PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11089398-B1
Application Number: US-202016902805-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Battery charging control for wireless headphones

Abstract:
A method of controlling charging of a wireless headphone device includes estimating a usage time value that corresponds to an anticipated future occurrence of usage of the wireless headphone device and estimating a resume time value that corresponds to a time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from a first predetermined state of charge value to a second predetermined state of charge value by the usage time value. The method also includes determining that the wireless headphone device has been placed in a charging case. A battery of the wireless headphone device is charged to the first predetermined state of charge value and then enters a deactivated mode, wherein the charging case is configured to return the wireless headphone device to an activated mode according to the resume time value.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of controlling charging of a wireless headphone device, comprising:
 estimating a usage time value that corresponds to an anticipated future occurrence of usage of the wireless headphone device for audio output; 
 estimating a resume time value that corresponds to a time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from a first predetermined state of charge value to a second predetermined state of charge value by the usage time value; 
 determining that the wireless headphone device has been placed in a charging case; 
 charging a battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until a current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value; and 
 entering, by the wireless headphone device, a deactivated mode after the current state of charge reaches the first predetermined state of charge value, wherein the charging case is configured to return the wireless headphone device to an activated mode according to the resume time value. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 entering, by the wireless headphone device, the activated mode in response to a wake signal from the charging case to the wireless headphone device after a current time value reaches the resume time value; and 
 charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein estimating the usage time value is performed by a host device based in part on connection history information regarding wireless communications between the wireless headphone device and the host device. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein estimating the usage time value is performed using a machine-learning based model that receives the connection history information as an input. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the usage time value is transmitted from the host device to a controller of the wireless headphone device, the resume time value is determined by the controller of the wireless headphone device, and the resume time value is transmitted from the wireless headphone device to the charging case. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 2 , wherein no electrical power from the battery of the wireless headphone device is used by the wireless headphone device in the deactivated mode. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first predetermined state of charge value is between seventy percent and ninety percent of a fully-charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device, and the second predetermined state of charge value is at least ninety-five percent of a fully charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 outputting a notification at a host device in response to detecting an attempt to use the wireless headphone device before the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 disabling entry into the deactivated mode if the battery of the wireless headphone device is fully discharged prior to charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. 
 
     
     
       10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage device including program instructions executable by one or more processors that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform operations, the operations comprising:
 estimating a usage time value that corresponds to an anticipated future occurrence of usage of a wireless headphone device for audio output; 
 estimating a resume time value that corresponds to a time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from a first predetermined state of charge value to a second predetermined state of charge value by the usage time value; 
 determining that the wireless headphone device has been placed in a charging case; 
 charging a battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until a current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value; and 
 entering, by the wireless headphone device, a deactivated mode after the current state of charge reaches the first predetermined state of charge value, wherein the charging case is configured to return the wireless headphone device to an activated mode according to the resume time value. 
 
     
     
       11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of  claim 10 , the operations further comprising:
 entering, by the wireless headphone device, an activated mode in response to a wake signal from the charging case to the wireless headphone device after a current time value reaches the resume time value; and 
 charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
 
     
     
       12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of  claim 11 , wherein estimating the usage time value is performed by a host device based in part on connection history information regarding wireless communications between the wireless headphone device and the host device. 
     
     
       13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of  claim 12 , wherein estimating the usage time value is performed using a machine-learning based model that receives the connection history information as an input. 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of  claim 12 , wherein the usage time value is transmitted from the host device to a controller of the wireless headphone device, the resume time value is determined by the controller of the wireless headphone device, and the resume time value is transmitted from the wireless headphone device to the charging case. 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of  claim 11 , wherein no electrical power from the battery of the wireless headphone device is used by the wireless headphone device in the deactivated mode. 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of  claim 11 , wherein the first predetermined state of charge value is between seventy percent and ninety percent of a fully-charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device, and the second predetermined state of charge value is at least ninety-five percent of a fully charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device. 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of  claim 11 , the operations further comprising:
 outputting a notification at a host device in response to detecting an attempt to use the wireless headphone device before the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of  claim 11 , the operations further comprising:
 disabling entry into the deactivated mode if the battery of the wireless headphone device is fully discharged prior to charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. 
 
     
     
       19. A system for controlling charging of a wireless headphone device, comprising:
 one or more processors that are provided with computer program instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:
 estimate a usage time value that corresponds to an anticipated future occurrence of usage of the wireless headphone device for audio output, 
 estimate a resume time value that corresponds to a time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from a first predetermined state of charge value to a second predetermined state of charge value by the usage time value, 
 determine that the wireless headphone device has been placed in a charging case, 
 cause charging of a battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until a current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value, and 
 cause entry into, by the wireless headphone device, a deactivated mode after the current state of charge reaches the first predetermined state of charge value, wherein the charging case is configured to return the wireless headphone device to an activated mode according to the resume time value. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 19 , wherein the computer program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to:
 cause entry into, by the wireless headphone device, the activated mode in response to a wake signal from the charging case to the wireless headphone device after a current time value reaches the resume time value; and 
 cause charging of the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 20 , wherein estimating the usage time value is performed by a host device based in part on connection history information regarding wireless communications between the wireless headphone device and the host device. 
     
     
       22. The system of  claim 20 , wherein estimating the usage time value is performed using a machine-learning based model that receives the connection history information as an input. 
     
