Abstract:
A device operable in each of active and inactive modes includes first and second processors. The first processor performs, in accordance with a first power level, both wireless and non-wireless network processing. A second processor performs wireless network processing in accordance with a second power level. While the device is operating in the active mode: the first processor and the first display are powered up; the first display displays a result of the wireless network processing or the non-wireless network processing by the first processor; and the second processor and the second display are powered down. While the device is operating in the inactive mode: the first processor and the first display are powered down; the second processor and the second display are powered up; and the second display displays a result of the wireless network related processing by the second processor.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/229,034 filed on Aug. 19, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/779,544, filed Feb. 13, 2004. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to laptop and desktop computer architectures, and more particularly to laptop and desktop computer architectures having low-power secondary processors and secondary displays for providing reduced functionality when the laptop and desktop computers are in an inactive mode. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a typical computer architecture for a laptop or desktop computer  10  is shown. The computer  10  includes an input/output (I/O) interface  12  that communicates with one or more peripheral devices  13 . The memory  16  stores data and includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), Flash memory, and/or any other type of electronic data storage. The memory  16  communicates with a processor, memory and graphics hub  18 . The hub  18 , in turn, communicates with the I/O interface  12 . A processor  20  also communicates with the processor, memory and graphics hub  18  and performs data processing, calculations, and other tasks. A graphics card and/or chip  24  may be provided to accelerate graphics processing. In some implementations, the processor, memory and graphics hub  18  and/or the graphics card and/or chip  24  are omitted and/or are integrated with other components. 
     The computer  10  further includes a display  30 , which is typically a color display. A disk drive system  34  typically includes a magnetic storage medium that stores data. The disk drive system  34  may include a hard disk controller (HDC), an embedded processor, and/or other components (not shown). One or more input/output (I/O) devices  36  such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a scratch pad and/or other pointing and/or input devices facilitate data input, navigation and/or user interaction with the computer. A wireless network interface  38  enables wireless connectivity with a wireless network such as a wide area network, a local area network, a cellular network such as CDMA, GSM, GSM3G, GPRS systems or other cellular networks, a Bluetooth network, or any other wireless network type. For example, the wireless network interface  38  may be compliant with IEEE Section 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and/or 802.16. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , when a laptop user travels with a laptop  50 , the laptop  50  may pass through hot zones  54 - 1  and  54 - 2  (collectively hot zones  54 ). Access points  56 - 1  and  56 - 2  (collectively access points  56 ) provide wireless network connectivity to a distributed communications system  58  such as the Internet in the hot zones  54 - 1  and  54 - 2 , respectively. Similarly, a home zone  60  may include an access point  62  that also provides wireless access to the distributed communication system  58 . 
     Unless the laptop  50  is turned on and booted up, the user is not able to determine whether he or she has entered a hot zone  54 . As can be appreciated, booting up the laptop  50  to determine whether a hot zone  54  is available is a time-consuming process. Likewise, when the laptop user wants to check e-mail, to check securities quotes, to trade securities and/or to use other Internet services, the laptop user must boot up the laptop  50 . 
     SUMMARY 
     A device operable in each of an active mode and an inactive mode is provided. The device includes a first processor configured to perform, in accordance with a first power level, both wireless network related processing and non-wireless network related processing. A second processor is configured to perform wireless network related processing in accordance with a second power level. The second power level is lower than the first power level. A first display is in communication with the first processor. A second display is in communication with the second processor. While the device is operating in the active mode, i) each of the first processor and the first display is powered up, ii) the first display is configured to display a result of the wireless network related processing by the first processor or a result of the non-wireless network related processing by the first processor, and iii) each of the second processor and the second display is powered down. While the device is operating in the inactive mode, i) each of the first processor and the first display is powered down, ii) each of the second processor and the second display is powered up, and iii) the second display is configured to display a result of the wireless network related processing by the second processor. 
     A method of operating a device in an active mode and an inactive mode is provided. The device includes i) a first processor, ii) a second processor, iii) a first display in communication with the first processor, and iv) a second display in communication with the second processor. The method includes, while the device is operating in the active mode, i) operating each of the first processor and the first display, ii) displaying on the first display a result of the wireless network related processing by the first processor or a result of the non-wireless network related processing by the first processor, and iii) powering down each of the second processor and the second display. The first processor is configured to perform, in accordance with a first power level, both wireless network related processing and non-wireless network related processing. 
     The method further includes, while the device is operating in the inactive mode, i) powering down each of the first processor and the first display, ii) operating each of the second processor and the second display, and iii) displaying on the second display a result of the wireless network related processing by the second processor. The second processor is configured to perform, in accordance with a second power level, wireless network related processing. The second power level is lower than the first power level. 
