PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8407500-B2
Application Number: US-96680610-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Anticipatory power management for battery-powered electronic device

Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for managing power consumption of a battery-powered electronic device are disclosed. According to one embodiment, power management can take action to reduce power consumption to accommodate estimated power requirements. According to another embodiment, power management can notify a user when a power deficiency is anticipated. According to still another embodiment, power management can advise a user to charge a battery of the battery-powered electronic device. According to still another embodiment, a user can influence power management by user selections.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for managing power utilization by a multi-function electronic device powered by a battery, the method comprising:
 receiving a user request for activation of a supported function of the multi-function electronic device; 
 identifying an impending device usage, the identifying of the impending device usage being based at least in part on the user request to activate the supported function, wherein the identifying estimates or predicts a duration of the impending device usage; 
 obtaining a power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; 
 obtaining a battery characteristic associated with the battery; 
 determining, based on the battery characteristic, whether the battery has adequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; and 
 reducing power consumption of the multi-function electronic device during at least the impending device usage by disabling one or more other supported functions of the multi-function electronic device when the determining determines that the battery has inadequate charge capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the user request initiates the impending device usage. 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the reducing of the power consumption of the multi-function electronic device reduces power consumption so that the battery has adequate capacity to satisfy the reduced power needs for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage. 
     
     
       4. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein one or more supported functions are operable on the multi-function electronic device, and wherein at least a plurality of the one or more supported functions are software applications, each of the software applications provide the multi-function electronic device with different capabilities when such software application is operating. 
     
     
       5. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the multi-function electronic device supports a plurality of functions selected from the group of: media playback, voice communications, data transfer, or workout data capture. 
     
     
       6. A method as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the obtaining of the battery characteristic obtains an available battery power of the battery, and 
 wherein the determining of whether the battery has adequate capacity comprises comparing the power estimate to the available battery power. 
 
     
     
       7. A method as recited in  claim 6 ,
 wherein the portable electronic device supports a plurality of functions selected from the group of: media playback, voice communications, data transfer, or workout data capture. 
 
     
     
       8. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the multi-function electronic device is a handheld portable electronic device. 
     
     
       9. A method for managing power utilization by a multi-function electronic device powered by a battery, the method comprising:
 receiving a user request for activation of a supported function of the multi-function electronic device; 
 identifying an impending device usage, the identifying of the impending device usage being based at least in part on the user request to activate the supported function wherein the identifying comprises receiving an indication of a duration of the impending device usage based on a user input; 
 obtaining a power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; 
 obtaining a battery characteristic associated with the battery; 
 determining, based on the battery characteristic, whether the battery has adequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; and 
 reducing power consumption of the multi-function electronic device during at least the impending device usage by disabling one or more other supported functions of the multi-function electronic device when the determining determines that the battery has inadequate charge capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage. 
 
     
     
       10. A method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the user request initiates the impending device usage. 
     
     
       11. A method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the reducing of the power consumption of the multi-function electronic device reduces power consumption so that the battery has adequate capacity to satisfy the reduced power needs for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage. 
     
     
       12. The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein one or more supported functions are operable on the multi-function electronic device, and wherein at least a plurality of the one or more supported functions are software applications, each of the software applications provide the multi-function electronic device with different capabilities when such software application is operating. 
     
     
       13. A method for managing power utilization by a multi-function electronic device powered by a battery, the method comprising:
 receiving a user request for activation of a supported function of the multi-function electronic device; 
 identifying an impending device usage, the identifying of the impending device usage being based at least in part on the user request to activate the supported function; 
 obtaining a power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; 
 obtaining a battery characteristic associated with the battery; 
 determining, based on the battery characteristic, whether the battery has adequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; and 
 reducing power consumption of the multi-function electronic device during at least the impending device usage by disabling one or more other supported functions of the multi-function electronic device when the determining determines that the battery has inadequate charge capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; and 
 presenting a warning if the battery has inadequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage. 
 
