LOW POWER MODE FOR PORTABLE COMPUTER SYSTEM
A computer system is configured to operate in a normal mode and in a reduced power mode. The normal mode utilizes a primary processor, which operates using a primary operating system. When system power is depleted to a defined level, the primary processor is shut down and certain operations are taken over by a low-power, secondary processor that operates using a secondary operating system.
1 . A computing device comprising:
a first processor that consumes power at a first rate, wherein the first processor is configured to execute a first operating system;
a second processor that consumes power at a second rate lower than the first rate, wherein the second processor is configured to execute a second operating system that has fewer capabilities than the first operating system; and
a switch configured to determine when a power level of a power source is less than a predetermined power level and, in response to the determining, initiate distribution of power away from the first processor so that user interactions with the first operating system executing on the first processor are no longer possible and initiating distribution of power to the second processor so that user interactions with the second operating system executing on the second processor are possible and the power use of the computing device moves from the first rate to the second rate.
2 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the switch comprises a logic chip.
3 . The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the primary processor transfers selected machine state data to a memory device associated with the secondary processor when power is distributed to the secondary processor instead of the primary processor.
4 . A computer-implemented method of managing a computing device, comprising:
monitoring a power level of a power source that provides power to a primary processor, wherein the primary processor consumes power at a first rate and is configured to execute a first operating system;
determining when a power level of the power source is less than a primary power level;
distributing power away from the first processor in response to said determining such that user interactions with the first operating system executing on the first processor are no longer possible; and
distributing power to a second processor in response to said determining, wherein the second processor consumes power at a second rate and is configured to execute a second operating system that has fewer capabilities than the first operating system, and wherein said distributing power to the second processor enables user interactions with the second operating system executing on the second processor.