U.S. patent application number 13/070930 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for battery state indicator on a battery powered device.
Invention is credited to James Shoong-Leac Chen, Nader Newman.
Application Number | 20120075107 13/070930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44815334 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120075107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Newman; Nader ; et
al. |
March 29, 2012 |
BATTERY STATE INDICATOR ON A BATTERY POWERED DEVICE
Abstract
A method is provided for representing battery degradation of a
rechargeable battery for use with a battery operated device. The
method comprises the following steps. At predefined intervals, the
battery degradation of the rechargeable battery is determined. An
indicator is selected from one of a plurality of predefined
indicators based on the determined battery degradation. The
selected indicator is displayed on a screen of a computing device
for representing the battery degradation. A computing device
configured to implement the method is also described.
Inventors: |
Newman; Nader; (Brampton,
CA) ; Chen; James Shoong-Leac; (Brampton,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44815334 |
Appl. No.: |
13/070930 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12766171 |
Apr 23, 2010 |
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13070930 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/636.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 60/10 20130101;
H01M 10/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/636.19 |
International
Class: |
G08B 21/00 20060101
G08B021/00 |
Claims
1. A method of representing battery degradation of a rechargeable
battery for use with a battery operated device, the method
comprising the steps of: determining, at predefined intervals, the
battery degradation of the rechargeable battery; selecting an
indicator from one of a plurality of predefined indicators based on
the determined battery degradation; and displaying the selected
indicator on a screen of a computing device for representing the
battery degradation.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining the amount
of battery degradation is performed one or more of the rechargeable
battery, the battery operated device, or the computing device.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the computing device is the
battery operated device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined indicators are
different colours; the selected indicator is a selected one of the
different colours; and displaying the selected indicator on the
screen comprises changing a colour of a portion of the screen to
the selected one of the different colours.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of displaying
a battery status icon on the screen, the battery status icon
representing a remaining charge of the rechargeable battery,
wherein the portion of the screen includes a localized region of
the battery status icon.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the localized region includes one
both of the battery status icon or a background of the battery
status icon.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined indicators are
different characters; and the selected indicator is a selected one
of the different characters.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein different ones of the different
characters are represented in different colours.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined indicators are a
predefined symbol; and the selected indicator is a selected number
of predefined symbol, the number of the selected symbols being
based on the determined battery degradation.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein different numbers of the
selected symbols are represented in different colours.
11. The method of claim 1 comprising the further step of: selecting
a descriptive text from a plurality of predefined descriptive text,
based on the determined battery degradation; and displaying the
descriptive text on the screen.
12. A computing device configured to represent battery degradation
of a rechargeable battery for use with a battery operated device,
the computing device comprising: a screen; memory for storing
computer readable instructions; and a processor configured to
execute the computer readable instruction, thereby implementing the
steps of: obtaining, at predefined intervals, the battery
degradation of the rechargeable battery; selecting an indicator
from one of a plurality of predefined indicators based on the
determined battery degradation; and displaying the selected
indicator on the screen for representing the battery
degradation.
13. The computing device of claim 12 wherein obtaining the battery
degradation comprises determining the battery degradation by the
computing device or retrieving the battery degradation from one or
both of the rechargeable battery or the battery operated
device.
14. The computing device of claim 13, wherein the computing device
is the battery operated device.
15. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the predefined
indicators are different colours; the selected indicator is a
selected one of the different colours; and displaying the selected
indicator on the screen comprises changing a colour of a portion of
the screen to the selected one of the different colours.
16. The computing device of claim 15 comprising further
instructions for displaying a battery status icon on the screen,
the battery status icon representing a remaining charge of the
rechargeable battery, wherein the portion of the screen includes a
localized region of the battery status icon.
17. The computing device of claim 16, wherein the localized region
includes one both of the battery status icon or a background of the
battery status icon.
18. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the predefined
indicators are different characters; and the selected indicator is
a selected one of the different characters.
19. The computing device of claim 18, wherein different ones of the
different characters are represented in different colours.
20. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the predefined
indicators are a predefined symbol; and the selected indicator is a
selected number of predefined symbol, the number of the selected
symbols being based on the determined battery degradation.
21. The computing device of claim 20, wherein different numbers of
the selected symbols are represented in different colours.
22. The computing device of claim 12 comprising the further
instructions for: selecting a descriptive text from a plurality of
predefined descriptive text, based on the determined battery
degradation; and displaying the descriptive text on the screen.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates generally to battery powered
devices and specifically to a method for displaying on the battery
powered device an indicator of the state of the battery. This
application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/766,171, titled "Replacement Battery Indicator on a
Battery Powered Device", filed Apr. 23, 2010.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The proliferation of wireless data transfer technologies,
including cellular technology, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for example, has
resulted in an explosion in the number of portable devices
available to consumers. Examples of such portable devices include
personal entertainment devices, such as game, music and video
players, personal communication devices, such as smart phones and
personal digital assistants, data collection devices and portable
computers.
[0003] The vast majority of these portable devices are powered by
rechargeable batteries. The batteries may be off-the-shelf
batteries or comprise a prepackaged battery pack. In use, a
portable device user typically charges the batteries using a
standard power source, such as an electrical outlet. The batteries
may be charged while remaining within the portable device or
removed from the device and charged via an external battery
charger. Once the batteries are charged they are used to power the
portable device. Once the batteries are drained, they are recharged
and the process begins anew.
