Dual Processor Power Management for Satellite Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses that utilize satellite radio waves for positioning face challenges in power efficiency, particularly in maintaining continuous positioning operations while minimizing power consumption, especially in devices like smart watches that require both real-time data processing and display functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a smart watch with a dual processor system, where a low-power subsidiary microcomputer controls a satellite-radio-wave receiving module to continuously acquire and store positioning data, transferring it to a main microcomputer at predetermined intervals based on its operating conditions, allowing for efficient power management and reduced consumption during non-essential operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the main microcomputer continuously processes positioning data, then positioning accuracy and real-time performance are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the microcomputer into two segments: a main microcomputer for high-precision positioning data processing and a subsidiary microcomputer for basic control and data acquisition. This segmentation allows the main processor to remain in low-power states while the subsidiary processor handles continuous positioning operations, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsidiary microcomputer acts as an intermediary between the positioning sensor and the main microcomputer. It continuously acquires positioning data and transfers it to the main microcomputer only when needed, enabling the main processor to sleep during non-critical periods while maintaining positioning functionality through the intermediary's buffer and transfer capabilities.
2Speed
If the main processor is reactivated frequently to process positioning data, then real-time positioning performance is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data transfer where the subsidiary microcomputer transfers positioning data to the main microcomputer at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the main processor to remain dormant between transfers, improving operational efficiency while still providing timely positioning updates through the subsidiary processor's continuous monitoring.
3Reliability
If continuous positioning operations are maintained, then positioning functionality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcomputer is segmented into main and subsidiary units with different power consumption characteristics. The subsidiary microcomputer maintains continuous positioning operations at low power levels, while the main microcomputer enters sleep modes, ensuring positioning functionality remains reliable without excessive power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsidiary microcomputer maintains continuous positioning data acquisition and buffering, ensuring that positioning functionality is always available and ready for immediate processing by the main microcomputer when activated, thus maintaining reliable positioning operations with optimized power usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first processor, a second processor, and a positioning processor. The second processor consumes a reduced amount of power compared to the first processor during an operation. The positioning processor receives radio waves from positioning satellites and converts the radio waves into positioning data. The second processor controls the positioning processor. The second processor stores the positioning data received from the positioning processor. The second processor transfers the stored positioning data to the first processor at a timing determined in accordance with an operating condition of the first processor.