Dual-Processor Time Measurement for Wearable Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices with rechargeable batteries face challenges in measuring time efficiently due to limited power capacity, requiring solutions to manage power consumption effectively while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a dual-processor system, where a first processor operates in a steady state with sufficient battery capacity and switches to a second processor in a low-power state when capacity is low, allowing the second processor to measure time and provide information when connected for recharging, ensuring continuous time measurement without draining the battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single processor is used for time measurement in a wearable device with limited battery capacity, then the device can maintain continuous operation, but the battery will be depleted quickly due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processor into two distinct modes: a first processor for steady-state operation with full functionality, and a second processor for low-power operation that handles basic time measurement. This segmentation allows the system to switch between power consumption levels based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and measurement continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first processor and second processor based on battery capacity thresholds. When battery capacity is sufficient, the first processor operates; when capacity drops below the threshold, the system transitions to the second processor. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting power consumption according to available energy while maintaining time measurement functionality.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the processor operates in low-power state to conserve battery, then battery life is extended, but time measurement functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The second processor in low-power state autonomously performs time measurement tasks without requiring intervention from the first processor. It independently obtains time information from external devices, measures elapsed time, and manages power state transitions. This self-service capability ensures time measurement precision is maintained even when the primary processor is inactive, extending battery life without compromising measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively switches to the second processor before complete battery depletion occurs, based on predetermined capacity thresholds. The second processor is prepared in advance to handle time measurement tasks, ensuring seamless transition and continuous measurement capability. This preliminary action prevents battery exhaustion while maintaining measurement functionality throughout the extended battery life cycle.
3Measurement precision
If the first processor continuously measures time, then accurate time information is provided, but battery capacity is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system employs periodic switching between the first processor and second processor based on battery capacity cycles. The first processor operates during high-capacity periods, then the system transitions to the second processor during low-capacity periods. This periodic action pattern maintains time measurement accuracy across different operational phases while significantly reducing overall energy loss compared to continuous first-processor operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and method for operating the same. The electronic device includes a communication interface; a rechargeable; a timer; a first processor operably coupled to the communication interface, battery, and timer; and a second processor operably coupled to the battery, wherein the first processor is configured to receive, from an external electronic device, information associated with time; while remaining capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to a reference value, obtain, by using the timer, first information associated with time that is elapsed since the information is received; and in response to identifying that the remaining capacity is less than the reference value, switch a state of the second processor to an active state, and wherein the second processor is configured to obtain second information associated with time that is elapsed since the second processor is switched to the active state; and in response to detecting that the electronic device is connected to another electronic device for recharging the battery, provide the second information to the first processor.