[0004] However, rechargeable batteries have a fixed life-cycle.
That is, they have a limited number of charge cycles before they
can no longer be effectively recharged. Further, environmental
conditions such as high or low temperatures, or improper charging
strategies, can affect the performance of the batteries. This
decrease in performance and/or ability to be recharged is referred
to as battery degradation. Therefore, as rechargeable batteries are
used it only becomes possible to recharge them to a maximum energy
storage (often expressed in ampere hours aH or milli-ampere hours
maH) capacity that is some fraction of their original maximum
energy storage capacity. Once this maximum energy storage capacity
falls below a certain threshold, the batteries will no longer be
practically useful.
[0005] However, it is difficult for the user to know when the
rechargeable batteries will need to be replaced. Typically, the
user will not know that a rechargeable battery needs to be replaced
until it fails to last for an expected useful time period.
Accordingly, a number of extra batteries need to be kept on hand to
ensure that replacement batteries are available when the degraded
rechargeable batteries can no longer effectively be recharged. The
more portable devices one has, the larger the inventory and
associated costs for storing the replacement batteries.
Furthermore, the replacement batteries also have a limited life
span and degrade, to some extent, when they are in storage.
[0006] Further, it is common that a user will have multiple sets of
batteries for a device so that the device can be used with one set
while another set, or sets, are being charged. It can be difficult
for most users to manage two or more sets of batteries to ensure
that the battery sets are utilized in the device on a regular
rotation (which can optimize their useful lifetime) and to identify
degraded batteries for disposal/recycling.
[0007] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system and method
that facilitates the determination and display an indication of the
battery degradation so that the user can make an informed decision
when to replace the battery.
SUMMARY
[0008] As described above, a common problem among portable device
users is not knowing when to replace the device's batteries. Some
users are aware that, at least for some battery chemistries, the
batteries should typically be replaced after no more than two
years, but the actual replacement time depends on how the batteries
are being used and charged. Replacing batteries prematurely results
in users wasting money as the batteries could still be utilized.
Conversely, users who wait to long to replace their batteries may
result in the batteries failing at a critical time, thereby wasting
time and money. Accordingly, a visual indication of the amount of
the batteries' degradation is provided in an easy to understand
format so that the user can improve their battery management with
relative ease.
[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of representing battery degradation of a
rechargeable battery for use with a battery operated device, the
method comprising the steps of: determining, at predefined
intervals, the battery degradation of the rechargeable battery;
selecting an indicator from one of a plurality of predefined
indicators based on the determined battery degradation; and
displaying the selected indicator on a screen of a computing device
for representing the battery degradation.
[0010] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a computing device configured to
represent battery degradation of a rechargeable battery for use
with a battery operated device, the computing device comprising: a
screen; memory for storing computer readable instructions; and a
processor configured to execute the computer readable instruction,
thereby implementing the method as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front and side of a
portable computer using a rechargeable battery;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a battery information screen that can be displayed
on the portable computer of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow chart describing steps for determining
battery discharge for smart batteries;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart describing steps for determining
battery discharge for dumb batteries;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a taskbar portion of a screen that can be
displayed on the portable computer of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIGS. 6A-6C are schematic representations of battery
information screens;
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7B are schematic representations of battery
information screens showing a detail portion;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a battery health
configuration screen;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a battery health
viewing screen;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a text editing
interface;
[0022] FIGS. 11 to 13 are screen shots of a battery information
screen; and
[0023] FIG. 14 is a screen shot of an alternative embodiment of a
battery information screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] For convenience, like numerals in the description refer to
like structures in the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, a portable
computer is illustrated generally by numeral 100. The portable
computer 100 comprises a main body 102, a display 104, a keyboard
106 and a battery compartment 108 for housing a rechargeable
battery (not shown). For ease of explanation, the rechargeable
battery will simply be referred to as the battery.
[0025] The battery can be any suitable rechargeable power source
for portable computer 100 and typically comprises one or more
battery cells and a battery controller which are mounted in a
enclosure sized and shaped to be received in battery compartment
108. The battery controller is a semiconductor device which can
monitor and/or control charging of the battery and which can
develop and maintain relevant statistics with respect to the
battery, such as the number of times the battery has been
recharged, as well as information about the battery, such as a
serial number of the battery, the chemistry of the battery (NiMH,
lion, etc.). Battery controllers are well known to those of skill
in the art and suitable devices are available from Texas
Instruments and other manufacturers and will not be discussed in
further detail herein.
[0026] The portable computer 100 and the battery are in
communication using a battery interface (not shown). The battery
interface may use known or proprietary protocols for communication.
The portable computer 100 also comprises a plurality of optional
components such as a barcode scanner or radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag reader, for example.
[0027] As will be appreciated, battery management software is
provided on the portable computer 100 that determines the battery
degradation and presents the information on the screen 104. In one
embodiment, the battery degradation information is displayed
graphically as a "battery gauge". Referring to FIG. 2, a battery
information screen, which can be displayed on screen 104, is shown
generally by numeral 200. The battery information screen 200
includes a battery gauge 202, a battery type indicator 204, a
battery status indicator 206 and a charge status indicator 208.
