Power Management Processor Application Prioritization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face challenges in managing power supply due to rapid discharge of internal batteries, especially when users are unaware of power depletion, leading to unexpected loss of functionality during critical applications.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor and database that monitors power levels and disables non-essential applications when a predetermined threshold is reached, allowing users to configure which applications to prioritize and reserve power for essential functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications are run simultaneously to increase functionality, then application versatility is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts application execution status based on real-time power level monitoring. The processor automatically transitions applications between enabled and disabled states according to predefined power thresholds, making the power consumption adaptable to available battery charge rather than static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures priority levels and power thresholds for different applications before power depletion occurs. When power reaches critical levels, the processor automatically executes predetermined actions (disabling non-essential applications) without requiring user intervention, preserving power for high-priority functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Weight of moving object

If the battery size is reduced to improve portability, then device mobility is improved, but power supply duration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of applications based on power availability. By monitoring battery charge levels and adjusting which applications are active, the system extends the effective usage duration of the battery without requiring a larger capacity battery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If power management monitoring is implemented to prevent power depletion, then power control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The processor automatically monitors power levels, compares them against predefined thresholds, and executes application disabling/enabling based on current conditions, making the system self-regulating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8122272B2Method and apparatus for power management

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a processor configured to run a plurality of applications, a power supply coupled to the processor, and a database coupled to the processor The database is configured to store information identifying each of the plurality of applications as being in either a first set of applications or a second set of applications. The processor monitors the power level of the power supply and is configured to disable the first set of applications when the power level reaches a predetermined power level.