Dual Processor Display Power Management for Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced electronic devices like smart watches face high power consumption issues, leading to the cessation of functions when battery voltage decreases, and existing solutions either limit functions prematurely or result in significant power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual processor and display system where a high-power processor and high-definition display are complemented by a low-power processor and low-power display, allowing the device to switch between normal and low-power states based on usage conditions, with the low-power system maintaining essential functions during battery conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single high-performance processor and display are used, then device functionality and performance are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two distinct processor systems: a first processor for high-performance operations and a second processor for low-power operations. Similarly, two display systems are provided: a first display for high-definition output and a second display for low-power consumption. This segmentation allows the device to distribute functions across different power-consuming components based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first processor/first display and the second processor/second display based on operational conditions. The control unit determines whether to activate the high-power or low-power subsystems depending on whether the device is in a normal state or power-saving state, making the power consumption characteristics adaptable to current usage requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the device transitions to a power-saving state, then battery life is extended, but device functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Essential functions are segregated to the second processor and second display, which remain operational during power-saving states. Non-essential or high-performance functions are assigned to the first processor and first display, which can be deactivated or put into sleep mode. This functional segmentation ensures that core device operations continue even when power consumption is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts its operational state by switching between using the first processor/first display and the second processor/second display. When power-saving is needed, the system transitions to using only the second processor and second display for essential functions. When full functionality is required, the system activates the first processor and first display, providing adaptive functionality based on power availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processors and displays are used, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit merges the management of both processor-display systems into a single coordinated architecture. Rather than having independent control systems for each processor and display, the control unit provides unified management, deciding when to activate or deactivate each subsystem based on overall device state and power requirements. This merging reduces control complexity despite the increased hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first display; a second display for which power consumption is lower than that of the first display; a first communicator; a second communicator for which power consumption is lower than that of the first communicator; a memory; a first processor; a second processor for which power consumption is lower than that of the first processor; and an operation acquirer to, when an operation from a user is acquired, send a wake-up signal that causes the first processor to recover from a sleep state in which power consumption is suppressed to a normal state. The first processor is configured to, when a condition for transitioning to a power suppression state is satisfied, send a power suppression notification to the second processor, stop displaying by the first display and communicating by the first communicator, and transition to the sleep state, and to, when the wake-up signal is received from the second processor or the operation acquirer, recover to the normal state from the sleep state, and start displaying by the first display and communicating by the first communicator. The second processor is configured to, when the second processor receives the power suppression notification from the first processor, start displaying by the second display and communicating by the second communicator, and to, when a condition for transitioning to the normal state is satisfied, send the wake-up signal to the first processor, and stop the displaying by the second display and the communicating by the second communicator.