Patent Application
20080136654
Disclosed are devices configured to execute multiple functions and methods for calculating a remaining power source life value, and more particularly, devices and methods that include a current drain profile for calculating a remaining power source life value correlated to operation of multiple functions.
The makers of mobile communication devices, including those of cellular telephones, are increasingly adding functionality to their devices. For example, cellular telephones can include features such as gaming, still and video cameras, video streaming and two-way video calling, email functionality, Internet browsers, media players, AM/FM radios, organizers, and mobile commerce such as banking, payment and ticketing. Cellular telephones are evolving into powerful tools for information management.
As users spend more time executing functions of their mobile communication devices, instead of keeping their devices on stand-by, they can consume substantial power from the power source of the device. Traditionally, a power source indicator may be depicted on the display screen of the device as a battery icon where the remaining power is indicated by threshold indicia. During stand-by, the power source indicator may provide useful information as to whether a user may rely on a power source for a predetermined period of time. However, once the user executes one of the many functions of the device, the power source indicator may be inadequate to indicate available power for that function or other functions.
It would be beneficial if a power source indicator could provide information related to a remaining power source life value for the power source correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions of the device. In this way, a user may be apprised of the power supply consequences of running particular functions of his or her mobile communication device. A user may be better able to plan their time, try new use cases, and increase network utilization when better informed about the remaining power source life value and/or time-to-charge value.
Disclosed is a device configured to execute multiple functions and a method for calculating a remaining power source life value correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions. Furthermore, the method can include providing information related to the remaining power source life value correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions. In one embodiment, downloaded current drain information related to current drain during operation of at least one of multiple functions may be received by the device. A current drain profile stored in memory may be updated based on the downloaded current drain information to generate an updated current drain profile.
In another embodiment, the current drain of the power source may be internally monitored by the device in conjunction with operation of at least one of the multiple functions to generate power consumption data. A current drain profile stored in memory can be updated to generate an updated current drain profile based on the power consumption data. A remaining power source life value can then be calculated for the power source correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions, based on the updated current drain profile.
In another embodiment, a device may be configured to execute multiple functions and a method may include calculation of a time-to-charge value based on the remaining power source life value correlated with and during operation of at least one of the multiple functions. The method can include providing information relating to the time-to-charge value correlated with operation of at least one of the multiple functions.
The instant disclosure is provided to explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of making and using various embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the invention principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. While the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described here, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.
It is understood that the use of relational terms, if any, such as first and second, up and down, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
Much of the inventive functionality and many of the inventive principles are best implemented with or in software programs or instructions and integrated circuits (ICs) such as application specific ICs. In the interest of brevity and minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts according to the present invention, discussion of such software and ICs, if any, is limited to the essentials with respect to the principles and concepts within the preferred embodiments.
The mobile communication device 102 may be implemented as a cellular telephone (also called a mobile phone). The mobile communication device 102 represents a wide variety of devices that have been developed for use within various networks. Such handheld communication devices include, for example, cellular telephones, messaging devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook or laptop computers incorporating communication modems, mobile data terminals, application specific gaming devices, video gaming devices incorporating wireless modems, and the like. Any of these portable devices may be referred to as a mobile station or user equipment. Herein, wireless communication technologies may include, for example, voice communication, the capability of transferring digital data, SMS messaging, Internet access, multi-media content access and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP).
The mobile communication device 102 can include a controller 104, a transceiver 106, a power source 108 and a memory 110. Moreover, the device can include a display 112 and an input device such as a key pad 114. Indicia may be displayed on the display 112. Information may also be annunciated by a speaker 116 of the device, or may be communicated in any other suitable manner. Depicted on the display 112 of the device 102 is an example of indicia 118 representing a battery with a time indicator that may be used to provide the remaining power source life value correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions. Any type of time indicator may provide the time remaining for a function, including stand-by. In this way, a user may be apprised of the power supply consequences of running particular functions of his or her mobile communication device 102.
As mentioned, the device 102 may include a power source 108. The power source 108 may be for example, one or more of a battery cell, fuel cell, supercapacitor, or a combination thereof. During the execution of a function, current may drain from the power source 108. Information, such as a profile, relating to the current drain from the power source 108 may be detected internally and/or may be downloaded to the device 102 via the transceiver 106. In either event, a profile including current drains correlated to different functions may be stored in memory 110.
A method for detecting current drain from the power source 108 during execution of a function in accordance with a function module 140 stored in memory 110 of the device 102 can include executing a current drain monitoring module 142 that may be in hardware or software. For internal detection of the current drain from the power source 108, the controller 104 or other processor of the device 102 may be configured as a current drain meter 242 (see
A memory 110 of the device 102 may be used to store information 130 such as profiles, data, look-up tables, statistical models, and calculated values. The memory 110 may also be used to store modules 136 that are configured to carry out certain processes of the methods as described herein. Steps of methods may involve modules and modules may be inferred by the methods discussed herein. The modules can be implemented in software, such as in the form of one or more sets of prestored instructions, and/or hardware, which can facilitate the operation of the mobile station or electronic device as discussed below. The modules may be installed at the factory or can be installed after distribution by, for example, a downloading operation. The operations in accordance with the modules will be discussed in more detail below.
As mentioned above, modules can include a function module 140 to carry out functions of the device and a current drain monitoring module 142 coupled to the controller 104 that can be configured to detect the current drain of the power source 108 in conjunction with operation of at least one of the multiple functions to generate power consumption data 144. As mentioned data such as power consumption data may be stored in memory 110 as information 130. While in this discussion there is reference to functions of the device 102, it is understood that a function can be for example, any mode, feature, operation, process, mechanism or activity that the device is configured to carry out. A function may be executed in accordance with a function module 140.
