Mobile Terminal Power Saving via Dynamic Clock Frequency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals consume excessive battery power due to fixed maximum clock frequencies and frame rates, which reduce usage time when performing composite functions, as existing power management techniques do not consider system load effectively.

Innovation Solution

A power saving apparatus and method that dynamically adjust the clock frequency and frame rate based on system load by setting a limit clock frequency and frame rate, allowing the mobile terminal to operate at lower frequencies and rates when the load is high, thereby reducing battery power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the mobile terminal operates at a fixed maximum clock frequency to ensure maximum system performance, then system performance is improved, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment by introducing a power saving mode that limits the maximum clock frequency to a predetermined value lower than the maximum clock frequency in normal mode. The control unit dynamically switches between normal mode and power saving mode based on system load conditions, allowing the clock frequency to adapt to actual performance requirements rather than operating at a fixed maximum frequency continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the clock frequency parameter from a fixed maximum value to a variable value that can be adjusted between two states: the maximum clock frequency in normal mode and a limited maximum clock frequency in power saving mode. This parameter change enables the system to optimize the balance between performance and power consumption by selecting the appropriate frequency level based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the mobile terminal increases clock frequency in response to increased system load to maintain performance, then system performance is maintained, but battery power consumption increases rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performance under loadVSAvoidbattery power consumption rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic clock frequency adjustment by introducing a power saving mode that limits the maximum clock frequency to a predetermined value lower than the maximum clock frequency in normal mode. The control unit dynamically switches between normal mode and power saving mode based on system load conditions, allowing the clock frequency to adapt to actual performance requirements rather than operating at a fixed maximum frequency continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically monitors system load conditions and autonomously switches between normal mode and power saving mode without requiring user intervention. When the system detects that performance requirements can be met with the limited clock frequency, it automatically transitions to power saving mode, allowing the system to self-regulate its power consumption based on actual operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the mobile terminal operates at maximum frame rate to ensure smooth display, then display quality is improved, but battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic frame rate adjustment by limiting the maximum frame rate when operating in power saving mode. The display unit adapts its refresh rate based on the operational mode, using the maximum frame rate in normal mode for optimal display quality and a reduced frame rate in power saving mode to decrease power consumption while maintaining acceptable display performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frame rate parameter from a fixed maximum value to a variable value that can be adjusted between two states: the maximum frame rate in normal mode and a limited maximum frame rate in power saving mode. This parameter change enables the system to optimize the balance between display quality and power consumption by selecting the appropriate frame rate level based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2587870B1Power saving apparatus and method for mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2587870B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2587870B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2587870B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power saving apparatus and a method for a mobile terminal are provided. The method includes measuring a system load for a preset time during an application execution in a power saving mode, setting, when the measured system load exceeds a reference load level, a limit clock frequency as a maximum clock frequency for the power saving mode, measuring, in the power saving mode, the system load due to the application execution, performing, when the measured system load exceeds the reference load level, the application execution at the limit clock frequency, and performing, when the measured system load does not exceed the reference load level, the application execution at a system clock frequency corresponding to the measured system load, where performing the application execution at the limit clock frequency reduces a battery power consumption.