Processor Core Segmentation for Background Task Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computer systems, scheduled background tasks cause resource contention and impact foreground user performance and battery life, leading to inconsistent user experience and increased heat dissipation, especially in mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A computing system dynamically detects and classifies processor cores based on performance, scheduling background tasks on less performant cores to reduce resource contention and optimize power management, allowing for improved foreground responsiveness without compromising battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If scheduled background tasks are executed on the system, then maintenance and security services are provided, but resource contention occurs and foreground user performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance and security servicesVSAvoidforeground user performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments processor cores into different categories (performance cores and efficiency cores) and assigns different types of tasks to different segments. Background maintenance tasks are scheduled on efficiency cores while foreground user tasks run on performance cores, eliminating resource contention between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different cores are given different functional qualities - performance cores are optimized for high-speed user tasks while efficiency cores are optimized for low-power background tasks. This local differentiation allows each core type to excel at its designated function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If background tasks run concurrently with foreground user critical tasks, then system maintenance is performed, but thread migrations increase and responsiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem maintenanceVSAvoiduser responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The processor is segmented into distinct core types that handle different task categories. By assigning background maintenance tasks to efficiency cores and foreground user tasks to performance cores, the system eliminates thread migrations between core types, thereby maintaining user responsiveness while performing system maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of moving object

If low power limits are configured on the platform, then battery life is extended, but frequency constraints reduce user experience and responsiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiduser experience and responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different power management policies to different core types. Efficiency cores operate under strict power limits to extend battery life, while performance cores can operate at higher frequencies when needed for user tasks. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve low power consumption during idle periods while maintaining high responsiveness when users interact with the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts power limits and frequency settings based on the current workload and power source (battery vs. AC adapter). When running on battery, power limits are enforced on efficiency cores; when on AC power, higher performance modes are enabled, providing adaptive user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If high processor utilization occurs from background tasks, then maintenance tasks complete, but heat dissipation increases and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance task completionVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system designates specific efficiency cores for handling background maintenance tasks, isolating their thermal impact from user-facing performance cores. These efficiency cores are optimized to complete maintenance tasks while generating minimal heat, thereby maintaining system reliability without significantly increasing overall heat dissipation that would affect user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12117886B2System, apparatus and method for dynamically adjusting platform power and performance based on task characteristics

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, a processor includes: at least one core; and a power controller coupled to the at least one core. The power controller may include: a workload monitor circuit to calculate a background task ratio based on a first amount of time that the at least one core executed background tasks during an active duration; and a control circuit to dynamically apply a power management policy for a background mode when the background task ratio exceeds a background mode threshold, the power management policy for the background mode to reduce power consumption of the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.