     
     
       14. A method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the user request initiates the impending device usage. 
     
     
       15. A method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the reducing of the power consumption of the multi-function electronic device reduces power consumption so that the battery has adequate capacity to satisfy the reduced power needs for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage. 
     
     
       16. The method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein one or more supported functions are operable on the multi-function electronic device, and wherein at least a plurality of the one or more supported functions are software applications, each of the software applications provide the multi-function electronic device with different capabilities when such software application is operating. 
     
     
       17. A method for managing power utilization by a multi-function electronic device including a display and powered by a battery, the method comprising:
 receiving a user request for activation of a supported function of the multi-function electronic device; 
 identifying an impending device usage, the identifying of the impending device usage being based at least in part on the user request to activate the supported function; 
 obtaining a power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; 
 obtaining a battery characteristic associated with the battery; 
 determining, based on the battery characteristic, whether the battery has adequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage; and 
 reducing power consumption of the multi-function electronic device during at least the impending device usage by disabling one or more other supported functions of the multi-function electronic device when the determining determines that the battery has inadequate charge capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage, wherein the reducing of the power consumption of the multi-function electronic device comprises:
 presenting a power adjustment screen on the display, the power adjustment screen providing at least one user-selectable power saving option, and 
 reducing the power consumption of the multi-function electronic device in accordance with the user-selectable power saving option when the user-selectable option is selected. 
 
 
     
     
       18. A method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the method further comprises:
 presenting a warning if the battery has inadequate capacity to satisfy the power estimate for the multi-function electronic device to complete the impending device usage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/194,462, filed Aug. 19, 2008, entitled “ANTICIPATORY POWER MANAGEMENT FOR BATTERY-POWERED ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,853,813, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/675,979, filed Feb. 16, 2007, entitled “ANTICIPATORY POWER MANAGEMENT FOR BATTERY-POWERED ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,430,675, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to battery-powered electronic devices and, more particularly, to managing battery consumption on a portable electronic device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, portable electronic devices, such as cellular phones, portable digital assistants or portable media players, have provided visual clues regarding certain device status conditions. For example, battery-powered portable electronic devices frequently display a visual indication of battery status. The visual indication typically indicates the extent to which the battery is charged (i.e., battery level). Additionally, cellular phones often not only provide such a visual indication of battery level but also provide an auditory, periodic beeping sound while a call is in process to alert the user when the battery level is particularly low. 
     Unfortunately, however, these conventional indications of battery level are often ignored by users. Moreover, as portable electronic devices become more advanced, battery charge can be rapidly consumed without users being aware. Another difficulty is that users sometimes fail to adequately charge batteries which can seriously hinder the ability of the batteries to power respective portable electronic devices as desired. Thus, there is a need for improved techniques to inform and assist users in managing available battery power on portable media players. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to power management of a battery-powered electronic device. According to one embodiment, power management can take action to reduce power consumption to accommodate estimated power requirements. According to another embodiment, power management can notify a user when a power deficiency is anticipated. According to still another embodiment, power management can advise a user to charge a battery of the battery-powered electronic device. According to still another embodiment, a user can influence power management by user selections. The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface), or computer readable medium. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a power manager process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a power reduction process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a power manager process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a charge monitor process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a charge notification process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an exemplary graphical user interface that can present a display screen on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of media player according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to power management of a battery-powered electronic device. According to one embodiment, power management can take action to reduce power consumption to accommodate estimated power requirements. According to another embodiment, power management can notify a user when a power deficiency is anticipated. According to still another embodiment, power management can advise a user to charge a battery of the battery-powered electronic device. According to still another embodiment, a user can influence power management by user selections. 
     The invention is well suited for a portable electronic device that can support multiple functions. In one embodiment, the invention is suitable for use with a portable electronic device having at least wireless voice communication capability and media playback capability. The portable electronic device can, for example, be a portable media device (e.g., digital music player or MP3 player) having wireless voice communications. In another embodiment, the portable electronic device can be a wireless communications device (e.g., cellular phone) having media playback capabilities. In still another embodiment, the portable electronic device can be a portable electronic device having media playback capability and workout support via a workout manager. These portable electronic devices can also have other functions (e.g., applications), such as functions supporting electronic calendars, electronic appointments, network browsers, network data transfers, VoIP applications, etc. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of electronic device  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. Device  100  is typically a portable or mobile electronic device. Device  100  can pertain to a computing device, a media player, a mobile telephone, a portable game player, portable workout manager, and the like. In one embodiment, device  100  is a multi-function device that supports a plurality of different functions. As one example, device  100  can be portable and operate as a mobile telephone while also operating as a media player. As another example, the device  100  can operate as a media player while also operating as a portable workout manager. 
     Device  100  can include processor  102  that controls the overall operation of device  100 . In addition, device  100  can include battery  104  that provides power to device  100 . Typically, battery  104  is rechargeable by coupling battery  104  to an AC outlet to allow a charge circuit (not shown) to charge battery  104 . 
     Device  100  can include power manager  106 . Power manager  106  can manage power consumption by device  100 . In one embodiment, the power consumption of device  100  is managed by power manager  106  based on usage of device  100  by a user. Power manager  106  can be coupled to processor  102  so that power manager  106  can inform processor  102  of any power related information or actions to be performed. Although power manager  106  is shown in  FIG. 1  as separate form processor  102 , it should be understood that power manager  106  could also be part of or incorporated into processor  102 . Device  100  can also include battery monitor  108  that couples to battery  104  so as to monitor the condition of battery  104 . Battery monitor  108  can provide the battery condition, namely, one or more battery characteristics, to power manager  106 . For example, the battery characteristics can pertains to one or more of charge level, temperature, voltage, current, etc. 
     Electronic device  100  can also include device usage manager  110 . Device usage manager  110  operates to monitor present, imminent, current or future use of device  100 . Device usage manager  110  can provide device usage information to power manager  106 . Hence, power manager  106 , alone or in combination with processor  102 , can evaluate whether the condition of battery  104  is adequate to satisfy the device usage requirements that have been identified by device usage manager  110 . 
     Device  100  can also store one or more user settings  112 . At least one of user settings  112  can pertain to a user setting regarding operation of device  100  when the charge capacity of battery  104  is diminished as compared to the power estimated to be required to satisfy the device usage requirements. As an example, user settings  112  can signal processor  102  that the user has certain preferences on how device  100  should operate when available battery charge is inadequate. Processor  102  can also couple to one or more modules, which can be hardware and/or software components (including software applications), within device  100 . For example, the modules can include first module module- 1   118 , second module- 2   120  and nth-module module-n  122 . The different modules can pertain to different functions or capabilities that can be supported by device  100 . As an example, first module  118  can pertain to a media player and second module  120  can pertain to a mobile telephone capability. Another of the modules can pertain to a workout manager. A workout manager can operate to record workout data, such as performance data, and also provide for playback of media (sometimes particular media) during a workout by a user of the device  100 . The workout typically involves exercise (walk, run, cycle, swim, etc.). Additional details on workout management by portable electronic devices are provided in: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/566,072, filed Dec. 1, 2006, and entitled “SYSTEM INCLUDING PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER AND PHYSIOLOGIC DATA GATHERING DEVICE,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/439,523, filed May 22, 2006, and entitled “PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH WORKOUT SUPPORT,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     Still further, device  100  can include display  114 . As appropriate, graphical user interface (GUI)  116  can present on display  114  a dialog window in which a user can influence how device  100  reduces power. User input device  117  can assist a user in providing user input, such as by interacting with GUI  116 . User input device  117  can pertain to one or more input buttons, touch-sensitive surfaces, etc. that enable the user to provide user input, such as user selections for usage or for power management. 
     Typically, it will be useful to operate device  100  in a reduced power manner when the available battery charge is inadequate to support the device usage requirements. In one embodiment, when the battery charge capacity is inadequate to support the device usage requirements, to reduce power consumption, one or more of modules  118 - 122  can be deactivated. The extent and or order by which modules  118 - 122  are deactivated can also be influenced by user settings  112  and/or user selections made with respect to GUI  116 . In another embodiment, when the battery charge capacity is inadequate to support the device usage requirements, a notification can be presented by device  100 . For example, a notification can be displayed on display  114  via GUI  116 . The notification can inform the user of the insufficient battery charge capacity and/or provide recommendations regarding charging battery  104 . 
     Although device  100  is powered by battery  114 , in one embodiment, device  100  can also at times utilize power from AC power supplied via a power cord coupled to an AC plug. The AC power is also used to charge battery  114 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of power manager process  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. Power manager process  200  is, for example, performed by an electronic device, such as electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As an example, power manager  106 , alone or in combination with processor  102 , can perform power manager process  200 . 
     Power manager process  200  can begin with decision  202 . Decision  202  determines whether device usage is impending. When device usage, that is usage of the electronic device, is not impending, power manager process  200  can wait until device usage is impending. Impending device usage can be usage that is current, usage that is imminent, usage that is predicted to occur relatively soon, or usage that is previously scheduled, (e.g., via a calendar or schedule). Impending device usage can also be referred to as anticipated device usage. In any case, if decision  202  determines that device usage is impending, power requirements for the impending device usage can be estimated  204 . The power requirements can be estimated  204  based on a type of usage and/or historical data regarding usage. 
     Available battery power can also be determined  206 . As an example, a battery monitor, such as battery monitor  108 , can determine one or more battery characteristics (e.g., battery charge level) from which the available battery power can be determined. The available battery power can be determined  206  from the one or more battery characteristics. 
