Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for coalescing interrupts temporally for later processing are described. An interrupt controller in a computing system maintains a timer for tracking an amount of time remaining after receiving an interrupt before a processor is awakened to service the interrupt. For a received interrupt with a latency tolerance greater than a threshold, the interrupt controller compares a value currently stored in the timer and the latency tolerance selected based on class. The smaller value is retained in the timer. When the timer expires, the interrupt controller sends wakeup indications to one or more processors and indications of the waiting interrupts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the lighted display of a mobile device are disclosed. The backlight of or active power supplied to a display is reduced or deactivated after a certain period based on the application running on the mobile device, rather than being a uniform deactivation time. The system and method can be used on a variety of mobile devices having a display screen.

Abstract: Techniques for initiating update operations are described. In implementations, updates are gathered for a computing device, and grouped based on whether the updates involve a device restart and/or shutdown operation to be installed. Thus, updates that involve a restart can be installed as a group, such as part of a single update and restart operation. In at least some implementations, an update and restart operation for installing updates can be scheduled. A user can be notified of the upcoming update and restart operation, such as via notifications presented in various ways on a computing device. When a scheduled time for an update and restart operation arrives for a device, a variety of factors can be considered in determining whether to initiate the operation. For instance, user presence information and device state information can be considered.

Abstract: A method and a user device for controlling a mode of a digitizer are provided. The method and the user device includes detecting an input unit by scanning the digitizer, measuring at least one parameter corresponding to the input unit, and controlling switching of the digitizer to a mode according to a result of the measurement of the at least one parameter.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus to which an external device is attachable includes an initialization unit configured to, when the information processing apparatus is activated from a power-off state, execute initialization of the external device, and not to, when the information processing apparatus is returned from a power-saving state, execute the initialization of the external device.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling interrupts in a processor, the interrupts including regular interrupts having a range of priorities and a pseudo non-maskable interrupt (PNMI) that is of a higher priority than any of the regular interrupts. The method includes the steps of obtaining an interrupt vector corresponding to a received interrupt, and if the received interrupt is a regular interrupt, enabling interrupts in the processor so that a PNMI can be received while handling the regular interrupt, executing a regular interrupt handler using the interrupt vector, and disabling interrupts in the processor. On the other hand, if the received interrupt is a PNMI, a PNMI interrupt handler is executed using the interrupt vector as an input thereto.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling interrupts in a processor, the interrupts including regular interrupts having a range of priorities and a pseudo non-maskable interrupt (PNMI) that is of a higher priority than any of the regular interrupts. The method includes obtaining an interrupt vector corresponding to a received interrupt, and if the received interrupt is a PNMI, executing a PNMI interrupt handler. If the received interrupt is a regular interrupt, the method further comprises reading a mask flag that indicates whether regular interrupts are enabled in an interrupt controller and further: if the mask flag indicates that regular interrupts are enabled, enabling interrupts in the processor so that a PNMI can be received while handling the regular interrupt, executing, a regular interrupt handler, and disabling interrupts in the processor; and if the mask flag indicates that regular interrupts are disabled, saving the interrupt vector for subsequent handling.

Abstract: An apparatus having a power-saving function includes first circuitry to control a transition of a power control state of the apparatus between a power-saving mode and a normal operating mode, and a communication interface to connect with an operating device to receive a user instruction from the operating device. The operating device includes second circuitry to control a transition of a power control state of the operating device between the power-saving mode and the normal operating mode. The first circuitry determines whether a combination of the power control state of the apparatus and the power control state of the operating device indicates occurrence of a trouble to the apparatus, and sends a notification to the operating device based on a determination.

Abstract: When an information processing apparatus is requested to transfer to a system interruption state, the information processing apparatus determines whether to compress data at each page, and generates a hibernation image configured of compressed data and non-compressed data. In an operating system activation period, the information processing apparatus determines whether to execute hibernation activation processing before initializing a memory management mechanism. In a case where the information processing apparatus executes the hibernation activation processing, the information processing apparatus reduces a size of the memory management region up to the size required for the initialization of the kernel, and reads the compressed data in parallel with initialization of hardware. After initializing the kernel, the information processing apparatus reads the non-compressed data in parallel with decompression of the compressed data.

