Sound Controller Power Saving in Full-Mute Audio Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power saving techniques in battery-powered portable information processing devices, such as notebook computers, fail to effectively maintain power saving mode when set to a volume full-mute state, leading to unnecessary activation of sound controllers and reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sound driver with a volume full-mute determination unit and a power saving mode setting unit that instantly transfers the sound controller to a power saving mode and maintains it there when the device is in a volume full-mute state, even if sound signals are received, preventing unnecessary return to active mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the sound controller is transferred to power saving mode when peripheral devices enter mute state, then power consumption is reduced, but the sound controller cannot output sound when the device is in volume full-mute state
Solution Approach 1:
The sound driver continuously monitors the volume setting state through feedback mechanisms. When the volume is set to full-mute (0%), the system detects this state and maintains the sound controller in power saving mode. When volume is increased from mute state, the feedback detection triggers activation of the sound controller, ensuring sound output reliability while optimizing power consumption based on actual usage conditions
2Reliability
If the sound controller is activated to ensure sound output capability, then sound output reliability is improved, but power consumption increases unnecessarily when volume is set to full-mute
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the sound controller based on real-time volume setting conditions. When volume is at full-mute (0%), the sound controller remains in power saving mode. When volume is increased above zero, the system dynamically transitions the sound controller to active mode, optimizing the balance between power consumption and sound output capability based on actual user needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sound controller returns to active mode when receiving sound signals, then sound output capability is maintained, but power saving is reduced in volume full-mute state
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational qualities to the sound controller based on the specific volume setting state. When volume is set to full-mute (0%), the sound controller operates in power saving mode with reduced functionality. When volume is increased above zero, the sound controller transitions to full operational mode, providing complete sound output capability. This local quality adjustment ensures optimal power consumption for each operational context
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a sound controller which reproduces a sound signal, and a sound driver which controls a drive of the sound controller. The sound driver includes a volume full-mute determination unit which determines whether or not the apparatus is set in a volume full-mute state of making zero sound output volume, and a control unit which determines whether or not the apparatus is set in a volume full-mute state by using the volume full-mute determination unit when a sound signal reproduce request is made while the sound controller has transferred to a power saving mode, and maintains the sound controller in a power saving mode when the apparatus is set in a volume full-mute state.