Stand-by Mode Management Module for Computer System Power and Resume Trade-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems entering stand-by states like S1 or S3 require users to manually resume operations, which is inconvenient, especially when the display is turned off, and takes longer to return to the normal state, impacting power consumption and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A stand-by mode management module with a timer and interrupt generation unit that keeps the display module's PLL on and turns off others, allowing the system to enter a stand-by state while continuously displaying the last frame stored, enabling automatic power saving and quick resume without user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the computer system enters the S3 stand-by state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the resume time increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power management approach by maintaining different PLL states for different components. The display module's PLL remains active while other device PLLs are turned off, creating a hybrid state that provides both power savings and quick resume capability. This selective segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing partial power reduction without full system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by keeping the display module's PLL active before actual resume is needed. The display continues to show the last frame using the stored image buffer, preparing the system for immediate user interaction. This preliminary maintenance of display capability eliminates the need for full resume sequences.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the display unit is turned off in stand-by state to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the system cannot quickly return to normal state and user interaction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining different operational states for different system components. The display module operates in a special local state where its PLL remains active and it continuously displays the last frame from the image buffer, while other components enter deeper power savings. This localized quality difference resolves the contradiction by keeping only the necessary component active.
3Use of energy by moving object
If all PLLs are turned off in stand-by state to maximize power savings, then power consumption is minimized, but the system requires manual user intervention to resume
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically maintaining the display module's PLL active state and continuing to display the last frame without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting idle conditions and automatically transitioning to this hybrid stand-by state, then automatically resuming when user input is detected, eliminating the need for manual resume commands.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand-by mode management module applied in a computer system having a BIOS (basic input/output system), a graphic module and a display module is provided. The computer system is operated in a working state and at least one stand-by state. The module includes a timer and an interrupt generation unit. The timer starts a count period when detecting that the computer system is idle. The interrupt generation unit generates an interrupt request to the BIOS to request the computer system to prepare to enter to a specific state when the count period is reached. When the specific state is entered, the computer system enters the stand-by state, a PLL (phase lock loop) of the display module keeps turning on, and PLLs other than the PLL of the display module are turned off and the graphic module acquires a frame stored in a fixed area of a storing unit and displays the acquired frame on the display module.