Automatic Power Saving Selection Based on Target Battery Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of battery-powered devices face difficulty in determining which power saving functionalities to activate and when, leading to inefficient battery life management, often resulting in non-activation due to the trial-and-error approach.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatic power management that allows users to set a target battery life, using an inverse problem-solving approach to selectively activate and deactivate power saving functionalities based on estimated battery life, with features like priority levels and adjustable settings to optimize battery usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the user manually configures power saving functionalities using trial and error, then the device may achieve power saving, but the user experiences unnecessary workload and complexity in managing settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoiduser workload in managing power settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors battery status, estimates remaining battery life, and activates power saving functionalities without user intervention. The device serves itself by continuously assessing battery conditions and autonomously adjusting power consumption settings to meet target battery life requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the user manually configure power saving settings to reduce consumption, the system inverts the approach by automatically detecting battery status and activating functionalities when needed. The control flow is reversed from user-initiated configuration to system-initiated autonomous management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the user manually configures power saving functionalities, then some power saving may be achieved, but most users do not activate them due to the complexity and effort required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoidautomatic activation of power saving functionalities

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors battery status and power consumption, compares actual battery life against target battery life, and dynamically adjusts activation of power saving functionalities based on this feedback loop. This closed-loop control ensures optimal power management adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of moving object

If power saving functionalities are activated, then battery life is extended, but device performance and user interface may be impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddevice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the activation and deactivation of power saving functionalities based on real-time battery status and target battery life requirements. Rather than static configuration, the system adapts its power management strategy continuously, activating functionalities only when and where needed to extend battery life while minimizing impact on performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of power saving functionalities based on battery status. When battery life is sufficient, functionalities operate at full performance; when battery life approaches target levels, the system modifies parameters to reduce consumption, creating a dynamic balance between performance and power conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3527008B1Automatic power saving selection based on target use

Publication Date: 2023.06.14 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for power management in a battery powered device, wherein the battery powered device comprises a one or more power saving functionalities that are either activated or deactivated on the device, the method comprising: receiving a target battery life, comparing the target battery life with a retrieved time threshold, upon determining whether the target battery life exceeds the retrieved time threshold, selectively activating at least one power saving functionalities from the one or more power saving functionalities. The method may be advantageous as it may allow a user defining a target battery life during which the battery powered device should be able to operate without running out of power.