Charger Displaying Available Devices by Battery Charge Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chargers for secondary batteries do not effectively display the state of charge during charging, making it difficult for users to determine which electronic devices can be used immediately, even when the battery is not fully charged.
Innovation Solution
A charger with a state-of-charge detection circuit and a display device that shows the available electronic apparatus based on the battery's charge level, using a pictogram display or a liquid crystal display to inform the user of the device's usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional chargers only display completion of charge when fully charged, then the charging function is simple and reliable, but the user cannot know what kind of electronic apparatus is available during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that transforms the raw state of charge data into meaningful information about available electronic apparatuses. The control device acts as a mediator that converts electrical charge level data into user-friendly display information showing which devices can be used, without requiring complex direct measurement of device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The charger system provides self-service by automatically determining and displaying the available electronic apparatuses based on the detected state of charge. The control device autonomously processes the charge level information and generates appropriate display output without requiring user intervention or complex external systems
2Ease of operation
If the charger displays only the state of charge percentage, then the display is simple, but the user does not clearly know what kind of electronic apparatus is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the display parameter from a numerical state of charge percentage into a qualitative representation of available electronic apparatuses. Instead of showing '60% charged', the system displays icons or text indicating which specific devices can be used, changing the information parameter to directly answer user needs
3Ease of operation
If the charger provides detailed information about available devices, then usability improves, but the display device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes visual changes in the display device to convey different states of charge and available apparatuses. By using different colors, brightness levels, or illumination patterns, the system provides rich information about device availability without requiring complex display hardware, maintaining simplicity while improving usability
Data Source
AI summary
A charger of the present invention includes a charging circuit that allows a secondary battery to be charged, a state-of-charge detection circuit that detects a state of charge of the secondary battery, a pictogram display unit that displays the state of charge of the secondary battery, and a control device that controls the charging circuit and the pictogram display unit on the basis of the state of charge of the secondary battery. The control device determines a kind of electronic apparatus available by the secondary battery in accordance with the state of charge of the secondary battery, and then displays the kind of electronic apparatus available on the pictogram display unit.