Host Power Manager for Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face power contention issues when attached auxiliary devices consume power from a limited portable power source, potentially leading to data loss or application interruptions, especially in the absence of AC power.
Innovation Solution
A host power manager system that monitors power levels and usage by auxiliary devices, promoting less than full power usage by categorizing components as high or low priority and managing power distribution to extend battery life and ensure higher priority devices function optimally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If full power is supplied to auxiliary devices, then device functionality is improved, but portable power source duration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts power allocation to auxiliary devices based on real-time power source status. When power is abundant, full power is supplied; when power becomes limited, the system automatically reduces power to non-critical auxiliary devices while maintaining power to critical devices, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining functionality and extending battery life
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power consumption parameters of auxiliary devices based on power source conditions. By monitoring power source duration and availability, the system adjusts operational parameters such as power level, operational mode, or activity state of auxiliary devices to optimize the balance between functionality and battery life
2Productivity
If power is allocated to auxiliary devices, then device performance is improved, but power source reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different power allocation strategies to different auxiliary devices based on their criticality. Critical devices receive guaranteed power allocation to maintain reliability, while non-critical devices have variable power allocation that can be reduced when power is limited, thus maintaining overall system reliability while still providing performance to auxiliary devices
3Duration of action of moving object
If power consumption is reduced, then battery life is extended, but device functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments auxiliary devices into critical and non-critical categories. Power reduction actions are selectively applied only to non-critical devices, while critical devices maintain full functionality. This segmentation allows the system to extend battery life through power reduction without deteriorating essential device functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A battery monitoring apparatus that senses battery conditions such as low battery charge, end of battery capacity, and end of battery life, and responds by taking actions such as sending messages to a remote site and/or powering down. A rechargeable battery is coupled to one or more power-consuming electrical components, including battery monitoring equipment. The battery monitoring equipment senses battery charge. In response to a low-battery-charge condition, the battery monitoring equipment transmits a battery status message to a remote site and powers-down some of the electrical components. Whenever the battery nears the end of its capacity, the monitoring equipment powers down all electronic components and awaits the application of external power. The invention also tracks the time required for the battery charge to deplete. Charge duration decreases over time, and whenever it reaches a predetermined minimum, the battery monitoring equipment transmits a representative status message to the remote site.