Battery Remaining Level Calculation Across USB PD Revisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of battery remaining capacity display is compromised when multiple revisions of the USB Power Delivery standard are used, leading to potential power shortages despite a displayed sufficient battery level.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a battery remaining level computation unit that adjusts the battery capacity calculation based on the communication standard revision, using a reliability evaluation table to switch calculation formulas and set appropriate margins for accurate remaining level display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple revisions of the USB Power Delivery communication standard are used to obtain battery remaining capacity, then the compatibility and adaptability of the electronic apparatus is improved, but the accuracy and reliability of the remaining level display deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different USB PD standardsVSAvoidaccuracy of battery remaining level display
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the calculation parameters (marginal amount and correction coefficient) based on the detected USB PD standard revision. The processor identifies which revision is being used and selects corresponding parameters from storage, thereby adapting the calculation formula to each standard version while maintaining accurate remaining level display across different revisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by making the battery remaining level calculation adaptive rather than static. The processor continuously monitors the communication standard revision and dynamically switches between different calculation formulas and parameters, allowing the system to optimize its behavior based on the specific USB PD version in use while maintaining high accuracy across all revisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single calculation formula is used for all USB Power Delivery standard revisions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of power supply management deteriorates due to inaccurate remaining level display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of calculation systemVSAvoidreliability of power supply management
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the battery remaining level calculation system into multiple standardized calculation formulas, each corresponding to a specific USB PD standard revision. The processor segments the calculation approach based on the detected standard version, selecting the appropriate formula and parameters from storage. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in implementation while achieving high reliability through version-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4478484A1Electronic apparatus, control method thereof, and program
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 CANON KK
  • EP4478484A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4478484A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4478484A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus (100) communicates with a battery (110) and obtains, from the battery, information related to a remaining capacity of the battery. The apparatus (100) identifies a communication standard for obtaining the information related to the remaining capacity of the battery (S402), and outputs a remaining level of the battery obtained based on the information related to the remaining capacity of the battery (S403, S404, S406). The apparatus obtains the remaining level of the battery by adjusting the remaining capacity of the battery in accordance with the communication standard being identified.