Information Processing Apparatus Power Control via Data Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to further reduce electric power consumption in information processing apparatuses, as existing methods do not effectively manage power usage during varying data processing operations.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus comprising a processor, selector, arithmetic processor, and supply section, where the processor generates second data from first data, the selector chooses between multiple data sets, the arithmetic processor performs selected arithmetic processing, and the supply section controls power to the processor based on the selected data, optimizing power usage by stopping power to idle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the first data processor continuously performs data processing to generate second data, then the processing capability and productivity are improved, but the electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply state changeable based on processing needs. The power supply section dynamically adjusts between supplying and stopping electric power to the first data processor according to whether the second data needs to be generated, transforming a static power consumption model into a dynamic one that adapts to actual processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through alternating periods of processing and idle states. The system periodically supplies electric power when processing is needed and stops power supply during idle periods, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining processing capability when required.
2Reliability
If the processor maintains readiness to perform data processing operations, then the response speed and reliability are improved, but the electric power consumption increases due to idle power usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the idle power consumption component by stopping power supply to the first data processor when processing is not required. This separates the necessary processing function from the wasteful idle state, removing the harmful energy consumption during periods when the processor does not need to be active.
3Productivity
If multiple pieces of data are processed simultaneously through multiple arithmetic processing operations, then the productivity and output quality are improved, but the electric power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the arithmetic processing operations that are actually needed based on the selected data type. Instead of continuously executing all possible arithmetic operations, the system selectively performs only the necessary subset, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient processing output.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a processor including a first data processor that is configured to perform a piece of first data processing on the basis of a piece of first data to thereby generate a piece of second data; a selector that selects one piece of data from among a plurality of pieces of data including the piece of first data and the piece of second data; an arithmetic processor that is configured to selectively perform one of a plurality of pieces of arithmetic processing, and performs a piece of arithmetic processing selected from among the plurality of pieces of arithmetic processing on the basis of the piece of data selected by the selector; and a supply section that controls supply of electric power to the first data processor in accordance with the piece of data selected by the selector from among the plurality of pieces of data.