Power Control Module for Tablet AOAC Input Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tablet PCs with exposed screens in an always-on always-connected (AOAC) environment can unintentionally shift into a running state due to unintended touch inputs, leading to heating and battery consumption issues.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and power control method that disables input from touchscreen and peripheral devices when in the S0-iSCT state, using an iSCT control module and device control utility program to prevent unintended shifts into the running state by notifying the OS and disabling input devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates in S0-iSCT state with screen exposed in AOAC environment, then the device can receive emails and update data periodically, but unintended touch inputs cause unintended shifts into running state leading to heating and battery consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by disabling input devices before the unintended touch can trigger a state transition. The iSCT control module detects when the device is in S0-iSCT state and proactively disables the touchscreen and peripheral input devices, preventing them from causing unintended shifts to running state. This preliminary disabling of inputs resolves the contradiction by maintaining AOAC functionality while preventing energy-wasting state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The iSCT control module acts as an intermediary between the touch input and the state transition mechanism. When a touch input is detected during S0-iSCT operation, the control module intercepts the input signal and prevents it from triggering a transition to running state. This intermediary function allows the device to maintain AOAC capabilities while filtering out spurious inputs that would otherwise cause unwanted state changes and increased power consumption.
2Speed
If the device operates in S0-iSCT state with screen exposed, then the device can be instantly accessed, but unintended touch inputs cause unintended shifts into running state
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by disabling input devices before the unintended touch can trigger a state transition. The iSCT control module detects when the device is in S0-iSCT state and proactively disables the touchscreen and peripheral input devices, preventing them from causing unintended shifts to running state. This preliminary disabling of inputs resolves the contradiction by maintaining AOAC functionality while preventing energy-wasting state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The iSCT control module acts as an intermediary between the touch input and the state transition mechanism. When a touch input is detected during S0-iSCT operation, the control module intercepts the input signal and prevents it from triggering a transition to running state. This intermediary function allows the device to maintain AOAC capabilities while filtering out spurious inputs that would otherwise cause unwanted state changes and increased power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a mode control unit configured to perform control at least so as to switch a first mode that causes the information processing apparatus to be operated at a first voltage level and a second mode that causes the information processing apparatus to be operated at a second voltage level higher than the first voltage level, and an operation control unit configured to disable certain input operation performed by a user if a state satisfies a certain condition after the mode control unit switches a mode to the second mode.