Battery life estimation

• US 6,538,449 B2
• Filed: 03/20/2002
• Issued: 03/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nokia Corporation
• Inventors: Juncker, Carsten, Christensen, Frank Knudsen
• Primary Examiner(s): Tso, Edward H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LUK, LAWRENCE W
• Application Number:
  US10/101,160
• Publication Number:
  US 20030034779A1
• Time in Patent Office: 370 Days
• Field of Search: 324/429, 324/430, 324/428, 324/426, 320/132, 320/134, 320/118, 320/164
• US Class Current: 324/429
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3648 comprising digital calculation means, e.g. for performing an algorithm

Abstract

Battery life estimation can be performed by using an algorithm and parameter values for the algorithm, scaled according to the type, e.g. capacity and chemistry, of the battery actually being used. The result of the algorithm may be scaled according to the expected current demand of the apparatus being powered by the battery. A parameter of the algorithm may also be varied if it fails to meet a predetermined fitness criterion during discharging of the battery.

Claims

1. A battery powered apparatus comprising a battery, a memory storing a set of default parameter values appropriate for calculating a total life estimate of a reference battery according to an algorithm and processing means programmed to estimate the extant life of said battery of the apparatus by scaling at least one of said parameter values in dependence on the capacity of said battery of the apparatus and calculating a total life estimate for said battery of the apparatus using the or each scaled parameter value and said algorithm.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said battery of the apparatus includes means identifying its capacity and the processing means comprises means for determining the capacity of said battery from said capacity identifying means.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing means is programmed to implement said algorithm by calculating said total life estimate for the battery of the apparatus using the formula:

$\frac{\ln <br><br>\left(\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}\right)}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$

where φ

, ζ and

α

constitute parameters for which said default values are stored in the memory and V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery of the apparatus approaching an empty state.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the battery is a Li-ion battery and the processing means is programmed to scale the parameter α

according the capacity of the battery by implementing the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{C_{\mathrm{default}}}{C_{\mathrm{new}}}\right]+1$

where C_default is the capacity of the reference battery and C_new and the value of α

_default being one of said default parameter values stored in the memory.

5. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the battery is a NiMH battery and the processing means is programmed to scale the parameter α

according the capacity of the battery by implementing the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{C_{\mathrm{default}}}{C_{\mathrm{new}}<br><br>\left(1+Y\right)}\right]+1$

where C_default is the capacity of the reference battery and C_new and the value of α

_default being one of said default parameter values stored in the memory.

6. A method of manufacturing a battery powered apparatus having processing means, the method comprising:

discharging a battery at a constant current and recording the voltage across the battery as it discharges;

determining default parameter values for a battery discharge model for estimating total battery life from the recorded voltages; and

programming said processing means with a program implementing said model and the values of said parameter values,

wherein the programming means is programmed to scale the product of the application of said model in dependence on a current demand value dependant on said apparatus.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the parameters are for a model of the form:

$\frac{\ln <br><br>\left(\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}\right)}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$

where φ

, ζ and

α

constitute parameters for which said default values are stored in the memory and V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery of the apparatus approaching an empty state.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said scaling comprises scaling the default value of the parameter α

, stored in the memory.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the or each battery is a Li-ion battery and the or each processing means is programmed to scale the default value of α

according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}}\right]+1$

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the respective discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the or each apparatus, were determined.

10. A method according to claim 8, wherein the or each battery is a NiMH battery and the or each processing means is programmed to scale the default value of α

according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_0·<br><br>\left(1-X\right)}\right]+1$

if the apparatus dependent current is greater than that relating to the programmed parameter value and according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}·<br><br>\left(1+X\right)}\right]+1$

if the apparatus dependent current is less than that relating to the programmed parameter value,

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the respective discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the or each apparatus, were determined.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein X is about 0.05.

12. A method according to claim 6, comprising:

discharging a battery, of the same type, at a further constant current and recording the voltage across the battery as it discharges;

determining further default parameter values for the battery discharge model for estimating total battery life from the recorded voltages for said further constant current discharge,

wherein the model parameter values programmed into the processing means are selected from said determined default parameter values in dependence on said apparatus dependent current value.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the parameters are for a model of the form:

$\frac{\ln <br><br>\left(\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}\right)}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$

where φ

, ζ and

α

constitute parameters for which said default values are stored in the memory and V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery of the apparatus approaching an empty state.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein said scaling comprises scaling the default value of the parameter α

, stored in the memory.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the or each battery is a Li-ion battery and the or each processing means is programmed to scale the default value of α

according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}}\right]+1$

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the respective discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the or each apparatus, were determined.

