Personal electronic device with a dual core processor

• US 8,347,131 B2
• Filed: 10/20/2010
• Issued: 01/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Arm Limited (SoftBank Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Arm Limited (SoftBank Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Cupps, Bryan T., Glass, Timothy J.
• Primary Examiner(s): CONNOLLY, MARK A
• Application Number:
  US12/908,836
• Publication Number:
  US 20110307723A1
• Time in Patent Office: 804 Days
• Field of Search: 713/300, 713/320, 713/322, 713/324, 716/1
• US Class Current: 713/320
• 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 1/206 comprising thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3243 Power saving in microcontroller unit
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3287 by switching off individual functional units in the computer system
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3293 by switching to a less power-consuming processor, e.g. sub-CPU
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2209/509 Offload
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/5027 the resource being a machine, e.g. CPUs, Servers, Terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/5044 considering hardware capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/5094 where the allocation takes into account power or heat criteria power management in computers in general G06F1/3203; thermal management in computers in general G06F1/206
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/271 controlled by voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72415 for remote control of appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion telephones including GPS signal receivers H04M2250/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/027 : by controlling a display operation or backlight unit
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/028 : switching on or off only a part of the equipment circuit blocks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/029 : reducing the clock frequency of the controller
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 : Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A novel personal electronic device includes a processor having first (embedded) and second (non-embedded) cores including associated operating systems and functions. In one aspect, the first core performs relatively limited functions, while the second core performs relatively broader functions under control of the first core. Often the second core requires more power than the first core and is selectively operated by the first core to minimize overall power consumption. Protocols for functions to be performed by the second core may be provided directly to the second core and processed by the second core. In another aspect, a display controller is designed to interface with both cores. In another aspect, the operating systems work with one another. In another aspect, the first core employs a thermal control program. Advantages of the invention include a broad array of functions performed by relatively small personal electronics device.

Claims

1. A personal hand-held electronic device, including

an integrated circuit chip,

an embedded system processor disposed in the integrated circuit chip and constructed to perform relatively simple functions,

a non-embedded system processor disposed in the integrated circuit chip and constructed to perform functions more complicated than the simple functions performed by the embedded processor,

the operation of the non-embedded processor in performing the individual ones of the more complicated functions being controlled by the embedded processor without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, wherein the non-embedded processor as asleep and awake states and wherein the non-embedded processor is normally in the asleep state and is awakened by the embedded processor, without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, to perform the more complicated functions individual to the non-embedded processor, wherein components are provided in the integrated circuit chip for obtaining the performance by the non-embedded processor of individual ones of the more complicated functions and wherein individual ones of the components in the integrated circuit chip are activated by the embedded processor, without any instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, to obtain the performance by the non-embedded processor of an individual one of the more complicated functions represented by the activated components.

2. A personal hand-held electronic device, including

an integrated circuit chip,

an embedded system processor disposed in the integrated circuit chip and constructed to perform relatively simple functions,

a non-embedded system processor disposed in the integrated circuit chip and constructed to perform functions more complicated than the simple functions performed by the embedded processor,

the operation of the non-embedded processor in performing the individual ones of the more complicated functions being controlled by the embedded processor without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, wherein the non-embedded processor has asleep and awake states and wherein the non-embedded processor is normally in the asleep state and is awakened by the embedded processor, without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, to perform the more complicated functions individual to the non-embedded processor, wherein

each of the functions individual to the non-embedded processor is performed by individual components in the integrated circuit chip and wherein

the embedded processor activates the components individual to the individual ones of more complicated functions to be performed by the non-embedded processor and wherein

components are provided in the integrated circuit chip for obtaining the performance by the non-embedded processor of an individual one of the more complicated functions and wherein

individual ones of the components in the integrated circuit chip are activated by the embedded processor, without any instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, to obtain the performance by the non-embedded processor of an individual one of the more complicated functions represented by the activated components and wherein

a memory is provided on the integrated circuit chip, the memory being shared by the embedded processor and the non-embedded processor and wherein

the sharing of the memory is controlled by the embedded processor, without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, to provide for a variable sharing of the memory between the embedded processor and the non-embedded processor in accordance with the relative needs of the embedded processor and the non-embedded processor for the memory.

3. A method of using a personal portable electronic device, including the steps of

providing in an integrated circuit chip a first processor operative at a low power and performing individual ones of a first set of functions limited in complexity,

providing in the integrated circuit chip a second processor operative at elevated power levels and performing individual ones of a second set of functions more complex than the functions performed by the first processor, and

operating the first processor, without instructions to the first processor from second processor, to limit the power to the second processor to the times when the second processor performs individual ones of the more complex functions, wherein the second processor performs a plurality of complex functions and has a plurality of components for performing the plurality of complex functions and wherein the first processor indicates in the second processor, without any instruction to the first processor from the second processor, a particular one of the functions to be performed at any instant by the second processor and wherein the first processor causes, without any instructions to the first processor from the second processor, only the components performing the particular one of the more complex functions at any instant to be activated for performing the particular one of the more complex functions.

