Centralized Power Management for Multi-Interface Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multiple-interface devices consume more power due to simultaneously active interfaces, leading to reduced battery life compared to single-interface devices, as existing power management systems fail to optimize power consumption across different network technologies.

Innovation Solution

A centralized power management system that maps reachability states to physical power states of interfaces, allowing for optimized power configuration by placing each interface into specific power management states defined for its technology, and using standardized messages for collaboration between the network and user device to manage power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network interfaces are simultaneously active to provide comprehensive network access, then network connectivity and versatility are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each network interface based on real-time connectivity requirements. Interfaces are transitioned between active, idle, and powered-off states according to whether they are currently needed for network access, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption profile to actual usage patterns while maintaining network versatility when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power management system operates autonomously by monitoring the operational status of multiple network interfaces and automatically transitioning them between power states without user intervention. The system self-regulates power distribution based on detected interface activity and connectivity requirements, optimizing battery life while ensuring network access availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of energy

If each interface optimizes its own power consumption independently, then individual interface efficiency is improved, but overall device power management deteriorates due to lack of coordination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface efficiencyVSAvoidpower management coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines individual interface power management capabilities into a unified centralized power management system. This integration allows the system to coordinate power state transitions across all interfaces, preventing scenarios where multiple interfaces simultaneously transition to active state and consume excessive power, while maintaining the efficiency benefits of individual interface optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8848585B2System and method of power management for a device with multiple network interfaces

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An embodiment method for managing power of user device having a plurality of interfaces includes mapping centralized reachability states to physical power states of the interface and controlling the physical power states based on the mapping. Controlling includes transmitting a signal to the user device.