Processor Performance Control via User Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing devices lack direct user control over performance levels of multiple processors, such as CPUs and GPUs, which limits user customization and can result in excessive power consumption beyond the rated capacity of integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A user interface and control method that allows users to select desired performance levels for both CPUs and GPUs independently or relative to each other, with the system adjusting operating frequencies and voltages to maintain power consumption within safe limits, using a graphical user interface to map percentage performance levels to specific performance states and adjust accordingly to prevent overheating or overcurrent conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users are given direct control over performance levels of multiple processors, then user customization capability is improved, but risk of exceeding power consumption limits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual power consumption of processors and compares it against rated capacity limits. When the sum of desired performance levels would exceed the power limit, the system provides feedback by automatically adjusting performance levels to ensure safe operation while maintaining user-defined preferences as much as possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the processors. It receives user preferences for performance levels, translates them into actual performance state adjustments, and enforces power consumption constraints without requiring users to understand complex power management parameters.
2Ease of operation
If users can independently adjust performance levels of CPU and GPU, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides multiple control modes through a single unified interface: users can adjust CPU and GPU performance levels independently, adjust them relatively to each other, or let the system manage them automatically based on application priorities. This multi-functional approach simplifies the user experience while handling complex power management internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors processor load, application priorities, and power consumption, then autonomously adjusts performance levels without requiring constant user intervention. The controller services itself by managing its own control parameters based on system state and user preferences.
3Productivity
If performance levels are increased for better user experience, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases beyond rated capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor performance levels based on real-time conditions including user preferences, application priorities, and power consumption limits. Performance levels are not fixed but continuously adapted to balance productivity needs with power constraints, allowing high performance when needed and power savings when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters (performance levels and power states) of processors based on user input and system conditions. It translates user-defined performance preferences into specific power state adjustments, modifying parameters like frequency and voltage to achieve desired performance within power limits.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for controlling power consumption associated with a computing device having first and second processors configured to perform different types of operations includes providing a user interface that allows, during normal operation of the computing device, at least one of: (i) a user selection of desired performance levels of the first and second processors relative to one another, such that higher desired performance levels of one processor correspond to lower desired performance levels of the other processor, and (ii) a user selection of a desired performance level of the first processor and a user selection of a desired performance level of the second processor, the two user selections being made independently of one another. The apparatus and method control, during normal operation of the computing device, performance levels of the processors in response to the one or more user selections of the desired performance levels.