Service Life Management for Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the disposition of used computing devices are inaccurate due to reliance on simple metrics like calendar life and pass/fail diagnostics, failing to account for events and usage prior to resale, leading to underinclusion or overinclusion in the resale process.
Innovation Solution
A method that tracks detailed metrics of events and usage during the life cycle of computing devices using a central information handling system management data repository, which monitors and reports the physical state, enabling predictive health reporting and self-remediation, and provides data for end-of-life decisions based on usage data and statistical models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simple metrics like calendar life and pass/fail diagnostics are used to determine disposition of computing devices, then the process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of end-of-life determination is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into multiple independent components: a data collection module that gathers usage metrics, a data storage module that maintains historical records, a wear estimation module that processes data, and a disposition determination module that makes decisions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while collectively achieving high measurement precision without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and storing usage data throughout the device's operational life before the end-of-life determination is needed. Usage metrics such as power cycles, thermal events, and component wear are recorded in advance, allowing the wear estimation algorithm to calculate accurate service life predictions when needed without requiring complex real-time analysis.
2Measurement precision
If detailed metrics of events and usage are tracked throughout the life cycle, then the accuracy of wear estimation improves, but the data storage requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most relevant usage metrics from the device's operational data, focusing on key parameters such as power cycle counts, thermal shutdown events, battery charge cycles, and storage read/write operations. By selecting and storing only these critical metrics rather than all possible usage data, the system achieves high wear estimation accuracy while minimizing data storage requirements and processing complexity.
3Productivity
If usage data and statistical models are used to determine disposition, then resale price and warranty can be optimized, but the computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically collecting usage data, processing it through wear estimation algorithms, determining service life predictions, and generating disposition recommendations without requiring manual intervention or extensive external computational resources. The embedded controller continuously monitors device health and autonomously updates wear estimates, enabling efficient disposition decision-making with minimal energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and information handling system for obtaining information handling system wear parameter values representative of wear of the information handling system, the information handling system wear parameter sensors comprising a motherboard event wear parameter sensor for obtaining motherboard event wear parameter values, a component event wear parameter sensor for obtaining component event wear parameter values, and a usage wear parameter sensor for obtaining usage wear parameter values, for calculating client information handling system wear based on the information handling system wear parameter values and the statistical model of wear estimation, and for providing a service life indication for the client information handling system, the service life indication indicative of a disposition suitability.