     In other features, a computer according to the present disclosure includes a primary processor, a primary memory, and a primary input/output (I/O) interface that communicates with the primary processor and the primary memory. A primary display communicates with the primary I/O interface. The primary processor, the primary memory, and the primary display are operated in active and inactive modes and are powered down when the computer is in the inactive mode. A secondary processor dissipates less power than the primary processor. A secondary display communicates with the secondary processor. The secondary processor and the secondary display are powered up when the computer is in the inactive mode. 
     In other features, a secondary memory communicates with the secondary processor, is powered up when the computer is in the inactive mode and has a lower storage capacity than the primary memory. The secondary processor and the secondary display support Personal Digital Assistant-like functions while the computer is in the inactive mode. The computer is a laptop and the secondary display is integrated with an outer surface of the laptop. 
     In other features, a disk drive system communicates with the primary I/O interface. The secondary processor and the secondary memory are integrated with the disk drive system. 
     In still other features, a wireless network interface communicates with the primary I/O interface. The secondary processor and the secondary memory are integrated with the wireless network interface. A secondary I/O device communicates with the secondary processor. The secondary display supports touch pad operation. The computer is a desktop computer that includes an enclosure. The secondary display is integrated with the enclosure. 
     In other features, a system includes the computer and further includes a wireless network interface that communicates with the secondary processor. A distributed communications system communicates with the wireless network interface. A server communicates with the distributed communications system. An agent module is executed by the secondary processor and retrieves at least one of e-mail messages and securities data from the server. 
     In still other features, a hot zone module is executed by the secondary processor, identifies when the computer is in a hot zone, and provides a visual indication of the hot zone on the secondary display. 
     A computer according to the present disclosure has active and inactive modes and includes a secondary processor and a secondary display that communicates with the secondary processor. The secondary processor and the secondary display are powered when the computer is in the inactive mode and support Personal Digital Assistant-like functions while the computer is in the inactive mode. 
     In other features, a secondary memory communicates with the secondary processor and is powered when the computer is in the inactive mode. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary computer architecture for laptop and desktop computers according to the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a laptop computer as it travels through hot zones according to the prior art; 
         FIG. 3A  is a functional block diagram of a first computer architecture for laptop and desktop computers with a secondary processor and a secondary display according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  is a functional block diagram of a second computer architecture for laptop and desktop computers with a secondary processor and a secondary display according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3C  is a functional block diagram of a third computer architecture for laptop and desktop computers with a secondary processor and a secondary display according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is a functional block diagram of a fourth computer architecture that is similar to  FIG. 3A  and that powers the primary I/O interface during the inactive mode according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is a functional block diagram of a fifth computer architecture that is similar to  FIG. 3B  and that powers the primary I/O interface during the inactive mode according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4C  is a functional block diagram of a sixth computer architecture that is similar to  FIG. 3C  and that powers the primary I/O interface during the inactive mode according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a laptop computer including a secondary display according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a laptop computer including a secondary display and a secondary input/output device according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of a laptop computer including a secondary display mounted inside of the laptop adjacent to the keyboard according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a front view of a desktop computer including an integrated secondary display according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a front view of a desktop computer including a peripheral secondary display according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates laptop and desktop computers with secondary displays that are directly and/or wirelessly connected to a distributed communication system and a server. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of the implementation(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein, the term module, agent and/or device refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a software or firmware program, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. 
     The present disclosure provides a novel computer architecture including a low-power secondary processor for operating a secondary display in laptop and desktop computers. The secondary processor dissipates very low power and supports a reduced set of Personal Digital Assistant-like services such as text messaging, e-mail messaging, securities quote retrieval and/or trading, hot zone identification, e-mail notification and the like when the computer is in an inactive mode. The low-power secondary processor and the secondary display are operated when the computer is in the inactive mode. As used herein, the term inactive mode refers to low-power hibernating modes, off modes and/or other modes that do not provide sufficient power to support complex processing and graphics that are normally performed by the primary processor and the primary display of the laptop and desktop computers in the active mode. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , in addition to the primary components described above in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , a computer architecture  100 - 1  according to the present disclosure further includes a low-power secondary processor  102  and secondary memory  104 . The low-power secondary processor  102  and the secondary memory  104  communicate with a secondary input/output interface  108 . The secondary memory  104  includes RAM, ROM, Flash, and/or any other type of electronic data storage. As can be appreciated, some or all of the primary memory  16  can be used instead of and/or in addition to the secondary memory  104 . 
