Dual-Processor Switching for Low-Power Communication Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Advanced electronic devices like smartwatches face power consumption issues, leading to function cessation when battery voltage decreases, as existing solutions fail to efficiently manage power usage across different operational states.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a dual-processor system with a high-power first processor and a low-power second processor, along with a communicator compatible with both high-speed and low-power communication methods, allowing the device to switch between normal and low-power operating states based on conditions, thereby optimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single high-performance processor is used to maintain all functions, then functional completeness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two distinct processors: a first processor capable of executing all functions including high-performance operations, and a second processor designed specifically for low-power operation. The switch selectively connects the communicator to either processor based on operational requirements, enabling the device to segment its operational modes between full-functionality and power-saving states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the device transitions to a low-power state, then power consumption is reduced, but functional capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidfunctional capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between operational states by controlling the switch to connect the communicator to different processors based on real-time conditions. When power consumption needs reduction, the system transitions to connecting the communicator to the second processor for low-power operation. When full functionality is required, the system transitions back to the first processor, enabling adaptive response to changing operational demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-processor system is implemented, then power management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A switch serves as an intermediary component that selectively connects the communicator to either the first processor or the second processor. This intermediary element simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a straightforward selection mechanism rather than requiring complex multi-processor integration, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining power management flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11815980B2Electronic device, control method, and recording medium for controlling switching first controller and second controller to communicator

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a memory; a first processor; a second processor for which power consumption is lower than power consumption of the first processor; a communicator that communicates with an external device; and a switch that switches a connection destination of the communicator to the first processor or the second processor. The second processor is configured to, in a case in which a condition for transitioning to a power suppression state that is an operating state in which power consumption is suppressed is satisfied, connect the communicator by the switch. The first processor is configured to, in a case in which a condition for transitioning to a normal state that is a normal operating state is satisfied, connect the communicator by the switch.