Pre-boot System Battery Error Detection via Visual and Audio Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices lack effective pre-boot battery error detection, leading to potential system failures due to undetected system battery malfunctions, which are only verified after the operating system is loaded or during boot processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to test system battery parameters during the pre-boot sequence or when waking from a reduced power mode, using visual and audio cues to signal errors, such as LED indicators and beeps, allowing for early detection and notification of system battery issues without requiring a fully loaded operating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery testing is performed during pre-boot sequence, then system reliability is improved through early error detection, but device complexity increases due to additional testing circuitry and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements battery parameter testing during the pre-boot sequence, performing battery evaluation before the operating system loads. This preliminary action detects battery errors early in the system startup process, improving reliability without requiring complex post-boot diagnostic procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis of the battery through automated parameter testing during pre-boot. The computing device tests its own battery parameters (voltage, current, temperature) without external intervention, and uses visual indicators to communicate results to users, reducing the need for complex external diagnostic tools.
2Device complexity
If battery testing is deferred until operating system boot, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time occurs due to delayed error detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs battery parameter testing during the pre-boot sequence, which occurs before the operating system loads. This preliminary action eliminates the time delay associated with deferred battery testing, enabling early detection of battery errors while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive battery parameters are tested, then measurement precision is improved for battery status detection, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multi-functional power management circuit that handles both normal power management operations and battery parameter testing functions. This universal circuit performs multiple tasks (power regulation, battery charging, and diagnostic testing) without requiring separate dedicated testing circuits, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If visual and audible indicators are implemented for error signaling, then ease of operation is improved for user awareness, but device complexity increases due to additional indicator components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators such as LEDs that change color or illumination state to communicate battery error status to users. This provides intuitive, easy-to-understand feedback about system health without requiring complex display interfaces or user interaction, improving ease of operation with minimal added complexity.
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
Enables the detection and signaling of system battery errors before the operating system loads, preventing potential system failures and allowing users to identify issues without disassembling the device, thereby ensuring timely intervention and maintaining system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
by a visual indicator, such as actuating a light emitting device
Implementation Method 2
by an audible indicator, such as generating or presenting a sound
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a method is provided to identify an error associated with a system battery. This system battery is operably associated with a computing device and is used to power the computing device. A parameter of the system battery is tested and an error associated with the system battery may be detected. In an example, the error may be detected before the operating system is loaded onto the computing device. In another example, the error may be detected when the computing device is waking from a reduced power mode.