     Decision  208  can then determines whether the available battery power is greater than the estimated power requirements. When decision  208  determines that the available battery power is not greater than the estimated power requirements, then there is a shortage of available battery power in order to satisfy the impending device usage power requirements. Accordingly, power manager process  200  can reduce  210  power consumption of the device. The power consumption of the device can be reduced  210  in a variety of different ways. As one example, certain non-essential functions of the electronic device could be disabled to reduce power consumption. As another example, certain functions, operations or components of the electronic device can be used in a more power efficient manner. Regardless of how the power consumption of the device is reduced  210 , the reduction of power consumption can operate to enable the available battery power to be better utilized to support the impending device usage power requirements. Following block  210 , power manager process  200  can end. Also, when decision  208  determines that the available battery power is greater than the estimated power requirements for the impending device usage, power manager process  200  can also end since the available battery power is adequate. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of power reduction process  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. Power reduction process  300  is, for example, processing that can be performed by block  210  of power manager process  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Power reduction process  300  can determine  302  one or more device functions that are not necessary for the impending device usage. The determined device functions can then be disabled  304  at least during the impending device usage. The disablement of the determined device functions can be disabled  304  automatically (without specific user request) or following a user request or confirmation to disable. Thereafter, the power requirements for the impending device usage can be re-estimated  306 . At this point the power requirements for the impending device usage should have been lowered given that one or more of the determined device functions has been disabled  304 . Decision  308  can then determine whether the available battery power is greater than the re-estimated power requirements. When decision  308  determines that the available battery power is greater than the re-estimated power requirements, the disablement  304  of the one or more determined device functions has been effective to reduce the power requirements for the impending device usage so that the available battery power is adequate to support the impending device usage. At this point, power reduction process  300  can end. 
     On the other hand, when decision  308  determines that the available battery power is still not adequate to satisfy the re-estimated power requirements, a warning can be presented  310  on a display device associated with the electronic device. For example, the warning can notify the user of the electronic device that the impending device usage cannot be properly supported unless an external power source is utilized or the battery is further charged. 
     Next, decision  312  can determine whether the user of the electronic device has initiated power adjustments. Here, the user of the electronic device can make power adjustments to further reduce (or otherwise alter) power consumption by the electronic device. Here, the behavior of the electronic device can be modified  314  based on user input. For example, the user input may request or authorize the electronic device to make further (or alternative) function or operational sacrifices in order to preserve the available battery power for the impending device usage. Following block  314 , as well as following decision  312  when the user does not make any power adjustments, power reduction process  300  can end. 
     The power management provided by the power manager process or power reduction process  300  can operate in a wide range of scenarios depending on an electronic device and its capabilities. Two scenarios are discussed below but numerous other scenarios are available depending on the capabilities of the electronic device. 
     One exemplary usage scenario involves an electronic device (namely, a portable electronic device) that supports voice communication usage (i.e., phone usage) and media playback usage. A user of the electronic device may have an impending phone call to take using the electronic device in thirty (30) minutes. The electronic device can know or predict this by various means, including past usage data, a calendar entry, user input, etc. However, if the user is now playing back media content using the electronic device, the electronic device can manage its power utilization as needed. For example, when a battery powering the electronic device does not have sufficient stored energy to play the media content for thirty (30) minutes and then support the phone call for its likely duration, the power management can cease the media playback and/or alter the user that power conservation is required. Alternatively, the power management might permit the media playback to continue but without use of a display or with reduced volume. 
     Another exemplary usage scenario involves an electronic device (namely, a portable electronic device) that supports workout support and media playback usage. A user of the electronic device may be initiating a workout, such as a five (5) kilometers run, during which the electronic device can monitor performance data concerning the run. The electronic device can also permit the user to playback media content during the run. Just prior to starting the workout, the electronic device can evaluate whether its battery has sufficient stored energy to power both the workout support as well as the media playback for at least the likely duration of the run. Since the length of the run is known in this example, the duration for the run can be estimated. The electronic device can store information regarding the average run times for one or more distances or run speeds for various run distances. The energy/power required for the workout, including the workout support as well as media playback, can then be estimated. In the event that the battery lacks sufficient energy/power, the power management can cease media playback or workout support during the run, can disable a display, can limit media playback volume, etc. In one example, if the user prefers to run with media playback and without workout support if battery capacity is limited, then workout support can be disabled. In another example, if disabling the display (e.g., no use of backlight of LCD display) during the workout is adequate to bring the required energy/power within the battery&#39;s stored capacity, then the electronic device can disable the display but continue workout support as well as media playback. The disabling can be automatic or following user input. In one embodiment, the power management can alternatively or additionally notify the user of the electronic device through visual (e.g., via display) or audio means that power management is needed. The user can they make selection to influence or control power management. For example, the notification might indicate “You don&#39;t have enough charge in your battery to complete the run with music unless you disable music playback (alternatively disable display or disable phone), which would you like to disable?” The user can then make a selection with respect to a power adjustment screen on how they prefer the power management to be performed. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of power manager process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. Power manager process  400  is, for example, performed by an electronic device, such as device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     Power manager process  400  can identify  402  an imminent user activity. In one implementation, the imminent user activity can be associated with a recent user selection (e.g., via a GUI) of a user activity. Next, a power estimate for the electronic device to complete the imminent user activity can be obtained  404 . The power estimate can be dependent on the type of user activity. Examples of types of user activity depend on the particular device but can, for example, include wireless voice communications, data transfer, media playback (e.g., song, album, audiobook, video, podcast, or playlist), workout support, etc. A battery characteristic associated with the battery can also be obtained  406 . Thereafter, decision  408  can determine whether the battery can satisfy the power estimate associated with the imminent user activity. When decision  408  determines that the battery cannot satisfy the power estimate, power consumption for the electronic device can be reduced  410  during at least the imminent user activity. Following block  410 , as well as following decision  408  when the battery can satisfy the power estimate, power manager process  400  ends. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of charge monitor process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. Charge monitor process  500  is, for example, performed by an electronic device, such as device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     Charge monitor process  500  can examine  502  schedule information for a user of the electronic device. The schedule information can pertain to a calendar or schedule maintained by the electronic device or otherwise accessible to the electronic device. Next, future power requirements can be estimated  504 . Here, in one embodiment, the future power requirements are the power requirements for the usage of the electronic device as indicated, at least in part, by the schedule information. Accordingly, the power requirements for the electronic device to support the activities or usage associated with the schedule information can be estimated  504 . Estimation  504  of the power requirements can be performed in view of historical power usage, duration of usage or activities, or other characteristics of the electronic device, user or scheduled activity. Battery status information can also be obtained  506 . The battery status information indicates the status of the battery, such as a battery charge level. Thereafter, decision  508  can determine whether the battery can satisfy the future power requirements. When decision  508  determines that the battery cannot satisfy the future power requirements, the user of the electronic device can be notified  510  that charging is recommended. Notification  510  to the user can further be provided to the user with sufficient advance notice so that sufficient amount of time for charging is provided. Still further, notification  510  can advise a user of the minimum, recommended or suggested duration of charging to be provided. Following block  510 , as well as following decision  508  directly when the battery already is able to satisfy the future power requirements, charge monitor process  500  ends. However, charge monitor process  500  can be periodic or event driven so that it can be performed as appropriate to monitor the need for charging of the battery in view of usage, both current and future, of the electronic device. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of charge notification process  600  according to one embodiment of the invention. Charge notification process  600  can, for example, represent processing associated with block  510  of charge monitor process  500 . Charge notification process  600  can determine  602  an amount of additional battery power needed to support the future power requirements. A charging duration required to acquire the additional battery power can be determined  604 . The charging duration is dependent on the amount of additional battery power needed. Determination  604  can also take into consideration characteristics of the battery, such as type of battery, charging characteristics, condition of battery, age of battery, etc., which can affect the charging duration. After the charging duration is determined  604 , a notification regarding charging of the battery can be presented  606 . Once the notification is presented  606 , charge notification process  600  can end. 
     Optionally, the timing of presentation  606  of the notification can be controlled. For example, assume that in order for the battery to be able to satisfy the future power requirements additional charging of the battery is needed. If the battery is estimated to be able to satisfy the future power requirements after thirty minutes of charging (charging duration), the notification regarding charging can inform the user of such minimum charging time. The notification regarding charging can also be sent to a user in advance of the future power requirements such that the user has adequate time to sufficiently charge the battery. For example, if the future power requirements are that one (1) hour of video playback is needed on the electronic device for a 4:00 PM meeting, then the user can be notified at 3:00 PM that thirty (30) minutes of charging is needed prior to the 4:00 PM meeting. 
     A graphical user interface can be provided by an electronic device, namely, a portable electronic device that supports power consumption management. The graphical user interface can take various forms to assist users in providing one or more user settings that can be utilized by the electronic device to provide power consumption management. 