[0028] The charge status indicator 208 indicates whether or not the
battery is being charged. This provides the user with a quick check
to verify that the battery is being charged when the portable
computer 100 is placed in a cradle, docking station, or otherwise
connected to a power source.
[0029] The battery status indicator 206 indicates whether or not
the battery has been authorized. To prevent counterfeit batteries
from being employed, which could lead to safety and/or other
concerns, it is known to use cryptographic authentication to
authenticate the battery with the device. If the portable computer
100 supports such an authentication scheme, the battery is
considered to be authorized if it contains the necessary
credentials. Such an authentication scheme is known in the art and
is beyond the scope of the present invention and, as such, is not
described in detail.
[0030] The battery type 204 indicates the type of battery. The
battery type 204 often relates to the chemical composition of the
battery such as nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), Lithium-ion (Li-on)
and the like. The battery type 204 can be determined in a variety
of manners and/or retrieved from the battery controller.
[0031] The battery gauge 202 is bar-shaped in the present
embodiment and comprises three different condition sections. A
critical condition section 202a, is located at the left-most
portion of battery gauge 202. The critical condition section is
relatively small. It is used to indicate to the user that, due to
battery degradation, the battery discharge is critical and the
portable computer 100 will likely not function effectively, even
with a fully charged battery. Thus, the battery should be replaced.
A good condition section 202c is located at the right-most portion
of the battery gauge 202. The good condition section 202c is
relatively large and is used to indicate to the user that battery
degradation is not a concern. A warning condition section 202b is
located between the critical condition section 202a and the good
condition section 202c. The warning condition section 202b is
mid-sized. It is used to indicate to the user that battery
degradation is becoming a concern and that a new battery should be
obtained, as it will soon be needed. The portable computer 100 will
likely work just long enough to be useful to the user, as will be
described.
[0032] Battery degradation is illustrated on the battery gauge 202
by a degradation indicator 202d. The degradation indicator 202d
begins at the right-most edge of the battery gauge 202 and moves to
the left as the battery degrades. Accordingly, the degradation
indicator 202d can be seen to increasingly occupy a greater portion
of the battery gauge as the battery degrades
[0033] In the present embodiment the critical condition section
202a is coloured red, the warning condition section 202b is
coloured yellow and the good condition section 202c is coloured
green. The degradation indicator 202d is in the form of a black bar
that covers an increasing portion of the battery gauge 202 as the
battery degrades. Accordingly, the user will quickly be able
determine the level of degradation by the visible colours. That is,
for example, if all three colours are visible then the battery is
in good condition. As less green becomes visible then the user
knows that battery is degrading. Once green is no longer visible
then user should consider obtaining a replacement battery. Once
yellow is no longer visible then the user should consider replacing
the battery with the replacement battery.
[0034] As will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the
art, the size of each of the good section 202c, the warning section
202b and the critical section 202a depends on how much charge the
battery contains and how much charge the portable computer 100
needs to be considered to be useful to the user. Thus, the
proportion of each of the sections 202a, 202b and 202c may vary for
different implementations. For example, a portable computer 100
that is used three hours between recharging will have different
requirements for a portable computer 100 that is used eight hours
between recharging.
[0035] The following describes how the battery degradation is
determined by the battery management software. There are two
general types of batteries: smart batteries and dumb batteries.
Smart batteries include means to monitor certain parameters and
determine the remaining battery energy storage capacity. These
parameters are used by the battery management software to generate
the battery gauge 202. Dumb batteries lack the means present in the
smart batteries but still include parameters that can be used by
the battery software to determine and generate the battery gauge
202.
[0036] In the present embodiment, the battery gauge 202 is
displayed to the user via a battery utility screen. A person of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the battery gauge
202 can be displayed as part of other utility or status screens. In
an alternate embodiment, the battery gauge 202 could be displayed
on the main screen of the portable computer 100, either constantly
or intermittently.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart illustrating a method for
determining battery degradation of a smart battery is shown
generally by numeral 300. In the present embodiment, the battery
degradation is determined after each charge cycle. A person of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the frequency of
determining battery degradation can vary depending on the
implementation.
[0038] Smart batteries generally provide a battery degradation
calculation, but do not provide it as a total percentage of the
maximum energy storage capacity. At step 302, a battery identifier
is retrieved. Each battery identifier is unique and is used for
identifying the battery.
[0039] At step 304, a chemistry or type for the battery is
retrieved. In the present embodiment, this information is retrieved
from the battery itself. Alternatively, the chemistry or type
information may be able to be determined based on a portion of the
battery identifier. The chemistry or type of battery is used to
determine which of a plurality of predefined degradation factors to
use when calculating battery degradation.
[0040] At step 306, further battery information is retrieved from
the battery. This information includes date of manufacture,
voltage, temperature, the maximum battery capacity and the
calculated battery capacity. The maximum battery capacity
represents the maximum energy storage capacity of the battery when
new. The calculated battery capacity represents the energy storage
capacity of the battery remaining after the battery has calculated
the degradation.