16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the or each battery is a NiMH battery and the or each processing means is programmed to scale the default value of α

according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_0·<br><br>\left(1-X\right)}\right]+1$

if the apparatus dependent current is greater than that relating to the programmed parameter value and according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}·<br><br>\left(1+X\right)}\right]+1$

if the apparatus dependent current is less than that relating to the programmed parameter value,

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the respective discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the or each apparatus, were determined.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein X is about 0.05.

18. A method of manufacturing a plurality of different battery powered apparatuses having respective processing means and different current demands, the method comprising:

discharging a battery or a plurality of batteries of the same type at a plurality of different constant currents and recording the voltage across the or each battery as it discharges;

for each discharge current, determining default parameter values for a battery discharge model for estimating total battery life from the recorded voltages; and

for each apparatus, programming its processing means with a program implementing said model and the default parameter values for the discharge current nearest to a respective apparatus dependent current demand value,

wherein each programming means is programmed to scale the product of the application of said model in dependence on the relevant current demand value.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the parameters are for a model of the form:

$\frac{\ln <br><br>\left(\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}\right)}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$

where φ

, ζ and

α

constitute parameters for which said default values are stored in the memory and V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery of the apparatus approaching an empty state.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said scaling comprises scaling the default value of the parameter α

, stored in the memory.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the or each battery is a Li-ion battery and the or each processing means is programmed to scale the default value of α

according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}}\right]+1$

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the respective discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the or each apparatus, were determined.

22. A method according to claim 20, wherein the or each battery is a NiMH battery and the or each processing means is programmed to scale the default value of α

according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_0·<br><br>\left(1-X\right)}\right]+1$

if the apparatus dependent current is greater than that relating to the programmed parameter value and according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}·<br><br>\left(1+X\right)}\right]+1$

if the apparatus dependent current is less than that relating to the programmed parameter value,

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the respective discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the or each apparatus, were determined.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein X is about 0.05.

24. A battery powered apparatus comprising a battery and processing means configured for calculating an extant battery life estimate for the battery using a battery discharge model, wherein the product of the use of said model is scaled by the processing means in dependence on a current demand value for the apparatus.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the model is of the form:

$\frac{\ln <br><br>\left(\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}\right)}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$

and the processing means is programmed with default values for φ

, ζ

, α and

V_low and the value for α

used is derived from the programmed default value for a in dependence on said current demand value, and V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery of the apparatus approaching an empty state.

26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the battery is a Li-ion battery and the value of the parameter α

used is determined according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}}\right]+1$

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the apparatus, were determined.

27. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the battery is a NiMH battery and the value of the parameter α

used is determined according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}·<br><br>\left(1-X\right)}\right]+1$

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the apparatus, were determined.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein X is about 0.05.

29. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the battery is a NiMH battery and the value of the parameter α

used is scaled according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}·<br><br>\left(1+X\right)}\right]+1$

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the apparatus, were determined.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein X is about 0.05.

31. A battery-powered apparatus including a battery voltage sensor for sensing the voltage of a battery powering the apparatus and processing means, wherein the processing means is configured to estimate the extant life of a battery powering the apparatus by:

using a battery voltage value, derived from the voltage measured by said sensor, and a battery discharge elapsed time value to determine whether the value of a dominating parameter of a function, derived from a model of a substantial part of the discharging of a battery, meets a fitness criterion; and

if the value of said dominating parameter fails to meet said fitness criterion, modifying said dominating parameter'"'"'s value in a predetermined manner and then calculating an estimate of extant battery life using said function.

32. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the processing means is configured to generate said elapsed time value is by scaling a measured time value using a function of battery load current.

33. An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the processing means is configured to select an expected load current value from a collection of load current values indexed by operating modes of the apparatus.

34. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the processing means is configured to modify the value of a further parameter of said function if said dominating parameter'"'"'s value fails to meet said fitness criterion.

35. An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the processing means is configured to generate said elapsed time value is by scaling a measured time value using a function of battery load current.

36. An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the processing means is configured to select an expected load current value from a collection of load current values indexed by operating modes of the apparatus.

37. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said function is of the form:

$t_r=\left(\frac{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}-t_{\mathrm{elap}}\right)$

where t_r is the extant battery life value, φ

is said dominating parameter, α and

ζ

are further parameters, V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery approaching an empty state, and t_elap is said elapsed time value, and said model relates battery voltage to discharge time at constant current thus;

38. An apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said fitness criterion is:

39. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein Δ

φ

_acceptable is in the range 0.04V to 0.06V, preferably 0.05V.

40. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said battery is connected to said apparatus and the battery is a Li-ion or NiMH battery.

41. A mobile phone including a battery, a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage of the battery and a processor configured to control the mobile phone for operation in a standby mode and in a non-standby mode, the processor being further configured to estimate the extant life of said battery in said standby mode by an extant battery life estimating process comprising:

using a battery voltage value, derived from the voltage measured by said sensor, and a battery discharge elapsed time value to determine whether the value of a dominating parameter of a function, derived from a model of a substantial part of the discharging of a battery, meets a fitness criterion; and

if the value of said dominating parameter fails to meet said fitness criterion, modifying said dominating parameter'"'"'s value in a predetermined manner and calculating an estimate of extant battery life using said function.

42. A mobile phone according to claim 41, wherein said function is of the form:

$t_r=\left(\frac{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}-t_{\mathrm{elap}}\right)$

where t_r is the extant battery life value, φ

is said dominating parameter, α and

ζ

are further parameters, V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery approaching an empty state, t_elap is said elapsed time value, and said model relates battery voltage to discharge time at constant current thus;

43. A mobile phone comprising a battery, a memory storing a set of default parameter values appropriate for calculating a total life estimate of a reference battery according to an algorithm and processing means programmed to estimate the extant life of said battery of the apparatus by scaling at least one of said parameter values in dependence on the capacity of said battery of the apparatus and calculating a total life estimate for said battery of the apparatus using the or each scaled parameter value and said algorithm, wherein said process comprises initially determining whether it is being run for a first time since the mobile phone was powered up and, if so, setting the value of at least one of said parameters in dependence on the capacity of the battery.

44. A mobile phone according to claim 43, wherein said battery of the apparatus includes means identifying its capacity and the processing means comprises means for determining the capacity of said battery from said capacity identifying means.

45. A mobile phone according to claim 44, wherein the processing means is programmed to implement said algorithm by calculating said total life estimate for the battery of the apparatus using the formula:

$\frac{\ln <br><br>\left(\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}\right)}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$

where φ

, ζ and

α

constitute parameters for which said default values are stored in the memory and V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery of the apparatus approaching an empty state.

46. A mobile phone according to claim 45, wherein the battery is a Li-ion battery and the processing means is programmed to scale the parameter α

according the capacity of the battery by implementing the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{C_{\mathrm{default}}}{C_{\mathrm{new}}}\right]+1$

where C_default is the capacity of the reference battery and C_new and the value of α

_default being one of said default parameter values stored in the memory.

47. A mobile phone according to claim 45, wherein the battery is a NiMH battery and the processing means is programmed to scale the parameter α

according the capacity of the battery by implementing the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{C_{\mathrm{default}}}{C_{\mathrm{new}}<br><br>\left(1+Y\right)}\right]+1$

where C_default is the capacity of the reference battery and C_new and the value of α

_default being one of said default parameter values stored in the memory.

48. A mobile phone according to claim 43, wherein said process comprises determining whether the mobile phone is in standby mode and, if so, performing a first routine otherwise performing a second routine.

