Operation Device Power Supply Control for Wireless Usage Duration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing information processing systems face limitations in convenience due to restricted usage range when connected via wire and battery depletion during wireless communication, leading to reduced functionality and inefficient power management.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a main device and an operation device with control circuits, batteries, and communication units that allow for conditional power supply from the main device to the operation device based on remaining battery charge, enabling efficient power usage and extended system duration by charging the operation device's battery when connected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the operation device is connected with the main device via a wire, then the operation device can be continuously used without battery depletion, but the range within which the operation device can be used is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage durationVSAvoidusage range
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between wired and wireless connection modes based on operational needs. The operation device can be wired-connected for extended usage duration and wirelessly connected for greater mobility, allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios and resolve the contradiction between continuous operation and usage range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the operation device wirelessly communicates with the main device, then the usage range is extended, but the battery becomes dead and the operation device can no longer be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage rangeVSAvoidusage duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The main device proactively supplies power to the operation device when detecting low battery status during wireless communication. This preliminary power supply action prevents battery depletion before it occurs, extending the usage duration while maintaining wireless connectivity and mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The operation device monitors its own battery status and automatically requests power supply from the main device when needed. This self-service mechanism ensures the device can maintain wireless operation without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between extended range and battery life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of moving object

If the main device always supplies power to the operation device when connected, then the operation device can be continuously used, but the power of the second battery of the main device is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage durationVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The operation device transmits battery status information to the main device, which uses this feedback to intelligently control power supply. Power is supplied only when the battery status indicates low charge levels, preventing energy waste while ensuring the operation device remains usable. This feedback-based control resolves the contradiction between continuous usage and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Duration of action of moving object

If the main device supplies power to the operation device, then the operation device can be continuously used, but the main device consumes its own battery power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage durationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The main device monitors both its own battery status and the operation device's battery status. Power supply to the operation device is controlled based on feedback from both battery statuses, ensuring that the main device does not deplete its own power reserves while still providing necessary power support to extend the operation device's usage duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3321766B1Information processing system, information processing device, operation device, and power supply method
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3321766B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3321766B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3321766B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example information processing system includes a main device, and an operation device attachable to the main device. The operation device includes a first control circuit, a first battery, and first power supply means. The main device includes a second control circuit, a second battery, and second power supply means. The second power supply means supplies power from the second battery to the operation device in response to satisfaction of a condition about the amount of remaining charge indicated by the remaining charge amount information transmitted from the operation device. When power is supplied from the main device to the operation device, the first power supply means supplies power supplied from the main device to the first control circuit, instead of power from the first battery.