Power State Workload Framework for Automated Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual testing of computing systems is time-consuming and prone to replication errors, leading to performance and compatibility issues that may arise after bulk purchases of computing devices, which are not thoroughly tested prior to deployment.

Innovation Solution

A power state framework that automates the execution of configured workloads and power state transitions on various computing devices, allowing for simultaneous, local, or remote testing to simulate user experiences, monitor device states, and identify faults for prioritized repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual testing is used to test computing systems, then testing can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and prone to replication errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device performs self-testing by executing a configured workload and monitoring its own power state transitions. The device collects its own state information and reports faults without requiring external manual testing, enabling automated self-verification of performance and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the device monitors its own execution during power state transitions, collects state information, and reports faults. This closed-loop feedback enables automated detection and reporting of issues without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual testing is used to identify faults, then fault detection can be performed with basic tools, but faults are not thoroughly identified prior to deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection completenessVSAvoiddeployment readiness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device performs preliminary self-testing before deployment by executing configured workloads and monitoring power state transitions in advance. This preliminary action identifies faults prior to deployment, ensuring devices are thoroughly vetted before being released to consumers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated testing is implemented, then testing speed and reliability improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidtesting framework complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing device integrates multiple testing functions into a single unified system. The same device that performs normal operations also executes workloads, monitors power states, collects state information, and reports faults. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4654020A1Power state framework
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP4654020A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4654020A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4654020A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A power state framework executes a workload in supported computing device types and configurations during a sequence of power state transitions to simulate user experiences. Workloads can be combined, e.g., default workload plus add-on workload(s). Device states are monitored, collected, reported, and analyzed to identify faults, which are prioritized for repair, e.g., based on the projected impact of the faults on users, e.g., if the users were to experience the faults. Computing device states include states of attached peripheral devices and wireless or wired connectivity before and after power state transitions. Device state indicates device stability throughout supported device power state transitions. Devices under test can be on debuggers during execution of workload and power state transitions. Automated, accelerated simulation of the execution of end user workloads and power state transitions in actual computing devices saves time and avoids replication errors compared to manual user-driven device testing.