Power Supply State Control for External Apparatus via Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses lack user-controlled power management for external devices during non-operation states, leading to inefficient power supply configurations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a power supply state changing portion with user-settable controls, allowing users to manage power supply states via user setting information, enabling selective power delivery to external devices through USB connectors during non-operation times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is supplied to external apparatus during non-operation state, then external apparatus can be charged or maintained, but power consumption of information processing apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply state is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system provides multiple power supply modes (first power supply mode during operation, second power supply mode during non-operation) that can be switched based on user needs and battery status, allowing optimization between power availability and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply parameters are changed based on operational state and user settings. The system monitors battery discharge amount and adjusts power supply characteristics accordingly, providing different voltage/current profiles or supply durations based on the selected mode and actual battery status
2Ease of operation
If power supply mode is fixed, then system control is simple, but user cannot arbitrarily determine power supply function for external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by providing pre-defined power supply modes (first mode for operation, second mode for non-operation) that cover common use cases. Users can select from these pre-configured modes or adjust parameters in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making while still providing customization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply control is segmented into distinct operational modes and configurable parameters. By dividing the power supply function into separate controllable aspects (operation state, non-operation state, battery thresholds), the system makes complex power management more manageable and user-friendly
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes: an information processing apparatus main body receiving a supply of power from power supplies disposed at outside or inside; one or a plurality of connection connector(s) constituted to be able to attach/detach an external apparatus, and having at least one signal terminal transmitting/receiving signals between the information processing apparatus main body and the external apparatus and at least one power terminal supplying the power from the power supplies to the external apparatus; a power supply state changing portion having a switch provided between the power supply and the power terminal, and capable of changing the switch to either one of a connection state or a non-connection state; and a power supply state control portion having user setting information set by a user concerning a control method of the power supply state changing portion, and performing a control to change the switch to either one of the connection state or the non-connection state in accordance with the user setting information at a non-operation time of the information processing apparatus main body.