Power-Efficient Data Synchronization Framework for Mobile PCs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for maintaining data synchronization on mobile personal computers (MPCs) are inefficient due to power limitations, as they require constant connectivity and manual intervention, leading to battery drain and loss of network connections during low power states like standby or hibernation.
Innovation Solution
A power-efficient framework that enables data synchronization by periodically waking up the MPC to establish a network connection, disabling unnecessary resources, and using adaptive scheduling based on email activity to conserve battery life, simulating a connected scenario without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the MPC enters low power states (standby/hibernation) to conserve battery power, then power consumption is reduced, but network connection is lost and data synchronization fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic wake-up intervals where the MPC wakes up at predetermined times to check for network availability and synchronize data, then returns to low power state. This periodic action maintains data synchronization reliability while minimizing power consumption by keeping the system in low power state most of the time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor network connection status and data synchronization state. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts its wake-up schedule and power management strategy, ensuring that data remains synchronized while optimizing power consumption based on actual network conditions.
2Reliability
If the MPC remains constantly connected to maintain data synchronization, then data availability is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of constant connection, the system employs periodic wake-up intervals to establish network connections only when necessary for data synchronization. This dramatically reduces power consumption compared to constant connectivity while maintaining adequate data availability through scheduled synchronization events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own power and synchronization cycles without requiring user intervention. It self-adjusts wake-up times, monitors synchronization status, and manages network connections autonomously, optimizing the balance between data availability and power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual connection establishment is required for data synchronization, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience and productivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic background synchronization during wake-up intervals without requiring user action. Users simply need to wake the device, and the synchronization process occurs automatically, combining low power consumption with user convenience by eliminating manual connection establishment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs data synchronization actions in advance during scheduled wake-up intervals before the user needs to use the device. This preliminary action ensures data is already synchronized when the user wakes the device, improving convenience while maintaining power efficiency.
4Reliability
If all system resources are kept active to maintain network connection, then network availability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
System resources are activated periodically during scheduled wake-up intervals rather than continuously. During these brief active periods, network resources are fully available for synchronization. Between intervals, resources are deactivated to minimize power consumption, achieving the balance between network availability and power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on operational needs. During wake-up intervals, full system resources are activated for network communication and synchronization. During low power states, non-essential resources are deactivated. This dynamic resource management maintains network capability when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a power-efficient framework to maintain data synchronization of a mobile personal computer (MPC) are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the detection of a data synchronization wakeup event while the MPC is operating according to a sleep state. Subsequent to wakeup event, at least one system resource is disabled to provide a minimum number of system resources required to re-establish a network connection. In one embodiment, user data from a network server is synchronized on the MPC without user intervention; the mobile platform system resumes operation according to the sleep state. In one embodiment, a wakeup alarm is programmed according to a user history profile regarding received e-mails. In a further embodiment, data synchronizing involves disabling a display, and throttling the system processor to operate at a reduced frequency. Other embodiments are described and claimed.