Real-time power conservation for computers
US6006336A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A real-time power conservation apparatus and method for portable computers employs a monitor to determine whether a CPU may rest based upon a real-time sampling of the CPU activity level and to activate a hardware selector to carry out the monitor's determination. If the monitor determines the CPU may rest, the hardware selector reduces CPU clock time; if the CPU is to be active, the hardware selector returns the CPU to its previous high speed clock level. Switching back into full operation from its rest state occurs without a user having to request it and without any delay in the operation of the computer while waiting for the computer to return to a "ready" state. Furthermore, the monitor adjusts the performance level of the computer to manage power conservation in response to the real-time sampling of CPU activity. Such adjustments are accomplished within the CPU cycles and do not affect the user's perception of performance and do not affect any system application software executing on the computer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.