Abstract: Examples for an intelligent watchdog timer for a computing device are described herein. The watchdog timer operates a watchdog counter that repetitively counts a watchdog count interval from an initial value to a final value. The watchdog counter is continually reset if the device is functioning properly. If the watchdog timer is allowed to reach a final count value, a processor reset is initiated. Several components operate to detect the current mode of operation of the processor or an operating system, and predict, in part based on user context, when different power states may occur. The components also forecast when the watchdog timer is scheduled to reach the final count value. Based on the forecasts of when the watchdog timer will reach the final count value and the predictions of future power states of the processor or operating system, the watchdog counter is selectively disabled or reset.

Abstract: Some embodiments describe techniques that relate to hybrid graphics display power management. In one embodiment, data corresponding to one or more image frames of a video stream are stored in a local frame buffer. A display device (e.g., an LCD) may then be driven based on the stored data in the local frame buffer or a video stream from a graphics controller. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes an image display unit that enables a user to visually recognize an image and transmits external scenery therethrough, a first battery, a second battery, a communication unit, and a control unit that switches a power source between the first battery and the second battery. The control unit causes an operation mode of the display apparatus to transition from a normal operation mode to a battery replacement mode in which power consumption of the image display unit and the communication unit is lower than that in the normal operation mode in a case where the power source is changed from the first battery to the second battery. The communication unit is maintained in a communicable state in the battery replacement mode.

Abstract: Methods and a computing device are disclosed. A computing device may aggregate a number of inputs indicative of a presence or an absence of a human being within a proximity of the computing device. A source of at least one of the inputs may be a human presence sensor. A source of other inputs may provide an indication of the presence of a human being with corresponding estimated probabilities or corresponding estimated reliabilities which may provide an estimate of an accuracy of respective indications. In some embodiments, if any of the number of inputs indicate the presence of a human being, the computing device may determine that a human being is present. In other embodiments, if a corresponding estimated probability or reliability of an input is less than a predetermined value, then the input may be discarded when determining whether a human being is present.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus capable of changing a state of power supply to respective parts of the apparatus with less user operation. When a sleep recovery button is depressed in a power saving mode, a button depression time is measured, and whether a length of the measure depression time exceeds a threshold value is determined. If the depression time exceeds the threshold value, a normal power mode is selected as power mode after transition. If the depression time does not exceed the threshold value, another power saving mode is selected as power mode after transition. According to the selected power mode, a state of power supply to respective parts of the apparatus is changed.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based electronic device and its operating methods are operable to learn a critical voltage value for a microprocessor control unit residing in the microcontroller-based electronic device. The microprocessor control unit receives power from a battery. An exemplary embodiment detects an operating voltage provided to the microprocessor control unit by a supplemental power reservoir after removal of the battery, stores information corresponding to a value of the operating voltage in a nonvolatile memory, repeats the detecting and the saving information as the operating voltage decays in response to a discharge of the supplemental power reservoir, and determines the actual minimum operating voltage for the microprocessor control unit based on a last one of the stored information corresponding to the value of the operating voltage. A learned critical voltage value is based upon the defined actual minimum operating voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing an electronic receipt for a vending machine transaction. Upon conclusion of a vending machine transaction a screen on the vending machine displays an optically encoded electronic receipt. The optically encoded electronic receipt may encode a transaction identifier and may additionally encode details of the transaction. The vending machine may also transmit transaction data to a server. A user computing device may scan the optically encoded electronic receipt and retrieve a transaction identifier. Using the transaction identifier, the user computing device may request transaction data from the server either directly or by way of a server owned or controlled by a different entity. Additional content, such as advertisements may be transmitted with or for display with transaction data.

