USB-C Power Management for Accurate Battery Capacity Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
When multiple devices are connected to a mobile battery via USB, the battery's remaining capacity is consumed faster than when only one device is connected, leading to discrepancies in power consumption notifications and potential operation stoppages, as existing technologies do not accurately account for the collective power usage of multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a power reception unit, communication unit, and notification unit that acquires the change in remaining capacity of an external power source and notifies the user if the change exceeds a threshold based on the power consumption of the apparatus, allowing for accurate power management and user notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power reception apparatuses are simultaneously connected to a mobile battery, then the power transmission capability is improved, but the remaining capacity is consumed faster leading to inaccurate power consumption notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the remaining capacity of the mobile battery through communication with the power transmission apparatus and comparing it against the expected power consumption calculated from operational data. When a discrepancy is detected, the system notifies the user, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures accurate power consumption information is provided even when multiple devices are connected.
2Ease of operation
If each power reception apparatus notifies the user based on its own power consumption, then the notification simplicity is improved, but the discrepancy from actual consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the mobile battery as an intermediary to mediate power consumption information between multiple power reception apparatuses and the user. Instead of each device independently reporting its own consumption, the mobile battery centrally monitors the total remaining capacity and provides accurate collective consumption information, resolving the contradiction between notification simplicity and accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile battery supplies power to multiple devices, then the power distribution capability is improved, but the operation stoppage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating the expected power consumption based on operational data and comparing it with the actual remaining capacity before operation stoppage can occur. This advance comparison allows the system to notify users in advance of potential power issues, enabling them to take preventive actions and maintain operation continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus including a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C™ connector includes a connection detection unit configured to detect a connection of a power source connected to the electronic apparatus via the USB Type-C connector, a power supply control unit configured to receive a supply of power from the connected power source, a communication control unit configured to communicate with the power source via a Configuration Channel (CC) terminal, an information acquisition unit configured to acquire a remaining capacity of the power source using the communication control unit every predetermined time, and a control unit configured to, in a case where a difference between a first remaining capacity acquired by the information acquisition unit and a second remaining capacity acquired after the first remaining capacity is acquired is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, give a user notification.