[0041] At step 308, a battery percentage decay is calculated. The
battery percentage decay refers to the degradation and represents a
percentage of the battery that can no longer be used. Specifically,
Battery Percentage Decay=(Maximum Battery Capacity-Calculated
Battery Capacity)/Maximum Battery Capacity.
[0042] At step 310, it is determined whether or not the battery
percentage decay has changed since the previous calculation. If the
battery percentage decay has not changed, then the method continues
to step 312 and the operation is complete. If the battery
percentage decay has changed, then the method continued to step 314
and the degradation progress bar on the battery gauge is updated to
represent the change in degradation. The method then continues to
step 312.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart illustrating a method for
determining battery degradation of a dumb battery is shown
generally by numeral 400. In the present embodiment, the battery
degradation is determined after each charge cycle. A person of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the frequency of
determining battery degradation can vary depending on the
implementation.
[0044] At step 402, the battery identifier is retrieved. Each
battery identifier is unique and is used for identifying the
battery. At step 404, the chemistry or type for the battery is
retrieved.
[0045] At step 406, further battery information is retrieved from
the battery. This information includes date of manufacture,
voltage, temperature and the maximum battery capacity. This
information also includes a charge current accumulator (CCA), a
discharge current accumulator (DCA) and the degradation factor. The
CCA is a count of how many times the battery has been charged. The
DCA is a count of how many times the battery has been discharged.
The degradation factor is used in calculating the battery
degradation by adjusting the CCA and DCA as different battery
chemistries will have a different discharge curve when charging and
discharging.
[0046] At step 408, the battery percentage decay is calculated in
several steps. At step 408a, a degraded maximum capacity of the
battery is determined as Degraded Maximum Capacity=Maximum Battery
Capacity-(CCA+DCA)/Degradation Factor. The degraded maximum
capacity represents the maximum energy storage capacity of the
battery after degradation has been factored.
[0047] At step 408b, a battery percent life left is determined as
Battery Percent Life Left=(Degraded Maximum Capacity*100)/Maximum
Battery Capacity. The battery percent life left reflects the
degraded maximum capacity as a percentage of the maximum battery
capacity.
[0048] At step 408c, the battery percentage decay is determined as
Battery Percentage Decay=100-Main Battery Percent Life Left.
[0049] At step 410, depending on the capacity at which the battery
started charging the CCA and DCA are updated accordingly. That is,
in order to increase the CCA or DCA count the battery should
complete approximately one full charge or discharge, respectively.
In order to determine whether one full charge or discharge has
occurred the energy storage capacity of the battery needs to be
analyzed. If the battery for example has 90% of its energy storage
capacity and is then charged, then the CCA will not be updated as
this is not close enough to be considered a full charge. On the
other hand if the battery has 20% energy capacity and is charged
then the CCA will be updated. Similarly, if only 10% of the battery
capacity is used before a charge, then the DCA will not be updated
as this is not close enough to be considered a full discharge. On
the other hand if 80% of the battery capacity is used before a
charge, then the DCA will be updated.
[0050] At step 412, it is determined whether or not the battery
percentage decay has changed since the previous calculation. If the
battery percentage decay has not changed, then the method continues
to step 414 and the operation is complete. If the battery
percentage decay has changed, then the method continued to step 416
and the degradation progress bar on the battery gauge is updated to
represent the change in degradation. The method then continues to
step 414.
[0051] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in both embodiments
described above, the battery gauge is updated to graphically
represent the battery degradation to the user.
[0052] In an alternate embodiment once the battery percentage decay
reaches a predefined threshold, a new battery is automatically
ordered. This threshold, referred to for clarity as an order
threshold, can be determined based on a number of different
criteria. For example, the order threshold can be based on an
estimated time to receive the new battery once it has been ordered.
Thus, the longer the estimated time to receive the battery, the
lower the order threshold and vice versa. In another example, the
order threshold can be based on the estimated usage of the mobile
computer. Thus, the more frequently, or longer, the portable
computer 100 is expected to be used, the lower the order threshold
and vice versa. In yet another example, the order threshold can be
based on the number of batteries already in inventory. Thus, the
greater the number of batteries in inventory, the higher the order
threshold and vice versa. Further examples, and combinations
thereof, will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0053] Once the order threshold is crossed, the battery management
software executing on the portable computer 100 contacts a
predefined supplier to order the new battery. In the present
embodiment, the portable computer 100 is equipped with Wi-Fi access
and the battery degradation software attempts to connect with a
supplier server via a Wi-Fi network to order the battery.
Alternatively, the portable computer 100 is equipped with radio
technology and the battery degradation software attempts to connect
with a supplier server via a cellular network, such as a 3G network
for example, to order the battery. In yet an alternate embodiment,
the portable computer 100, may wait until it is docked and
communicate with a supplier server via a wired network connection.
In yet an alternate embodiment, the portable computer 100 may
communicate with a local server rather than directly with the
supplier server. In this embodiment, the local server is configured
to accumulate parts requests and submit an order at predefined
intervals.
[0054] Although described with specific reference to portable
devices, such as the portable computer 100, it will be appreciated
by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be
implemented on other electronic devices that use rechargeable
batteries including, for example, laptop computers, personal
digital assistants, mobile phones, portable media devices, such as
mp3 players, digital image recording devices, such as cameras and
camcorders, battery powered vehicles and the like.
