Mobile Device Task Scheduler Defers Non-Essential Tasks to Charger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices face limitations in portability due to battery drain from resource-intensive functions like security scanning and software updates, which reduce battery longevity and require frequent charging.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a task scheduler that defers non-essential tasks until the device is connected to a charger, utilizing a task queuing module, charge monitor, and queue enabler module to execute these tasks during charging events, thereby conserving battery power and extending device mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resource-intensive functions (security scanning, software updates) are executed continuously, then device security and functionality are improved, but battery consumption increases and device portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs resource-intensive tasks in advance when power is abundant (plugged-in state), so that when the device becomes mobile and battery-powered, these tasks have already been completed. This resolves the contradiction by executing security updates and scans during periods when battery consumption is not a constraint, thereby maintaining security without continuously draining the battery during mobile operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on power availability. When AC power is detected, the device executes resource-intensive functions; when running on battery, it operates in a power-constrained mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain security functionality while respecting battery limitations during mobile use, resolving the contradiction between security requirements and battery consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If resource-intensive functions are executed frequently, then device functionality and security are improved, but battery longevity deteriorates and device portability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidbattery longevity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs resource-intensive functions in advance when the device is connected to AC power, completing software updates, security scans, and other heavy tasks before mobile operation begins. This ensures full functionality is available when needed while preserving battery longevity during portability use, as these functions are executed when power is abundant rather than frequently during battery-powered operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the device remains connected to a charger continuously, then battery power is maintained and task execution capability is improved, but device mobility and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery power availabilityVSAvoiddevice mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes advantage of charging periods to pre-execute resource-intensive tasks that would otherwise consume battery power during mobile operation. By completing these tasks in advance when plugged in, the device achieves full functionality without needing to remain continuously connected to a charger, thereby maintaining mobility while ensuring battery power is available when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects charging status and autonomously schedules resource-intensive tasks during charging periods without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach allows the device to optimize its own power usage, maintaining battery power availability through automatic task scheduling during charging while preserving user mobility when the device is unplugged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If security functions and software updates are executed, then device reliability is improved, but battery usage increases and requires frequent charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidcharging frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system executes security functions and software updates in advance when the device is connected to AC power, completing these tasks during periods when charging is already occurring. By batching these resource-intensive operations during charging periods rather than executing them frequently during mobile operation, the system maintains device security while reducing the need for frequent charging cycles, as tasks are completed when power is abundant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2721460B1Mobile device operations with battery optimization
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2721460B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2721460B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2721460B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Techniques for conserving battery power in devices are provided. One or more deferrable tasks are queued for later execution. An initiation of a subsequent charging event for a battery of the device is detected. The queued deferrable task(s) are enabled to be executed during the charging event. For instance, the queued deferrable task(s) may be enabled to be executed if the charging event is predicted to be a long duration charging event, such as by referring to a charging profile of the mobile device. In this manner, battery power is conserved while the device is in use and not connected to a battery charger.