     
       23. The system of  claim 20 , wherein the usage time value is transmitted from the host device to a controller of the wireless headphone device, the resume time value is determined by the controller of the wireless headphone device, and the resume time value is transmitted from the wireless headphone device to the charging case. 
     
     
       24. The system of  claim 20 , wherein no electrical power from the battery of the wireless headphone device is used by the wireless headphone device in the deactivated mode. 
     
     
       25. The system of  claim 20 , wherein the first predetermined state of charge value is between seventy percent and ninety percent of a fully-charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device, and the second predetermined state of charge value is at least ninety-five percent of a fully charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device. 
     
     
       26. The system of  claim 20 , wherein the computer program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to:
 output a notification at a host device in response to detecting an attempt to use the wireless headphone device before the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
 
     
     
       27. The system of  claim 20 , wherein the computer program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to:
 disable entry into the deactivated mode if the battery of the wireless headphone device is fully discharged prior to charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to charging rechargeable batteries. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices can be powered by rechargeable batteries. The batteries can be recharged by supply of electrical power to the rechargeable batteries using a charging device. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a method of controlling charging of a wireless headphone device. The method includes estimating a usage time value that corresponds to an anticipated future occurrence of usage of a wireless headphone device for audio output, and estimating a resume time value that corresponds to a time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from a first predetermined state of charge value to a second predetermined state of charge value by the usage time value. The method also includes determining that the wireless headphone device has been placed in a charging case. The method also includes charging a battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until a current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value, entering, by the wireless headphone device, a deactivated mode after the current state of charge reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. The charging case is configured to return the wireless headphone device to an activated mode according to the resume time value. 
     In some implementations of the method, the method also includes entering, by the wireless headphone device, an activated mode in response to a wake signal from the charging case to the wireless headphone device after a current time value reaches the resume time value, and charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     In some implementations of the method, estimating the usage time value is performed by a host device based in part on connection history information regarding wireless communications between the wireless headphone device and the host device. 
     In some implementations of the method, estimating the usage time value is performed using a machine-learning based model that receives the connection history information as an input. 
     In some implementations of the method, the usage time value is transmitted from the host device to a controller of the wireless headphone device, the resume time value is determined by the controller of the wireless headphone device, and the resume time value is transmitted from the wireless headphone device to the charging case. 
     In some implementations of the method, no electrical power from the battery of the wireless headphone device is used by the wireless headphone device in the deactivated mode. 
     In some implementations of the method, the first predetermined state of charge value is between seventy percent and ninety percent of a fully-charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device, and the second predetermined state of charge value is at least ninety-five percent of a fully charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device. 
     The method may also include outputting a notification at a host device in response to detecting an attempt to use the wireless headphone device before the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     The method may also include disabling entry into the deactivated mode if the battery of the wireless headphone device is fully discharged prior to charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a non-transitory computer-readable storage device including program instructions executable by one or more processors that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include estimating a usage time value that corresponds to an anticipated future occurrence of usage of a wireless headphone device for audio output, and estimating a resume time value that corresponds to a time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from a first predetermined state of charge value to a second predetermined state of charge value by the usage time value. The operations also include determining that the wireless headphone device has been placed in a charging case. The operations also include charging a battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until a current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value, and entering, by the wireless headphone device, a deactivated mode after the current state of charge reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. The charging case is configured to return the wireless headphone device to an activated mode according to the resume time value. 
     In some implementations of the non-transitory computer-readable storage device, the operations also include entering, by the wireless headphone device, an activated mode in response to a wake signal from the charging case to the wireless headphone device after a current time value reaches the resume time value, and charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     In some implementations of the non-transitory computer-readable storage device, estimating the usage time value is performed by a host device based in part on connection history information regarding wireless communications between the wireless headphone device and the host device. 
     In some implementations of the non-transitory computer-readable storage device, estimating the usage time value is performed using a machine-learning based model that receives the connection history information as an input. 
     In some implementations of the non-transitory computer-readable storage device, the usage time value is transmitted from the host device to a controller of the wireless headphone device, the resume time value is determined by the controller of the wireless headphone device, and the resume time value is transmitted from the wireless headphone device to the charging case. 
     In some implementations of the non-transitory computer-readable storage device, no electrical power from the battery of the wireless headphone device is used by the wireless headphone device in the deactivated mode. 
     In some implementations of the non-transitory computer-readable storage device, the first predetermined state of charge value is between seventy percent and ninety percent of a fully-charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device, and the second predetermined state of charge value is at least ninety-five percent of a fully charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device. 