[0055] Further, although described with reference to a bar-shaped
indicator, the battery gauge can be displayed differently to the
user. For example, a pie-shaped indicator may also be used. As
another example, a multiple-bar graph may also be used that takes
other factors, such as temperature, into consideration. Other
graphical representations will be apparent to a person skilled in
the art.
[0056] Yet further, although the embodiments described above are
described with specific reference to determining battery
degradation for the battery of the electronic device itself, the
invention may also be applied to batteries external to the
electronic device.
[0057] For example, rechargeable batteries are often charged in
external charging stations. An electronic device, such as the
portable computer 100 described above, can be used to communicate
with a plurality of batteries via RFID. In order to facilitate this
communication, each battery is configured with a writable RFID tag.
At predefined intervals, such as after each charge cycle for
example, the battery writes its battery information to the RFID
tag. Also, the battery identifier included in the battery
information, or at least a portion thereof, is clearly labeled on
the battery so that it is visible to the user.
[0058] The battery software is configured to represent a plurality
of battery gauges 202, one for each battery. The battery identifier
is presented along with each of the battery gauges so that the user
can easily reconcile a battery gauge with its corresponding
battery. As will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in
the art, the number of battery gauges 202 that can be accommodated
on the display 104 depends on the size and resolution of the
display 104. Accordingly, if there are too many battery gauges 202
to be easily accommodated on the display, multiple pages can be
used.
[0059] In yet an alternate embodiment, the battery gauge can
represent battery degradation in a different manner than the
embodiment described above. Referring to FIG. 5, a screen shot of a
portion of a main screen displayed by the portable computer 100 is
illustrated generally by numeral 500. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a
taskbar 502. In the present embodiment, the taskbar 502 is a
taskbar of the Windows CE operating system. However, a person of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention can be
applied to other taskbar configurations as well as other operating
systems. A plurality of icons 504 are displayed on the taskbar 502.
As is known in the art, the icons 504 can be used to display
information to a user. Further, the icons 504 are selectable by the
user to initiate an application or a popup user interface.
[0060] In accordance with the present invention, the icons 504
include a battery status icon 504a. The battery status icon 504a
has a battery meter 506 and a localized background 508. The battery
meter 506 visually represents the estimated remaining charge in the
battery. That is, as the charge available on the battery decreases,
the battery meter decreases in size. Thus, the battery meter 506
provides a quick, visual cue to the user regarding the approximate
charge remaining until the battery needs to be recharged.
[0061] The localized background 508 visually represents the
estimated battery degradation. That is, as the health of the
battery decreases, and thereby the number of useable recharge
cycles decreases, the localized background 508 changes colour.
Specifically, the localized background 506 changes colour when the
battery degradation passes one of a plurality of predefined
thresholds. The localized background 508 can include only the space
immediately surrounding the battery status icon 504a, as
illustrated, or can comprise a larger area, such as the entire
taskbar 502, for example.
[0062] In the present embodiment, an upper threshold and a lower
threshold are set. When the battery degradation is above the upper
threshold, the localized background 508 is coloured green. A green
localized background 508 generally indicates that the battery is in
good condition and has relatively little degradation.
[0063] When the battery degradation is between the upper threshold
and the lower threshold, the localized background 508 is coloured
yellow. A yellow localized background 508 generally indicates that
the battery has degraded to the extent that even a full charge may
not be sufficient to operate the portable computer 100 as
desired.
[0064] When the battery degradation is below the lower threshold,
the localized background 508 is coloured red. A red localized
background 508 generally indicates that the battery has degraded to
the extent that even a full charge will likely not be sufficient to
operate the portable computer 100 as desired.
[0065] In accordance with a further embodiment, battery health
grades can be used as a battery gauge in lieu of or in addition to
other battery gauges previously described. For example, in the
present embodiment the battery health grades include the letters A,
B, C and F. As will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in
the art, the selection of which letters or symbols are used as
battery health grades can be determined depending on the
application for which the battery gauge is used, language of the
user and the like.
[0066] In order to provide further visual cues to the user, the
battery health grades are presented in a predefined colour. For
example, the letters A and B are shown in green, the letter C is
shown in yellow, and the letter F is shown in red. The letter A is
an indication that the battery is in relatively good condition and
has degraded relatively little. In contrast, the letter F indicates
that the battery has failed or is in critical condition. The
letters B and C indicate, respectively, progressively worse battery
degradation between the letters A and F. For example letter B may
be a warning that the battery may not have enough capacity to last
an entire work shift when fully charged and letter C may be a
warning to replace the battery soon.
[0067] In the present embodiment, the health grades are presented
to the user via a battery information screen. Referring to FIG. 6A,
a sample screenshot of the battery information screen is
illustrated generally by 600. The battery information screen 600
includes a battery capacity icon 602 with a capacity meter 604, a
battery charge percentage 606, a battery health fill-bar 608 with a
battery charge meter 609, a battery health grade 610, descriptive
text 612, a details button 614 and a cancel button 618.
[0068] In the present embodiment, the battery information screen
600 is presented to the user upon selection of the battery icon
504a. Alternatively, or additionally, the battery information
screen 600 may appear when the portable computer 100 resumes from a
sleeping state, when it is turned on, or at pre-set periodic time
intervals.
