Dynamic I/O Path Parameter Adjustment for Power Conservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery-powered electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops, face user dissatisfaction due to insufficient battery life, which is not improved by advancements in battery technology, and existing devices have suboptimal power consumption configurations leading to inconsistent battery performance.

Innovation Solution

A method that monitors and adjusts the input/output (I/O) path parameters of electronic devices based on real-time I/O patterns to optimize power usage, using a smart storage system that compares run-time I/O patterns with hypothetical patterns optimized for power efficiency, allowing for background operation without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If battery technology is improved, then battery life is extended, but power consumption of the device remains suboptimal due to fixed I/O path parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming fixed I/O path parameters into dynamic, adjustable parameters. The system continuously monitors I/O patterns and adapts parameters such as I/O scheduling algorithms, queue depths, and cache policies in real-time to match actual device usage patterns, ensuring optimal power consumption under varying operational conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying I/O path configuration parameters based on observed I/O patterns. Different parameter sets are selected to optimize power consumption for specific workloads, such as changing I/O scheduling algorithms or cache sizes depending on whether the device is performing sequential reads, random writes, or mixed operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If I/O path parameters are optimized for power efficiency, then power consumption is reduced, but device performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts I/O parameters based on real-time pattern recognition, selecting power-optimized configurations only when they match current usage patterns. This ensures that performance is not compromised during high-demand operations while achieving power savings during less intensive tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring I/O patterns and measuring the effectiveness of parameter adjustments. The system uses this feedback to refine future parameter selections, ensuring that power optimization decisions maintain acceptable performance levels while reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If I/O path parameters are made adaptive to I/O patterns, then power consumption is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring I/O patterns and adjusting parameters without user intervention. The adaptive I/O subsystem autonomously identifies usage patterns and selects appropriate parameter configurations, eliminating the need for manual configuration while achieving power optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple parameter sets optimized for different I/O patterns. Instead of computing optimal parameters in real-time, the system prepares candidate configurations in advance and selects from these pre-computed options, reducing computational overhead and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9026819B2Method of conserving power based on electronic device's I/O pattern

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY

AI summary

A method of affecting power used by an electronic device is provided for an electronic device having storage media and running at least one application. Each application interfaces with the storage media through an input/output (I/O) path executing I/O activities that access the storage media in accordance with configurable parameters of the I/O path. A run-time I/O pattern defined by the I/O activities is determined during a run-time period of the electronic device. At least one of the I/O path's configurable parameters is then modified based on the run-time I/O pattern. The method is readily adapted for power conservation by providing selections for the configurable parameters with each of the selections optimizing power usage for a hypothetical I/O pattern. Then, one or more configurable parameters are modified in accordance with one of the selections for which the hypothetical I/O pattern associated therewith is closest to the run-time I/O pattern.