Background Process Scheduling for SAR Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices face challenges in managing background processes to avoid exceeding specific absorption rate (SAR) limits, which can restrict transmission power when applications run in the background, potentially leading to safety concerns and reduced device functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for scheduling background processes that monitor SAR severity levels, delaying or postponing these processes when SAR levels are high to ensure compliance with regulatory limits, utilizing a task scheduler communicating with an application processor and modem to prioritize transmission and manage SAR levels effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If background processes are executed without SAR monitoring, then device functionality and productivity are improved, but SAR limits may be exceeded causing safety concerns and transmission power limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The task scheduler queries the current SAR severity level before scheduling background processes, performing a preliminary check to determine whether transmission can proceed without exceeding SAR limits. This prevents SAR violations by assessing the current state before committing to background task execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts background process scheduling based on real-time SAR severity levels. When SAR levels are high, background processes are delayed or prioritized lower; when SAR levels are acceptable, scheduling proceeds normally. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining productivity and preventing harmful SAR exposure.
2Reliability
If background processes are delayed when SAR levels are high, then SAR compliance is improved, but device functionality and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial scheduling restrictions only when SAR severity levels exceed thresholds, rather than continuously delaying all background processes. This selective approach maintains SAR compliance while minimizing impact on overall device functionality and user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The task scheduler changes scheduling parameters (priority levels, timing) based on SAR severity level parameters. When SAR levels are acceptable, normal scheduling parameters apply; when SAR levels are high, parameters are adjusted to delay or deprioritize background processes, thus maintaining compliance while adapting productivity requirements.
3Reliability
If continuous SAR monitoring is implemented, then SAR compliance is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The task scheduler performs multiple functions: it manages background process scheduling, queries SAR severity levels, determines scheduling decisions, and prioritizes transmissions. By consolidating these functions into a single component rather than adding separate monitoring systems, the solution improves SAR compliance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The task scheduler autonomously queries SAR severity levels and makes scheduling decisions without requiring external intervention or complex external monitoring infrastructure. This self-service approach maintains SAR compliance while minimizing added system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide a method for scheduling background processes. The method begins when a task scheduler requests a SAR severity level from the application processor. The application processor then requests the SAR severity level from the modem. Upon receipt of the SAR severity level the task scheduler then determines if the SAR severity level is high. If the SAR severity level is high, the task scheduler waits a predetermined time and then requests a further SAR severity level. This process continues until the SAR severity level returned in within a normal level. At that time, the background process is scheduled. This prioritizes transmission. The apparatus includes a task scheduler in communication with an application processor and a modem in communication with the application processor. The task scheduler may include a memory and a timer.