Low power mod idea

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Idea for a Low power mode

When a cog begins executing a dictionary search or any word, set a flag 
indicating "full power needed"

When a cog finishes executing the word and returns to the quit loop, if set the 
bit back to zero.

When a cog is stopped, its flag is zero

When all  flags are zero, the prop is set to low power mode. 

The intent is that the prop is always in low power mode, until a key is 
pressed, or a word is executed.  From the terminal standpoint, the command line 
still respondes the same, but powers down while waiting between key presses.

Original issue reported on code.google.com by prof.bra...@gmail.com on 9 Apr 2013 at 3:26

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I think I understand the basic idea, let me describe the props limitations, and 
we can then refine this.

A cog is stopped or running, can go to a lower power state by some of the wait 
instructions. Such as waitcnt, waitpne waitpeq...

When the prop is in really low power mode, it takes a while for it to come up 
to speed, so  it will "miss" some keys.

So how about, while waiting for key input a cog goes to as low power as 
possible, waitcnt and wakes up every second or so to check for input.

When all the cogs are "sleeping", it goes into a very low power mode if no keys 
have been hit for x seconds.

The prop wakes up when a key is hit, user must wait for a prompt before sending 
more keys.

Not sure about some details, but I think something like this is workable. 

Original comment by salsa...@gmail.com on 9 Apr 2013 at 2:18