[0069] The battery capacity icon 602 provides a visual cue to
indicate the estimated degradation of the battery. Similar to the
battery status icon 504a, the battery capacity icon represents the
battery degradation as a colour. Unlike the battery meter 506,
which represents the remaining charge of the battery, the capacity
meter 604 represents the estimated degradation of the battery. In
the present embodiment, the height of the capacity meter 604
represents the estimated maximum battery capacity. The higher the
capacity meter 604 the greater the available maximum capacity for
the battery and the lesser the degradation.
[0070] The battery percentage 606 is an estimated percentage of the
remaining charge of the battery. The remaining charge is also
illustrated by the charge meter 609 in the battery health fill-bar
608. When the charge meter 609 fills the battery health fill-bar
608, then the battery is at full charge. As the charge in the
battery decreases, the charge meter 609 moves from right to left.
When the fill bar 608 is empty, then the battery does not have any
remaining charge.
[0071] The battery health grade 610 provides a further an
indication of the degradation level of the battery, as described
above.
[0072] Descriptive text 612 is a written description of the health
of the battery that is displayed on the battery information screen
600. Descriptive text 612 can be associated with the battery health
grade 610 so that a meaningful description of the battery
degradation will be displayed in the battery information screen 600
along with the associated battery health grade 610.
[0073] The details button 614 is a virtual button that can be
selected by user input (e.g. a mouse-click or touch-screen
selection) to display further details of the status of the
battery.
[0074] The cancel button 618, indicated by the `X` closes the
battery information screen 800 when selected.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 6B and 6C, other examples of the battery
information screen 600 are illustrated. Each battery information
screen shows the battery capacity icon 602 with the capacity meter
604, the battery charge percentage 606, the fill bar 608, the
charge meter 609, the battery health grade 610, the descriptive
text 612, the details button 614 and the cancel button 618.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 6B the battery charge percentage 606 is
`42%` indicating that the battery has approximately 42% of its
charge remaining Accordingly, the battery charge meter 609 is
reduced to a portion (approximately 42%) of the fill bar 608
indicating that the battery is partially charged. The battery gauge
610 indicates a battery health grade level of `A` and the
descriptive text 612 provides the user with practical information
relating to the battery degradation. In the present example, the
descriptive text 612 states "The detected battery is fairly new.
When fully-charged, it is expected to last the entire work-shift
with continual device-use."
[0077] Referring to FIG. 6C the battery charge percentage 606 is
100%, indicating that the battery is fully charged. Accordingly,
the charge meter 609 occupies the entire fill bar 608. The battery
gauge 610 indicates a battery health grade of `F` and the
descriptive text provides the user with practical information
relating to the battery degradation. In the present example, the
descriptive text states "It is recommended that this battery is
replaced soon. When fully-charged, it will not last the entire
work-shift."
[0078] Referring to FIG. 7A, an example of the battery information
screen 600 after the details button 614 has been selected is
illustrated. Once the details button 614 is selected, a details
portion 700 is revealed. In the present example, the details
portion 700 displays an estimated maximum charge capacity 702, a
charge cycle count 704 and a battery serial number 706. The details
portion 700 of the battery information screen 600 can be closed by
selecting the details button 614.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 7B, another example of the battery
information screen 600 after the details button 614 has been
selected is illustrated. The details portion 700 of the battery
information screen 600 displays the cycle count 704 and the battery
serial number 706. The details portion 700 of the battery
information screen 600 can be closed by selecting the details
button 614.
[0080] The battery information screen 600 described above displays
battery status information in accordance with battery health
profiles. In the present embodiment, the battery health profiles
are initially set to default value but are dynamically configurable
by a system administrator of the portable computer 100. Information
stored in the battery health profile includes thresholds used to
define the battery health grades, the colour assigned to specific
battery health grades and the number of charge cycles to reach
specific battery heath grade levels. For example, a battery health
grade "A" can be assigned to a battery degradation level of 20% or
less, meaning that the battery has degraded by less than 20%.
Battery health profiles can also include descriptive text related
to one or more battery health grades. Battery health profiles can
be created edited and stored locally on the portable computer 100
or can be stored remotely at a remote or central server. Further,
battery health profiles can be edited remotely at a central
location and accessed by multiple portable computers 100.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 8, a battery health configuration screen
is shown generally at 800. The battery health configuration screen
800 is for editing or modifying the battery health profile. The
battery health configuration screen 800 includes a profile field
802, a threshold chart 804, a text button 806, a warning selection
button 808, a dismiss warning button 810, an allow details button
812, a health threshold field 814, a timing threshold field 816, a
cancel button 820 and an `OK` button 818. The battery health
configuration screen 800 can be initiated from the portable
computer 100 or from a remote location.
[0082] The profile field 802 allows a user to select an existing
battery health profile that has been stored in memory or a storage.
The storage can be a remote storage accessible by the portable
computer 100 for example. When a battery health profile is
selected, profile information is displayed in the threshold chart
804. The threshold chart 804 is a text based chart that sets out
the logical relationships between the battery health grade, the
degradation percentage of the battery, the charge cycle count and
the colour of the fill bar 608.
