Single Power Button Gesture Control for Partitioned Multi-Processor Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems lack flexibility in configuring and managing multiple processing nodes, as they are typically designed to operate independently, limiting the ability to dynamically partition resources and manage power sequencing efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A multi-processor system with a single power button that uses button press gestures to control power sequencing and partitioning, allowing users to configure the system as a single unified node or multiple independent partitioned nodes, with a baseboard management controller managing power, clocks, and resources across these nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power button is used to control multiple partitioned nodes, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively control individual nodes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The power button incorporates a gesture recognition system that dynamically interprets different press patterns (duration, sequence, combination with other keys) to selectively control different partitioned nodes. This transforms a static single-function button into a dynamic multi-function control interface, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the single power button by introducing gesture-based control mechanisms. Different press durations, press sequences, and key combinations are recognized as distinct commands, allowing the same physical button to perform multiple selective control functions without requiring additional buttons.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent computing nodes are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The baseboard management controller is designed as a universal management entity that can manage both single-node and multi-node configurations through a unified interface. The controller automatically adapts its management scope based on the system configuration, providing consistent control mechanisms whether managing one node or multiple partitioned nodes, thereby reducing overall system management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseboard management controller serves as an intermediary layer between the user and the computing nodes. It abstracts the complexity of multi-node management by providing a unified control interface, handling power sequencing, and coordinating resource allocation across multiple nodes without requiring users to directly manage each node's individual complexity.
3Ease of operation
If power sequencing is automated through gesture recognition, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase for gesture detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining specific gesture patterns (press durations, sequences, key combinations) that correspond to specific power control commands. This preliminary configuration of gesture meanings allows the system to accurately interpret user intent without requiring complex real-time analysis, balancing ease of operation with detection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a partitionable multi-processor motherboard that has multiple central processing units, wherein the multi-processor motherboard may be configured to operate as a single unified node or configured to operate as multiple independent partitioned nodes. The system further comprises a single power button that is accessible to a user, wherein the single power button generates an output signal while being pressed, and an integrated circuit installed on the motherboard and connected to receive the output signal from the power button, wherein the integrated circuit stores a first button press gesture definition associated with selection of a first partitioned node, a second button press gesture definition associated with selection of a second partitioned node, and a third button press gesture definition associated with sequencing power to the selected one of the first or second partitioned nodes.