Hybrid Processor Switching for Seamless UI and Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic computing devices require frequent battery recharging due to varying power demands of functions, leading to user frustration and potential disruption of user interfaces when attempting to prolong battery life.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid computing device with multiple processors that dynamically switch between power consumption levels based on requested functions, allowing a low power processor to handle low-capacity tasks and a high performance processor to handle high-capacity tasks, while maintaining a seamless user interface experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single high-performance processor is used to handle all functions, then device performance is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments processing tasks by dividing functions into high-performance tasks (requiring the high-performance processor) and low-performance tasks (handled by the low-power processor). This segmentation allows each processor type to be used only when necessary, optimizing the balance between performance and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between high-performance and low-power processors based on the specific function being executed. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to adjust its power consumption profile in real-time according to actual performance requirements, rather than continuously operating at high power levels.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a low-power processor is used to extend battery life, then power consumption is reduced, but device performance and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments processing capabilities by assigning specific function types to appropriate processors. Low-power tasks (such as basic display updates, simple calculations) are handled by the low-power processor to extend battery life, while high-performance tasks (such as graphics rendering, complex computations) are offloaded to the high-performance processor when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality through a hybrid processor architecture where two different processor types can be utilized within the same device. This allows the device to access both low-power operation modes and high-performance modes, providing universal capability across different operational requirements without being constrained to a single processor type.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the system switches between different processors based on power levels, then battery life is extended, but user interface consistency may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a mediator layer (the operating system or firmware) that manages the switching between processors. This intermediary handles the complexity of context switching, memory management, and task allocation transparently, ensuring that user interface consistency is maintained regardless of which processor is currently active. The user never directly interacts with the processor switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains copies of critical system state information and user interface context in shared memory or register files that are accessible by both processors. When switching between processors, the active processor can quickly restore the user interface state from these copies, ensuring seamless transitions without visible disruptions to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is provided for controlling a display device for displaying a user interface associated with an application. A processor for controlling peripheral devices and/or the display may be selected based on characteristics of a requested function to be performed. For example, a processor may be selected with a power characteristic corresponding to a power level needed to perform the requested function. Also, an instantiation of a user interface may be switched based on selection of the processor for controlling peripheral devices. In another example, the transition from one instantiation of the user interface to another instantiation of the user interface may be smooth such that a user may be unaware a change has been made.