     A secondary display  110  communicates with the I/O interface  108  and supports simple graphics such as the display of text, icons and other low resolution graphics. In an implementation, the secondary display  110  includes a monochrome liquid crystal display (LCD), although a color LCD or other display types may be used. The secondary display  110  may support touch screen functionality. Alternately, one or more secondary input/output devices  112  may be provided such as buttons, touch pads, scratch pads, pointing devices and the like. 
     In the computer architecture  100 - 1  that is shown in  FIG. 3A , the low-power secondary processor  102 , secondary memory  104 , and secondary I/O interface  108  are integrated/embedded with a wireless network interface  120 . The wireless network interface  120  supports a wireless network such as a wide area network, a local area network, a cellular network such as CDMA, GSM, GSM3G, GPRS systems or other cellular networks, a Bluetooth network, or any other wireless network type. For example, the wireless network interface  38  may be compliant with IEEE Section 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and/or 802.16, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In other words, the secondary processor  102  also supports wireless network functionality in addition to the functionality that is described above and that is enabled when the computer is in the inactive mode. Alternatively, the wireless network interface  120  may include another processor that supports wireless network functionality in addition to the secondary processor  102 . 
     In the computer architecture  100 - 2  that is shown in  FIG. 3B , the low-power secondary processor  102 , secondary memory  104 , and secondary I/O interface  108  are integrated/embedded with a system on chip (SOC) (including a hard disk drive (HDD) and read channel) of a disk drive system  130 . In other words, the secondary processor  102  also supports disk drive functionality in addition to other functionality that is described above and that is enabled when the computer is in the inactive mode. Alternatively, the disk drive system  130  may have dedicated processor in addition to the secondary processor  102 . 
     In the computer architecture  100 - 3  that is shown in  FIG. 3C , the low-power secondary processor  102 , memory  104 , and interface  108  are not embedded in or otherwise integrated with other system components. 
     In the computer architecture  100 - 1  that is shown in  FIG. 3A , the primary memory  16 , primary processor  20 , graphics  24 , hub  18 , and primary display  30  are in the inactive mode. The wireless network interface  120 , low-power secondary processor  102 , secondary memory  104 , secondary I/O interface  108 , secondary display  110 , and secondary I/O devices  112  are powered and support the desired reduced functionality. The I/O interface  12  may be either inactive (as shown) or active. The disk drive system  34  may be powered as needed to store and retrieve data or not powered during the inactive mode. If the disk drive system  34  is not powered during the inactive mode, the secondary memory  104  should have a sufficient size to support the desired reduced functionality. 
     In the computer architecture  100 - 2  that is shown in  FIG. 3B , the primary memory  16 , primary processor  20 , graphics  24 , hub  18 , and primary display  30  are inactive. The wireless network interface  120 , low-power secondary processor  102 , secondary memory  104 , secondary I/O interface  108 , secondary display  110 , disk drive system  34  and secondary I/O devices  112  are powered and support the desired reduced functionality. The I/O interface  12  may be either inactive (as shown) or active. 
     In the computer architecture  100 - 3  that is shown in  FIG. 3C , the primary memory  16 , primary processor  20 , graphics  24 , hub  18 , and primary display  30  are inactive. The wireless network interface  120 , low-power secondary processor  102 , secondary memory  104 , secondary I/O interface  108 , secondary display  110 , and secondary I/O devices  112  are powered and support the desired reduced functionality. The I/O interface  12  may be either inactive (as shown) or active. The disk drive system  34  may be powered as needed to store and retrieve data or not powered during the inactive mode. If the disk drive system  34  is not powered during the inactive mode, the secondary memory  104  should have a sufficient size to support the desired reduced functionality. 
     The low-power secondary processors  102  of the computer architectures  100  have sufficient processing power to drive the secondary displays  110 . The secondary processors  102  also handle input and output events via the secondary I/O device(s)  112 . The secondary processors  102  also execute hot zone detecting (HZD) modules  190  (for example, shown in  FIG. 3B ) that sense hot zones and generate an icon, text or other visual message on the secondary display  110  to notify the user of the hot zone. 
