Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for controlling a charging of a computing device (102), wherein the system (100) comprising:
a device charger (104) to supply a power as an input power to a battery (110) of the computing device (102);
a charge control application (108) installed within the computing device (102), wherein the charge control application (108) is configured to provide an interface (116) to input a threshold charging value; and
a processing unit (112) connected to the charge control application (108), wherein the processing unit (112) is configured to:
enable a user to provide the input of the threshold charging value, when the computing device(102) is plugged in to the device charger (104);
transmit a charging initiation signal to the device charger(104) to continue charging the battery(110) of the computing device(102);
determine a batterycharging value of the computing device(102);
compare the determined batterycharging value of the computing device(102) with the threshold charging value; and
transmit a cutoff charging signal to the device charger (104) to discontinue the charging of the computing device(102), when the determined batterycharging value reaches the threshold charging value.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (112) is configured to enable the device charger (104) to continue charging the battery(110) of the computing device(102), when the determined batterycharging value is less than the threshold charging value.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charge control application (108) is optionally available with the device charger (104).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computing device(102)is selected from a mobile device, a laptop computer or a tablet device.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device charger (104) is selected from a wireless device charger or a wired device charger.
6. A method for controlling a charging of a computing device(102), the method comprising steps of:
enabling a user to provide an input of a threshold charging value, when the computing device(102) is plugged in to a device charger (104);
transmitting a charging initiation signal to the device charger (104) to continue charging a battery(110) of the computing device(102);
determining a batterycharging value of the computing device(102);
comparing the determined batterycharging value of the computing device(102) with the threshold charging value; and
transmitting a cutoff charging signal to the device charger (104) to discontinue the charging of the computing device(102), when the determined batterycharging value reaches the threshold charging value.
7. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a step of enabling the device charger (104) to continue charging the battery(110) of the computing device(102), when the determined battery charging value is less than the threshold charging value.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a step of installing a charge control application (108) in the computing device (102) and is optionally available with the device charger (104).
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the computing device(102)is selected from a mobile device, a laptop computer or a tablet device.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the device charger (104) is selected from a wireless device charger or a wired device charger.
Date: 22 Nov, 2021
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)

, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, and rule 13)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CHARGING OF COMPUTING DEVICES

APPLICANT(S)
NAME:CHITKARA INNOVATION INCUBATOR FOUNDATION
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS:SCO: 160-161, SECTOR – 9C, MADHYA MARG, CHANDIGARH – 160009, INDIA

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a safe charging of computing devicesand particularly to asystem and a method for controlling a charging of the computing devices.
Description of Related Art
[002] A battery is a device that stores chemical energy, and converts it into an electrical energy. This process is known as electrochemistry and a system that underlies the battery is called an electrochemical cell. The battery can bea rechargeable battery or non-rechargeable battery. Some of the common types ofthe rechargeable batteries used in computing devices are Lithium-Ion (Li-on) batteries, Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, and so on. Traditionally, a chemical reaction is synthesized inside the battery to release a charge and then power the computing devices. However, over a period of time and as per a usage habit of a user, the charge that is stored in the battery gets depleted and then the battery needs to be recharged using a specified charger. Now a days, the specified charger is provided with the computing devices when purchased for recharging the battery.
[003] Recharging rejuvenates the charge stored in the battery so that it can be used again for powering the computing devices.Manufacturers recommend to use the charger provided with the computing device as that specified charger is tailored and calibrated for that specific computing device.Moreover, there exists a life span of every battery, this life span is calculated by a charge-discharge cycle. After the battery has reached to a specified number ofthe charge-discharge cycle, the battery may not be able to provide a sufficient backup. This may deterioratea battery capacity and resultsin a short backup time, unexpected and frequent shutdowns of the computing devices. Moreover, there might be puffing and swelling of the battery, which may prove dangerous and fatal to the user. In such situations, either theuser needs to replace the battery or replace the respective computing device, which in turn increases a carbon footprint of the user. Also, the life span and the number of the charge-discharge cycle is not fixed and may fluctuate upon a charging habit and a changing pattern adopted by the user. Overcharging and undercharging is not good for the life span of the battery as a chemical composition balance may get disturbed, which may lead to over-heating and damage of the battery.
