Internet Service Energy Feedback for CO2-Aware Usage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of transparency regarding electricity consumption and CO2 emissions associated with internet use leads to unsustainable practices, as users are unaware of the environmental impact of their internet activities, hindering conscious and eco-friendly service provision.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine and display electricity consumption and CO2 emissions during internet use, allowing users to make informed decisions by providing transparent data and enabling control over service provision to reduce energy and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If Internet services are used without transparency on energy consumption, then service usage is simple and convenient, but energy consumption and CO2 emissions are not controllable and remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by displaying real-time energy consumption and CO2 emission information to users during service usage. The system calculates and presents ecological footprint data, enabling users to see the direct impact of their actions and adjust behavior accordingly, thus resolving the information asymmetry while maintaining service convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation and display system that mediates between the invisible energy consumption processes and user awareness. This intermediary layer translates complex energy usage data into comprehensible ecological footprint information, making transparent what would otherwise remain hidden
2Use of energy by stationary object
If energy consumption information is made transparent to users, then conscious and sustainable usage is enabled, but system complexity increases due to calculation and display requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating multiple functions into the display system: it simultaneously shows energy consumption, CO2 emissions, service usage information, and provides behavioral recommendations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while achieving comprehensive transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service by automatically calculating ecological footprint based on service usage data, selecting appropriate reference values, and generating displays without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by gathering necessary data and presenting information autonomously
3Use of energy by stationary object
If service providers adjust service provision based on energy consumption, then sustainable practices are promoted, but service quality and availability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible adjustment of service provision parameters such as resolution and data rate based on real-time energy consumption considerations. The system can dynamically optimize between service quality and energy usage, allowing providers to adapt service delivery without compromising core availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying service delivery parameters (resolution, data rate, quality settings) based on energy consumption levels and user preferences. This allows service providers to adjust technical parameters to reduce energy impact while maintaining acceptable service levels
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Techniques for reducing electricity consumption and/or the resulting amount of carbon dioxide when a terminal device (A, B) uses a service via the Internet, comprising the following steps: - Determining the electricity consumption and/or the resulting amount of carbon dioxide when a terminal device (A, B) uses the service via the Internet by means of a determining unit; - Communicating the electricity consumption and/or the resulting amount of carbon dioxide from the determining unit to a control unit; - Displaying the electricity consumption and/or the resulting amount of carbon dioxide by means of a display unit of the terminal device (A, B); and/or controlling the provision of the service depending on the electricity consumption and/or the resulting amount of carbon dioxide by means of the control unit.