Operation Mode Control for Power Reduction in Networked Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information processing systems consume excessive power when not in use, as they continue to communicate with external devices and maintain active components, leading to increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system operates in multiple modes: a full mode for user interaction, a low-power eco mode for background communication and updates, and an off mode for power savings, with a mode control section managing transitions between these modes to minimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the information processing system operates in full mode with active communication and processing units, then communication functionality and processing capability are maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operation modes (first mode, second mode, third mode) based on communication needs and user activity. The mode control section adjusts the operational state of processing units and communication interfaces in real-time, transitioning from full operation to low-power states when communication is not required, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining communication functionality and reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic mode switching where the mode control section transitions between operation modes at predetermined intervals or based on communication activity patterns. During periods when no communication is detected, the system shifts to lower power modes, and periodically checks for communication needs, creating a rhythmic pattern of high and low power states that maintains functionality while reducing overall energy consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system shifts to lower power modes during non-use periods, then power consumption is reduced, but communication responsiveness may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The mode control section is configured to shift to the second mode (low-power mode with communication capability) before the user actually needs to use the system, based on predicted usage patterns or scheduled transitions. This preliminary action ensures that when communication is needed, the system is already in an appropriate operational state, reducing wake-up time and maintaining responsiveness while spending most time in lower power states
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by transitioning between different operation modes with distinct power consumption and responsiveness characteristics. The mode control section adjusts parameters such as processor frequency, memory power state, and network interface activity level based on current needs, allowing the system to optimize the balance between power consumption and communication responsiveness by selecting appropriate parameter sets for different operational contexts
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing system is capable of communicating with an external apparatus via a network. The information processing system is capable of operating in at least three operation modes including: a first mode; a second mode, which consumes less power than the first mode; and a third mode, which consumes less power than the second mode and where the communication via the network is not performed. The information processing system includes a mode control section and a second mode processing section. The mode control section, when the information processing system operates in the third mode, shifts the operation mode to the second mode periodically or in accordance with a predetermined time schedule. The second mode processing section performs a communication process via the network as information processing in the second mode.