METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING A COMPUTER VIA A LOW POWER ADJUNCT PROCESSOR

• US 20110055434A1
• Filed: 08/31/2009
• Published: 03/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: WILEY, George, WILLKIE, James J., KALIANNAN, Karthik Raj, STEELE, Brian, PYERS, James, NAHATA, Apul
• Granted Patent: US 8,364,857 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 710/14
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3293 by switching to a less power-consuming processor, e.g. sub-CPU
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Abstract

A computing device includes a low power auxiliary processor, such as a processor on a wireless card or sub-system, which is able to takeover processing in place of the computing device'"'"'s central processing unit (CPU). Operating the computing device on the auxiliary processor draws less power from the computing device battery, enabling extended operation in an auxiliary processor mode. When in this mode, the auxiliary processor controls peripherals and provides the system functionality while the CPU is deactivated, such as in “off,” “standby” or “sleep” modes. In the auxiliary processor mode, the computing device can accomplish useful tasks, such as sending/receiving electronic mail, displaying electronic documents and accessing a network while drawing minimal power from the battery. Transitions between the normal operating mode and auxiliary processor mode may be transparent to users. Such a computer may display instant on, always on and always connected operating features.

Claims

1. A method of operating a computer including a central processing unit (CPU) and an auxiliary processor, comprising:

communicating operating state information from the CPU to the auxiliary processor;

configuring the auxiliary processor using the operating state information;

shifting control of computer peripherals to the auxiliary processor; and

placing the CPU into a low power or deactivated state.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating operating state information comprises storing operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating operating state information comprises communicating the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating operating state information comprises storing a portion of the operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor and communicating a portion of the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals in response to the CPU receiving a signal selected from a button press, closing of a portion of the computer, a command included within a received electronic message, activation of a particular application, and a menu selection input received from a user.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

monitoring user interactions with the computer to determine whether current usage can be supported by the auxiliary processor; and

automatically signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals in response to determining that usage can be supported by the auxiliary processor.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising generating a display prompting a user to indicate agreement to shift control to the auxiliary processor, wherein automatically signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals occurs when a user input is received indicating agreement to proceed with a shift of control.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining an application active on the CPU; and

activating a corresponding application on the auxiliary processor, the corresponding application accessing application data stored in memory by the application on the CPU.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein activating a corresponding application on the auxiliary processor is accomplished prior to the auxiliary processor assuming control of the computer peripherals.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising synchronizing an operating state of the auxiliary processor with an operating state of the CPU.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

signaling the CPU to activate;

communicating operating state information from the auxiliary processor to the CPU;

configuring the CPU using the communicated operating state information;

returning control of the computer peripherals to the CPU; and

relinquishing control of computer peripherals by the auxiliary processor.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein communicating operating state information comprises storing operating state information from the auxiliary processor into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein communicating operating state information comprises communicating the operating state information via a communication channel between the auxiliary processor and the CPU.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein communicating operating state information comprises storing a portion of the operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor and communicating a portion of the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein signaling the CPU to activate is accomplished in response to the auxiliary processor receiving a signal selected from a button press, opening of a portion of the computer, a command included within a received electronic message, and a menu selection input received from a user.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

monitoring user interactions with the computer to determine whether a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor; and

automatically signaling the CPU to assume control of computer peripherals in response to determining that a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising generating a display prompting a user to indicate agreement to shift control to the CPU, wherein automatically signaling the CPU to assume control of computer peripherals occurs when a user input is received indicating agreement to proceed with a shift of control.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

displaying a document on a computer display; and

receiving a user edit command related to the document,

wherein determining that a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor comprises determining that the user edit command is not supported by an application operating.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within a wireless modem coupled to the computer.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the wireless modem while control of computer peripherals is shifted to the auxiliary processor.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the wireless modem while control of computer peripherals is returned to the CPU.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

receiving an electronic message via the maintained communication link;

processing the received electronic message to recognize an included application activation command; and

activating on the auxiliary processor an application identified in the received electronic message when the electronic message is recognized to include an application activation command.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within a computer component selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system receiver, a compact disc player, a detachable cellular telephone, a detachable wireless modem, and a digital video disc (DVD) player.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein operating state information comprises:

overall system data;

application data; and

application context data.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within an external component coupled to the computer via a cable.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the auxiliary processor is a processor within a mobile service modem or mobile data modem (MSM/MDM); and

the MSM/MDM is packaged within a portable device comprising;

an antenna coupled to the MSM/MDM;

a battery coupled to the MSM/MDM; and

an interface connector coupled to the MSM/MDM and configured to couple the MSM/MDM to the CPU,

the method further comprising maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the MSM/MDM when the portable modem device is removed from the computer.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

receiving messages via the maintained communication link while the portable modem device is removed from the computer; and

making the received messages available to the computer when the portable modem device is plugged into the computer.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the MSM/MDM is packaged within a cellular telephone.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the interface connector is a universal serial bus (USB) hub circuit coupled to the MSM/MDM and a USB connector coupled to the USB hub circuit.

30. A computer, comprising:

a memory;

a central processor unit (CPU) coupled to the memory;

an auxiliary processor coupled to the memory;

wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps comprising;

communicating operating state information from the CPU to the auxiliary processor;

configuring the auxiliary processor using the operating state information;

shifting control of computer peripherals to the auxiliary processor; and

placing the CPU into a low power or deactivated state.

31. The computer of claim 30, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions such that communicating operating state information comprises storing operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

32. The computer of claim 30, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions such that communicating operating state information comprises communicating the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

33. The computer of claim 30, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions such that communicating operating state information comprises:

storing a portion of the operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor; and

communicating a portion of the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

34. The computer of claim 30, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals in response to the CPU receiving a signal selected from a button press, closing of a portion of the computer, a command included within a received electronic message, activation of a particular application, and a menu selection input received from a user.

35. The computer of claim 30, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

monitoring user interactions with the computer to determine whether current usage can be supported by the auxiliary processor; and

automatically signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals in response to determining that usage can be supported by the auxiliary processor.

36. The computer of claim 35, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising generating a display prompting a user to indicate agreement to shift control to the auxiliary processor, wherein automatically signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals occurs when a user input is received indicating agreement to proceed with a shift of control.

37. The computer of claim 30, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

determining an application active on the CPU; and

activating a corresponding application on the auxiliary processor, the corresponding application accessing application data stored in memory by the application on the CPU.

38. The computer of claim 37, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions such that activating a corresponding application on the auxiliary processor is accomplished prior to the auxiliary processor assuming control of the computer peripherals.

39. The computer of claim 30, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising synchronizing an operating state of the auxiliary processor with an operating state of the CPU.

40. The computer of claim 30, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

signaling the CPU to activate;

communicating operating state information from the auxiliary processor to the CPU;

configuring the CPU using the communicated operating state information;

returning control of the computer peripherals to the CPU; and

relinquishing control of computer peripherals by the auxiliary processor.

41. The computer of claim 40, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions such that communicating operating state information comprises storing operating state information from the auxiliary processor into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

42. The computer of claim 40, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions such that communicating operating state information comprises communicating the operating state information via a communication channel between the auxiliary processor and the CPU.

43. The computer of claim 40, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions such that communicating operating state information comprises:

storing a portion of the operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor; and

communicating a portion of the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

44. The computer of claim 40, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions such that signaling the CPU to activate is accomplished in response to the auxiliary processor receiving a signal selected from a button press, opening of a portion of the computer, a command included within a received electronic message, and a menu selection input received from a user.

45. The computer of claim 40, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

monitoring user interactions with the computer to determine whether a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor; and

automatically signaling the CPU to assume control of computer peripherals in response to determining that a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor.

46. The computer of claim 45, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising generating a display prompting a user to indicate agreement to shift control to the CPU, wherein automatically signaling the CPU to assume control of computer peripherals occurs when a user input is received indicating agreement to proceed with a shift of control.

