Information Processing Apparatus Power State Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information processing systems face challenges in recovering from abnormal software states and efficiently managing power states, leading to increased boot times and user confusion between shutdown and suspend functions.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a receiving unit, determination unit, and control unit that selectively determines whether to shut down or suspend power, allowing for appropriate initialization and quick start without user awareness, by cutting off power to abnormal software states and maintaining power to volatile memory for quick resume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the information processing apparatus is placed in sleep state with power supplied only to volatile memory, then start-up time is reduced, but the apparatus cannot recover from software abnormal states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestart-up timeVSAvoidsoftware operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state changeable based on operational conditions. The control unit dynamically switches between sleep state (power to volatile memory only) and suspended state (power to all components) depending on whether software abnormality is detected, allowing the system to adapt its power management strategy to current operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power supply parameter based on software state detection. When software abnormality is detected, the system changes from providing minimal power (sleep state) to providing full power (suspended state), enabling comprehensive system recovery while maintaining quick start-up capabilities during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If shutdown processing is performed frequently to recover from software troubles, then software reliability is improved, but time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware operation reliabilityVSAvoidtime loss due to full shutdown

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing only the necessary power supply for the current need. During normal operation, minimal power is supplied (sleep state). When software trouble occurs, power is increased to the extent needed for recovery (suspended state with full power), avoiding unnecessary full shutdowns and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares for potential software failures by maintaining the ability to quickly transition from sleep state to suspended state. The control unit detects software abnormality and proactively increases power supply before the system becomes completely unresponsive, cushioning against the need for prolonged shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user manually determines whether to perform shutdown or suspend processing, then power management accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management accuracyVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the information processing apparatus to automatically determine and execute the appropriate power management action. The control unit monitors software operation and autonomously decides between sleep state and suspended state based on detected abnormality, eliminating the need for user judgment while maintaining accurate power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the control unit continuously monitor software operation status and use this information to determine the appropriate power supply state. The system receives feedback on software health and adjusts power management accordingly, automatically transitioning between sleep and suspended states based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11067932B2Information processing apparatus capable of appropriately executing shutdown processing, method of controlling the information processing apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus capable of recovering the apparatus from a state in which software operation is abnormal to a state in which the same is normal. The information processing apparatus is provided with a CPU for receiving an instruction for turning off power of the information processing apparatus. Upon receipt of the instruction, the CPU determines whether or not it is necessary to turn off the power of the information processing apparatus. When it is necessary to turn off the power of the information processing apparatus, the CPU controls the information processing apparatus such that the power thereof is turned off, whereas when it is unnecessary to turn off the power of the information processing apparatus, the CPU controls the information processing apparatus such that the power thereof is not turned off.