Dual-function computing system having instant-on mode of operation

• US 6,931,474 B1
• Filed: 09/23/1999
• Issued: 08/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Ginosar, Ran
• Primary Examiner(s): Myers, Paul R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Phan, Raymond N
• Application Number:
  US09/404,486
• Time in Patent Office: 2,154 Days
• Field of Search: 710305-306, 710300-304, 710315-316, 710105-106, 710 36- 41, 710 15- 17, 710 62- 64, 710/313, 710/2, 710/3, 710/72, 710/73, 710/74, 710/20, 710/21, 361/58, 361/686, 713/2, 713/100
• US Class Current: 710/316
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/4401 Bootstrapping security arrangements therefor G06F21/57

Abstract

A single, dual form computing device is provided that incorporates the functionality of a laptop computer with that of a handheld or palm-size computing device, and allows each functionality to be selectively employed. The dual form computing device operates in one of two modes. While operating in a first “instant on” mode, the dual form computing device provides functionality similar to that of a handheld device, whereby a lengthy bootstrap process and operating system load is not required. While operating in a second “non-instant on” mode, the dual form computing device operates substantially like a laptop computer. Additionally, the dual form computing device is equipped to share input and output devices independent of the operation mode it functions in.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a first plurality of electronic components defining an instant on computing device for use in a first instant on mode of operation wherein said first plurality of electronic components execute a first startup sequence upon selection of said first instant on mode of operation;

a second plurality of electronic components, including a plurality of input and output devices defining a non-instant on computing device for use in a second non-instant on mode of operation wherein said second plurality of electronic components execute a second startup sequence upon selection of said second non-instant on mode of operation, said first startup sequence being inhibited from execution upon said selection of said second non-instant on mode of operation; and

one or more switching mechanisms coupled to said input and output devices and selectively, to selected ones of said first and second plurality of electronic components to enable said input/output devices to be available for use in said first instant on as well as said second non-instant on mode of operation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second startup sequence is inhibited from execution upon said selection of said first instant on mode of operation.

3. A system comprising:

an integrated circuit comprising a first plurality of electronic components and defining a first instant on mode of operation wherein said first plurality of electronic components execute a first startup sequence upon selection of said first instant on mode of operation;

a second plurality of electronic components, including a plurality of input and output devices, said second plurality of electronic components defining a second non-instant on mode of operation wherein said second plurality of electronic components execute a second startup sequence upon selection of said second non-instant on mode of operation, said first startup sequence being inhibited from execution upon said selection of said second non-instant on mode of operation; and

one or more switching mechanisms coupled to said input and output devices and selectively, to selected ones of said first and second plurality of electronic components to enable said input and output devices to be available for use in said first instant on as well as said second non-instant on mode of operation.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said second startup sequence is inhibited from execution upon said selection of said first instant on mode of operation.

5. An apparatus comprising:

a memory device having a plurality of memory banks;

a first operating system residing in a first range of said plurality of memory banks;

a second operating system residing in a second range of said plurality of memory banks;

a dual mode processor having at least two operational modes including;

a first high performance mode, and

a second low power mode; and

logic equipped to selectively provide said dual mode processor with said first or second operating system in response to said operational mode of said dual mode processor.

6. A dual-mode portable computer, comprising:

a first microprocessor, said first microprocessor executing a first startup sequence upon selection of a first instant on mode of operation;

input and output devices;

a connector, configured to receive a plug-in device that includes a second microprocessor, said second microprocessor executing a second startup sequence upon selection of a second non-instant on mode of operation wherein said first startup sequence is inhibited from being executed upon said selection of said non-instant on mode of operation and wherein said second startup sequence is inhibited from execution upon said selection of said first instant on mode of operation; and

switching circuitry, adapted to selectively couple the input and output devices to the first microprocessor in a first mode of operation of the computer or, alternatively, to the second microprocessor in a second mode of operation of the computer when the plug-in device is connected to the connector.

7. An apparatus comprising:

a first plurality of electronic components defining an instant on computing device for use in a first instant on mode of operation wherein said first plurality of electronic components execute a first startup sequence upon selection of said first instant on mode of operation;

a second plurality of electronic components, including a plurality of input and output devices defining a non-instant on computing device for use in a second non-instant on mode of operation wherein said second plurality of electronic components execute a second startup sequence upon selection of said second non-instant on mode of operation, said second startup sequence being inhibited from execution upon said selection of said first instant on mode of operation; and

one or more switching mechanisms coupled to said input and output devices and selectively, to selected ones of said first and second plurality of electronic components to enable said input/output devices to be available for use in said first instant on as well as said second non-instant on mode of operation.

8. A system comprising:

an integrated circuit comprising a first plurality of electronic components and defining a first instant on mode of operation wherein said first plurality of electronic components execute a first startup sequence upon selection of said first instant on mode of operation;

a second plurality of electronic components, including a plurality of input and output devices, said second plurality of electronic components defining a second non-instant On mode of operation wherein said second plurality of electronic components execute a second startup sequence upon selection of said second non-instant on mode of operation, said second startup sequence being inhibited from execution upon said selection of said first instant on mode of operation; and

one or more switching mechanisms coupled to said input and output devices and selectively, to selected ones of said first and second plurality of electronic components to enable said input and output devices to be available for use in said first instant on as well as said second non-instant on mode of operation.