Apparatus and methods for managing battery performance of a wireless device

• US 8,103,266 B2
• Filed: 10/14/2005
• Issued: 01/24/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Fok, Kenny, Cassett, Tia Manning, Hwang, Jihyun
• Primary Examiner(s): Magloire, Vladimir
• Application Number:
  US11/251,297
• Publication Number:
  US 20060217152A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,293 Days
• Field of Search: 455572-574, 455/423, 455/67.11, 455/115.1, 455/425, 455/424
• US Class Current: 455/423
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3648 comprising digital calculation means, e.g. for performing an algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0384 Wireless input, i.e. hardware and software details of wireless interface arrangements for pointing devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/48 Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals, H01M50/569
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0047 with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

Apparatus, methods, and programs that determine and manage battery performance characteristics of a wireless device. Embodiments include a wireless device having a computer platform with a processing engine operable to generate a plurality of battery performance data associated with activities on the wireless device. The wireless device further includes a battery performance module operable, based on a received battery performance configuration, to collect selected ones of the plurality of battery performance data. The embodiments may also include an apparatus operable to generate the battery performance configuration, and operable to receive the collected battery performance data and to generate a performance report characterizing the battery performance of the wireless device. Further, embodiments of the apparatus may also generate and transmit to the wireless device a new device operational configuration, based on the collected battery performance data, effective to change the battery performance of the wireless device.

Claims

1. An apparatus for determining performance of a battery, comprising:

a battery performance module configured to generate a battery tracking configuration comprising a test program for execution by a wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data on the wireless device as identified by the battery tracking configuration, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

a data log configured to receive the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program, wherein the battery performance data are indicative of a battery performance characteristic corresponding to the wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program; and

an optimization module operable configured to generate a new device operational configuration, according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information;

wherein the specified functionality is selected from the group consisting of operating a user interface of the wireless device, transmitting or receiving a voice call, transmitting or receiving a data call, operating a position/location module, accessing the Internet, or running an application; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the battery performance module is operable configured to transmit the battery tracking configuration across a wireless network to the wireless device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the battery tracking configuration comprises at least one of a battery parameter, an associated data parameter, a tracking parameter, or a reporting parameter.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the battery tracking configuration further comprises test data to execute on the wireless device to cause the generation of at least a portion of the battery performance data.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the specified functionality on the wireless device comprises at least one of operating a user interface of the wireless device, transmitting or receiving a voice call, transmitting or receiving a data call, operating a position/location module, accessing the Internet, or running an application.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the battery performance module further comprises a performance analyzer and at least one of a user-defined battery performance standard or a predetermined battery performance standard, and wherein the performance analyzer is operable configured to compare the logged battery performance data to at least one of the user-defined battery performance standard or the predetermined battery performance standard to generate a battery performance characteristic.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the battery performance module is operable configured to transmit the data log across a wireless network to another entity for analysis.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the battery performance module further comprises a configurator module that sets the battery tracking configuration by allowing for a selection of the types of battery performance data to collect from a plurality of battery performance parameters.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the associated data further comprises wireless device processing subsystem data defining an operating wireless device functionality.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless device operational conditions define an operational environment of the wireless device.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wireless device operational conditions include information comprising timestamp information, currently-operating application information, and processing subsystem data defining an operating wireless device functionality.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the associated data further comprises information defining a call-related function operating on the wireless device, wherein the new device operational configuration is further effective to change another setting on the wireless device which changes operation of the call-related function on the wireless device that affects battery performance.

13. An apparatus for determining battery performance of a battery disposed on a wireless device, comprising:

means for generating a battery tracking configuration comprising a test program for execution by a wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data on the wireless device as identified by the battery tracking configuration, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

means for receiving the battery performance data and corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program, wherein the battery performance data are indicative of a battery performance characteristic corresponding to the wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program; and

means for generating a new operational configuration, according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

14. A wireless device, comprising:

a computer platform having a battery performance module configured to;

receive a battery tracking configuration comprising a test program for execution by the wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data as identified by the battery tracking configuration;

execute the test program;

log the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data during execution of the test program, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

forward the logged battery performance data and corresponding associated data for analysis; and

receive a new device operational configuration, generated according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the battery performance module is operable configured to receive the battery tracking configuration from across a wireless network.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the battery performance module is operable configured to transmit the logged battery performance data across a wireless network.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein the battery tracking configuration comprises at least one of a battery parameter, an associated data parameter, a tracking parameter, or a reporting parameter.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the battery tracking configuration further comprises test data executable to generate at least a portion of the battery performance data.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the computer platform further comprises a test module operable configured to execute the test program and the test data to generate the battery performance data.

20. The device of claim 14, wherein the specified functionality comprises a functionality selected from the group consisting of operating a user interface of the wireless device, transmitting or receiving a voice call, transmitting or receiving a data call, operating a position/location module, accessing the Internet, and running an application.

21. The device of claim 14, further comprising a data log operable configured to store the logged battery performance data.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the battery performance module is operable configured to selectively transmit the data log to another computer device across a wireless network.

23. The device of claim 14, wherein the associated data further comprises wireless device processing subsystem data defining an operating wireless device functionality.

24. The device of claim 14, wherein the wireless device operational conditions define an operational environment of the wireless device.

25. The device of claim 14, wherein the wireless device operational conditions include information comprising timestamp information, currently-operating application information, and processing subsystem data defining an operating wireless device functionality.

26. The device of claim 14, wherein the associated data further comprises information defining a call-related function operating on the wireless device, wherein the new device operational configuration is further effective to change another setting on the wireless device which changes operation of the call-related function on the wireless device that affects battery performance.