[004] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced system and method that controls a charging of the battery of the computing devices in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention providea system for controlling a charging of a computing device. Thesystem comprisinga device charger tosupply a power as an input power to a battery of the computing device. The system further comprisinga charge control application installed within the computing device.The charge control application is configured to provide an interface to input a threshold charging value. The system further comprising:a processing unit connected to the charge control application.The processing unit is configured toenable a user to provide the input of the threshold charging value, when the computing device is plugged in to the device charger. The processing unit is further configured to: transmit a charging initiation signal to the device charger to continue charging the battery of the computing device. The processing unit is further configured to:determine a battery charging value of the computing device. The processing unit is further configured to compare the determined battery charging value of the computing device with the threshold charging value.The processing unit is further configured to:transmit a cutoff charging signal to the device charger to discontinue the charging of the battery of the computing device, when the determined battery charging value reaches the threshold charging value.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a computer-implemented method forcontrolling a charging of a computing device.The method comprising steps of: enabling a user to provide an input of a threshold charging value, when the computing device is plugged in to a device charger; transmitting a charging initiation signal to the device charger to continue charging a battery of the computing device; determining a battery charging value of the computing device; comparing the determined battery charging value of the computing device with the threshold charging value; and transmitting a cutoff charging signal to the device charger to discontinue the charging of the battery of the computing device, when the determined battery charging value reaches the threshold charging value.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration.First, embodiments of the present applicationmay provide a system that may be provided with a charge control application to control a charging of computing devices.Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that may enable users to customize a charginglimitfor computing devices.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that may be provided with a charge control application to enable users to set a maximum charging limit to charge a battery of a computing device, which in turn increases a battery life of the respective computing device.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that may reduce carbon footprints of an individual as the system eliminates a need of changing a battery or a computing device after a short span of time.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that may automatically stops charging, once a charging limit exceeds a pre-set value, thereby reduces overheating and puffing of a battery of a corresponding computing device.
[0011] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0012] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention.This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments.The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below.As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for controlling a charging of a computing device,according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates components of a processing unit of the system,according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3depicts a graphillustratingenergy efficiency data, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method for controlling the charging of the computing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims.As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must).Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to.To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention.It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto.Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting.While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having”, and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of",“consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of","consists of”,the like.
[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 for controlling a charging of a computing device 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be configured to enable a safe charging of the computing device 102. The safe charging may be carried out by the system 100 by limiting an input power received by the computing device 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise of the computing device 102, a device charger 104, and a communication unit 106.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing device 102 may be configured to receive the input power from the device charger 104.According to embodiments of the present invention, the computing device 102 may be, but not limited to, a mobile device, a smart phone, a cell phone, a laptop computer, a tablet device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the computing device 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing device 102 may further comprise of a charge control application 108, a battery 110, a processing unit 112, and a memory 114.
