Power transfer between devices
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device comprising:
- a processor;
a memory coupled to the processor;
a power source;
a user interface arranged to;
display an availability of other devices having respective power sources from which power can be accessed;
display a current power status of the device; and
display user selectable power transfer preferences that enable a user to define power transfer preferences between the device and the other devices;
at least one bi-directional power transfer connector arranged to enable the device to be connected to another device having a power source;
a power bus linking the power source and the power transfer connector and arranged to enable bi-directional power transfer relative to the power source; and
a power management module connected to the power bus and arranged to control the bi-directional power transfer, the power management module being configured to determine whether to provide a first level of power or a second level of power to a second device, the first level of power being sufficient to power operation of the second device, the second level of power being sufficient to power operation of the second device and charging of a battery of the second device, the determination being based at least in part on whether the battery of the second device is to be charged.
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Abstract
Power transfer between devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, media players and other devices is described. In an embodiment power transfer is achieved either from a power source at a device or to a power source at that device using a bidirectional power transfer connector. In some embodiments a power management module at the device uses context, models or other information to control factors such as the power transfer direction, duration and amount. In examples, user preferences are taken into account. In an example, the bi-directional power transfer connector is provided as a USB connection or a wireless power transfer connection.
32 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; a power source; a user interface arranged to; display an availability of other devices having respective power sources from which power can be accessed; display a current power status of the device; and display user selectable power transfer preferences that enable a user to define power transfer preferences between the device and the other devices; at least one bi-directional power transfer connector arranged to enable the device to be connected to another device having a power source; a power bus linking the power source and the power transfer connector and arranged to enable bi-directional power transfer relative to the power source; and a power management module connected to the power bus and arranged to control the bi-directional power transfer, the power management module being configured to determine whether to provide a first level of power or a second level of power to a second device, the first level of power being sufficient to power operation of the second device, the second level of power being sufficient to power operation of the second device and charging of a battery of the second device, the determination being based at least in part on whether the battery of the second device is to be charged. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A portable device comprising:
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a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; a power source; a user interface arranged to enable a user to provide user power transfer preferences between the first device and a second device having a power source from which power can be accessed; at least one bi-directional power transfer connector arranged to enable the first device to be connected to the second device having the power source; a power bus linking the power source and the power transfer connector and arranged to enable bi-directional power transfer relative to the power source both when the first device is powered on and when the first device is powered down; and a power management module connected to the power bus and arranged to control the bi-directional power transfer, the power management module being configured to determine whether to provide a first level of power or a second level of power to the first device, the first level of power being sufficient to power operation of the first device, the second level of power being sufficient to power operation of the first device and charging of a battery of the first device, the determination being based at least in part on whether the battery of the first device is to be charged. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method at a device having a power source comprising:
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using a processor to detect the presence of at least one other device having a power source; using the processor to assess whether power transfer negotiation with the detected device is possible; using the processor to display, on a user interface of the device, power transfer preferences, the displayed power transfer preferences being selectable by a user and defining power transfer preferences between the device and the detected device; using a power management module to make a decision about bi-directional power transfer between the devices on the basis of the user selected power transfer preferences, the decision including a determination of whether to provide a first level of power or a second level of power to a second device, the first level of power being sufficient to power operation of the second device, the second level of power being sufficient to power operation of the second device and charging of a battery of the second device, the determination being based at least in part on whether the battery of the second device is to be charged; establishing a connection between the detected device and a bi-directional power transfer connector at the device; and using a power transfer bus to carry out power transfer between the devices. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification