Low power operation of networked devices
First Claim
1. A computing device comprising:
- a network interface device;
a processing element; and
an output to a main processor,wherein the processing element is arranged to;
perform networking operations on behalf of the main processor when the main processor is powered down;
send a wake up signal to the main processor via the output when defined criteria are satisfied; and
provide state information to the main processor on wake up.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods of reducing power consumption of networked devices are described. When a main processor and associated hardware in a computing device is powered down, a processing element, with lower power consumption than the main processor, performs networking functions on behalf of the main processor. The processing element monitors events and wakes the main processor when defined criteria are satisfied. In an embodiment, these network functions may be to maintain existing network connections and/or establish new network connections and the defined criteria may relate to messages received by the device which are analyzed by the processing element running the application layer code and these criteria may be configurable by a user of the device.
55 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A computing device comprising:
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a network interface device; a processing element; and an output to a main processor, wherein the processing element is arranged to; perform networking operations on behalf of the main processor when the main processor is powered down; send a wake up signal to the main processor via the output when defined criteria are satisfied; and provide state information to the main processor on wake up. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. One or more computer-readable memory to store executable instructions that, when are executed by one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to implement acts comprising:
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detecting a main processor in a computing device powering down, the computing device including a network interface device; using a lower power processor to perform networking operations on behalf of the main processor; waking the main processor when defined criteria are satisfied; and providing state information to the main processor on wake up. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A power control system comprising a first and a second power domain, wherein the first power domain comprises a first processor and associated hardware and wherein the second power domain comprises:
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a network interface device; a second processor; and a memory storing executable instructions arranged to cause the second processor to; obtain state information from the first processor on the first power domain; detect when the first power domain enters a sleep state from an operating state; maintain network connectivity; cause the first power domain to return to the operating state when defined criteria are satisfied; and provide state information to the first processor on wake up. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification