Processor Speed Control for Real-Time Task Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time processing systems face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining timely operations, as increasing the number of processing units leads to higher power consumption, and decreasing processor frequency impairs real-time operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that perform real-time operations by scheduling tasks to be executed at specific time intervals, using a ratio of execution time to determine a lower operating speed for processors, and dividing tasks into parallel groups to optimize execution timing and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of processing units is increased to improve throughput, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides real-time tasks into multiple segments or groups that can be executed in parallel by different processing units. This segmentation allows the system to utilize multiple processors efficiently without requiring all processors to run at full power simultaneously, thus improving throughput while managing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment where processing units operate at different frequencies based on their current workload. When tasks are assigned to processing units, they operate at higher frequencies to meet real-time deadlines, and when idle or handling less critical tasks, they reduce frequency to save power. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between productivity and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the operating frequency of processors is decreased to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but real-time operations are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor operating frequency based on task requirements and deadlines. Critical real-time tasks are assigned higher priorities that trigger higher operating frequencies to ensure timely completion, while less critical tasks allow for lower frequencies and power savings. This dynamic frequency scaling maintains real-time reliability while optimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors task execution progress and timing constraints. Based on this feedback, the scheduler adjusts processor frequencies in real-time to ensure that real-time operations complete within their deadlines while minimizing power consumption. The feedback loop allows the system to respond to actual workload conditions rather than operating at fixed frequencies.
3Productivity
If tasks are executed in parallel using multiple processors, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments tasks into independent or loosely coupled units that can be executed in parallel by multiple processors. This segmentation strategy improves throughput by utilizing multiple processing units simultaneously while keeping the complexity manageable through clear task boundaries and reduced inter-task dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal scheduler that can handle both real-time and non-real-time tasks across multiple processing units using a unified framework. This multi-functional scheduler manages task allocation, frequency adjustment, and coordination across processors, improving productivity while avoiding the need for separate complex control mechanisms for different task types.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system performs a real-time operation periodically at specific time intervals. The system includes a unit for performing a scheduling operation of assigning the real-time operation to a processor to perform the real-time operation periodically at the specific time intervals by the processor, a unit for computing a ratio of an execution time of the real-time operation to be performed by the processor at a first operating speed, based on the specific time intervals and cost information concerning a time required to perform the real-time operation by the processor at the first operating speed, and a unit for performing an operating speed control operation to operate the processor at a second operating speed that is lower than the first operating speed, the second operating speed being determined based on the computed ratio.