27. A wireless device, comprising:

means for receiving a battery tracking configuration comprising a test program for execution by the wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data as identified by the battery tracking configuration;

means for executing the test program;

means for logging the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data during execution of the test program, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

means for forwarding the logged battery performance data and corresponding associated data for analysis; and

means for receiving a new device operational configuration, generated according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless, device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

28. A method of managing battery performance of a wireless device, comprising:

generating a battery tracking configuration comprising a test program executable by the wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data on the wireless device as identified by the battery tracking configuration, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

receiving a data log comprising the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program, wherein the battery performance data are indicative of a battery performance characteristic corresponding to the wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program; and

generating a new device operational configuration, according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the battery tracking configuration comprises at least one of a battery performance parameter, an associated data parameter, a tracking parameter, a reporting parameter, or a test data.

30. The method of claim 28, where the specified functionality comprises a functionality selected from the group consisting of operating a user interface of the wireless device, transmitting or receiving a voice call, transmitting or receiving a data call, operating a position/location module, accessing the Internet, and running an application.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising transmitting the battery tracking configuration to the wireless device across a wireless network.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the wireless network comprises a cellular telephone network and wherein the wireless device comprises a cellular telephone.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the associated data further comprises wireless device processing subsystem data defining an operating wireless device functionality.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein the wireless device operational conditions define an operational environment of the wireless device.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein the wireless device operational conditions include information comprising timestamp information, currently-operating application information, and processing subsystem data defining an operating wireless device functionality.

36. The method of claim 28, wherein the associated data further comprises information defining a call-related function operating on the wireless device, wherein the new device operational configuration is further effective to change another setting on the wireless device which changes operation of the call-related function on the wireless device that affects battery performance.

37. A method of managing battery performance of a wireless device, comprising:

receiving a battery performance tracking configuration comprising a test program for execution by the wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data as identified by the battery tracking configuration;

executing the test program;

logging the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data during execution of the test program, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

forwarding the logged battery performance data and corresponding associated data for analysis; and

receiving a new device operational configuration, generated according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance tracking configuration defines a type of battery performance parameter to log, where the battery performance parameter is selected from the group consisting of a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current and a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising receiving the battery performance tracking configuration over a wireless network.

39. The method of claim 37, further comprising executing the test program to transmit or receive a call.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein the specified functionality comprises at least one of operating a user interface of the wireless device, transmitting or receiving a voice call, transmitting or receiving a data call, operating a position/location module, accessing the Internet, or running an application.

41. The method of claim 37, where forwarding further comprises transmitting across a wireless communications network.

42. The method of claim 41, where the wireless communications network comprises a cellular telephone network, and where the wireless device comprises a cellular telephone.

43. The method of claim 37, wherein the associated data further comprises wireless device processing subsystem data defining an operating wireless device functionality.

44. The method of claim 37, wherein the wireless device operational conditions define an operational environment of the wireless device.

45. The method of claim 37, wherein the wireless device operational conditions include information comprising timestamp information, currently-operating application information, and processing subsystem data defining an operating wireless device functionality.

46. The method of claim 37, wherein the associated data further comprises information defining a call-related function operating on the wireless device, wherein the new device operational configuration is further effective to change another setting on the wireless device which changes operation of the call-related function on the wireless device that affects battery performance.

47. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing a computer program that, when executed, directs a computer device to perform the actions of:

generating a battery tracking configuration comprising a test program executable by the wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data on the wireless device as identified by the battery tracking configuration, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

receiving a data log comprising the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program, wherein the battery performance data are indicative of a battery performance characteristic corresponding to the wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program; and

generating a new device operational configuration, according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

48. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing a computer program that, when executed, directs a wireless device to perform the actions of:

receiving a battery performance tracking configuration comprising a test program for execution by the wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data as identified by the battery tracking configuration;

executing the test program;

logging the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data during execution of the test program, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

forwarding the logged battery performance data and corresponding associated data for analysis; and

receiving a new device operational configuration, generated according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

49. At least one processor configured to perform the actions of:

generating a battery tracking configuration comprising a test program executable by the wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data on the wireless device as identified by the battery tracking configuration, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

receiving a data log comprising the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program, wherein the battery performance data are indicative of a battery performance characteristic corresponding to the wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program; and

generating a new device operational configuration, according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.

50. At least one processor configured to perform the actions of:

receiving a battery performance tracking configuration comprising a test program for execution by the wireless device, wherein the test program controls operation of a specified functionality on the wireless device while tracking battery performance data and corresponding associated data as identified by the batten'"'"' tracking configuration;

executing the test program;

logging the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data during execution of the test program, wherein the associated data comprises wireless device operational conditions during execution of the test program including information defining one or more applications operating on the wireless device;

forwarding the logged battery performance data and corresponding associated data for analysis; and

receiving a new device operational configuration, generated according to an optimization algorithm, to optimize overall battery performance, wherein the new device operational configuration changes a setting on the wireless device and an operation of the one or more applications on the wireless device to change the battery performance based on the battery performance data and the corresponding associated data logged by the wireless device during execution of the test program;

wherein the battery performance data comprises at least one of a battery identification, a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery temperature, a charging status, a charging source, a charging voltage, a charging current or a charging time; and

wherein the associated data comprises at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a slot cycle index, a call time, an analog call, a digital call, a call protocol, a sleep/idle time, a transmit power, a display light duration, talk time, idle time and low power mode information.