The modules can also include a current drain information download module 150 that can be coupled to the controller 104, configured to receive via the transceiver 106 downloaded current drain information 148 related to current drain during operation of at least one of multiple functions. An updating module 152 that can be coupled to the controller 104 can be configured to update current drain profile information 146 stored in memory based on the power consumption data 144 and/or the downloaded current drain information 148 to generate an updated current drain profile 154. A calculation module 156 that can be coupled to the controller 104 can be configured to calculate one or more remaining power source life values 158 for the power source 108 correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions, based on the updated current drain profile 154. A time-to-charge module 160 can be coupled to the controller 104 and configured to calculate one or more time-to-charge values 162 based on the remaining power source 108 life value correlated with and during operation of at least one of the multiple functions. An information providing module 164 coupled to the controller 104 can be configured to provide information relating to one or more remaining power source life values 158 and/or time-to-charge values 162 correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions.
As mentioned above, a current drain information profile 146 may be stored in memory 110. The current drain information profile may be used in calculating remaining power source life values 158 and time-to-charge values 162. Updating the current drain information profile 146 may occur in different manners as mentioned above. In one embodiment, the information collected during current drain monitoring by the current drain monitoring module 142 may be used to update the current drain information profile 146. In another embodiment, or in addition to the previously mentioned embodiment, the current drain information profile 146 can be updated by downloaded current drain information 148. A generic current drain information profile 146 can be deployed by default before an update takes place, or in lieu of an updated current drain information profile 154.
For updating the current drain information profile 146, the transceiver 106 may receive downloaded current drain information 148. Depicted in
In addition or in the alternative to receiving the current drain information related to current drain of an operation of at least one of multiple functions from the remote server 120 via the transceiver 106, one or more transceivers 106 can be configured to receive the current drain information via a wireless or wired transceiver process. A mobile communication device 102 of course, can include more than one transceiver 106. It is understood that one or more wired or wireless transceivers 106 may be used to download the downloaded current drain information. For example, device 102 may include more than one transceiver 106, for example transceivers for cellular, Bluetooth, WLAN and WiMax that might be used to receive downloaded current drain information 148, and as will be discussed below, upload internally collected power consumption data 144 to a remote server. In addition, or in the alternative to a wireless transceiver 106, a wired transceiver 106 may be used, for example, in conjunction with a USB port 124.
A generic or previously updated current drain information profile 154 stored in memory 110 can include, for example, profile variables or constants extrapolated from a statistical model taking into account one, some or all of the various functions of the device and expected current drain correlated to the functions. A probability of an application occurrence, either initiated by a user, or initiated by the device, may be determined in accordance with one or more statistical models. A statistical model may be for example, a regression model. It is understood that any appropriate statistical model in conjunction with either downloaded current drain information 148 and/or internally collected power consumption data 144 may be used to generate an updated current drain information profile 154.
An updated current drain information profile 154 may take into account different information and situations gathered from different sources such as power consumption data 144 and/or downloaded current drain information 148. The updating module 152 can be configured to dynamically update a current drain profile 146 stored in memory 110 based on the downloaded current drain information 148 and/or internally collected power consumption data 144 to generate an updated current drain profile 154. For example, different information may include one or more historical patterns of use by one or more users of the mobile communication device 102. Historical patterns may include most recent usage, usage over a predefined time period, average usage, and/or overall usage. Different users of the same device 102 may use the device 102 differently. There may be more than one current drain profile 146 updated in accordance with this discussion.
In another example, were a new application installed in the device 102, the current drain profile 146 may be updated with monitored current drained from the power source 108 during execution of the new application. Moreover, the specific power source 108 of the device 102 may have anomalies so that it may drain current at different rates depending upon its stored voltage. Inherent battery variability, model errors and hardware errors, for example may be taken into account in generating an updated current drain information profile 154. It may be found that the current drain for running two applications simultaneously does not equal the sum of running the two applications individually. Any other characteristics of current drain information that are based on variables and/or that are constant are within the scope of this discussion. A dynamically updated current drain profile 154 in real-time and/or near to real-time may help a user be apprised of the power supply consequences of running particular functions of his or her mobile communication device 102.
As mentioned the updated current drain information profile 154 can be based on downloaded current drain profile information 148. A user may opt-into receiving the downloaded current drain information, for example, by choosing a preference or during cellular telephone account initiation. On the other hand, a cellular service may provide the downloaded current drain information 148 along with other standard downloads.
The current drain meter 242 can be in hardware and/or software and can monitor current drain with respect to functions 240 during their execution. Any suitable manner in which to monitor current drain during the execution of functions 240 is within the scope of this discussion. It is understood, in lieu of monitoring current drain or in combination with the current drain meter 242 the downloaded current drain information 148 (see
In one embodiment, power consumption data 144 (see
Receiving the downloaded current drain data 148 and/or accessing the power consumption data 144 may be used 272 to update the current drain profile 254. It is understood that any manner for updating a current drain profile 254 is within the scope of this discussion. In accordance with an updated current drain profile 154 (see
An information providing module 164 (see
When historical pattern data is employed in conjunction with additional usage information, such as a probability of occurrence or usage for each function of the device 102, along with average power consumption for each function, a current drain profile can be constructed and stored in memory 110 of the device. The current drain profile stored in memory may be a generic profile, a downloaded profile or an updated profile as described above. The profile can be provided to a user in any manner, for example it may be displayed on the display 112.
In accordance with above described methods and device, a visually and/or audibly conveyed power source indicator such as remaining power source life value and time-to-charge value may provide information correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions of the device. In this way, a user may be apprised of the power supply consequences of running particular functions of his or her mobile communication device. A user may be better able to plan their time, try new use cases, and increase network utilization when better informed about the remaining power source life value and/or time-to-charge value.
This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principle of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.
