Time-related power systems

• US 8,244,311 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2009
• Issued: 08/14/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Boss, Gregory Jensen, Chidurala, Srinivas, Jones, Andrew R., McConnell, Kevin C., Monov, Simeon D., Vargas, Jose I.
• Primary Examiner(s): Edouard, Patrick
• Assistant Examiner(s): PEREZ, JULIO R
• Application Number:
  US12/648,923
• Publication Number:
  US 20110159931A1
• Time in Patent Office: 959 Days
• Field of Search: 455/573, 455/574, 713/300, 713/310, 713320-324, 713/330, 713/340
• US Class Current: 455/573
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3212 Monitoring battery levels, e.g. power saving mode being initiated when battery voltage goes below a certain level
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3287 by switching off individual functional units in the computer system
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/329 by task scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72448 with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0264 by selectively disabling software applications
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A method, programmed medium and system are disclosed which provide for user-controlled management of power requirements for mobile devices. The system dynamically adjusts power settings according to goals set by the end user. The end user specifies a time-to-live goal in hours, minutes or a predetermined date/time and the power management function continuously monitors and adjusts power components to meet that goal.

Claims

1. A method for processing power management in a mobile device designed to be powered by a battery, said method comprising:

providing user input means for receiving user input specifying an operating time desired by said user for said mobile device to maintain sufficient battery life for a continued operation of said mobile device during said operating time;

monitoring battery charge level of said battery;

determining battery charge usage level of said mobile device;

determining projected operating time of said mobile device if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

determining if said battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

continuously determining a current battery charge usage level and a current battery charge level, said method further including continuously determining if said current battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

notifying said user when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

determining which applications are running on said mobile device;

displaying a priority power-down schedule to said user for enabling said user to input a priority level to each application running on said mobile device; and

using said power-down schedule by said mobile device to power-down one or more of said applications when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, said mobile device being operable to continue to power-down said applications until said mobile device is determined to be able to operate for said operating time.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said notifying is accomplished by providing a visual notification to said user.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said notifying is accomplished by providing an audio notification to said user.

4. The method as set forth in claim 1 and further including notifying said user when it is determined that it is not possible to operate said mobile device for said operating time even if all applications are powered-down.

5. A method for processing power management in a mobile device designed to be powered by a battery, said method comprising:

providing user input means for receiving user input specifying an operating time desired by said user for said mobile device to maintain sufficient battery life for a continued operation of said mobile device during said operating time;

monitoring battery charge level of said battery;

determining battery charge usage level of said mobile device;

determining projected operating time of said mobile device if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

determining if said battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

continuously determining a current battery charge usage level and a current battery charge level, said method further including continuously determining if said current battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

notifying said user when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

determining which devices are running on said mobile device;

displaying a priority power-down schedule to said user for enabling said user to input a priority level to each device running on said mobile device; and

using said power-down schedule by said mobile device to power-down one or more of said devices when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, said mobile device being operable to continue to power-down said devices until said mobile device is determined to be able to operate for said operating time.

6. The method as set forth in claim 5 and further including notifying said user when it is determined that it is not possible to operate said mobile device for said operating time even if all devices are powered-down.

7. A method for processing power management in a mobile device designed to be powered by a battery, said method comprising:

providing user input means for receiving user input specifying an operating time desired by said user for said mobile device to maintain sufficient battery life for a continued operation of said mobile device during said operating time;

monitoring battery charge level of said battery;

determining battery charge usage level of said mobile device;

determining projected operating time of said mobile device if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

determining if said battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile, device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

continuously determining a current battery charge usage level and a current battery charge level, said method further including continuously determining if said current battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

notifying said user when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

determining which devices and applications are running on said mobile device;

displaying a priority power-down schedule to said user for enabling said user to input a priority level to each device and application running on said mobile device; and

using said power-down schedule by said mobile device to power-down one or more of said devices and applications when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, said mobile device being operable to continue to power-down said devices and applications until said mobile device is determined to be able to operate for said operating time.

8. The method as set forth in claim 7 and further including notifying said user when it is determined that it is not possible to operate said mobile device for said operating time even if all devices and applications are powered-down.

9. A computer program product, said computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable, tangible storage devices and computer-readable program code which is stored on said one or more storage devices and when executed by one or more processors, enable processing of power management in a mobile device designed to be powered by a battery, the program code being configured such that when such program code is received by said mobile device, said mobile device is operable for:

receiving user input for specifying an operating time desired by said user for said mobile device to maintain sufficient battery life for a continued operation of said mobile device during said operating time;

monitoring battery charge level of said battery;

determining battery charge usage level of said mobile device;

determining projected operating time of said mobile device if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

determining if said battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

continuously determining a current battery charge usage level and a current battery charge level, said method further including continuously determining if said current battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

notifying said user when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

determining which applications are running on said mobile device;

displaying a priority power-down schedule to said user for enabling said user to input a priority level to each application running on said mobile device; and

using said power-down schedule by said mobile device to power-down one or more of said applications when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, said mobile device being operable to continue to power-down said applications until said mobile device is determined to be able to operate for said operating time.