[0083] The threshold chart 804 includes a health grade column 822,
a degradation percentage column 824, a charge cycle count column
826 and a fill bar colour column 828. The values in each column
align horizontally with the values in the remaining columns so that
the aligned values correspond with one another in the battery
profile. According to the battery profile shown in FIG. 8, the
degradation value of 90% corresponds with a battery health grade of
`C`, a charge cycle count of `300` and a fill bar colour of
yellow.
[0084] The text button 806 is a virtual button that can be selected
by user input. When the text button 806 is selected via user input,
a UI (not shown) for editing the description text 802 of the
battery information screen 800 for any of the battery health grades
shown on the threshold chart 804 is displayed.
[0085] The warning selection button 808 is a virtual button that
can be selected by user input. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8,
the warning selection button 808 is shown with an `X` indicating
that the warning selection button 808 is selected. When the warning
selection button 808 is selected a popup battery warning, such as a
battery information screen 800, will be displayed on the portable
computer's 100 UI when the battery health grade is at a
pre-determined threshold level. The threshold field 814 is a
virtual button that can be selected by user input in order to set
the pre-determined threshold that determines when the popup battery
warning will be displayed on the UI. When the threshold field 814
is selected a drop down menu showing battery health grades is
displayed on the UI. One of the battery health grades shown on the
drop down menu can be selected by user input. The pre-determined
threshold level is set to the battery health grade selected by the
user input from the drop down menu of the threshold field 814.
[0086] The dismiss warning button 810 is a virtual button that can
be selected by user input. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the
dismiss warning button 810 is shown with an `X` indicating that the
dismiss warning button 810 is selected. When the dismiss warning
button 810 is selected the popup battery warning, as set by the
warning selection button 808, will be automatically closed after a
pre-determined amount of time. The timing threshold field 816 is a
virtual button that can be selected by user input in order to set
the pre-determined amount of time after which the popup battery
warning will be automatically closed. When the timing threshold
field 816 is selected a drop down menu showing time amounts (e.g. 2
second, 3 second, 5 seconds, etc.) is displayed on the UI. One of
the time amounts shown in the drop down menu can be selected by
user input. The pre-determined amount of time after which the popup
battery warning is closed is set to the time amount selected by the
user from the drop down menu of the threshold field 816.
[0087] The allow details button 812 is a button that can be
selected by user input. When the allow details button 812 is
selected a details button 614 will be included in the popup battery
warnings shown on the UI of the portable computer 100 after the
battery health grade is at the pre-determined threshold level and
when the warning selection button 808 has been selected.
[0088] The cancel button 820, indicated by the letter `X` closes
the battery health configuration screen 800 when selected. Data
input into the battery configuration screen 800, such as edits made
to a battery profile, will not be saved when the battery health
configuration screen 800 is closed with the cancel button 820.
[0089] The `OK` button 818 closes the battery health configuration
screen 800 when selected. According to an embodiment, data input
into the battery configuration screen 800, such as edits made to a
battery profile, are saved and stored in memory. Alternatively,
upon selection of the `OK` button 818 a prompt (not shown) may be
displayed on the user interface requesting a confirmation via user
input that the data input into the battery configuration screen
800, such as edits made to a battery profile, is to be saved and
stored in memory.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 10, when the user selects the text button
806 a text editing interface 1000 is displayed on a UI. The text
editing interface 1000 includes the warning selection button 808,
the dismiss warning button 810, the allow details button 812, the
health threshold field 814, the timing threshold field 816, the
cancel button 820 and the `OK` button 818. The text editing
interface 1000 further includes text boxes to edit the description
text 612 to appear in association with battery health grade A 1022,
grade B 1024, grade C 1026 and grade F. The text editing interface
1000 additionally includes a restore defaults button 1030 for
restoring default text to each of the text boxes. The description
text 612 in the text boxes is saved as part of the profile.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 9, a battery health viewing screen is
shown generally at 900. The battery health viewing screen 900 is
for viewing the battery profile information presented in the
battery information screen 800. The battery health viewing screen
900 includes a profile field 902, a threshold chart 904, a text
button 906, a cancel button 920 and an `OK` button 918.
[0092] The profile field 902 is a virtual button that can be
selected by user input. When the profile field 902 button is
selected, a pull down menu for selecting the profile to view is
displayed. The pull down menu shows a list of battery profiles that
can be displayed in the health viewing screen 900. The list of
battery profiles shown in the pull down menu can be scrollable. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the profile being displayed is
called "Cycle count only, using 2 grades."
[0093] The threshold chart 904 shows corresponding values of the
selected battery profile. The threshold chart 904 includes a health
grade column 822, a degradation percentage column 824, a charge
cycle count column 826 and a fill bar colour column 828. The values
in each column align horizontally with the values in the remaining
columns so that the aligned values correspond with one another in
the battery profile. According to the battery profile shown in FIG.
9, the battery health grade of `C`, corresponds with a fill bar
colour of green and the battery health grade of 'F corresponds with
a fill bar colour of red.
[0094] The text button 906 is a virtual button that can be selected
by user input. When the text button 906 is selected, the
descriptive text 612 associated with the different battery health
grades is displayed (not shown).
[0095] The cancel button 920, indicated by `X` closes the battery
health viewing screen 900 when selected.
[0096] The `OK` button 918 closes the battery health viewing screen
900 when selected.
