Smart Device Architecture Decoupling AP and Peripherals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of smart devices due to the use of Application Processors (APs) increases software and hardware development workload, limits involvement of general CPU and mobile phone chip manufacturers, and restricts flexibility in peripheral configuration and management.
Innovation Solution
A smart device architecture is proposed with a central processing module and a peripheral control module connected via a message mechanism, simulating USB data exchanges to leverage existing USB peripheral drivers and reduce software development workload, allowing general CPU and mobile phone chip technologies to be integrated into smart devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an Application Processor (AP) is used to manage peripherals, then the smart device can run complex operating systems and applications, but the hardware and software development complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing functions into two separate modules: a central processing module for running operating systems and applications, and a peripheral control module for managing hardware peripherals. This segmentation eliminates the need for a monolithic AP, reducing development complexity while maintaining system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a message mechanism as an intermediary communication layer between the central processing module and peripheral control module. This message bus simplifies the interaction between modules, reducing the complexity of direct hardware connections and software drivers while enabling flexible peripheral management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all peripherals are connected on one bus with strong CPU and peripheral adapters, then the smart device can support multiple functions, but the hardware structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates peripheral management from the central processing unit by creating an independent peripheral control module. Each peripheral connects to this dedicated module rather than sharing a common bus with the CPU, simplifying the hardware structure while maintaining comprehensive peripheral support.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral control module serves as a universal interface for all peripherals, abstracting the complexity of individual peripheral connections. This modular approach allows multiple functions to be supported through a single standardized interface mechanism, reducing overall hardware complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all peripheral drivers are developed and run with the operating system, then the smart device can fully utilize all peripherals, but the software development workload increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments software responsibilities by moving peripheral driver development from the operating system layer to the peripheral control module layer. This allows the OS to focus on applications while peripheral drivers are independently developed and managed in the dedicated control module, significantly reducing the OS development workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The message mechanism acts as an intermediary that simplifies software communication. Instead of the OS directly managing all peripheral drivers, the peripheral control module uses standardized message passing to interact with peripherals, reducing software complexity and development effort while maintaining full peripheral compatibility.
4Extent of automation
If the mobile phone chip is utilized as a modem connected to the AP, then the AP can control all functions, but the mobile phone chip manufacturer loses value and involvement opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions by separating the central processing role (AP) from the peripheral control role (mobile phone chip). This allows the mobile phone chip to function as an independent peripheral control unit rather than just a modem, enabling manufacturers to involve themselves in the overall system architecture and value chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic architecture where the mobile phone chip can operate in multiple modes: as a modem for communication, as a peripheral control unit for managing hardware, or as a collaborative processing unit. This flexibility restores value and involvement opportunities for mobile phone chip manufacturers while maintaining centralized control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart device with no AP includes: a central processing module for running an operation system and applications; a peripheral control module for connecting peripherals; and a message mechanism connected with the central processing module and the peripheral control module for transmitting messages therebetween. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, data transfer is provided by a shared memory of the two modules, and the messages simulate data exchanges in a USB transfer layer for connecting the peripherals to the central processing module as a USB compound device. The present invention disperses complexity of hardware and software of the smart device to the two modules for being provided easily. General CPU manufacturers and mobile phone chip manufacturers can avoid the complexity of AP with the present invention for easily joining a competition of the smart device such as a smart phone.