Processor Power Management via Non-Volatile Memory State Check
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power-saving techniques in embedded devices cannot shut off processor power quickly enough during idle periods, leading to unnecessary power consumption when the user is typing, as they require waiting for a predetermined time before shifting to low power modes like sleep or hibernation.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a non-volatile memory and a state monitoring unit that checks the accessibility of the memory after power-on, allowing immediate shutdown and quick restart, thereby reducing power consumption during idle periods without data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the device waits for a predetermined period before shifting to sleep or hibernation mode, then the processor can complete current operations and avoid data loss, but power consumption cannot be reduced sufficiently during idle periods between user inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing processor state and memory information in non-volatile storage before shutting off power. This allows the processor to be powered off immediately during idle periods without risking data loss, as all necessary information is already preserved in the non-volatile storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-volatile storage acts as an intermediary between the volatile memory/processor and the power-off state. It temporarily holds the processor state and memory information, enabling safe power shutdown while allowing quick recovery by reading back the stored state when power is restored.
2Loss of energy
If the processor is shut off immediately during idle periods, then power consumption is reduced, but the processor may not be ready to handle the next user input quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing the complete processor state and memory information in non-volatile storage before power shutdown. This preparation ensures that when power is restored, the system can immediately recover by reading the pre-stored state without delay, maintaining fast responsiveness despite immediate power-off during idle periods.
3Loss of energy
If conventional power-saving modes are used, then the processor can be shut off to reduce power consumption, but the system cannot distinguish between user idle time and processor idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power management into two independent control dimensions: user-input-based power management (controlling display, keyboard, etc.) and processor-based power management (controlling processor and memory). This segmentation allows the processor to be powered off immediately when idle, regardless of user activity state, while maintaining appropriate power levels for user interface components based on actual user input timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic power management where the processor power state is continuously adjusted based on real-time processor workload detection. When the processor detects it is idle (no tasks to execute), it immediately transitions to powered-off state, and can quickly reactivate when new tasks arrive, creating a dynamic adaptation to processor workload conditions independent of user activity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a processor, a non-volatile storage unit, a receiving unit, a judging unit, and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit receives from the processor an inquiry about accessibility of the storage unit. The judging unit judges, upon receipt of the inquiry, whether the storage unit is accessible on the basis of a start-up time period between starting power supply to the storage unit and activation of the storage unit. The transmitting unit transmits a judgment result obtained by the judging unit to the processor.