Dynamic Power Management Contracts for Accessory Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional power management schemes for mobile computing devices and their accessories often result in inefficient power utilization due to fixed constraints that do not account for changes in operating conditions, leading to suboptimal battery life and power exchange inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Implementing power management contracts that dynamically adjust operating constraints based on real-time power exchange conditions between host computing devices and accessory devices, including authorized identity verification and adaptive current limits, to optimize power flow and utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed power management constraints are used, then device complexity is reduced, but power utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management constraint structureVSAvoidpower utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management contracts that allow operating constraints to be renegotiated in real-time based on changing power exchange conditions. The host computing device and accessory devices can adjust power exchange direction, current limits, and other operating constraints dynamically, transforming the static power management system into an adaptive one that responds to actual operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed power management constraints are used, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management system stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to power exchange conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the host computing device and accessory devices continuously monitor power exchange conditions and renegotiate power management contracts when changes are detected. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain stability through structured negotiation protocols while simultaneously adapting to changing conditions by adjusting operating constraints based on real-time observations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If dynamic power management contracts are implemented, then power utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower utilization efficiencyVSAvoidpower management contract structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes power management contracts in advance that define the framework for dynamic power exchange. These pre-negotiated contracts provide a structured basis for real-time adjustments, allowing devices to efficiently manage power without requiring complex on-the-fly decision-making algorithms. The preliminary agreement on negotiation protocols and constraint types simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If real-time contract renegotiation is enabled, then adaptability to operating conditions is improved, but loss of time for negotiation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time adaptabilityVSAvoidnegotiation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic renegotiation of power management contracts based on detected changes in power exchange conditions. Rather than requiring continuous negotiation, the system monitors conditions and initiates contract renegotiation only when specific thresholds or conditions are met, reducing unnecessary negotiation overhead while maintaining real-time adaptability to significant changes in operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10656693B2Power management contracts for accessory devices
Publication Date: 2020.05.19 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US10656693B2 patent drawing
  • US10656693B2 patent drawing
  • US10656693B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Power management contracts for accessory devices are described. In one or more implementations, a power management contract is established for a system including a host computing device and an accessory device based at least in part upon power exchange conditions observed for the system. The power management contracts define operating constraints for power exchange between components of the system, including at least a power exchange direction and current limits. The host computing device and accessory devices are each configured to renegotiate the power management contract to dynamically change operating constraints in “real-time.” Additionally, different power management contracts may be associated with identifying data corresponding to different types of accessory devices.