Accessory Battery Power Control by Electronic Device Operation Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for electronic devices do not effectively manage power distribution based on the operation mode of the devices, leading to inefficient battery usage and potential battery drain in accessory devices.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a CPU and memory that determines a target remaining-capacity for an accessory device's battery based on its operation mode, controlling power supply accordingly to charge or stop charging the accessory device's battery, ensuring optimal battery usage and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power is continuously supplied from the electronic device to the accessory device, then the accessory device's battery is charged, but the accessory device's battery may be unnecessarily drained or the electronic device's battery may be depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery charge statusVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply control is made dynamic by adjusting it according to the operation mode of the electronic device. When the electronic device is in a standby or low-power mode, power supply to the accessory device is stopped or limited. When the electronic device is in an active operation mode, power supply is enabled. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making power supply adaptive to actual operational needs rather than continuous.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power supply parameter (on/off or limited) based on the operation mode parameter of the electronic device. By monitoring and responding to changes in operation mode, the system adjusts power supply levels appropriately, ensuring the accessory device receives power only when the electronic device is actively operating, thus avoiding unnecessary power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If power supply control is implemented based on operation mode, then battery usage efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery usage efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol logic

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation mode detection mechanism serves multiple functions: it determines when the electronic device is active, it controls power supply to the accessory device, and it manages the electronic device's own power consumption. By using a single existing operation mode parameter for multiple control purposes, the system improves battery efficiency without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operation mode of the electronic device and adjusting power supply to the accessory device accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that power is supplied only when needed, improving efficiency while keeping the control logic relatively simple since it leverages existing operation mode information already available in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11838623B2Electronic device, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 CANON KK

AI summary

An electronic device comprises a determination unit configured to determine a target remaining-capacity of a battery provided in an accessory device connected to the electronic device, based on an operation mode of the electronic device; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the accessory device based on the determined remaining-capacity.