Processor Power Mode Detection and Impeding Factor Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing power consumption in notebook computers, such as SpeedStep technology, only reduce power usage but also decrease performance, and lack a concrete means for users to identify and address factors impeding power savings.
Innovation Solution
A data processing system with a central processing unit having multiple operation modes, an operation mode detection unit, and an impeding factors specifying unit that identifies devices or processes obstructing power savings by analyzing operation mode history and occupation rates, allowing users to take corrective action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If SpeedStep technology is used to reduce power consumption by decreasing clock frequency and supply voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but performance of all open applications is also reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions the processor between multiple operation modes (C0, C1, C2, C3, C4) with different power consumption levels and performance characteristics. The operation mode detection unit continuously monitors processor state and switches modes based on detected impeding factors, allowing the system to optimize between power savings and performance requirements in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between defined operation modes that have different clock frequencies and supply voltages. Each mode represents a specific parameter configuration (e.g., C3 mode has lower clock frequency and voltage than C0 mode), enabling controlled power reduction while maintaining acceptable performance levels
2Loss of information
If the performance monitor in Windows XP displays operational state to the user, then visibility of processor state is improved, but no concrete means is provided for reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The impeding factors specifying unit provides feedback to the user by identifying and displaying specific devices or processes that are preventing the processor from entering low-power modes. This feedback mechanism transforms raw operational state information into actionable insights, guiding users on what to stop or modify to achieve power savings
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary analysis layer that translates between processor operational states and user-understandable impeding factors. The operation mode detection unit and impeding factors specifying unit act as intermediaries that process raw processor data and present it in a form that helps users understand the relationship between their applications and power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system capable of specifying impeding factors that impede power savings is disclosed. The data processing system includes a central processing unit, an operation mode detection unit, and an impeding factors specifying unit. The central processing unit has multiple operation modes, and each of the operation modes has a different rate of power consumption. The operation mode detection unit detects an operation mode of the central processing unit. Based on a history of operation modes of the central processing unit that was detected by the operation mode detection unit, the impeding factors specifying unit specifies a device that is considered as an impeding factor to power savings for the data processing system.