49. A mobile phone according to claim 48, wherein the first routine comprises:

updating t_elap;

determining that the battery is neither low nor high;

calculating Δ

φ

where Δ

φ

=V_b+ζ

α

^t_elap−

φ

;

determining whether this is the first time that standby mode has been entered and, if so,

updating said parameters according to ${\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+0.1<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}$${\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>\left[\frac{{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_0-1}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right]·<br><br>2$${\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>\left[\frac{{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_0}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right]·<br><br>2$

else

determining whether Δ

φ

is greater then Δ

φ

_acceptable and, if so

updating said parameters according to ${\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+\left[\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}-\frac{<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>}{\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{acceptable}}\right]·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}$${\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$${\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}};<br><br>$

and

calculating t_r,

wherein Δ

φ

_acceptable and μ

_φ

are predetermined and μ

_ζ

and μ

_α

are set according to ${\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}=\left(\frac{{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_0-1}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right)·<br><br>0.5$${\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}=\left(\frac{{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_0}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right)·<br><br>0.5.$

50. A mobile phone according to claim 48, wherein the second routine comprises:

determining whether the battery voltage indicated a full battery when last measured and, if so

estimating the prevailing load current on the basis of the current communication protocol;

estimating the equivalent standby battery voltage for the present value of t_elap;

determining whether said equivalent standby battery voltage indicates a full battery and, if not;

updating updating φ

according to φ

_new=φ

_old+0.5Δ

φ

with Δ

φ

being derived using the equivalent standby battery voltage;

else

estimating the load current according to $I_{\mathrm{load}}=\frac{\left[\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}+{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>\alpha <br><br>}}^{t_{\mathrm{elap}}}\right]-V_b}{R_b}$

 

where R_b is an approximate value for the resistance of the battery and V_b is the measured battery voltage;

calculating a value for said elapsed time value by calculating an incremental elapsed time value according to $\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>}<br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>t_{\mathrm{elap}}=\left(1+\frac{I_{\mathrm{load}}}{I_{\mathrm{min\_stby}}}\right)·<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>}<br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>t_{\mathrm{elap\_measured}}$

 

where I<sub>min—

stby</sub> is the minimum expected standby current;

calculating t_r.

51. A mobile phone including a battery, a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage of the battery and a processor configured to control the mobile phone for operation in a standby mode and in a non-standby mode, the processor being further configured to estimate the extant life of said battery in said standby mode by an extant battery life estimating process comprising:

using a battery voltage value, derived from the voltage measured by said sensor, and a battery discharge elapsed time value to determine whether the value of a dominating parameter of a function, derived from a model of a substantial part of the discharging of a battery, meets a fitness criterion; and

if the value of said dominating parameter fails to meet said fitness criterion, modifying said dominating parameter'"'"'s value in a predetermined manner and calculating an estimate of extant battery life using said function,

wherein said function is of the form;

$t_r=\left(\frac{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}-t_{\mathrm{elap}}\right)$

 

where t_r is the extant battery life value, φ

is said dominating parameter, α and

ζ

are further parameters, V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery approaching an empty state, t_elap is said elapsed time value, and said model relates battery voltage to discharge time at constant current thus;

52. A mobile phone according to claim 51, wherein said process comprises determining whether the mobile phone is in standby mode and, if so, performing a first routine otherwise performing a second routine.

53. A mobile phone according to claim 52, wherein the first routine comprises:

updating t_elap;

determining that the battery is neither low nor high;

calculating Δ

φ

where Δ

φ

=V_b+ζ

α

^t_elap−

φ

;

determining whether this is the first time that standby mode has been entered and, if so,

updating said parameters according to ${\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+0.1<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}$${\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>\left[\frac{{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_0-1}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right]·<br><br>2$${\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>\left[\frac{{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_0}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right]·<br><br>2$

else

determining whether Δ

φ

is greater then Δ

φ

_acceptable and, if so

updating said parameters according to ${\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+\left[\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}-\frac{<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>}{\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{acceptable}}\right]·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}$${\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$${\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}};<br><br>$

and

calculating t_r,

wherein Δ

φ

_acceptable and μ

_φ

are predetermined and μ

_ζ

and μ

_α

are set according ${\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}=\left(\frac{{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_0-1}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right)·<br><br>0.5$${\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}=\left(\frac{{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_0}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right)·<br><br>0.5.$