       FIG. 7  is an exemplary graphical user interface that can presented display screen  700  on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention. Display screen  700  enables a user to set power reduction preferences. Display screen  700  can be referred to as a power adjustment screen. Using display screen  700 , a user can interact with the electronic device to set power reduction preferences with respect to different usage activities for the electronic device. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the usage activities can include running  702  (“Run”) and phone call  704  (“Phone Call”). 
     With respect to run  702  usage, user selection control  706  can enable a user to authorize the electronic device to turn-off a back light associated with the display screen during a run. User selection control  708  can authorize the electronic device to limit media playback volume during a run. User selection control  710  can allow the electronic device to disable the phone during a run. User selection control  712  can request that the electronic device remind the user to charge the device if it is anticipated that the battery will need additional charge to satisfy likely future usage. Such charge reminders can be generally applicable across many potential usages as indicated in  FIG. 7 , or can be directed to particular usages (e.g., run, phone call, etc.). 
     With respect to phone call  704  usage, user selection control  714  can authorize the electronic device to disable access to a local wireless network. User selection control  716  can authorize the electronic device to disable all non-call functions. User selection control  718  can request that the electronic device warn the user when remaining call time is below a user-determined number of minutes. The user-determined number of minutes can be selected using input control  720 . 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a user can specify a reserve power reservoir that can be maintained or preserved so that an electronic device can reliably provide its most important functions. For example, a user may want to be notified when the music playback capability is below a minimum duration (e.g., 1 hour). In such an example, the notification can be presented in an audio or visual manner so that the user understands that the ability to playback media for the minimum duration will be jeopardized if they continue with an on-going usage (e.g., phone call). 
     In one embodiment, reserving power for a particular function or operation can impact power management as discussed above. For example, available battery power can be reduced by the reserved power amount before performing the various power management embodiments discussed above. In other words, the monitored battery power is reduced by the amount of reserved power to yield an effective available power that can be used with power management processing. 
     The electronic device as described herein can be a wireless communication device (e.g., portable telephone) capable of communication over a network. The wireless communication device can also include other applications such as a media playback application. 
     The electronic device as described herein can be a media device (e.g., media player) capable of playing (including displaying) media items. The media items can pertain to audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). The media device can also include other applications such as a wireless communication application. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device is a portable electronic device. In one implementation, the portable electronic device is a handheld electronic device. Often, portable electronic devices are handheld electronic devices that can be easily held by and within a single hand of a user. The portable electronic device can also pertain to a wearable electronic device or a miniature electronic device. However, the invention can apply to electronic devices whether portable or not. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of media player  800  according to one embodiment of the invention. Media player  800  can include the circuitry of device  100  in  FIG. 1 , can perform the operations described with reference to  FIGS. 2-6 , and/or can present a display screen as in  FIG. 7 . 
     Media player  800  can include processor  802  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of media player  800 . Media player  800  can store media data pertaining to media items in file system  804  and cache  806 . File system  804  is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. File system  804  typically provides high capacity storage capability for media player  800 . File system  804  can store not only media data but also non-media data. However, since the access time to file system  804  is relatively slow, media player  800  can also include cache  806 . Cache  806  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to cache  806  can be substantially shorter than for file system  804 . However, cache  806  does not have the large storage capacity of file system  804 . Further, file system  804 , when active, consumes more power than does cache  806 . The power consumption is often a concern when media player  800  is a portable media player that is powered by battery  807 . Media player  800  can also includes RAM  820  and Read-Only Memory (ROM)  822 . ROM  822  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. RAM  820  provides volatile data storage, such as for cache  806 . 
     Media player  800  can also include user input device  808  that allows a user of media player  800  to interact with media player  800 . For example, user input device  808  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. (physical or soft implementations) each of which can be programmed to individually or in combination perform any of a suite of functions. In one implementation, user input device  808  can be provided by a dial that physically rotates. In another implementation, user input device  808  can be implemented as a touchpad (i.e., a touch-sensitive surface). In still another implementation, user input device  808  can be implemented as a combination of one or more physical buttons as well as a touchpad. Still further, media player  800  can include display  810  (screen display) that can be controlled by processor  802  to display information to the user. Data bus  811  can facilitate data transfer between at least file system  804 , cache  806 , processor  802 , and CODEC  812 . 
     Media player  800  can also provide status monitoring of battery  807 . In this regard, media player  800  can include battery monitor  813 . Battery monitor  813  can be operatively coupled to battery  807  to monitor conditions. Battery monitor  813  can, for example, communicate battery status (or conditions) with processor  802 . 