10. The computer program product as set forth in claim 9 wherein said mobile device is further operable in response to a reading of said program code for notifying said user by providing a visual notification to said user.

11. The computer program product as set forth in claim 9 wherein said mobile device is further operable in response to a reading of said program code for notifying said user by providing an audible notification to said user.

12. The computer program product as set forth in claim 9 wherein said mobile device is further operable in response to a reading of said program code for notifying said user when it is determined that it is not possible to operate said mobile device for said operating time even if all applications are powered-down.

13. A computer program product, said computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable, tangible storage devices and computer-readable program code which is stored on said one or more storage devices and, when executed by one or more processors, enable processing of power management, in a mobile device designed to be powered by a battery, the program code being configured such that when such program code is received by said mobile device, said mobile device is operable for:

receiving user input for specifying an operating time desired by said user for said mobile device to maintain sufficient battery life for a continued operation of said mobile device during said operating time;

monitoring battery charge level of said battery;

determining battery charge usage level of said mobile device;

determining projected operating time of said mobile device if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level; and

determining if said battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

continuously determining a current battery charge usage level and a current battery charge level, said method further including continuously determining if said current battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

notifying said user when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

determining which devices are running on said mobile device;

displaying a priority power-down schedule to said user for enabling said user to input a priority level to each device running on said mobile device; and

using said power-down schedule by said mobile device to power-down one or more of said devices when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, said mobile device being operable to continue to power-down said devices until said mobile device is determined to be able to operate for said operating time.

14. The computer program product as set forth in claim 13 wherein said mobile device is further operable in response to a reading of said program code for notifying said user when it is determined that it is not possible to operate said mobile device for said operating time even if all devices are powered-down.

15. A computer program product, said computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable, tangible storage devices and computer-readable program code which is stored on said one or more storage devices and, when executed by one or more processors, enable processing of power management in a mobile device designed to be powered by a battery, the program code being configured such that when such program code is received by said mobile device, said mobile device is operable for:

receiving user input for specifying an operating time desired by said user for said mobile device to maintain sufficient battery life for a continued operation of said mobile device during said operating time;

monitoring battery charge level of said battery;

determining battery charge usage level of said mobile device;

determining projected operating time of said mobile device if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

determining if said battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

continuously determining a current battery charge usage level and a current battery charge level, said method further including continuously determining if said current battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

notifying said user when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

determining which devices and applications are running on said mobile device;

displaying a priority power-down schedule to said user for enabling said user to input a priority level to each device and application running on said mobile device; and

using said power-down schedule by said mobile device to power-down one or more of said devices and applications when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, said mobile device being operable to continue to power-down said devices and applications until said mobile device is determined to be able to operate for said operating time.

16. The computer program product as set forth in claim 15 wherein said mobile device is further operable in response to a reading of said program code for notifying said user when it is determined that it is not possible to operate said mobile device for said operating time even if all devices and applications are powered-down.

17. A mobile device enabled for processing power management in said mobile device, said mobile device being designed to be powered by a battery, said mobile device comprising:

means for receiving user input specifying an operating time desired by said user for said mobile device to maintain sufficient battery life for a continued operation of said mobile device during said operating time;

means for continuously determining a current battery charge usage level and a current battery charge level;

means for determining projected operating time of said mobile device if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

means for determining if said battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

means for notifying said user when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level;

means for determining which applications are running on said mobile device;

means for displaying a priority power-down schedule to said user for enabling said user to input a priority level to each application running on said mobile device; and

means for using said power-down schedule by said mobile device to power-down one or more of said applications when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, said mobile device being operable to continue to power-down said applications until said mobile device is determined to be able to operate for said operating time.

18. The mobile device as set forth in claim 17 and further including:

means for notifying said user when it is determined that it is not possible to operate said mobile device for said operating time even if all applications are powered-down.

19. A mobile device enabled for processing power management in said mobile device, said mobile device being designed to be powered by a battery, said mobile'"'"'device comprising:

means for receiving user input specifying an operating time desired by said user for said mobile device to maintain sufficient battery life for a continued operation of said mobile device during said operating time;

means for monitoring battery charge level of said battery;

means for determining battery charge usage level of said mobile device;

means for determining projected operating time of said mobile device if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

means for determining if said battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said battery charge usage level;

means for continuously determining a current battery charge usage level and a current battery charge level, said mobile device being further operable for continuously determining if said current battery charge level is sufficient to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, and means for notifying said user when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, wherein said notifying is accomplished by providing a visual or audio notification to said user;

means for determining which devices and applications are running on said mobile device;

means for displaying a priority power-down schedule to said user for enabling said user to input a priority level to each device and application running on said mobile device;

means for using said power-down schedule by said mobile device to power-down one or more of said devices and applications when it is determined that it is impossible to maintain operation of said mobile device during said operating time if said mobile device continues to operate at said current battery charge usage level, said mobile device being operable to continue to power-down said devices and applications until said mobile device is determined to be able to operate for said operating time; and

means for notifying said user when it is determined that it is not possible to operate said mobile device for said operating time even if all devices and applications are powered-down.