Power-off Control via Spatial Detection to Reduce Flash Writes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The frequent writing of data into flash memory shortens its data retention period and life expectancy, especially when power is turned off before data is written from RAM to flash memory, and existing solutions increase writing times unintentionally.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a nonvolatile memory, cache memory, spatial change detecting section (human body sensor), and notification section that determines a user's intention to turn off the power and sends a notification before writing data from the cache memory to the flash memory, reducing unnecessary writing and data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is buffered in RAM and written to flash memory, then data retention period is extended, but number of writing times increases which shortens flash memory life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retention periodVSAvoidflash memory life expectancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of user approach before power-off occurs. When a user approaches the apparatus (detected by spatial change detecting section), the control section determines this as an action likely to turn off power and sends a notification to the user. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for potential power-off by monitoring user behavior patterns, thereby reducing unnecessary data writing operations while ensuring data is written when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If data writing is performed when user approaches apparatus, then data loss is prevented, but number of data writing times increases unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata loss preventionVSAvoidflash memory writing frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by monitoring user approach and providing real-time information through notifications. The spatial change detecting section continuously monitors the environment, and when a user approaches, the control section sends a notification to inform the user of the detected action. This feedback mechanism allows users to be aware of their actions and avoid unintentional power-off, while the system only triggers data writing when actual power-off occurs, not merely when users approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If power switch is turned off quickly, then power consumption is reduced, but data in RAM may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach minimizes the number of data writing times into flash memory, prevents data loss, and extends the life expectancy of the flash memory by accurately determining user intent and controlling data transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a spatial change detecting section configured to detect a change in state of a space around the power switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHuman body sensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9886078B2Information processing apparatus and power-off control method of information processing apparaus

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

Provided are an information processing apparatus and a power-off control method of an information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory; a cache memory for caching data to be written into the nonvolatile memory; a power switch; a spatial change detecting section configured to detect a change in state of a space around the power switch; a notification section configured to send a user a notification; and a control section. The control section is configured to determine an action of a user likely to turn the power switch off, based on a detection signal outputted by the spatial change detecting section; operate the notification section to send a user a notification that the action is being performed, in response to recognizing the action; and write data stored in the cache memory into the nonvolatile memory after operating the notification section to send the user the notification.