     In one embodiment, media player  800  can serve to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs) in file system  804 . When a user desires to have media player  800  play a particular media item, a list of available media items can be displayed on display  810 . Then, using user input device  808  (or voice commands), a user can select one of the available media items. Processor  802 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, can supply the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to coder/decoder (CODEC)  812 . CODEC  812  can then produce analog output signals for speaker  814 . Speaker  814  can be a speaker internal to media player  800  or external to media player  800 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to media player  800  could be considered an external speaker. Speaker  814  can not only be used to output audio sounds pertaining to the media item being played, but also to output audio notifications pertaining to battery status. Notifications of battery status can also be output to display  810 . 
     In one embodiment, media player  800  is a portable computing device that can support processing media, such as audio. For example, media player  800  can be a music player (e.g., MP3 player), a game player, and the like. These devices are generally battery operated and highly portable so as to allow a user to listen to music, play games or video, record video or take pictures wherever the user travels. 
     In one implementation, media player  800  is a handheld device sized for placement into a pocket or hand of the user. By being handheld, media player  800  is relatively small and easily handled and utilized by its user. By being pocket sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device, as in a portable computer). Furthermore, in one implementation, the device may be operated by the user&#39;s hands; no reference surface such as a desktop is needed. 
     Media player  800  can also include network/bus interface  816  that couples to data link  818 . Data link  818  can allow media player  800  to couple to a host computer. Data link  818  can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, network/bus interface  816  can include a wireless transceiver. 
     To support wireless communications, media player  800  can also include wireless communications module  824 . Wireless communication module  824  can be considered to provide voice communications (e.g., calls via a cellular network), whereas network/bus interface  816  can be considered to provide data communications. A user of media player  800  can thus make and receive voice calls using the wireless communications module in media player  800 . Wireless communications module  824  can also couple to data bus  811  to couple to processor  802  and other resources. Media player  800  can also include microphone  826  for pickup of the user&#39;s voice. 
     The invention is suitable for use with battery-powered electronic devices. However, the invention is particularly well suited for handheld electronic devices, such as a handheld media device. One example of a handheld media device is a portable media player (e.g., music player or MP3 player). Another example of a handheld media device is a mobile telephone (e.g., cell phone) or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). 
     Portable media devices can store and play audio sounds pertaining to media assets (media items), such as music, audiobooks, meeting recordings, and other speech or voice recordings. Portable media devices, such as media players, are small and highly portable and have limited processing resources. Often, portable media devices are handheld media devices which can be easily held by and within a single hand of a user. 
     One example of a media player is the iPod® media player, which is available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Often, a media player acquires its media assets from a host computer that serves to enable a user to manage media assets. As an example, the host computer can execute a media management application to utilize and manage media assets. One example of a media management application is iTunes®, produced by Apple Inc. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/209,367, filed Aug. 22, 2005, and entitled “AUDIO STATUS INFORMATION FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/565,890, filed Dec. 1, 2006, and entitled “POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT FOR FUNCTIONAL PRESERVATION IN A BATTERY-POWERED ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/439,613, filed May 23, 2006, and entitled “PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH POWER MANAGED DISPLAY,” is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the invention can be used separately or in any combination. 
     The invention is preferably implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that an electronic device can operate to manage power utilization by the electronic device in view of impending usage and battery condition. Another advantage of the invention is that an electronic device can operate to manage its power usage to preserve one of its functions over another when available battery power is diminished. Another advantage of the invention is that a user of an electronic device can participate in power management behavior of the electronic device when available battery power is diminished. Still another advantage of the invention is that an electronic device can provide a notification that charging of a battery is recommended in view of impending usage of the electronic device. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20101213
Publication Date: 20130326
Grant Date: 20130326
Priority Date: 20070216
Inventors: LEE MICHAEL M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/3212", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/329", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3212", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0261", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02D30/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/329", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3203", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3203", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02D30/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02D10/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0261", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02D10/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39707674