Abstract: A checking unit configured to check whether or not each of the plurality of storage devices is a speed-changeable storage device capable of processing data at a plurality of rotation speeds, and a control unit configured to set a storage device among the plurality of storage devices that is checked to be the speed-changeable storage device to a first state operating at a first rotation speed that is a first threshold or less in a case where a data access to the storage device does not occur are included, whereby effective power saving can be realized in a simple manner.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus that enables use in a state even in a case where failure happens in a first storage device. The first storage device has a plurality of partitions that store data for each various function in connection with image formation. A second storage device stores an application program for executing the various function in about image formation. The second storage device has the same partition as the partition of the first storage device. A control part performs mounting process for each partition of the first storage device at the time of a start process. Next, the control part reads the application program in the second storage device. Also, control part performs mounting process for the same partition of the second storage device as the failed partition when the mounting process either of partitions fails.

Abstract: An EEE function when an electricity saving function is enabled and a PHY communication rate setting method need to be taken into consideration. In relation to communication with an external apparatus by a communication unit, an information processing apparatus determines whether a power saving function of realizing power saving of the communication unit by stopping some of functions of the communication unit while establishing a link is enabled. In accordance with the result of the determination, a communication rate when the information processing apparatus operates in a power saving mode is decided.

Abstract: A timing prediction circuit and method which relate to the field of circuit technologies and may be used to predict a timing margin of a to-be-predicted digital circuit, which are used to resolve a problem that a large quantity of devices are used to predict a probability that a timing error occurs in a to-be-predicted digital circuit. The timing prediction circuit includes a combinational logic circuit, a delay circuit, a sampling circuit, and a control circuit, where the sampling circuit includes N samplers, and an input end of each sampler is separately connected to an output end of the combinational logic circuit using the delay circuit, and an output end of each sampler is connected to an input end of the control circuit, where N is an integer equal, and N?2. The present invention can be used to predict a timing margin of a to-be-predicted digital circuit.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a display control method are described. The electronic apparatus includes a first display unit having a first visible part for displaying a first image; a first detecting unit for detecting a first parameter for indicating a relative distance between a target object and the first visible part; and a processing unit for generating an image to be displayed and for controlling the display of the first display unit according to at least the first parameter. When the first display unit is in a first state, if the relative distance is less than or equal to a threshold distance according to the first parameter, the processing unit controls the first display unit to switch from the first status to a second state, and the power consumption of the first display unit in the first state is lower than a power consumption in the second status.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a communication device includes a register and a controller. The register receives data from an external device via an input data line. In a first state in which the communication device is able to receive the data, when a condition in which the data is not sent to the input data line continues for a certain period of time, the controller controls to switch state of the communication device to a second state in which power consumption is less than in the first state.

Abstract: A server includes a chassis having a base and a cover, a switch mounted on the chassis, and a motherboard. The motherboard includes a control circuit and a power-on pin. The control circuit includes a switch unit, and the switch unit includes a first buffer, a switch chip and a jumper. When the cover is detached from the base, the switch outputs a first signal to the first buffer, and the first buffer outputs the first signal to the switch chip. The switch chip outputs the first signal to the power-on pin, and the server is powered off. When the base is covered by the cover, the switch outputs a third signal to the first buffer and the first buffer outputs the third signal to the switch chip. The switch chip outputs the third signal to the power-on pin, and the server is powered on.

Abstract: A power management system controlling power for a plurality of functional blocks included in a system-on-chip includes a plurality of programmable nano controllers, an instruction memory and a signal map memory. The instruction memory is shared by the nano controllers and stores a plurality of instructions that are used by the nano controllers. The signal map memory is shared by the nano controllers and stores a plurality of signals that are provided to the functional blocks and are controlled by the nano controllers. A first nano controller among the plurality of nano controllers is programmed as a central sequencer. Second through n-th nano controllers among the plurality of nano controllers are programmed as first sub-sequencers that are dependent on the first nano controller.

Abstract: Methods and a computing device are disclosed. A computing device may aggregate a number of inputs indicative of a presence or an absence of a human being within a proximity of the computing device. A source of at least one of the inputs may be a human presence sensor. A source of other inputs may provide an indication of the presence of a human being with corresponding estimated probabilities or corresponding estimated reliabilities which may provide an estimate of an accuracy of respective indications. In some embodiments, if any of the number of inputs indicate the presence of a human being, the computing device may determine that a human being is present. In other embodiments, if a corresponding estimated probability or reliability of an input is less than a predetermined value, then the input may be discarded when determining whether a human being is present.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising: a receiver for receiving a print job; a printing unit; a storage unit; an input interface for receiving a print execution command from a user; a power source for supplying an electric power; and a controller configured to: control the power source to stop or reduce the power supply to the printing unit when the receiver has not received a next print job within an after-printing standby time from completion of the printing; and control the power source to stop or reduce the power supply to the printing unit when the print job is a print-execution-command-input required print job requiring the print execution command and the receiver has not received a next print job within an after-print-job-receipt standby time from the receipt of the print-execution-command-input required print job, the after-print-job-receipt standby time being longer than the after-printing standby time.

Abstract: A touch sensing display device supporting a pixel driving period and a touch driving period in each frame period. The device comprises a display panel having data lines and touch sensing lines, the data lines coupled to pixels of the display panel. A data driving circuit drives data signals onto the data lines during the pixel driving period of the frame period. A touch readout circuit generates touch data of signals of the touch sensing lines during the touch driving period of the frame period, the touch driving period distinct of the pixel driving period. A supply voltage of the data driving circuit can be cut off during the touch driving period, and a supply voltage of the touch readout circuit can be cut off during the pixel driving period.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an integrated circuit includes multiple instances of a component (e.g. a processor) and a control circuit. The instances may be configured to operate in various modes. Some of the modes are incapable of presenting a worst-case load on the power supply. The control circuit may be configured to monitor the instances and detect the modes in which the instances are operating. Based on the monitoring, the control circuit may request to recover a portion of the voltage margin established for worst-case conditions in the instances. If the instances are to change modes, they may be configured to request mode change from the control circuit. If the mode change causes an increase in the current supply voltage magnitude (e.g. to restore some of the recovered voltage margin), the control circuit may cause the restore and permit it to complete prior to granting the mode change.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus has prefetch circuitry for prefetching cache lines of instructions into an instruction cache. A prefetch lookup table is provided for storing prefetch entries, with each entry corresponding to a region of a memory address space and identifying at least one block of one or more cache lines within the corresponding region from which processing circuitry accessed an instruction on a previous occasion. When the processing circuitry executes an instruction from a new region, the prefetch circuitry looks up the table, and if it stores a prefetch entry for the new region, then the at least one block identified by the corresponding entry is prefetched into the cache.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and an operation method thereof are provided. The integrated circuit includes a voltage detecting unit, a central processing unit, a memory unit and a control unit. The voltage detecting unit detects a system voltage and correspondingly outputs a voltage state signal. The central processing unit has at least one register. When the system voltage is downed to a voltage level lower than or equal to a brown-out voltage and greater than a reset low voltage, the control unit stores values of the registers into the memory unit.

Abstract: The semiconductor device has a touch panel controller, a processor and a display driver. The semiconductor device is arranged so as to reduce an electric power uselessly consumed while the action of the display driver is stopped or suspended and further, and an electric power uselessly consumed by the touch-detecting action for recovery of the display driver from the state of the action being stopped or suspended. The processor built in the semiconductor device together with the touch panel controller and the display driver returns to its workable state from Sleep state each time a given length of time elapses, and then causes the touch panel to perform a touch-detecting action. When the processor cannot acquire a result of judgment as “being touched”, it returns to Sleep state again, and waits for the given length of time to elapse.

Abstract: A computing device, such as a mobile communication device, is provided that adjusts, based on user interaction with the device, sleep times for a display to enter a sleep mode restricting use of a graphical user interface. The device includes a display providing the graphical user interface and a processor. The processor is configured to cause the display to enter the sleep mode after a sleep time without receiving any user inputs, increase the sleep time responsive to a user input received within a predetermined period of time after entry of the sleep mode and decrease the sleep time responsive to another user input directing the display to enter the sleep mode before passage of the sleep time. The processor may execute similar processes to adjust a plurality of sleep times associated with different applications and different functions within an application.

Abstract: An in-car information display system includes a power storage device including a storage battery charged with direct-current power obtained by converting electric power from an overhead wire, a plurality of display devices that operate by receiving supply of direct-current power from the power storage device and provide a guidance display related to a service of a train to passengers, and a terminal device that operates by receiving the supply of the direct-current power from the power storage device and delivers to the display devices information for guidance display that is information used for the guidance display. The power storage device switches a power supply operation to the display devices according to a residual capacity of the storage battery and reduces a total amount of electric power supplied to each of the display devices.