54. A mobile phone according to claim 52, wherein the second routine comprises:

determining whether the battery voltage indicated a full battery when last measured and, if so

estimating the prevailing load current on the basis of the current communication protocol;

estimating the equivalent standby battery voltage for the present value of t_elap;

determining whether said equivalent standby battery voltage indicates a full battery and, if not;

updating updating φ

according to φ

_new=φ

_old+0.5 Δ

φ

with Δ

φ

being derived using the equivalent standby battery voltage;

else

estimating the load current according to $I_{\mathrm{load}}=\frac{\left[\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}+{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>\alpha <br><br>}}^{t_{\mathrm{elap}}}\right]-V_b}{R_b}$

 

where R_b is an approximate value for the resistance of the battery and V_b is the measured battery voltage;

calculating a value for said elapsed time value by calculating an incremental elapsed time value according to $\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>}<br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>t_{\mathrm{elap}}=\left(1+\frac{I_{\mathrm{load}}}{I_{\mathrm{min\_stby}}}\right)·<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>}<br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>t_{\mathrm{elap\_measured}}$

 

where I<sub>min—

stby</sub> is the minimum expected standby current;

calculating t_r.

55. A mobile phone comprising a battery and processing means configured for calculating an extant battery life estimate for the battery using a battery discharge model, wherein the product of the use of said model is scaled by the processing means in dependence on a current demand value for the apparatus, wherein the processor is configured to control the mobile phone to operate according to a plurality of communication protocols and said process comprises initially determining whether it is being run for a first time since the mobile phone was powered up and, if so, setting the value of the parameter by scaling a default value according to the expected standby current demand for the communication protocol currently being used.

56. A mobile phone according to claim 55, wherein the model is of the form:

$\frac{\ln <br><br>\left(\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}\right)}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$

and the processing means is programmed with default values for φ

, ζ

, α and

V_low and the value for α

used is derived from the programmed default value for α

in dependence on said current demand value, and V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery of the apparatus approaching an empty state.

57. An mobile phone according to claim 56, wherein the battery is a Li-ion battery and the value of the parameter α

used is determined according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}}\right]+1$

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the respective discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the or each apparatus, were determined.

58. An mobile phone according to claim 56, wherein the battery is a NiMH battery and the value of the parameter α

used is determined according to the formula;

$\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}=\left[\left({\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{default}}-1\right)·<br><br>\frac{I_{\exp }}{I_{\mathrm{default}}·<br><br>\left(1-X\right)}\right]+1$

where I_exp is said apparatus dependent current value and I_default is the respective discharge current for which the parameter values, programmed into the or each apparatus, were determined.

59. An mobile phone according to claim 58, wherein X is about 0.05.

60. A mobile phone according to claim 55, wherein said process comprises determining whether the mobile phone is in standby mode and, if so, performing a first routine otherwise performing a second routine.

61. A mobile phone according to claim 55, wherein the first routine comprises:

updating t_elap;

determining that the battery is neither low nor high;

calculating Δ

φ

where Δ

φ

=V_b+ζ

α

^t_elap−

φ

;

determining whether this is the first time that standby mode has been entered and, if so,

updating said parameters according to ${\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+0.1<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}$${\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>\left[\frac{{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_0-1}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right]·<br><br>2$${\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>\left[\frac{{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_0}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right]·<br><br>2$

else

determining whether Δ

φ

is greater then Δ

φ

_acceptable and, if so

updating said parameters according to ${\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+\left[\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}-\frac{<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>}{\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{acceptable}}\right]·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}$${\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$${\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}};<br><br>$

and

calculating t_r,

wherein Δ

φ

_acceptable and μ

_φ

are predetermined and μ

_ζ

and μ

_α

are set according to ${\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}=\left(\frac{{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_0-1}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right)·<br><br>0.5$${\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}=\left(\frac{{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_0}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right)·<br><br>0.5.$

62. A mobile phone according to claim 55, wherein the second routine comprises:

determining whether the battery voltage indicated a full battery when last measured and, if so

estimating the prevailing load current on the basis of the current communication protocol;

estimating the equivalent standby battery voltage for the present value of t_elap;

determining whether said equivalent standby battery voltage indicates a full battery and, if not;

updating updating φ

according to φ

_new=φ

_old+0.5Δ

φ

with Δ

φ

being derived using the equivalent standby battery voltage;

else

estimating the load current according to $I_{\mathrm{load}}=\frac{\left[\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}+{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>\alpha <br><br>}}^{t_{\mathrm{elap}}}\right]-V_b}{R_b}$

 

where R_b is an

approximate value for the resistance of the battery and V_b is the measured battery voltage;

calculating a value for said elapsed time value by calculating an incremental elapsed time value according to $\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>}<br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>t_{\mathrm{elap}}=\left(1+\frac{I_{\mathrm{load}}}{I_{\mathrm{min\_stby}}}\right)·<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>}<br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>t_{\mathrm{elap\_measured}}$

 

where I<sub>min—

stby</sub> is the minimum expected standby current;

calculating t_r.