47. The computer of claim 45, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

displaying a document on a computer display; and

receiving a user edit command related to the document,

wherein determining that a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor comprises determining that the user edit command is not supported by an application operating.

48. The computer of claim 30, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within a wireless modem coupled to the computer.

49. The computer of claim 48, wherein the auxiliary processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the wireless modem while control of computer peripherals is shifted to the auxiliary processor.

50. The computer of claim 48, wherein the auxiliary processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the wireless modem while control of computer peripherals is returned to the CPU.

51. The computer of claim 48, wherein the auxiliary processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

receiving an electronic message via the maintained communication link;

processing the received electronic message to recognize an included application activation command; and

activating on the auxiliary processor an application identified in the received electronic message when the electronic message is recognized to include an application activation command.

52. The computer of claim 30, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within a computer component selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system receiver, a compact disc player, a detachable cellular telephone, a detachable wireless modem, and a digital video disc (DVD) player.

53. The computer of claim 30, wherein operating state information comprises:

overall system data;

application data; and

application context data.

54. The computer of claim 30, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within an external component coupled to the computer via a cable.

55. The computer of claim 30, wherein:

the auxiliary processor is a processor within a mobile service modem or mobile data modem (MSM/MDM); and

the MSM/MDM is packaged within a portable device comprising;

an antenna coupled to the MSM/MDM;

a battery coupled to the MSM/MDM; and

an interface connector coupled to the MSM/MDM and configured to couple the MSM/MDM to the CPU,

wherein the auxiliary processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the MSM/MDM when the portable modem device is removed from the computer.

56. The computer of claim 55, wherein the auxiliary processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

receiving messages via the maintained communication link while the portable modem device is removed from the computer; and

making the received messages available to the computer when the portable modem device is plugged back into the computer.

57. The computer of claim 55, wherein the MSM/MDM is packaged within a cellular telephone.

58. The computer of claim 55, wherein the interface connector is a universal serial bus (USB) hub circuit coupled to the MSM/MDM and a USB connector coupled to the USB hub circuit.

59. A computer, comprising:

a central processor unit (CPU);

an auxiliary processor;

means for communicating operating state information from the CPU to the auxiliary processor;

means for configuring the auxiliary processor using the operating state information;

means for shifting control of computer peripherals to the auxiliary processor; and

means for placing the CPU into a low power or deactivated state.

60. The computer of claim 59, wherein means for communicating operating state information comprises means for storing operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

61. The computer of claim 59, wherein means for communicating operating state information comprises means for communicating the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

62. The computer of claim 59, wherein means for communicating operating state information comprises:

means for storing a portion of the operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor; and

means for communicating a portion of the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

63. The computer of claim 59, further comprising:

means for monitoring user interactions with the computer to determine whether current usage can be supported by the auxiliary processor; and

means for automatically signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals in response to determining that usage can be supported by the auxiliary processor.

64. The computer of claim 63, further comprising means for generating a display prompting a user to indicate agreement to shift control to the auxiliary processor,

wherein means for automatically signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals comprises means for automatically signaling the auxiliary processor when a user input is received indicating agreement to proceed with a shift of control.

65. The computer of claim 59, further comprising:

means for determining an application active on the CPU; and

means for activating a corresponding application on the auxiliary processor, the corresponding application accessing application data stored in memory by the application on the CPU.

66. The computer of claim 65, wherein means for activating a corresponding application on the auxiliary processor comprises means for activating the corresponding application prior to the auxiliary processor assuming control of the computer peripherals.

67. The computer of claim 59, further comprising means for synchronizing an operating state of the auxiliary processor with an operating state of the CPU.

68. The computer of claim 59, further comprising:

means for signaling the CPU to activate;

means for communicating operating state information from the auxiliary processor to the CPU;

means for configuring the CPU using the communicated operating state information;

means for returning control of the computer peripherals to the CPU; and

means for relinquishing control of computer peripherals by the auxiliary processor.