Abstract: For one disclosed embodiment, data corresponding to an idle duration for one or more downstream devices may be received. Power may be managed based at least in part on the received data. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Technologies for analyzing power state transitions of a processor of computing device including determining, by the computing device, a power state entered by the processor of the computing device and a duration of the power state entered based on power state records, wherein the power state records comprise transition data indicative of transitions of a processor of the computing device between power states. The computing device further determines an accuracy of a power state selection of the processor of the computing device based on the determined power state entered and target residency data for the processor. The target residency data identifies, for each power state of a plurality of power states of the processor, an amount of time required in the corresponding power state to result in a conservation of power.

Abstract: Techniques for determining the voltage to be supplied to a core of a central processing unit are provided. A core of a central processing unit is monitored for errors. The voltage to be supplied to the core is determined based on the monitored errors. The voltage supplied to the core is altered based on the determined voltage.

Abstract: A power supply control apparatus comprises a receiving unit configured to receive data sent from an external device via a network, a control unit configured to process the data received by the receiving unit, a switching unit configured to switch between supply and disconnection of power from a first power supply unit to the receiving unit and to the control unit, and a mechanical switch configured to switch between supply and disconnection of power from a second power supply unit to the control unit. If the apparatus receives data from the external device in a power state in which power is supplied from the first power supply unit to the receiving unit and power to the control unit is stopped, the apparatus controls to supply power from the first power supply unit to the control unit without turning on the mechanical switch.

Abstract: A power on circuit is connected between a video graphics array (VGA) connector of a display and a super input output (SIO) chip of a motherboard. The power on circuit includes first to fourth electronic switches and a timer. When a power button of the display is pressed, a serial data line pin of the VGA connector outputs a high level signal to turn on the first electronic switch, the second electronic switch is turned on, the fourth electronic switch is turned on, and the timer outputs a periodic pulse signal. When the pulse signal outputted from the timer is at a high level, the third electronic switch is turned on, the SIO chip receives a low level signal from the fourth and third electronic switches, and the motherboard is turned on.

Abstract: Fault-tolerant power control in a computer system is described. In an example, a power controller to control power applied to an enclosure having a plurality of computing devices includes: first and second alternating current (AC) primary power meters respectively measuring first and second input power feeds to the enclosure; a first alternative power meter to measuring power supplied by the first input power feed; a second alternative power meter to measure power supplied by the second input power feed; a first controller coupled to the first primary power meter and the second alternative power meter; and a second controller coupled to the second primary power meter and the first alternative power meter; wherein the first controller is coupled to the second controller.

Abstract: A control device according to embodiments comprises a data-copying unit, a data-processing instructing unit, and a power-control unit. The data-copying unit copies data in a first memory to a second memory of which power consumption is less than power consumption of the first memory. The data is to be processed at a first data processing unit. The data-processing instructing unit instructs the first data processing unit to process the data copied to the second memory. The power-control unit switches power for the first memory from a first power to a second power while the first data processing unit is processing the data copied to the second memory. The first power is power supplied to the first memory at a time when the data is copied from the first memory to the second memory. The second power is lower than the first power.

Abstract: Methods and a computing device are disclosed. A computing device may aggregate a number of inputs indicative of a presence or an absence of a human being within a proximity of the computing device. A source of at least one of the inputs may be a human presence sensor. A source of other inputs may provide an indication of the presence of a human being with corresponding estimated probabilities or corresponding estimated reliabilities which may provide an estimate of an accuracy of respective indications. In some embodiments, if any of the number of inputs indicate the presence of a human being, the computing device may determine that a human being is present. In other embodiments, if a corresponding estimated probability or reliability of an input is less than a predetermined value, then the input may be discarded when determining whether a human being is present.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for receiving runtime input from one or more unlock interfaces of a device and selecting a level of access with regard to the device from a plurality of levels of access based on the runtime input. The selected level of access may have an associated security policy, wherein an authentication of the runtime input may be conducted based on the associated security policy. In one example, one or more cryptographic keys are used to place the device in an unlocked state with regard to the selected level of access if the authentication is successful. If the authentication is unsuccessful, on the other hand, the device may be maintained in a locked state with regard to the selected level of access.

