Storage Unit Power Control for Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses face increased storage unit failure due to frequent ON/OFF cycles, leading to reduced product life, as existing methods struggle to efficiently transition from normal to power-saving mode, especially when the elapsed time after turning ON is longer than the reference time divided by the number of ON/OFF cycles secured by the storage unit.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a determination unit to assess conditions for shifting from normal to power-saving mode, utilizing a measurement unit to track elapsed time and a control unit to manage the transition based on a storage time calculated by subtracting a reference time from the elapsed time, allowing for immediate power-saving mode engagement when the storage time exceeds a predetermined threshold, and maintaining power supply until a later timing if the storage time is below this threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply to the storage unit is stopped after a job is finished and the standby time passes, then the number of ON/OFF times is controlled to extend product life, but the storage unit cannot be turned OFF immediately when the job is finished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates and prepares the standby time in advance based on the product life and assured ON/OFF times of the storage unit. This preliminary calculation allows the system to automatically determine the optimal timing for power shutdown without delay, resolving the contradiction between extending product life and immediate power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control mechanism that continuously monitors the elapsed time since the apparatus was turned on and compares it against the calculated standby time. This feedback loop ensures the storage unit is turned off at the precise moment when it maximizes product life extension while minimizing time loss, achieving both goals simultaneously.
2Loss of energy
If the storage unit is frequently turned ON and OFF to reduce power consumption, then power saving is achieved, but the storage unit may fail before the product's life ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the power supply state of the storage unit based on calculated standby time parameters. By changing the timing parameter from immediate shutdown to delayed shutdown based on elapsed time versus standby time comparison, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption reduction and storage unit reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power supply control dynamic by continuously monitoring elapsed time and comparing it against the standby time threshold. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt the storage unit's power state based on actual operational conditions, achieving optimal balance between energy savings and reliability.
3Reliability
If the standby time is calculated by dividing product life by assured ON/OFF times, then the number of ON/OFF times is prevented from exceeding the limit, but it becomes difficult to stop the power supply to the storage unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control where the system automatically determines and executes the power shutdown timing based on pre-calculated standby time. The control unit monitors elapsed time and autonomously decides when to stop power supply, eliminating the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation while ensuring durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual power control mechanisms with an automated time-based control system. By substituting mechanical or manual power switching with an automated control mechanism that uses time comparison logic, the system achieves both durability protection and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus having a storage unit configured to store data, operated in a normal mode for supplying power to the storage unit or a power saving mode for preventing power supply to the storage unit, includes a determination unit configured to determine whether or not such a condition is established that the information processing apparatus is to be shifted from the normal mode to the power saving mode, and a measurement unit configured to measure an elapse time after a power source of the information processing apparatus is turned on.