     The secondary processors  102  may also execute agent modules  194  (for example, shown in  FIG. 3B ) that access and retrieve securities quotes, e-mail, and the like from servers that are associated with the distributed communications system. The agent modules  194  may also generate scrolling banners, icons, text or other visual messages on the secondary display  110  using the information that is retrieved. The user may also use the I/O devices  112  and/or touch pad to perform personal digital assistant-like (PDA-like) tasks such as to retrieve and respond to e-mails, to retrieve securities quotes, to perform securities trades, and/or other similar tasks. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , instead of using a secondary I/O interface  108  as shown in  FIG. 3A  during the inactive mode, the computer architecture  110 - 4  employs the primary I/O interface  12  during the inactive mode. When transitioning to the inactive mode, the primary I/O interface  12  remains fully or at least partially powered so that it can support the secondary functions. The secondary display  110  and the secondary I/O devices  112  communicate with the low power secondary processor  102  and memory  104 , which are integrated/embedded with the wireless network interface  120 , through the primary I/O interface  12 . The disk drive  34  and/or the I/O devices  36  may also be powered during the inactive mode and may communicate with the low power secondary processor  102  and memory  104  through the primary I/O interface  12 . If the primary I/O devices  36  are powered, the secondary I/O devices  112  may optionally be omitted. For example, a primary keyboard, mouse and/or other primary I/O device may be used for user interaction during the inactive mode. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , instead of using a secondary I/O interface  108  as shown in  FIG. 3B  during the inactive mode, the computer architecture  110 - 5  employs the primary I/O interface  12  during the inactive mode. When transitioning to the inactive mode, the primary I/O interface  12  remains fully or at least partially powered so that it can support the secondary functions. The secondary display  110  and the secondary I/O devices  112  communicate with the low power secondary processor  102  and memory  104 , which are integrated/embedded with the disk drive  130 , through the primary I/O interface  12 . The wireless network interface  38  and/or the I/O devices  36  may also be powered during the inactive mode and may communicate with the low power secondary processor  102  and memory  104  through the primary I/O interface  12 . If the primary I/O devices  36  are powered, the secondary I/O devices  112  may optionally be omitted. For example, the primary keyboard, mouse and/or other primary I/O device may be used for user interaction during the inactive mode. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , instead of using a secondary I/O interface  108  as shown in  FIG. 3C  during the inactive mode, the computer architecture  110 - 6  employs the primary I/O interface  12  during the inactive mode. When transitioning to the inactive mode, the primary I/O interface  12  remains fully or at least partially powered so that it can support the secondary functions. The secondary display  110  and the secondary I/O device  112  communicate with the low power secondary processor  102  and memory  104  through the primary I/O interface  12 . The disk drive  34 , the wireless network interface  38  and/or the I/O devices  36  may also be powered during the inactive mode and may communicate with the low power secondary processor  102  and memory  104  through the primary I/O interface  12 . If the primary I/O devices  36  are powered, the secondary I/O devices  112  may optionally be omitted. For example, the primary keyboard, mouse and/or other primary I/O device may be used for user interaction during the inactive mode. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C, a laptop computer  160  according to the present disclosure includes the secondary display  110 . For example, the secondary display  110  can be arranged on a top side  166  of the laptop computer  160 . Skilled artisans will appreciate that the secondary display  110  may be located in many other locations on the laptop  160  including, but not limited to, the front edges, inside of the laptop adjacent to the keyboard, or in any other suitable location. Referring now to  FIG. 5B , secondary I/O devices  170  may be provided such as but not limited to buttons, a scratch pad, a pointing device, a keyboard, a mini key pad, an alphanumeric key pad similar to a telephone and/or other devices. The secondary I/O devices  170  are located adjacent to the secondary display  110 . In  FIG. 5C , the secondary display  110  is located adjacent to the keyboard on the inside of the laptop. Still other locations will be readily apparent. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a desktop computer  200  includes the secondary display  110 , which can be integrated with a computer enclosure  204  as shown. Skilled artisans will appreciate that there are a variety of other suitable locations on the enclosure  204 , the keyboard (or other I/O device) and/or the monitor  206  for the secondary display  110 . In  FIG. 6B , the secondary display  110  is connected as a peripheral device to the desktop computer  200 . The secondary display  110  can also be connected to a laptop computer as a peripheral device as well. In this implementation, the low power secondary processor  102 , the secondary memory  104  and/or the secondary I/O interface  108  may also be associated with the peripheral secondary display  110 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the secondary processors  102  and secondary displays  110  that are associated with the laptop and desktop computers can be operated in a network, for example, wirelessly via the access point  56  and/or directly connected to the distributed communications system  58 . The secondary processors  102  and secondary displays  110  provide the reduced set of services without requiring the laptop or desktop computer to be booted up. 
     The secondary display and other components that are operated when the primary components are inactive may be powered by the battery that powers the laptop and/or via a secondary battery (not shown). In one implementation, the secondary battery is recharged by the main battery during the active mode. 
     Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the implementations have been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the implementations should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.