Processor Clock Speed Adjustment via External Temperature Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices determine clock speeds based on application-specific policies, neglecting ambient temperature conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and heat management.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a temperature sensor and processor that dynamically adjust clock speeds based on external temperature ranges, using a designated clock governor to select appropriate speeds and prevent excessive heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the electronic device operates at a high clock speed, then the performance is improved, but battery consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication performanceVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic clock speed adjustment by introducing a clock governor that continuously monitors execution state and temperature, then adaptively selects from multiple clock speed levels. This transforms the static clock speed into a dynamic parameter that changes based on real-time conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high performance and reducing energy consumption during different execution phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the processor by introducing multiple clock speed levels (first clock speed, second clock speed lower than the first) and selectively switching between them based on execution state and temperature conditions. This parameter change allows the system to optimize the balance between performance and energy consumption by using high clock speeds only when necessary and low clock speeds when the application can tolerate reduced performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the electronic device operates at a high clock speed, then the performance is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication performanceVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the execution state and temperature of the electronic device, and this information is fed back to the clock governor. The clock governor uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the clock speed, reducing it when temperature exceeds thresholds. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by automatically responding to heat generation and adjusting performance levels accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the clock speed dynamic by introducing real-time temperature monitoring and adaptive adjustment mechanisms. The system transitions from a fixed high clock speed to a dynamic clock speed that responds to thermal conditions, allowing performance to be optimized without causing excessive heat generation that would compromise device stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the electronic device uses application-specific policies for clock speed, then the application performance is optimized, but ambient temperature conditions are not considered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication performanceVSAvoidenvironmental adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal clock governor mechanism that serves multiple functions: it manages clock speeds for different applications, monitors temperature conditions, and adapts execution policies based on environmental factors. This multi-functional component resolves the contradiction by integrating both application-specific optimization and environmental adaptability into a single coordinated system that considers both performance requirements and thermal conditions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The clock governor acts as an intermediary between the application execution system and the hardware resources (processor, temperature sensor). It receives execution state information from applications and temperature data from sensors, then mediates the selection of appropriate clock speeds by considering both application performance requirements and environmental conditions. This intermediary layer enables the system to balance performance optimization with environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 optimizes application performance and heat management by considering ambient temperature, reducing battery consumption and overheating issues.

Implementation Method 1

identifying an external temperature of the electronic device using a temperature sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11366486B2Method for executing application by using clock speed of processor selected according to external temperature, and electronic device including same
Publication Date: 2022.06.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11366486B2 patent drawing
  • US11366486B2 patent drawing
  • US11366486B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to various embodiments, an electronic device comprises a temperature sensor, a display, and a processor configured to operate by using a clock speed selected from among a plurality of clock speeds, wherein the processor may be configured to: execute a designated application by using one selected from among the plurality of clock speeds; check an external temperature by using the temperature sensor for at least some time during the execution of the designated application; when the external temperature falls to within a range of a first designated temperature, execute the designated application by using one selected from among the plurality of clock speeds according to a designated clock governor; and when the external temperature falls to within a range of a second designated temperature that is lower than the first designated temperature, execute the designated application by using one selected from among the plurality of clock speeds, except for some higher clock speeds, according to the designated clock governor. In addition, various other embodiments are possible.