Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-31
2003-12-23
Lee, Thomas (Department: 2185)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
C713S300000, C713S320000, C713S322000, C713S323000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06668318
ABSTRACT:
This invention is related to a transferable and mobile core computer which has a feature allowing the processor of the computer to be clocked down or up within a range of operating frequencies to meet the needs of the application being performed by the enclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern circuit design techniques have made it possible for computers to become incrementally smaller to the point where a single core module can contain all the system level components of a computer. U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,183 describes such a computer, designated as a transferable core computer. The core computer is an enclosure containing all the internal components of a computer, but devoid of any interface. All communication between the core and enclosures to which it is inserted is facilitated via a single connector which supplies power to the core unit and serves as a data bus between the core and the enclosure. This common connector allows the core computer to be inserted into any one of a host of devices including, but not limited to, mobile computers, laptop computers, wearable computers, automobiles, appliances, electronic devices (cameras, televisions, etc.), alarm systems, building facilities management systems, office equipment such as copiers, facsimile machines, telephones, personal communications devices, and any other suitable enclosures. Until the core is inserted into such an enclosure it does not function as a computer. It has all the hardware comprising a computer but lacks any interface to make it usable by itself. The mated enclosure provides the interface and makes it function as either a general purpose or single purpose computer. The possibilities of this core computer are virtually limitless. However, in order to maximize the utility of the device, it would be desirable to increase or decrease the computing power of the core to meet the needs of the specific application and enclosure. In many instances the application is defined in large part by the enclosure. This will allow the core to allocate only the necessary resources without wasting power or providing unnecessary capability. This is of particular interest to mobile devices which are dependent on batteries for power. Since there is a direct correlation between processing speed and power consumption, it is desirable to use only the minimum processing speed required to robustly run the desired application. The application itself is defined in large part by the enclosure the core is inserted into. Potential enclosure devices for use with the transferable core computer will typically have varied processing speed/power requirements depending on their application. (In this context of this invention, processing power and processing speed are synonymous to the extent that they are both referring to the speed at which the processor operates) A PDA or cellular phone requires less processing power to operate then a laptop, a laptop in turn less then a desktop. As a result, to maximize the functionality of the core computer it would be desirable for it be able to operate at different processor frequencies as dictated by the enclosure and/or application running therein.
Some companies have attempted to solve the problem addressed by this invention. Intel®, which is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation of 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, Calif. 95052, for example, has developed a clock down feature in its mobile processor which allows the processor to operate at its highest clock speed when AC power supply is detected. However, when it detects DC power (battery) it will clock down the processor to approximately 400 Mhz. The purpose of this is to maximize battery life assuming that the mobile computer user would be willing to run the processor slightly slower in order to extend the life of the battery. However, this feature is boolean in nature in that it is either in the normal or the DC state, taking no consideration of the nature of the function being performed, only the power source.
Another company, Transmeta®, which is a registered trademark of Transmeta Corporation of 3940 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, Calif. 95054, has designed a new processor architecture whereby a software morphing layer surrounds a non x86 based hardware engine and converts x86 instructions into the native language of the VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word) hardware engine. Transmeta® utilizes a power management scheme known as LongRun. In a mobile setting, most conventional x86 CPUs regulate their power consumption by rapidly alternating between running the processor at full speed and turning the processor off. Different performance levels can be obtained by varying the on/off ration (the “duty cycle”). However, with this approach, the processor may be shut off just when a time-critical application needs it. The result may be glitches, such as dropped frames during movie playback, that are perceptible to a user. In contrast, the Transmeta® chip can adjust its power consumption without turning itself off. Instead, it adjusts its clock frequency on the fly. It does so quickly, and without requiring an operating system reboot or having to go through a slow sequence of suspending to and restarting from RAM. As a result, software can continuously monitor the demands on the processor and dynamically pick just the right clock speed (and hence power consumption) needed to run the application. The switching happens sufficiently fast to be imperceptible to the user. The software also has the ability to adjust the processor's voltage on the fly because lower voltages can be used to support lower operating frequencies. Since power is the square of voltage this can significantly extend battery life. However, the shortcoming of this system is that it only works on the Transmeta ® processor platform, not existing x86 platforms which dominate the current computer market such as those made by Intel®, AMD®, Cyrix®, and Motorola®. The Transmeta® system will not work for instance with a cellular phone or single-purpose application enclosure whereby a different processing speed or operating system or both is chosen at boot, after the core is inserted in the device, without the aid of the present invention.
Thus there is a need for a system which will work universally with any x86 or other type microprocessor based transferable core computer system which will at boot, adjust the frequency of the processor and load the operating system that is commensurate with the type of enclosure and nature of the application running therein, and which is devoid of any of the disadvantages noted above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an enhancement to a core computer which overcomes the limitations cited above.
Another object of this invention is to provide a unique micro processor management system.
Still a further object of this invention is to provide a clock down feature for adjusting the system performance of a mobile core computer to the needs of the application and enclosure.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a system for adapting a processor in a core computer to perform at the optimal speed for the specific enclosure.
Another still further object of the this invention is to provide a system management tool for a core computer which seeks to minimize waste of power when the core computer is running on DC power.
Still yet another object of this invention is to provide an enhancement to a core computer system which at the time of system power on, detects the type of enclosure the core is inserted into and adjusts the system performance accordingly.
These and other objects of this invention are accomplished generally through a mobile and transferable core computer with a clock down feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The disclosed invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art through the use of a transferable core computer which incorporates a clock down feature for adjusting the system performance commensurate to the needs of the mated enclosure and o
Jenkins Michael D.
Moynahan John F.
Lee Thomas
Ralabate Esq. James J.
Trujillo James K.
Tucker Christopher M.
Xybernaut Corp.
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