69. The computer of claim 68, wherein means for communicating operating state information comprises means for storing operating state information from the auxiliary processor into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

70. The computer of claim 68, wherein means for communicating operating state information comprises means for communicating the operating state information via a communication channel between the auxiliary processor and the CPU.

71. The computer of claim 68, wherein means for communicating operating state information comprises:

means for storing a portion of the operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor; and

means for communicating a portion of the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

72. The computer of claim 68, wherein means for signaling the CPU to activate comprises means for signaling in response to the auxiliary processor receiving a signal selected from a button press, opening of a portion of the computer, a command included within a received electronic message, and a menu selection input received from a user.

73. The computer of claim 68, further comprising:

means for monitoring user interactions with the computer to determine whether a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor; and

means for automatically signaling the CPU to assume control of computer peripherals in response to determining that a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor.

74. The computer of claim 73, further comprising means for generating a display prompting a user to indicate agreement to shift control to the CPU,

wherein means for automatically signaling the CPU to assume control of computer peripherals comprises means for signaling the CPU to assume control of the computer peripherals when a user input is received indicating agreement to proceed with a shift of control.

75. The computer of claim 73, wherein the CPU and the auxiliary processor are configured with processor-executable instructions to perform steps further comprising:

displaying a document on a computer display; and

receiving a user edit command related to the document,

wherein determining that a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor comprises determining that the user edit command is not supported by an application operating.

76. The computer of claim 59, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within a wireless modem coupled to the computer.

77. The computer of claim 76, further comprising:

means for maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the wireless modem while control of computer peripherals is shifted to the auxiliary processor.

78. The computer of claim 76, further comprising:

means for maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the wireless modem while control of computer peripherals is returned to the CPU.

79. The computer of claim 76, further comprising:

means for receiving an electronic message via the maintained communication link;

means for processing the received electronic message to recognize an included application activation command; and

means for activating on the auxiliary processor an application identified in the received electronic message when the electronic message is recognized to include an application activation command.

80. The computer of claim 59, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within a computer component selected from the group consisting of a global positioning system receiver, a compact disc player, a detachable cellular telephone, a detachable wireless modem, and a digital video disc (DVD) player.

81. The computer of claim 59, wherein operating state information comprises:

overall system data;

application data; and

application context data.

82. The computer of claim 59, wherein the auxiliary processor is a processor within an external component coupled to the computer via a cable.

83. The computer of claim 59, wherein:

the auxiliary processor is a processor within a mobile service modem or mobile data modem (MSM/MDM); and

the MSM/MDM is packaged within a portable device comprising;

an antenna coupled to the MSM/MDM;

means for powering the MSM/MDM; and

means for connecting the MSM/MDM to the CPU,

wherein the auxiliary processor further comprises means for maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the MSM/MDM when the portable modem device is removed from the computer.

84. The computer of claim 83, further comprising:

means for receiving messages via the maintained communication link while the portable modem device is removed from the computer; and

means for making the received messages available to the computer when the portable modem device is plugged back into the computer.

85. The computer of claim 83, wherein the MSM/MDM is packaged within a cellular telephone.

86. The computer of claim 83, means for connecting the MSM/MDM to the CPU comprises a universal serial bus (USB) hub circuit coupled to the MSM/MDM and a USB connector coupled to the USB hub circuit.

87. A computer program product, comprising a computer-readable medium, comprising:

at least one instruction for communicating operating state information from a central processor unit (CPU) to an auxiliary processor;

at least one instruction for configuring the auxiliary processor using the operating state information;

at least one instruction for shifting control of computer peripherals to the auxiliary processor; and

at least one instruction for placing the CPU into a low power or deactivated state.

88. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the at least one instruction for communicating operating state information comprises at least one instruction for storing operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

89. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the at least one instruction for communicating operating state information comprises at least one instruction for communicating the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

90. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the at least one instruction for communicating operating state information comprises:

at least one instruction for storing a portion of the operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor; and

at least one instruction for communicating a portion of the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

91. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises at least one instruction for signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals in response to the CPU receiving a signal selected from a button press, closing of a portion of the computer, a command included within a received electronic message, activation of a particular application, and a menu selection input received from a user.

92. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for monitoring user interactions with the computer to determine whether current usage can be supported by the auxiliary processor; and

at least one instruction for automatically signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals in response to determining that usage can be supported by the auxiliary processor.

93. The computer program product of claim 92, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises at least one instruction for generating a display prompting a user to indicate agreement to shift control to the auxiliary processor,

wherein the at least one instruction for automatically signaling the auxiliary processor to assume control of computer peripherals is executed when a user input is received indicating agreement to proceed with a shift of control.

94. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for determining an application active on the CPU; and

at least one instruction for activating a corresponding application on the auxiliary processor, the corresponding application accessing application data stored in memory by the application on the CPU.

95. The computer program product of claim 94, wherein the at least one instruction for activating a corresponding application on the auxiliary processor is executed prior to the auxiliary processor assuming control of the computer peripherals.

96. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises at least one instruction for synchronizing an operating state of the auxiliary processor with an operating state of the CPU.

97. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for signaling the CPU to activate;

at least one instruction for communicating operating state information from the auxiliary processor to the CPU;

at least one instruction for configuring the CPU using the communicated operating state information;

at least one instruction for returning control of the computer peripherals to the CPU; and

at least one instruction for relinquishing control of computer peripherals by the auxiliary processor.

98. The computer program product of claim 97, wherein the at least one instruction for communicating operating state information comprises at least one instruction for storing operating state information from the auxiliary processor into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

99. The computer program product of claim 97, wherein the at least one instruction for communicating operating state information comprises communicating the operating state information via a communication channel between the auxiliary processor and the CPU.

100. The computer program product of claim 97, wherein the at least one instruction for communicating operating state information comprises:

at least one instruction for storing a portion of the operating state information from the CPU into shared memory accessible by the CPU and the auxiliary processor; and

at least one instruction for communicating a portion of the operating state information via a communication channel between the CPU and the auxiliary processor.

101. The computer program product of claim 97, wherein the at least one instruction for signaling the CPU to activate is executed in response to the auxiliary processor receiving a signal selected from a button press, opening of a portion of the computer, a command included within a received electronic message, and a menu selection input received from a user.

102. The computer program product of claim 97, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for monitoring user interactions with the computer to determine whether a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor; and

at least one instruction for automatically signaling the CPU to assume control of computer peripherals in response to determining that a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor.

103. The computer program product of claim 102, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises at least one instruction for generating a display prompting a user to indicate agreement to shift control to the CPU,

wherein the at least one instruction for automatically signaling the CPU to assume control of computer peripherals is executed when a user input is received indicating agreement to proceed with a shift of control.

104. The computer program product of claim 102, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for displaying a document on a computer display; and

at least one instruction for receiving a user edit command related to the document,

wherein the at least one instruction for determining that a user action cannot be supported by the auxiliary processor comprises at least one instruction for determining that the user edit command is not supported by an application operating.

105. The computer program product of claim 104, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via a wireless modem while control of computer peripherals is shifted to the auxiliary processor.

106. The computer program product of claim 104, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via the wireless modem while control of computer peripherals is returned to the CPU.

107. The computer program product of claim 104, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for receiving an electronic message via the maintained communication link;

at least one instruction for processing the received electronic message to recognize an included application activation command; and

at least one instruction for activating on the auxiliary processor an application identified in the received electronic message when the electronic message is recognized to include an application activation command.

108. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein operating state information comprises:

overall system data;

application data; and

application context data.

109. The computer program product of claim 87, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

further comprising at least one instruction for maintaining a communication link with a wireless network via a wireless modem when the wireless modem is removed from the computer.

110. The computer program product of claim 109, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises:

at least one instruction for receiving messages via the maintained communication link while the wireless modem is removed from the computer; and

at least one instruction for making the received messages available to the computer when the wireless modem is plugged into the computer.