Power Interruption Detection Using Temperature Curve Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Real Time Clock (RTC) methods for recording power interruption duration in electronic devices are complex, costly, and unreliable due to high power consumption, limited discharge time, and inaccuracy at low voltages, affecting device performance and memory lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method using a microprocessor-based approach with a curve model of temperature sensor readings over time, where temperature sensors directly connected to the printed circuit board calculate and store power interruption duration without external circuit coordination, reducing memory usage and power consumption, and providing accurate timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RTC is used to record power interruption duration, then timing function is provided, but circuit complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing function from the complex RTC module and implements it using only the microprocessor's internal clock and existing temperature sensor interface. By removing the dedicated RTC hardware and its coordination circuits, the system achieves timing functionality with minimal additional complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If RTC continuously writes data to non-volatile memory, then power interruption duration is recorded, but memory capacity and read-write lifespan are greatly affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous writing, the patent implements periodic sampling where the microprocessor measures temperature at intervals and calculates power interruption duration only when power state changes occur. This periodic measurement approach dramatically reduces the number of memory write operations, preserving memory lifespan while maintaining accurate recording functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure power interruption duration. Rather than directly timing power events and writing to memory, the system uses temperature change patterns as a mediator to infer power interruption characteristics, reducing direct memory access operations and extending memory lifespan.
3Reliability
If RTC is recharged, then timing function is maintained, but device performance is affected due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing and storing temperature data at power-on events and using this baseline data to calculate power interruption duration without requiring continuous power or recharging. The microprocessor processes stored temperature patterns to determine timing information, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to maintain timing function.
4Use of energy by moving object
If RTC works at low voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but timing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the timing measurement approach by using temperature-based indirect measurement instead of direct voltage-dependent clock timing. The temperature change patterns serve as a proxy for time measurement, providing timing accuracy independent of voltage fluctuations, thus resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and timing precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method simplifies the detection of power interruption duration, enhances reliability, and extends the lifespan of electronic devices by eliminating the need for continuous memory writing and recharge processes, while maintaining accurate timing without the limitations of RTCs.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic device is provided with at least one temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the electronic device and at least one temperature sensor for detecting temperature of a printed circuit board
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for detecting power interruption duration of an electronic device comprises establishing a curve model of linear synthetical values of temperature sensor readings versus time (1); after power-on, acquiring each of the initial temperature values by respective temperature sensors mounted on the electronic device (2), and transmitting the temperature initial values to a microprocessor through an analog-to-digital conversion module; calculating linear synthetical value of the temperature sensor readings of the electronic device according to the power-on duration for this time and the stored curve model, and storing the linear synthetical value of the temperature sensor readings as a basis for calculating the power interruption duration thereafter (4); when the electronic device is powered on again after power interruption (5), reacquiring the initial temperature values by each of the temperature sensors (6), reading the previously stored linear synthetical value of the temperature sensor readings, and calculating as well as storing the power interruption duration for this time; and calculating the linear synthetical value of the temperature sensor readings according to the power-on time for this time for using it as a basis for calculating the power interruption duration thereafter (8,9). The method is not limited by the discharge time, is accurate in timing and does not affect performance of the electronic device.