Power Supply Control for Continuous USB Charging During Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing apparatuses cannot charge portable electronic devices like cellular phones via USB cables when the apparatus is turned off or in power-saving mode, leading to inconvenient interruptions in battery charging.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an interface capable of supplying power to external devices through a single connector, including a power supply unit that detects connections and continues to supply power to connected devices even after the apparatus is deactivated or enters power-saving mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the information processing apparatus is turned off or enters power-saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to charge external devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent paths: one for the main apparatus operations and another for external device charging. The power supply unit can detect external device connections and maintain a dedicated power output channel even when the main apparatus is deactivated, allowing charging to continue independently of the apparatus's operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit performs preliminary detection of external device connections before the apparatus enters power-saving mode. Based on this detection, the system proactively maintains power supply capability during deactivation, ensuring charging can proceed without interruption rather than reacting after the fact.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the apparatus remains active to charge external devices, then charging continuity is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on detection results. When an external device is detected, the system transitions to a state where power supply continues during deactivation. When no external device is present, the system returns to normal power-saving behavior, optimizing the balance between charging continuity and power consumption in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit autonomously detects external device connections and independently controls the power supply state during apparatus deactivation. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain charging functionality without requiring the main apparatus to remain active, thereby reducing overall power consumption while ensuring charging continuity.
3Ease of operation
If power supply continues after deactivation, then charging convenience is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit acts as an intermediary between the main apparatus control system and the external device charging function. It receives detection information, independently manages the power supply state during deactivation, and reports back to the control unit. This intermediary role simplifies the overall control architecture by isolating the complex power management logic in a dedicated component.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes an information processing unit, an interface supplying electrical power to and communicating a signal with an external electronic device through a single connector, a unit supplying electrical power to the electronic device through the interface and including a rechargeable battery. Detection units detect a connection of the electronic device to the apparatus, an external power supply. The power supply control, when the connections are detected, keeps supplying electrical power to the electronic device through the interface even after deactivation of the apparatus, in the event an instruction to turn off a power supply of the apparatus or deactivate the apparatus is issued. When the connection of the external power supply for charging the rechargeable battery to the apparatus is not detected, the power supply does not supply electrical power to the electronic device even during operation of the apparatus.