Presence-Based Battery Runtime Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Information Handling Systems (IHSs) face challenges in managing battery runtime and performance efficiently, particularly in adapting to user presence and absence, leading to suboptimal battery charging and discharging strategies that do not maximize battery life or performance.
Innovation Solution
The system employs presence detection to dynamically adjust energy allocation between supporting IHS operation and battery charging, modifying power source inputs based on user presence states (present, absent, near-field, mid-field, far-field) to optimize battery charging and discharging, and applies performance throttling profiles to extend runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the system prioritizes battery charging when the user is absent, then battery charge level is improved, but system performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power allocation between battery charging and system performance based on user presence detection. When the user is absent, the system shifts to prioritize charging; when present, it restores performance priority. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by making the power distribution adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power allocation ratios, charging current levels, performance throttling settings) based on user presence state. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system can optimize for either charging or performance depending on context, resolving the fundamental trade-off between the two objectives.
2Speed
If the system maximizes battery charging rate, then charging speed is improved, but battery lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of user absence duration before initiating high-rate charging. Only when the user is confirmed to be absent for a sufficient period does the system apply aggressive charging rates, thereby preventing lifespan degradation from high-rate charging while still achieving fast charging when conditions permit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging rate adjustments rather than sustained maximum rate charging. By cycling between high-rate and moderate-rate charging phases, the system achieves good charging speed while allowing the battery to recover between high-stress periods, thereby extending lifespan.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the system reduces power consumption to extend battery runtime, then battery runtime is improved, but system functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption levels based on user presence and battery state. When the user is present and battery charge is sufficient, the system maintains full functionality. When the user is absent or battery charge is low, it selectively reduces power consumption in non-critical subsystems, thereby extending runtime while preserving essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power management strategies to different system components based on their criticality. Essential functions (e.g., core processing, communication) maintain higher power levels, while non-essential functions (e.g., display brightness, peripheral devices) are reduced or suspended, achieving runtime extension without complete functionality loss.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the system applies aggressive performance throttling to extend runtime, then battery runtime is improved, but user experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user presence and adjusts performance throttling accordingly. When the user is detected to be present, the system reduces or removes throttling to maintain good user experience. When the user is absent, it applies aggressive throttling to extend runtime. This feedback-based adaptation resolves the contradiction by making throttling intensity dependent on user context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically modulates performance throttling levels rather than applying fixed aggressive throttling. By adjusting throttling intensity in real-time based on user presence and battery state, the system can extend runtime during periods of low user interaction while maintaining acceptable performance when the user is actively using the device.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing battery runtime and performance based upon presence detection are described. In some embodiments, a method may include: receiving a first amount of energy from a power source directed to supporting operation of an Information Handling System (IHS); receiving a second amount of energy from the power source directed to charging a battery of the IHS; determining a user's presence state with respect to the IHS; and modifying the first and second amounts in response to the presence state.