Information Processing Unit Power-Saving Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing units lack flexibility in auto power-off functionality, as users have varying demands for when to enable or disable the auto power-off feature during internal processing tasks, leading to inconveniences in electricity consumption and user experience.

Innovation Solution

An information processing unit with a mode setting mechanism allowing users to select between multiple power-saving modes, differing in electricity consumption reduction effectiveness, which automatically determines whether to execute the auto power-off function based on user input and internal processing status over a predetermined time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the auto power-off function is implemented with a single fixed mode, then the device can automatically save power, but users cannot customize the power-saving behavior according to their specific needs and preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower-saving mode customizationVSAvoidpower management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power-saving function is segmented into multiple distinct modes (first power-saving mode and second power-saving mode) with different characteristics. Each mode can be independently selected by users based on their specific needs, allowing customization without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its power-saving behavior based on user selection. The control unit changes power management actions (continuing power-on vs. changing to power-off) according to the selected mode, enabling flexible adaptation to different user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple underlying structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the device continues power-on during internal processing to maintain functionality, then user convenience is improved, but electricity consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity consumptionVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the power state parameter based on selected modes and detected conditions. In the first power-saving mode, the system may continue power-on during internal processing to maintain convenience, while in the second power-saving mode, it changes to power-off to reduce energy consumption, thus adapting the power parameter to balance between electricity savings and user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Different power-saving strategies are applied to different scenarios. The control unit evaluates specific conditions (such as whether internal processing is executing) and applies appropriate power management actions locally to each situation, allowing the system to optimize both energy consumption and user convenience in different contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the auto power-off function is disabled during internal processing, then processing continuity is maintained, but electricity consumption cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing continuityVSAvoidelectricity consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power management behavior based on the execution status of internal processing. When internal processing is detected, the control unit may continue power-on in certain modes to maintain productivity, while allowing power-off in other modes to reduce energy loss, thus dynamically balancing processing continuity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power state parameter is changed based on the detection of internal processing execution. The control unit modifies power management actions (continuing power-on vs. changing to power-off) according to the selected mode and processing status, enabling the system to optimize both productivity and energy efficiency by adjusting parameters in response to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8850253B2Information processing unit, power-saving management program, and storage medium stored with the power-saving management program

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC

AI summary

An information processing unit having an auto power-off function includes a mode setting means for setting one mode from a plurality of pre-prepared modes. The pre-prepared modes include a first power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode. Also included are a processing execution means for executing game application or contents replay as internal processing, and a power controlling means for controlling power of the information processing unit. The power controlling means continues power-on in the first power-saving mode and changes to power-off in the second power-saving mode when a non-operated state in which no input operation has been carried out by the user has continued for a predetermined time or longer during execution of the internal processing.