     In some implementations of the non-transitory computer-readable storage device, the operations further include outputting a notification at a host device in response to detecting an attempt to use the wireless headphone device before the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     In some implementations of the non-transitory computer-readable storage device, the operations further include disabling entry into the deactivated mode if the battery of the wireless headphone device is fully discharged prior to charging the battery of the wireless headphone device using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a charging system. The charging system includes a host device, a wireless headphone device that includes a battery, and a charging case. The host device is configured to estimate a usage time value that corresponds to an anticipated future occurrence of usage of the wireless headphone device for audio output in response to placement of the wireless headphone device in the charging case. The battery of the wireless headphone device is charged by electrical power supplied by the charging case until a current state of charge of the battery reaches a first predetermined state of charge value. The wireless headphone device enters a deactivated mode after the current state of charge reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. The charging case is configured to return the wireless headphone device to an activated mode according to a resume time value. The resume time value is an estimated time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from the first predetermined state of charge value to a second predetermined state of charge value by the usage time value. 
     In some implementations of the charging system, the wireless headphone device enters an activated mode after a current time value reaches a resume time value. The battery of the wireless headphone device is charged using electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     In some implementations of the charging system, the usage time value is estimated by the host device based in part on connection history information regarding wireless communications between the wireless headphone device and the host device. 
     In some implementations of the charging system, the usage time value is estimated using a machine-learning based model that receives the connection history information as an input. 
     In some implementations of the charging system, the usage time value is transmitted from the host device to a controller of the wireless headphone device, the resume time value is determined by the controller of the wireless headphone device, and the resume time value is transmitted from the wireless headphone device to the charging case. 
     In some implementations of the charging system, no electrical power from the battery of the wireless headphone device is used by the wireless headphone device in the deactivated mode. 
     In some implementations of the charging system, the first predetermined state of charge value is between seventy percent and ninety percent of a fully-charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device, and the second predetermined state of charge value is at least ninety-five percent of a fully charged state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device. 
     In some implementations of the charging system, a notification is output at a host device in response to detecting an attempt to use the wireless headphone device before the current state of charge of the battery reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     In some implementations of the charging system, entry into the deactivated mode is disabled if the battery of the wireless headphone device is fully discharged before the battery of the wireless headphone device is charged by the electrical power supplied by the charging case until the current state of charge of the battery reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration that shows an example of a charging system. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram that shows an example of a hardware configuration for a host device. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram that shows an example of a hardware configuration for a wireless headphone device. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram that shows an example of a hardware configuration for a charging case. 
         FIG. 5  is a graph that shows the magnitude of a state of charge value of the battery of the wireless headphone device with respect to time during a charging procedure performed using the charging system. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration that shows operation of the charging system. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart that shows an example of a process for generating a usage prediction model. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart that shows an example of a process for estimating a usage time value. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart that shows an example of a process for charging control. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The systems and methods that are described herein relate to charging a battery of a wireless headphone device. The battery is initially charged to a first predetermined state of charge value (e.g., eighty percent state of charge). Charging is later resumed to charge to a second state of charge value (e.g., one-hundred percent). By holding the battery at the first predetermined charge value, holding the battery at a high state of charge value for a prolonged time period is avoided in order to prolong the useful life and performance of the battery. Charging is resumed according to an estimated time at which the user will next use the wireless headphone device. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration that shows an example of a charging system  100  that is configured to control charging of a rechargeable battery. The charging system  100  includes a host device  101 , wireless headphone device  102 , and a charging case  103 . 
     The host device  101  is an electronic device that is able to communicate wirelessly with the wireless headphone device  102 . The host device  101  may be, as examples, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a smart phone. 
     The wireless headphone device  102  is an audio output device. In the illustrated example, the wireless headphone device  102 , is a pair of wireless earbuds (e.g., a first wireless earbud and a second wireless earbud). In other implementations, the wireless headphone device may be a pair of on-ear headphones, a pair of over-the-ear headphones, a single wireless earbud, a wireless earpiece, or a hearing aid. In the illustrated example, the two individual wireless earbuds may communicate wirelessly with each other. In other structural configuration (e.g., as a pair of headphones), a wired connection between two earpieces may be used. In implementations with two separate devices that are part of a pair, each device (e.g., each earbud) may communicate separately with other devices, such as the host device  101  and the charging case  103 , or the devices (e.g., earbuds) may be related to each other in a master-slave configuration in which only one of them communicates with other devices such as the host device  101  and the charging case  103 . 
     The charging case  103  is a device that is configured to charge the battery or batteries of the wireless headphone device  102 . The charging case  103  includes a housing  104  a receptacle  105  (e.g., a single receptacle or two receptacles) formed in the housing  104 , a lid  106  that allows access to the receptacle  105  in an open position and blocks access to the receptacle  105  in a closed position and is movable between the open position and the closed position (e.g., by a hinge that connects the lid  106  to the housing  104 ), and a lid position sensor  107 , such as a mechanical switch or a non-mechanical sensor (e.g., hall effect sensor or reed switch). 
     The host device  101  may communicate with the wireless headphone device  102  using a first wireless communication connection. The first wireless communication connection between the host device  101  and the wireless headphone device  102  may be connected and disconnected, for example, by establishing wireless communications to enter a connected state from a disconnected state, and by terminating wireless communications to enter the disconnected state from the connected state. The first wireless communication connection allows the host device  101  to use the wireless headphone device  102  as an audio output device, for example, by transmitting an audio signal (e.g., in the form of an encoded data stream) from the host device  101  to the wireless headphone device  102 , where the audio signal is used to generate sound (e.g., using a loudspeaker). 
