NOVEL PERSONAL ELECTRONICS DEVICE WITH THERMAL MANAGEMENT
First Claim
1. A personal electronics device responsive to thermal conditions comprising:
- a first processor supporting a first operating system and a relatively limited number of functions, where the first processor generates a relatively limited amount of heat;
a second processor supporting a second operating system and a relatively large number of functions, where the second processor generates a relatively large amount of heat;
a thermal sensor coupled to the first processor and configured to generate a thermal signal;
wherein the first processor is configured to control operation of the second processor based at least in part on the thermal signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A novel personal electronic device includes a first (embedded) and second (non-embedded) processors including associated operating systems and functions. In one aspect, the first processor performs relatively limited functions, while the second processor performs relatively broader functions under control of the first processor. Often the second processor requires more power than the first processor and is selectively operated by the first processor to minimize overall power consumption. Protocols for functions to be performed by the second processor may be provided directly to the second processor and processed by the second processor. In another aspect, a display controller is designed to interface with both processors. In another aspect, the operating systems work with one another. In another aspect, the first processor employs a thermal control program. Advantages of the invention include a broad array of functions performed by a relatively small personal electronics device.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A personal electronics device responsive to thermal conditions comprising:
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a first processor supporting a first operating system and a relatively limited number of functions, where the first processor generates a relatively limited amount of heat; a second processor supporting a second operating system and a relatively large number of functions, where the second processor generates a relatively large amount of heat; a thermal sensor coupled to the first processor and configured to generate a thermal signal; wherein the first processor is configured to control operation of the second processor based at least in part on the thermal signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 13)
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5. A method of controlling a temperature of personal electronics device having a first processor and a second processor, comprising the steps of
sensing the temperature of the electronics device and generating a thermal signal; - and
the first processor controlling operation of the second processor based at least in part on the thermal signal. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. A personal electronics device having a thermal profile including a number of hot spots comprising:
a case that includes a number of features proximate to the hot spots to dissipate heat from the hot spots and cool the device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 14)
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12. A dock for communicating with and cooling a personal electronics device, comprising:
a fan configured to selectively activate in response to docking of the personal electronics device.
Specification