system according to a function of the operating system, loads, into the second storage device, a second module having a function of controlling communication between hardware and software in response to a request from the first module, loads, into the third storage device, a third module having a function of processing the data or operating an application for processing the data in response to a request from the second module, causes the second storage device and the third storage device to perform a refresh operation in the power saving mode, and when the interrupt is detected by the first module in the power saving mode, cancels refresh of a storage device among the second storage device and the third storage device in which a module required for processing the data is loaded.