     The charging case  103  may communicate with the wireless headphone device  102  using a second wireless communication connection. The second wireless communication connection between the charging case  103  and the wireless headphone device  102  may be connected and disconnected, for example, by establishing wireless communications to enter a connected state from a disconnected state, and by terminating wireless communications to enter the disconnected state from the connected state. The second wireless communication connection allows the charging case  103  to use the wireless headphone device  102  as an audio output device, for example, by transmitting an audio signal (e.g., in the form of an encoded data stream) from the charging case  103  to the wireless headphone device  102 , where the audio signal is used to generate sound (e.g., using a loudspeaker). The charging case  103  may communicate to with the host device  101  through the wireless headphone device  102  or directly through a separate wireless communication connection. 
     The first wireless communication connection and the second wireless communication connection may use any suitable wireless communication protocol. Communications may be direct (e.g., from device to device without intervening networking devices) or may be indirect through a wireless network. As examples, the first wireless communication connection and the second wireless communication connection may use short range, lower power radio communication protocols, such as Bluetooth®, low power Bluetooth®, or Zigbee. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration that shows an example of a hardware configuration for the host device  101 . In the illustrated example, the host device  101  includes a processor  211 , a memory  212 , a storage device  213 , one or more input devices  214 , one or more output devices  215 , a communications device  216 , a battery  217 , and host-side software  218 . Hardware components of the host device  101  may be interconnected using conventional components such as a system bus. 
     The processor  211  is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. As an example, the processor  211  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit. The memory  212  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  213  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  214  may include any type of human-machine interface such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, an audio input device such as a microphone that is configured to output an audio signal that can be stored as an audio recording, and an image input device such as a still image camera that is able to define a raster image (e.g., comprised of pixels) that represents a scene or a video camera that is operable to define raster video frames that represent a scene. The output devices  215  may include any type of device operable to provide an indication to a user regarding an operating state, such as a display screen or an audio output. 
     The communications device  216  is a short range wireless communications device. As an example, the communications device  216  may transmit information using radio frequencies. The communications device  216  may use conventional short range communications protocols or wireless networking protocols. The communications device  216  may use short range, lower power radio communication protocols, such as Bluetooth®, low power Bluetooth®, or Zigbee. The communications device  216  may be used by the host device  101  to establish the first wireless communications connection with the wireless headphone device  102 . 
     The battery  217  is a power source (e.g., including battery cells) that is included in the host device  101 . The battery  217  is configured to supply electrical power to the various components of the host device  101 . The battery  217  is a rechargeable having a state of charge that decreases during use and increases during charging. 
     The host-side software  218  is software that controls aspects of the operation of the host device  101 . The host-side software  218  may include computer program instructions that are stored in the storage device  213 , can loaded into the memory  212 , and executed by the processor  211  of the host device  101 . The functions performed by the host-side software  218  include connecting and disconnecting wireless communications with the wireless headphone device  102  in order to output audio using the wireless headphone device  102 . The functions performed by the host-side software  218  include receiving information from the wireless headphone device  102  and storing that information for use in controlling battery charging. The functions performed by the host-side software  218  include controlling battery charging of the wireless headphone device  102 . These and other functions that may be performed by the host-side software  218  will be described further herein. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration that shows an example of a hardware configuration for the wireless headphone device  102 . In the illustrated example, the wireless headphone device  102  includes a controller  321 , a communications device  322 , a battery  323 , a charging interface  324 , device-side software  325 , and audio output components  326 . Hardware components of the wireless headphone device  102  may be interconnected using conventional components such as a system bus. 
     The controller  321  is a computing device. The controller  321  may include example, including a processor, memory, and storage. The controller  321  may be or include an application-specific integrated circuit. The controller  321  may be or include a system on a chip. The controller  321  is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. 
     The communications device  322  is a short range wireless communications device. As an example, the communications device  322  may transmit information using radio frequencies. The communications device  322  may use conventional short range communications protocols or wireless networking protocols. The communications device  322  may use short range, lower power radio communication protocols, such as Bluetooth®, low power Bluetooth®, or Zigbee. The communications device  322  may be used by the wireless headphone device  102  to establish the first wireless communications connection with the host device  101 . The communications device  322  may be used by the wireless headphone device  102  to establish the second wireless communications connection with the charging case  103 . 
     The battery  323  is a power source (e.g., including battery cells) that is included in the wireless headphone device  102 . The battery  323  is configured to supply electrical power to the various components of the wireless headphone device  102 . The battery  323  is a rechargeable having a state of charge that decreases during use and increases during charging. 
     The charging interface  324  is an electrical connector (e.g., including conductive contacts or including an inductive charging structure) that is formed on the wireless headphone device  102 . The charging interface  324  is configured to allow electrical connection to corresponding components of the charging case  103  so that the charging case  103  may supply electrical power to the wireless headphone device  102  in order to charge the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  when the wireless headphone device  102  is located in the receptacle  105  of the charging case  103 . 
     The device-side software  325  is software that controls aspects of the operation of the wireless headphone device  102 . The device-side software  325  may include computer program instructions that are stored by and executed by the controller  321  of the wireless headphone device  102 . The functions performed by the device-side software  325  include connecting and disconnecting wireless communications with the host device  101  and/or the charging case  103  in order to exchange information, commands, responses, etc., between the wireless headphone device  102 , the host device  101 , and the charging case  103 . The functions performed by the device-side software  325  include controlling battery charging of the wireless headphone device  102 . These and other functions that may be performed by the device-side software  325  will be described further herein. 