[0097] FIGS. 11 to 13 are sample screen shots of another embodiment
of a battery information screen shown generally by 1100. The
battery information screen 1100 includes a battery capacity icon
602 with a capacity meter 604, a battery charge percentage 606, a
battery health grade 610, descriptive text 612, a battery health
meter 1102 and a localized background 1104.
[0098] The battery health meter 1102 provides a visual indication
of the battery health grade 610. For example, the battery health
meter 1102 can comprise a number of symbols or a number of
filled-in symbols. The number of symbols or filled-in symbols
corresponds to a relative maximum possible capacity of the battery.
Each levels of battery health can correspond to a specific number
of symbols or a specific number of filled-in symbols. The battery
health can be divided into specific discrete levels manually or
automatically.
[0099] According to the sample screenshot of FIG. 11, the battery
charge percentage 606 is "83%", the battery health grade 610
comprises a battery health meter 1102 having one out of a possible
five stars. The descriptive text 612 reads, "Battery should be
replaced," and the localized background 1104 around the battery
capacity icon 602 is red.
[0100] According to the sample screenshot of FIG. 12, the battery
charge percentage 606 is "84%", the battery health grade 610
comprises a battery health meter 1102 having five out of a possible
five stars. The descriptive text 612 reads, "Excellent," and the
localized background 1104 around the battery capacity icon 602 is
green.
[0101] According to the sample screenshot of FIG. 13, the battery
charge percentage 606 is "83%", the battery health grade 610
comprises a battery health meter 1102 having three out of a
possible five stars. The descriptive text 612 reads, "Used," and
the localized background 1104 around the battery capacity icon 602
is yellow.
[0102] FIG. 14 shows a sample screenshot of a further embodiment of
the battery health screen indicated generally by 1400. The battery
information screen 1400 includes a battery capacity icon 602 with a
capacity meter 604, a battery charge percentage 606, a battery
health grade 610, descriptive text 612, a battery health meter
1102, a localized background 1104 and a cycle count 1402. The cycle
count 1402 displays the number of battery cycles.
[0103] Still referring to FIG. 14, the battery charge percentage
606 is "97%", the battery health grade 610 comprises a battery
health meter 1102 having five out of a possible five stars. The
descriptive text 612 reads, "Excellent," and the localized
background 1104 around the battery capacity icon 602 is green. The
cycle count 1402 is 004.
[0104] According to an embodiment, an administrator at a central
location can edit profiles through the health configuration screen
800. These edited profiles can then be stored at a database. The
portable computer 100 communicates with this database in order to
obtain the edited profiles. Similarly, there may be an option in
the health configuration screen 800 for creating profiles. Access
to the health configuration screen 900 can be restricted so that
only authorized users can edit battery profiles. For example,
access to the health configuration screen 800, either from the
portable computer 100 for from a central administrator computer, or
access to the profiles could be password protected.
[0105] According to a further embodiment, the central location
maintains a database of degradation levels for the batteries in use
in the portable computers 100 in a network. The network could, for
example, be an enterprise network associated with the central
location. For example, the portable computers 100 in the network
could periodically communicate battery degradation levels or
battery capacities to the central location. The administrator at
the central location could send notification messages, such as
e-mails, text messages, instant messages and the like, to the
portable computers 100 at predefined battery degradation levels.
Alternatively, the central location is programmed to automatically
transmit the notification messages to the portable computers 100.
Further, the central database may maintain a list of batteries at
predefined degradation levels. The list may include all batteries
and their associated degradation levels or only batteries that have
reached a certain level of degradation.
[0106] According to an alternative embodiment, the profiles can be
edited and stored in the registry of the portable computer 100.
Alternative ways or embodiments of storing, editing or creating
profiles will be apparent to a skilled user upon reading this
disclosure.
[0107] Although the embodiment described above uses RFID technology
to communicate between the battery and the portable computer 100,
other wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth or even a
wired interface can be used.
[0108] Using the foregoing specification, the invention may be
implemented as a machine, process or article of manufacture by
using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce
programming software, firmware, hardware or any combination
thereof.
[0109] Any resulting program(s), having computer-readable
instructions, may be embodied within one or more computer-readable
media such as memory devices, thereby making a computer program
product or article of manufacture according to the invention. As
such, the terms "software" and "application" as used herein are
intended to encompass a computer program existent on any
computer-readable medium such as on any memory device.
[0110] Examples of memory devices include, hard disk drives,
diskettes, optical disks, magnetic tape, semiconductor memories
such as FLASH, RAM, ROM, PROMS, and the like.
[0111] A machine embodying the invention may involve one or more
processing systems including, for example, a CPU, memory/storage
devices, communication links, communication/transmitting devices,
servers, I/O devices, or any subcomponents or individual parts of
one or more processing systems, including software, firmware,
hardware, or any combination or subcombination thereof, which
embody the invention as set forth in the claims.
[0112] Using the description provided herein, those skilled in the
art will be readily able to combine software created as described
with appropriate general purpose or special purpose computer
hardware to create a computer system and/or computer subcomponents
embodying the invention, and to create a computer system and/or
computer subcomponents for carrying out the method of the
invention.
[0113] Although the invention has been described with reference to
certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be
apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *