Power Allocation Interface for Mobile Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power management systems in mobile communications devices provide limited information to users, making it difficult to determine which functions can still be used before the battery is depleted, often resulting in unexpected terminations of functionality.
Innovation Solution
The system presents an indication of battery resource usage by device subsystems, allowing users to reallocate power resources through a user interface, including estimated time to depletion and relative usage by function, enabling termination of non-essential functions and dynamic or static power allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single global battery charge indicator is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot make informed decisions about power usage by specific functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single global battery indicator into multiple function-specific power indicators. Each function (e.g., camera, GPS, wireless communication) has its own power consumption display, allowing users to see how each subsystem contributes to overall battery usage. This segmentation provides detailed information without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to power management by displaying both aggregate battery charge level and breakdown by function. This multi-dimensional approach allows users to view power consumption from both overall and specific function perspectives, enabling informed decisions about which functions to adjust or terminate.
2Ease of operation
If users are provided with detailed power usage information by function, then users can make informed decisions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the system can automatically adjust power distribution to functions based on user preferences or device policies. The power management system dynamically reallocates battery resources, allowing users to prioritize certain functions while reducing power to others, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system provides self-service capabilities by automatically monitoring, reporting, and adjusting power allocation across functions. The system autonomously tracks battery consumption by each subsystem and can automatically terminate or throttle non-essential functions when battery charge is low, reducing the need for complex user intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functions are allowed to run without power allocation limits, then functional versatility is maintained, but unexpected terminations occur when battery is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary power allocation where battery resources are pre-assigned to functions based on user priorities or device policies. Before battery depletion occurs, the system proactively manages power distribution, allowing users to specify which functions should maintain operation and which can be terminated. This preliminary action prevents unexpected interruptions by establishing power allocation boundaries in advance.
4Reliability
If the system automatically manages power allocation, then unexpected terminations are reduced, but user control over power usage is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the power management system continuously monitors battery charge levels and power consumption by each function, then provides real-time information to users through the interface. Users can see current power allocation, estimated remaining time for each function, and make informed adjustments. This feedback loop maintains user control while enabling reliable power management through continuous system monitoring and reporting.
Data Source
AI summary
Management of battery resources of an electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device has a battery, a display in communication with the battery, multiple subsystems in communication with the battery, and a user interface in communication with the subsystems. On the display is presented an indication of usage of the battery resources by the subsystems in executing functions by the device. With the interface, a user directive is received to reallocate the usage of the battery resources. The usage of the battery resources are thus reallocated in accordance with the user directive.