     The audio output components  326  are components that output sound that can be heard by a user. Conventional components may be used, such as loudspeakers (e.g., miniature loudspeakers). 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration that shows an example of a hardware configuration for the charging case  103 . In the illustrated example, the wireless headphone device  102  includes a controller  431 , a communications device  432 , a battery  433 , a charging interface  434 , and case-side software  435 . Hardware components of the charging case  103  may be interconnected using conventional components such as a system bus. 
     The controller  431  is a computing device. The controller  431  may include example, including a processor, memory, and storage. The controller  431  may be or include an application-specific integrated circuit. The controller  431  may be or include a system on a chip. The controller  431  is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. 
     The communications device  432  is a short range wireless communications device. As an example, the communications device  432  may transmit information using radio frequencies. The communications device  432  may use conventional short range communications protocols or wireless networking protocols. The communications device  432  may use short range, lower power radio communication protocols, such as Bluetooth®, low power Bluetooth®, or Zigbee. The communications device  432  may be used by the charging case  103  to establish the second wireless communications connection with the wireless headphone device  102 . 
     The battery  433  is a power source (e.g., including battery cells) that is included in the charging case  103 . The battery  433  is configured to supply electrical power to the various components of the charging case  103 . The battery  433  is also be used by the charging case  103  as a power source (e.g., electrical power source) for charging the wireless headphone device  102 . In addition, or as an alternative, the charging case  103  may use a wired connection to an external power supply as a power source for charging the wireless headphone device  102 . The battery  433  is a rechargeable having a state of charge that decreases during use and increases when it is being charged by an external power source that supplies electrical power to the charging case  103 . 
     The charging interface  434  is an electrical connector (e.g., including conductive contacts, or including an inductive charging structure) that is formed on the charging case  103 . As an example, the charging interface  434  may be located in the receptacle  105  so that it is in contact with or adjacent to the charging interface  434  of the wireless headphone device  102  when the wireless headphone device  102  is located in the charging case  103 . 
     The charging interface  434  is configured to allow electrical connection to corresponding components of the wireless headphone device  102 , such as the charging interface  324  of the wireless headphone device  102 . This allows the charging case  103  to supply electrical power to the wireless headphone device  102  from the battery  433  of the charging case  103  to the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  in order to charge the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  when the wireless headphone device  102  is located in the receptacle  105  of the charging case  103 . 
     The case-side software  435  is software that controls aspects of the operation of the charging case  103 . The case-side software  435  may include computer program instructions that are stored by and executed by the controller  431  of the wireless headphone device  102 . The functions performed by the case-side software  435  include connecting and disconnecting wireless communications with the wireless headphone device  102  in order to exchange information, commands, responses, etc., between the charging case  103  and the wireless headphone device  102 . The functions performed by the case-side software  435  include controlling battery charging of the wireless headphone device  102 . These and other functions that may be performed by the case-side software  435  will be described further herein. 
     The charging system  100  controls charging of the battery  433  of the wireless headphone device  102  by the charging case  103  when the wireless headphone device  102  is located inside the charging case  103 . Control of the charging process may be performed under control of functions included in the host-side software  218 , the device-side software  325 , and the case-side software  435 , as will be explained herein. 
     Charging is controlled, in part, dependent on the state of charge of the battery  433  of the wireless headphone device  102 . State of charge values are used to represent the amount of electrical power that is stored in a battery, such as the battery  433  of the wireless headphone device  102 . State of charge values are estimated. As one example, state of charge may be estimated based on voltage. As another example, state of charge may be estimated based on current integration over time. State of charge values are typically expressed as percentage values, relative to set points for zero percent and one-hundred percent, which may be predetermined values or calculated values. Zero percent state of charge is used to represent a charge state in which the battery  433  is not able to continue powering the wireless headphone device  102 . One-hundred percent state of charge is used to represent a charge level at which further charging of the battery  433  is discontinued, and is therefore indicated to the user as a fully charged state. 
       FIG. 5  is a graph that shows the magnitude of a state of charge value  540  of the battery  433  of the wireless headphone device  102  with respect to time during a charging procedure performed using the charging system  100 . 
     Time point T_ 0  corresponds to placement of the wireless headphone device  102  in the charging case  103  and commencement of the charging operation. At time point T_ 0 , the state of charge value  540  is equal to an initial state of charge value SOC_ 0 . 
     As one example, charging may commence in response to placement of the wireless headphone device  102  in the receptacle  105  of the charging case  103 . When the wireless headphone device  102  is in the receptacle  105 , the charging case  103  is able to supply electrical power to the wireless headphone device  102 . In particular, when the wireless headphone device  102  is in the receptacle  105 , the charging interface  324  of the wireless headphone device  102  and the charging interface  434  of the charging case  103  are positioned so that they are operable to transfer electrical power, such as by engagement of included electrical contacts or placement of inductive charging coils in an operable positional relationship. 
     As another example, charging may commence in response to movement of the lid  106  of the charging case  103  from the open position to the closed position while the wireless headphone device  102  is in the receptacle  105  of the charging case  103 . Movement of the lid  106  to the closed position may be determined by a signal output by the lid position sensor  107 . 
     A first charging interval starts at time point T_ 0  and ends at time point T_ 1 . Time point T_ 1  is reached when the state of charge value  540  reaches a first predetermined state of charge value SOC_ 1 . At time point T_ 1 , charging is stopped. The first charging interval from time point T_ 0  to time point T_ 1  has a first charging interval length that can be expressed in a unit of time such as minutes and/or seconds. 
     A first hold interval starts at time point T_ 1  and ends at time point T_ 2 . The purposed of the first hold interval is to maintain the state of charge value  540  at a value (e.g., the first predetermined state of charge value SOC_ 1 ) that does not place undue stress on the battery  433  in order to prolong the functional life of the battery  433 , which may be diminished if the state of charge value  540  is held at or near one-hundred percent for extended periods of time. The first hold interval extends over a first hold interval time, which can be expressed in a unit of time such as minutes and/or seconds. 
     Time point T_ 2  may be referred to herein as a resume time value. Time point T_ 2  represents a time at which charging should resume time value that corresponds to a time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from the first predetermined state of charge value SOC_ 1  to the second predetermined state of charge value SOC_ 2  prior to a usage time value, which is represented by time point T_ 4 . The usage time value is a time value corresponds to estimated future usage of the wireless headphone device  102 . The usage time value may be expressed as or correspond to an absolute time measurement in a coordinated time keeping system (e.g., UTC, another public coordinated timekeeping system, or a proprietary coordinated timekeeping system). Estimation of the usage time value will be described further herein. 
     The second predetermined state of charge value may correspond to full charging of the battery  433  (e.g., one-hundred percent state of charge). Charging from the first predetermined state of charge value SOC_ 1  to the second predetermined state of charge value SOC_ 2  occurs during a second charging interval from time point T_ 2  to time point T_ 3 , and has a second charging interval length that can be expressed in a unit of time such as minutes or seconds. 
     Time point T_ 2  is set in dependence on the usage time value. The usage time value represents an estimated time at which the user will next attempt to use the wireless headphone device  102 , including ending the charging operation, removing the wireless headphone device  102  from the charging case  103 , and connecting (e.g., wirelessly) the wireless headphone device  102  to another device for the purpose of audio output by the wireless headphone device  102 . 
     Based on the usage time value, the resume time value, represented by time point T_ 2 , is set so that charging can be performed to increase the state of charge value  540  from the first predetermined state of charge value SOC_ 1  to the second predetermined state of charge value SOC_ 2  prior to the usage time value. The resume time value may be calculated based on the usage time value, by setting the resume time value so that charging will likely be completed before the user next uses the wireless headphone device  102 . 
     In the illustrated example, the resume time value is set so that it is prior to the usage time value by subtracting an estimated length of the second charging interval (e.g., length of time between time point T_ 2  and time point T_ 3 ) from the usage time value and by subtracting an additional amount of time (e.g., length of time between time point T_ 3  and time point T_ 4 ) to account for deviations of the actual time when the device is next used from the usage time value. This additional amount of time may be, as examples, a fixed length of time, or a variable length of time calculated in any desired manner (e.g., based on statistical analysis of variability in user behavior). Thus, the resume time value may be expressed as or correspond to an absolute time measurement in a coordinated time keeping system. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration that shows operation of the charging system  100 , including actions taken by and communications between the host device  101 , the wireless headphone device  102 , and the charging case  103 . The operations and communications described in  FIG. 6  are performed by the host device  101 , the wireless headphone device  102 , and the charging case  103 , for example, using the host-side software  218 , the device-side software  325 , and the case-side software  435 . Herein, the term “transmission” is used to refer to any manner of message, signal, or indication, received in any way, between two of the host device  101 , the wireless headphone device  102 , and the charging case  103 . 
     When the wireless headphone device  102  is placed in the charging case  103 , the charging case  103  may send (e.g., by wireless communication) a transmission  651  to the wireless headphone device  102  indicating that the wireless headphone device  102  is located in the charging case  103 . Placement of the wireless headphone device  102  in the charging case  103  may be determined, for example, by engagement of the charging interface  434  of the charging case  103  with the charging interface  324  of the wireless headphone device  102 . In response to the transmission  652 , the wireless headphone device  102  sends a transmission  652  to the host device  101  requesting disconnection of the wireless communications link between the host device  101  and the wireless headphone device  102 . In response, the host device  101  determines the usage time value and sends it to the wireless headphone device  102  in a transmission  653 . 
     The wireless headphone device  102  may send a transmission  654  to the charging case  103  asking the charging case  103  to begin charging the wireless headphone device  102 . In response, the charging case  103  begins supplying electrical power to the wireless headphone device  102  in order to charge the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102 . This action corresponds to time point T_ 0  of  FIG. 5 , and begins the first charging interval. During the first charging interval, the wireless headphone device  102  monitors the state of charge value of the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102 . When the state of charge value of the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  reaches the first predetermined charge value (e.g., SOC_ 1  reached at time point T_ 1  of  FIG. 5 ), the wireless headphone device  102  sends a transmission  655  to the charging case  103  asking the charging case  103  to pause charging of the battery  323  of the charging case  103 . The wireless headphone device  102  also sends a transmission  656  to the charging case  103  indicating the resume time value. The resume time value may be determined, for example, by the wireless headphone device  102  using the device-side software  325  based on the usage time value, as previously described. 
     In response to the transmissions  655  and  656  from the wireless headphone device  102 , the charging case  103  sends a transmission  657  (e.g., a sleep signal) to the wireless headphone device  102  to cause the wireless headphone device  102  to switch from an activated mode to a deactivated mode. The transmission  657  may be sent by a wireless communication or may be sent by a direct electrical connection, for example, using the charging interface  324  of the wireless headphone device  102  and the charging interface  434  of the charging case  103 . 
     The activated mode is a normal operation state for the wireless headphone device  102 , in which the battery  323  supplies electrical power to other systems of the wireless headphone device  102 , such as the controller  321  of the wireless headphone device  102 . The deactivated mode is of the wireless headphone device  102  is intended to avoid discharging the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  by disconnecting (e.g., by a relay) the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  wireless headphone device  102  from some or all of the other components of the wireless headphone device  102 . In some implementations, no electrical power from the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  is used by the controller  321  of the wireless headphone device  102  in the deactivated mode. In some implementations, no electrical power from the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  is used by the wireless headphone device  102  in the deactivated mode. 