63. A mobile phone including a battery, a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage of the battery and a processor configured to control the mobile phone for operation in a standby mode and in a non-standby mode, the processor being further configured to estimate the extant life of said battery in said standby mode by an extant battery life estimating process comprising:

using a battery voltage value, derived from the voltage measured by said sensor, and a battery discharge elapsed time value to determine whether the value of a dominating parameter of a function, derived from a model of a substantial part of the discharging of a battery, meets a fitness criterion; and

if the value of said dominating parameter fails to meet said fitness criterion, modifying said dominating parameter'"'"'s value in a predetermined manner and calculating an estimate of extant battery life using said function,

wherein said function is of the form;

$t_r=\left(\frac{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\frac{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}-V_{\mathrm{low}}}{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}}{\ln <br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}-t_{\mathrm{elap}}\right)$

 

where t_r is the extant battery life value, φ

is said dominating parameter, α and

ζ

are further parameters, V_low is a battery voltage indicative of the battery approaching an empty state, t_elap is said elapsed time value, and said model relates battery voltage to discharge time at constant current thus;

64. A mobile phone according to claim 63, wherein the first routine comprises:

updating t_elap;

determining that the battery is neither low nor high;

calculating Δ

φ

where Δ

φ

V_b+ζ

α

^t_elap−

φ

;

determining whether this is the first time that standby mode has been entered and, if so,

updating said parameters according to ${\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+0.1<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}$${\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>\left[\frac{{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_0-1}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right]·<br><br>2$${\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>\left[\frac{{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_0}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right]·<br><br>2$

else

determining whether Δ

φ

is greater then Δ

φ

_acceptable and, if so

updating said parameters according to ${\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}+\left[\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}-\frac{<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}<br><br>}{\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{acceptable}}\right]·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}$${\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}$${\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{new}}={\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{old}}-\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>\varphi <br><br>}·<br><br>{\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}};<br><br>$

and

calculating t_r,

wherein Δ

φ

_acceptable and μ

_φ

are predetermined and μ

_ζ

and μ

_α

are set according to ${\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}=\left(\frac{{\mathrm{\alpha <br><br>}}_0-1}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right)·<br><br>0.5$${\mathrm{\mu <br><br>}}_{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}=\left(\frac{{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>}}_0}{{\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}}_0}\right)·<br><br>0.5.$

65. A mobile phone according to claim 63, wherein the second routine comprises:

determining whether the battery voltage indicated a full battery when last measured and, if so

estimating the prevailing load current on the basis of the current communication protocol;

estimating the equivalent standby battery voltage for the present value of t_elap;

determining whether said equivalent standby battery voltage indicates a full battery and, if not;

updating updating φ

according to φ

_new=φ

_old+0.5Δ

φ

with Δ

φ

being derived using the equivalent standby battery voltage;

else

estimating the load current according to $I_{\mathrm{load}}=\frac{\left[\mathrm{\varphi <br><br>}+{\mathrm{\zeta <br><br>\alpha <br><br>}}^{t_{\mathrm{elap}}}\right]-V_b}{R_b}$

 

where R_b is an approximate value for the resistance of the battery and V_b is the measured battery voltage;

calculating a value for said elapsed time value by calculating an incremental elapsed time value according to $\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>}<br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>t_{\mathrm{elap}}=\left(1+\frac{I_{\mathrm{load}}}{I_{\mathrm{min\_stby}}}\right)·<br><br>\mathrm{\Delta <br><br>}<br><br>\text{\hspace{1em}<br><br>}<br><br>t_{\mathrm{elap\_measured}}$

 

where I<sub>min—

stby</sub> is the minimum expected standby current;

calculating t_r.