Storage Interface Access Coordination Between Host Processor and DSP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face challenges in sharing storage device access between host processors and Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) without increasing power consumption, as the host processor is not optimized for power efficiency and both processors need to access the storage device simultaneously during tasks like audio playback.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the DSP and host processor communicate through signals to manage access to the storage device interface, allowing the DSP to access the storage device for processing while the host processor can enter a low-power state, and vice versa, without requiring additional hardware, using firmware or software to coordinate access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the host processor accesses the storage device interface continuously to perform multiple tasks, then processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) as an intermediary component between the host processor and the storage device interface. The DSP handles specific processing tasks (such as audio decoding) that would otherwise require the host processor to remain active, allowing the host processor to enter low-power states while the DSP continues to access the storage device independently.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a DSP is added to reduce power consumption for specific tasks, then battery life is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for sharing storage device access between multiple processors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the DSP and host processor autonomously coordinate their own access to the storage device interface through defined protocols and signaling. Each processor can independently request access, grant access to the other, and notify when access is complete, without requiring external arbitration or complex centralized control logic.
3Reliability
If the host processor remains active to maintain access to the storage device, then data access availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic access arrangement where the role of active processor is not fixed but can switch between the host processor and DSP based on task requirements. The system dynamically transitions between states where either the host processor or the DSP is actively accessing the storage device, optimizing both power consumption and data access availability through flexible role assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for sharing access to a storage device. Two processing devices are connected to a storage device interface. The processing devices are interconnected to allow communication with regard to access to the storage device interface. Access to the storage device interface is controlled by the first and second processing devices exchanging signals. Embodiments of the invention may be a mobile device configured to play audio files from a memory card connected to the mobile device. A communications link may be established to a remote device for the transfer of data between devices.