     The wireless headphone device  102  remains in the deactivated mode during the hold interval, which corresponds to the time period between the first time point T_ 1  and the second time point T_ 2  of  FIG. 5 . Upon determining that the resume time has be reached (e.g., a current time is equal to or past the resume time value), the charging case  103  sends a transmission  658  (e.g., a wake signal) to the wireless headphone device  102  to cause the wireless headphone device  102  to enter the activated mode from the deactivated mode. The charging case  103  sends a transmission  659  to the wireless headphone device  102  to instruct the wireless headphone device  102  to resume charging. This corresponds to the second charge interval, represented by the time period between the second time point T_ 2  and the third time point T_ 3  of  FIG. 5 . Charging continues until the battery  323  reaches the second predetermined state of charge value (e.g., fully charged), at which time charging ends. 
     When the charging case  103  determines that the lid  106  has been opened and/or that the wireless headphone device  102  has been removed from the receptacle  105  of the charging case  103 , the charging case  103  sends a transmission  660  to the wireless headphone device  102  indicating that the wireless headphone device  102  may be removed from the charging case  103 . In response, the wireless headphone device  102  sends a transmission  661  to the host device  101  requesting connection of the wireless communications link between the host device  101  and the wireless headphone device  102 , and the wireless communications link is then established. 
     As described above, the usage time value is an estimated value that corresponds to a predicted future use of the wireless headphone device  102  by a user for audio output. The usage time value is estimated based in part on connection history information regarding wireless communications between the wireless headphone device  102 , the host device  101 , and/or other devices that the wireless headphone device  102  has connected to. Estimating the usage time value is performed by the host device  101 , for example, using a model that receives the connection history information for the wireless headphone device  102  as an input. Other inputs to the model may include the current time of day, the current day of the week, alarm clock settings, calendar events, and/or other types of inputs. 
     The connection history information is a record of wireless communication sessions during which the wireless headphone device is connected to the host device  101  or another device. Each of the wireless communication sessions may be associated with a connection time value that describes when the session began and a disconnection time value that describes when the session ended. Other information may be included in the connection history information, such as information describing the state of charge of the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  at the time of connection and disconnection, and information that indicates instances of full discharge of the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102 . Since the wireless headphone device  102  can connect to multiple devices, including the host device  101 , the connection history information for the wireless headphone device  102  may be aggregated across those devices (e.g., by transmission to a server) and be made available to the host device  101  for use in estimating the usage time value. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart that shows a process  770  for generating a usage prediction model. The process  770  may be performed, for example, using a computing device that executes program instructions that implement the operations of the process  770 . The process  770  may be implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable storage device having program instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause performance of the operations of the process  770  by the computing device. 
     In operation  771 , aggregated device usage information is obtained from a large number of devices. Each of the devices may be similar to the wireless headphone device  102  in structure and/or function. The aggregated device usage information includes information from each of those devices, including, for example, information describing times at which wireless communication connections between the device and a host device were connected and disconnected. The aggregated device usage information is anonymized by removing any personal identifying information from the information when it is aggregated. 
     In operation  772 , a usage prediction model is generated. The usage prediction model is a machine-learning based model that receives the connection history information as an input and outputs the usage time value. The usage prediction model is trained using aggregated device usage information that was obtained in operation  771 . As one example, the aggregated device using information may be divided into two groups of information, with one of the groups being used as training samples and one the groups being used as ground truth information for back testing. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart that shows a process  880  for estimating the usage time value for use in charging control when charging the wireless headphone device  102  using the charging case  103 . The process  880  may be performed, for example, using a computing device that executes program instructions that implement the operations of the process  880 . The process  880  may be implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable storage device having program instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause performance of the operations of the process  880  by the computing device. 
     In operation  881  usage history information is obtained for the wireless headphone device  102 . Operation  881  may be performed by the host device  101 . As one example, the usage history information can be tracked and stored by the host device  101 . As another example, the usage history information can be obtained by the host device  101  from a server that aggregates information regarding usage of the wireless headphone device  102  from multiple devices. 
     In operation  882 , a next usage time is predicted for the wireless headphone device  102  based on the usage history information and a prediction model (e.g., the prediction model generated according to the process  770 ). Other information can be used, such as a current time of day, alarm clock settings, and calendar information. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart that shows a process  990  for charging control when charging the wireless headphone device  102  using the charging case  103 . The process  990  may be performed, for example, using a computing device that executes program instructions that implement the operations of the process  990 . The process  990  may be implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable storage device having program instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause performance of the operations of the process  990  by the computing device. 
     Operation  991  includes estimating a usage time value that corresponds to an anticipated future occurrence of usage of the wireless headphone device  102  for audio output. As an example, estimating the usage time value may be performed by the host device  101  based in part on connection history information regarding wireless communications between the wireless headphone device  102  and the host device  101 . Estimating the usage time value may performed using a machine-learning based prediction model that receives the connection history information as an input. 
     Estimating the usage time value may be performed periodically, or in response to certain events. As one example, estimating the usage time value may be performed according to predetermined time intervals. As another example, estimating the usage time value can be performed in response to connection of the wireless communications link between the host device  101  and the wireless headphone device  102 . As another example, estimating the usage time value can be performed in response to a request for disconnection of the wireless communications link between the host device  101  and the wireless headphone device  102 . As another example, estimating the usage time value can be performed when the wireless headphone device  102  is placed in the charging chase  103 . 