4. A method of using, a personal portable electronic device, including the steps of

providing in an integrated circuit chip a first processor operative at a low power and performing individual ones of a first set of functions limited in complexity,

providing in the integrated circuit chip a second processor operative at elevated power levels and performing individual ones of a second set of functions more complex than the functions performed by the first processor, and

operating the first processor, without instructions to the first processor from the second processor, to limit the power to the second processor to the times when the second processor performs individual ones of the more complex functions, wherein a memory is provided for operating the first processor to perform the functions limited in complexity and wherein a controller is disposed on the integrated circuit chip to provide the first processor with a variable amount of the memory, and the second processor with a variable amount of the memory, dependent upon the functions being performed by the first and second processor.

5. A method of using a personal portable electronic device, including the steps of

providing in an integrated circuit chip a first processor operative at a low power and performing individual ones of a first set of functions limited in complexity,

providing in the integrated circuit chip a second processor operative at elevated power levels and performing individual ones of a second set of functions more complex than the functions performed by the first processor, and

operating the first processor, without instructions to the first processor from the second processor, to limit the power to the second processor to the times when the second processor performs individual ones of the more complex functions, wherein a hard disc provides memory for the first and second processors and wherein a controller is disposed on the integrated circuit chip to provide a dynamic allocation of the hard disc between the first and second processors in accordance with the functions to be performed by the first and second processors.

6. A hand-held personal electronic device, including,

an integrated circuit chip,

an energy source,

a first processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip and powered by the energy source and constructed to perform relatively simple functions,

a second processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip in spaced relationship to the first processor and powered by the energy source and constructed to perform a plurality of functions each more complex than the simple functions,

the operation of the second processor in performing the more complex functions being controlled by the first processor independently of the operation of the second processor, and

power management circuitry disposed on the integrated circuit chip in spaced relationship to the first and second processors for managing the relative amount of power introduced by the energy source to the first and second processors in accordance with the functions being performed by the first and second processors, wherein a dynamic memory is provide for the first and second processors and wherein a controller is disposed in the integrated circuit chip and is connected to the first and second processors to provide an allocation of the dynamic memory to the first and second processors in accordance with the functions to be performed by the first and second processors.

7. A hand-held personal electronic device, including,

an integrated circuit chip,

an energy source,

a first processor disposed on the integrated circuit ip and powered by the energy source and constructed to perform relatively simple functions,

a second processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip in spaced relationship to the first processor and powered by the energy source and constructed to perform a plurality of functions each more complex than the simple functions,

the operation of the second processor in performing the more complex functions being controlled by the first processor independently of the operation of the second processor, and

power management circuitry disposed on the integrated circuit chip in spaced relationship to the first and second processors for managing the relative amount of power introduced by the energy source to the first and second processors in accordance with the functions being performed by the first and second processors, wherein a hard disc provides a memory for the first and second processor and wherein a controller is disposed on the integrated circuit chip and is connected to the first and second processors for sharing the memory from the hard disc in the first and second processors in accordance with the functions to be performed by the first and second processors.

8. A personal hand-held electronic device, including

an integrated circuit chip,

an embedded system processor disposed in the integrated circuit chip and constructed to perform relatively simple functions,

a non-embedded system processor disposed in the integrated circuit chip and constructed to perform functions more complicated than the simple functions performed by the embedded processor,

the operation of the non-embedded processor in performing the individual ones of the more complicated functions being controlled by the embedded processor without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, wherein a display is provided having first and second portions and wherein the embedded processor provides individual ones of a first plurality of functional user interface images to the first portion of the display and wherein the non-embedded processor provides individual ones of a second plurality of functional user interfaces to the second portion of the display and wherein the embedded processor controls the operation of the non-embedded processor without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, in providing the individual ones of the second plurality of functional user interfaces to the second portion of the display.

9. A personal hand-held electronic device as set forth in claim 8 wherein

a touch screen is provided with first and second portions and wherein

the embedded processor receives user input from positions in the first portion of touch screen corresponding to positions in the first portion of the display and wherein

the non-embedded processor receives user input from positions in the second portion of the touch screen corresponding to positions in the second portion of the display and wherein

the embedded processor controls the operation of the non-embedded processor, without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, in receiving the user input in the second portion of the touch screen.

