Dynamic Power Allocation for Mobile Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management systems in mobile communications devices rely on single global indicators for battery charge, leading users to guess which functions can still be used before recharging, often resulting in unexpected terminations of functionality due to insufficient power.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically allocates power resources by identifying the necessary subsystems for a function, predicting the required power quantity based on past usage records, environmental parameters, and component status, and reallocating unused resources after function completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single global battery charge indicator is used to manage power, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but power allocation reliability deteriorates leading to unexpected function terminations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single global battery charge indicator into multiple subsystem-specific power indicators. Each subsystem (e.g., camera, GPS, wireless communication) has its own allocated power portion displayed separately, allowing users to see exactly how much power is reserved for each function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple operation through clear visual indicators while improving reliability through transparent power allocation that prevents unexpected terminations.
2Reliability
If static power allocation is used for subsystems, then power allocation reliability is improved by guaranteeing minimum power levels, but power resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to unused reserved power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where subsystem power allocations adjust automatically based on current device state and usage patterns. When a subsystem is not actively used, its reserved power is released back to the common power pool for other subsystems to utilize. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability by ensuring minimum power guarantees when needed while maximizing energy efficiency by eliminating waste during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power allocation parameters dynamically based on operational conditions. Power allocation levels for different subsystems are not fixed but are adjusted according to usage patterns, device state, and priority levels. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction by maintaining sufficient power reserves for reliability while optimizing overall energy utilization efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic power allocation is implemented for all subsystems, then power resource utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases making power management more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing priority levels and power allocation rules for different subsystems before dynamic allocation begins. The system pre-configures which subsystems have higher priority and under what conditions power should be reallocated. This preliminary setup simplifies the dynamic allocation process by providing clear decision-making frameworks, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining high efficiency through automated real-time adjustments.
4Ease of operation
If power allocation is based on user guesswork with global indicators, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to unexpected function interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time power allocation information to users through the display interface. Users can see current power levels for each subsystem and receive notifications when power thresholds are approached. This feedback mechanism maintains ease of operation by keeping the interface simple and intuitive while dramatically improving productivity by allowing users to make informed decisions about function usage, preventing unexpected interruptions through early warning signals.
Data Source
AI summary
Management of power resources of an electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device has multiple subsystems in communication with a power supply, and an interface in communication with the subsystems. A directive is received with the interface to perform a function with the electronic device. A subset of the subsystems needed to perform the function are identified. For each identified subsystem and in response to receipt of the directive, a predicted power-resource quantity needed to perform the function is determined. A determination is made whether sufficient unallocated resources of the power supply are available to accommodate the predicted power-resource quantity for each identified subsystem. Respective portions of the available and unallocated resources of the power supply are accordingly allocated for use by respective identified subsystems in accordance with the determined power-resource quantities, with such allocation rendering the respective portions unavailable for use other than by the respective subsystems.