     Operation  992  includes estimating a resume time value that corresponds to a time for charging to commence to allow for completion of charging from a first predetermined state of charge value to a second predetermined state of charge value by the usage time value. As an example, the resume time value may be estimated by subtracting an expected charging time from the usage time value. The expected charging time represents an amount of time required to charge the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  from the first predetermined state of charge value to the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     Estimating the resume time value may be performed periodically, or in response to certain events. As one example, estimating the resume time value may be performed each time the usage time value is estimated. As another example, estimating the resume time value can be performed when the wireless headphone device  102  is placed in the charging chase  103 . 
     In some implementations of the process  990 , the usage time value is transmitted from the host device  101  to a controller  321  of the wireless headphone device  102 , the resume time value is determined by the controller  321  of the wireless headphone device  102 , and the resume time value is transmitted from the wireless headphone device  102  to the charging case  103 . 
     Operation  993  includes determining that the wireless headphone device  102  has been placed in the charging case  103 . As one example, electrical connection of the wireless headphone device  102  to the charging case  103  can be detected. 
     Operation  994  includes charging the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  using electrical power supplied by the charging case until a current state of charge of the battery  323  reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. Charging the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  may include supplying electrical power from the battery  433  of the charging case  103  to the wireless headphone device  102  using the charging interface  324  of the wireless headphone device  102  and the charging interface  434  of the charging case  103 . 
     Operation  995  includes entering, by the wireless headphone device, a deactivated mode. Operation  995  is performed after the current state of charge reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. In some implementations, no electrical power from the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  is used by the wireless headphone device  102  in the deactivated mode. In some implementations, a minimal amount of electrical power from the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  is used by the wireless headphone device  102  in the deactivated mode, such as by powering down one or more components such as the controller  321  or the communications device  322  of the wireless headphone device  102 . 
     The charging case  103  is configured to return the wireless headphone device  102  to the activated mode according to the resume time value so that charging of the wireless headphone device  102  may resume, for example, in the manner described with respect to operation  996 , operation  997 , and operation  998 . Operation  996  includes waiting until a current time value reaches the resume time value. Operation  997  includes entering, by the wireless headphone device  102 , an activated mode. Operation  997  may be performed in response to a wake signal that is output by the charging case  103  and is received by the wireless headphone device  102 . As an example, the charging case  103  may output the wake signal in response to determining that the current time is equal to or past the resume time value. As an example, the wake signal may be an electrical signal that is output by the charging case  103  to the wireless headphone device  102  across the charging interface  434  of the charging case  103  and the charging interface  324  of the wireless headphone device  102 . 
     Operation  998  include charging the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  using electrical power supplied by the charging case  103  until the current state of charge of the battery  323  of the charging case  103  reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     As an example, the first predetermined state of charge value may be between seventy percent and ninety percent of a fully-charged state of charge value of the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102 , and the second predetermined state of charge value may be at least ninety-five percent of a fully charged state of charge value of the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102 . 
     Some implementations of the process  990  may alert the user if the user attempts to remove the wireless headphone device  102  from the charging case  103  before the wireless headphone device  102  is fully charging. For example, this may occur upon sensing that the lid  106  of the charging case  103  has been opened. As an example, alerting the user may include outputting a notification at the host device  101  in response to detecting an attempt to use the wireless headphone device  102  before the current state of charge of the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  reaches the second predetermined state of charge value. 
     In some implementations, a determination can be made as to whether to use the optimized charging method of the process  990 . As one example, optimized charging according to the process  990  if the time between the current time and the usage time value is less than a time required for charging or does not exceed the time required for charging by a threshold value. As another example, if the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  has been fully discharged (e.g., so that the wireless headphone device  102  is no longer able to be powered by the battery  323 ), optimized charging according to the process  990  may be disabled the next time that the battery is charged. This avoids using a usage time value (e.g., expressed using a relative measurement as opposed to an absolute measurement) without knowledge of the amount of time that has passed while the wireless headphone device  102  was not operational on account of having been fully discharged. Thus, entry into the deactivated mode may be disabled if the battery of the wireless headphone device  102  is fully discharged before the battery  323  of the wireless headphone device  102  is placed into the charging case  103  and is charged by the electrical power supplied by the charging case  103  until the current state of charge of the battery  323  reaches the first predetermined state of charge value. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources for use in determining how to control charging of devices. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to store user activity information that allows device charging to be performed in a way that improves battery life of devices. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, systems that use the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide personal information to services that use the present technology. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time personal information is maintained by services that use the present technology, or users may entirely prohibit use of personal information by systems that use the present technology. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, charging of devices may be controlled using a model based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, other non-personal information available to the services that are using the present technology, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200616
Publication Date: 20210810
Grant Date: 20210810
Priority Date: 20200616
Inventors: VENKATRAMAN, KARTIK R.
IONASCU, Mary-Ann
TRISTRAM, FELIX T.
CHABOLLA, ANDRES Y.
DE LIMA FERNANDES, Antonio
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0049", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3212", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2420/07", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 76300951