10. A personal hand-held electronic device, including

an integrated circuit chip,

an embedded system processor disposed in the integrated circuit chip and constructed to perforin relatively simple functions,

a non-embedded system processor disposed in the integrated circuit chip and constructed to perform functions more complicated than the simple functions performed by the embedded processor,

the operation of the non-embedded processor in performing the individual ones of the more complicated functions being controlled by the embedded processor without instructions to the embedded processor from the non-embedded processor, wherein

a first memory is provided in the integrated circuit chip for storing information for the embedded processor and wherein

a second memory is provided in the integrated circuit chip for storing information for the non-embedded processor and wherein

a third memory is provided in the integrated circuit chip to store information to be supplied to individual ones of the embedded processor and the non-embedded processor in accordance with the functions to be performed by the individual ones of the embedded processor and the non-embedded processor and wherein

a display having first and second portions is provided and wherein

the embedded processor provides individual ones of a first plurality of functional user interface images to the first portion of the display and wherein

the non-embedded processor provides individual ones of a second plurality of functional user interfaces to the second portion of the display and wherein

the embedded processor controls the operation of the non-embedded processor in providing the individual ones of the second plurality of functional user interfaces to the second portion of the display and wherein

a touch screen is provided with first and second portions and wherein

the embedded processor receives user inputs from positions in the first portion of the touch screen corresponding to positions in the first portion of the display and wherein

the non-embedded processor receives user inputs from positions in the second portion of the touch screen corresponding to positions in the second portion of the display and wherein

the embedded processor controls the operation of the non-embedded processor in receiving the user inputs in the second portion of the touch screen and wherein

a hand-held source of energy is displaced from the integrated circuit chip and is operatively coupled to the embedded and non-embedded processors for energizing the embedded and non-embedded processors.

11. A method of using a personal portable electronic device, including the steps of

providing in an integrated circuit chip a first processor operative at a low power and performing individual ones of a first set of functions limited in complexity,

providing in the integrated circuit chip a second processor operative at elevated power levels and performing individual ones of a second set of functions more complex than the functions performed by the first processor, and

operating the first processor, without instructions to the first processor from the second processor, to limit the power to the second processor to the times when the second processor performs individual ones of the more complex functions, wherein

a display is provided for the first and second processors and wherein

a controller is disposed on the integrated circuit chip and is connected to the first and second processors to provide a dynamic allocation of the display to the first and second processors in accordance with the functions to be performed by the first and second processors.

12. A hand-held personal electronic device, including,

an integrated circuit chip,

an energy source,

a first processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip and powered by the energy source and constructed to perform relatively simple functions,

a second processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip in spaced relationship to the first processor and powered by the energy source and constructed to perform a plurality of functions each more complex than the simple functions,

the operation of the second processor in performing the more complex functions being controlled by the first processor independently of the operation of the second processor, and

power management circuitry disposed on the integrated circuit chip in spaced relationship to the first and second processors for managing the relative amount of power introduced by the energy source to the first and second processors in accordance with the functions being performed by the first and second processors, wherein a display is provided for the first and second processors and wherein a controller is disposed on the integrated circuit chip and is connected to the first and second processors to provide an allocation of the display between the first and second processors in accordance with the functions to be performed by the first and second processors.

13. A hand-held electronic device, including an

integrated circuit chip,

an energy source,

a first processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip and connected to the energy source to perform relatively simple functions,

a second processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip and connected to the energy source to perform relatively complicated functions in comparison to the relatively simple functions performed by the first processor,

the operation of the second processor in performing the relatively complicated functions being controlled by the first processor without any guidance to the first processor from the second processor, and

a bus disposed on the integrated circuit chip and connected to the first and second processors for providing energy for operating the first and second processors, wherein

a display provides visual indications of the operation of the first and second processors respectively performing the relatively simple and relatively complicated functions and wherein

a controller disposed on the integrated circuit chip is operatively associated with the first and second processors to provide for the display to show the operations of the first and second processors in respectively performing the first and second functions with variations in the area of the display provided by the first and second processors dependent upon the functions being performed by the first and second processors.

14. A hand-held electronic device, including

an integrated circuit chip,

an energy source,

a first processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip and connected to the energy source to perform relatively simple functions,

a second processor disposed on the integrated circuit chip and connected to the energy source to perform relatively complicated functions in comparison to the relatively simple functions performed by the first processor,

the operation of the second processor in performing the relatively complicated functions being controlled by the first processor without any guidance to the first processor from the second processor, and

a bus disposed on the integrated circuit chip and connected to the first and second processors for providing energy for operating the first and second processors, wherein

the first and second memories are respectively provided for the first processor and the second processor and wherein

a third memory is provided for variably expanding the amount of memory provided by the first memory and the amount of memory provided by the second memory and wherein

a controller is disposed on the integrated circuit chip and is associated with the third memory for variably expanding the memories respectively provided by the first and second memories in accordance with the amount of memory respectively required by the first and second processors in performing the first and second functions.

15. A personal hand-held electronic device as set forth in claim 14 wherein the expansion variably provided by the third memory to each of the first and second memories is controlled by the first processor without any guidance to the first processor from the second processor.

16. A personal hand-held electronic circuit as set forth in claim 15 wherein buffer space pointers are provided in the third memory for the first and second processors and wherein the buffer space pointers in the third memory are shifted in position in the third memory by the first processor in accordance with the amount of memories respectively required in the first and second processors in performing the first and second functions.