Abstract: In an error response circuit an analysis circuit unit analyzes a command transmitted from a first circuit section to a second circuit section, and detects a status of data transfer between the first circuit section and the second circuit section. A response circuit unit generates an error signal in accordance with the detected status of the data transfer in response to the second circuit section changing from a first power consumption state to a second power consumption state in which power consumption is lower than power consumption in the first power consumption state. A switching circuit unit transmits the error signal to the first circuit section in place of a response signal that is responsive to the command and transmitted from the second circuit section to the first circuit section.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a digital power estimator (DPE) may be provided that may monitor the processors to estimate the amount of power being consumed. If the estimate exceeds a power threshold, the DPE may throttle one or more of the processors. Additionally, throttling events may be monitored to determine if a change in the operating point is desired. In one embodiment, the DPE throttling events may be counted, and if the counts exceed a count threshold, a change in the operating point to a reduced operation point may be requested. Additionally, if the DPE estimate is below the power threshold (or a second power threshold), a second count of events may be maintained. If the second count exceeds a threshold and the operating point is the reduced operating point, a return to the original operating point may be requested.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discrete power control of components within a computer system are described herein. Some illustrative embodiments include a system that includes a subsystem with a plurality of components (configurable to operate at one or more power levels), a control register (coupled to the plurality of components) including a plurality of bits (each uniquely associated with a one of the plurality of components), and a power controller coupled to, and configurable to cause, the plurality of components to operate at the one or more power levels. The power controller asserts a signal transmitted to the subsystem, commanding the subsystem to transition to a first power level. A first of the plurality of components, associated with an asserted bit of the control register, operates at a second power level corresponding to a level of power consumption different from that of the first power level indicated by the power controller.

Abstract: A portable electronic device carrier includes a charging system. The carrier is configured to at least partially house a portable electronic device such as a cell phone, PDA or the like. The carrier may comprise a pouch or have other configurations. The charging system comprises at least one battery. The battery may be configured to be charged by an external source via at least one external port or connector, or a source associated with the carrier, such as at least one photovoltaic cell. The charging port may comprise contacts which are engaged by an interface of the portable electronic device. In accordance with the invention, a portable electronic device is charged using a portable charging system associated with a carrier for the device.

Abstract: Each of a host controller and a motor control apparatus included in a motor control system that drives a motor includes a step of determining, with respect to motor rotation state estimation information estimated based on an electric current and a voltage to the motor, whether an operation state of the motor is normal according to what kind of a relation an operation command output by the host controller and a detected motor position or motor speed have.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a functional unit control method includes, using a performance monitoring unit connected to a processor, collecting performance data of a first type of functional unit in an execution stage of the processor for each process running on a time multiplexed computing system running a multitasking operating system. The method further includes determining a utilization level of the first type of functional unit based on the performance data, and comparing the utilization level of the first type of functional unit with a first threshold. The method also includes, when a first condition has been satisfied, power gating at least one of the first type of functional unit in the processor. The method may include dynamically loading a specific needs register for each time quantum that a process runs on the processor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to synchronize multiple devices. In regards to a method, an indication is received that a view of a task is presented by a first device. The method causes state information to be provided to a second device to permit the second device to be synchronized with the first device and to present a different view of the task than that presented by the first device. The method also receives information relating to a change in state of the task that is provided by one of the devices while a first view of the task is presented thereupon. Further, the method causes updated state information to be provided to another one of the devices to cause the other device to remain synchronized and to update a second view of the task, different than the first view of the task, that is presented.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an input and output device, and more particularly to a touch display device. The touch display device comprises a display panel, a touch controller, and a power supplier. The display panel performs an image display operation in a display state. The touch controller performs a touch controlling operation in a working state. The power supplier is coupled to the touch controller and provides an operation voltage to the touch controller. When the display panel is in a non-display state, the power supplier is enabled not to provide the operation voltage to the touch controller such that the touch controller comes in a non-working state.