[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing device 102 may be connected to the device charger 104. The device charger 104 may be configured to receivea power fromapower source.In an embodiment of the present invention, the device charger 104 may be configured to convert an input voltage received from the power source into a required Direct Current (DC) voltage to charge the computing device 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the power source may be an external power source that may be a three-phase main to supply the required voltage. The power source may be, but not limited to, anAlternate Current (AC) power socket, a Direct Current (DC) power socket, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the power source, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0025] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the device charger 104 may be configured to supply the received power as the input power to the computing device 102, based on an output generated by the processing unit 112. The device charger 104 may be capable to supply the power as the input power to the computing device 102, when the computing device 102 is plugged in to the device charger 104, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the device charger 104 may be, but not limited to, a proprietary wired device charger, a proprietary wireless device charger,and so forth. In an embodiment of the present invention, the proprietary wired device charger may be of any type such as, but not limited to,a micro–Universal Serial Bus (USB) device charger, a Type-C Universal Serial Bus (USB) device charger, a lightning Universal Serial Bus (USB) device charger, a barrel type connector device charger, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the proprietary wired device charger including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the proprietary wireless device charger may be of any type such as, but not limited to,a Quick (Qi)-wireless device charger, a MagSafe wireless device charger, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the proprietary wireless device charger including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the device charger 104 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 106 may be configured to create an electrical connection between the computing device 102 and the device charger 104. The communication unit 106 may be configured to create the electrical connection between thecomputing device 102 and the device charger 104 for supplying the input powerfrom the device charger 104 to the computing device 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the communication unit 106 may be of any configuration such as, but not limited to, a wired communication unit, a wireless communication unit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication unit 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the charge control application 108 may be installed within the computing device 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the charge control application 108 may be optionally provided with the device charger 104. The charge control application 108 may be configured to provide an interface 116 to a user, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user may interact with the interface 116 to provide an input of a threshold charging value.In an embodiment of the present invention, the user may provide the input of the threshold charging value through the charge control application 108 based on a user’s requirement. In another embodiment of the present invention, the user may provide the input of the threshold charging value, based on the output generated by the processing unit 112.The threshold charging value may be a numerical value followed by a percentage (%), in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the interface 116 may be, but not limited to, a pop-up interface, a notification banner interface, a widget type interface, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the interface 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the charge control application 108 may be, but not limited to, an android application, an Internet Operating System (IOS) application, a Windows application, a web application, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the charge control application 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery 110 may be removably installed within the computing device 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the battery 110 may be fixedly installed within the computing device 102. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery 110 may be configured to receive the input power from the device charger 104. The battery 110may also be configured to hold and store the input power that may be received from the device charger 104.In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery 110 may be of any capacity. The capacity of the battery 110 may be measured in milli-Ampere hours (mAh). According to embodiments of the present invention, the battery 110 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery, a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery, a Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, a Nickel Metal Hydride battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the battery110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 112 may be configured to process the input of the threshold charging value provided by the user. The processing unit 112 may be configured to execute computer readable instructions to generate the output based on the processed input. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit 112 may be, but not limited to, a single-core processing unit, a multi-core processing unit,a controller, a microcontroller, a processor, a microprocessor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processing unit 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.In an embodiment of the present invention, a working of the processing unit 112 may be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0030] In addition to above, the memory 114 may also present in the disclosed embodiments which may be deployed and configured for storage of the computer readable instructions that may be executed by the processing unit 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, the memory 114 may also be configured to store a batterycharging value of the computing device 102. The battery charging value may represent a present charging value of the computing device 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the memory 114 may be, but not limited to, a Random-Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random-access Memory (SRAM), a Dynamic Random-access Memory (DRAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM),a NAND Flash, a Secure Digital (SD) memory, a cache memory, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the memory 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates components of the processing unit112 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processing unit 112 may comprise an input module 200, a charging initiation module 202, a battery value determination module 204, a comparison module 206 and a charging termination module 208.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the input module 200 may be configured to enable the user to provide the input of the threshold charging value. The input of the threshold charging value may be provided by the user using the interface 116 of the charge control application 108, in an embodiment of the present invention. The input module 200 may be configured to enable the user to provide the input of the threshold charging value when the user connects the computing device 102 to the device charger 104. In an embodiment of the present invention, the input module 200 may be configured to enable the user to customize the threshold charging value at any point of time. The input module 200 may be configured to transmit the threshold charging value to the charging initiation module 202.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the charging initiation module 202 may be configured to generate a charge initiation signal based on the received threshold charging value. The charging initiation module 202 may be configured to transmit the charge initiation signal to the device charger 104 to enable the device charger 104 to initiate the charging of the battery 110 of the computing device 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the charging initiation module 202 may also be configured to enable the device charger 104 to withdraw the power from the power source and convert the power to the required Direct Current (DC) voltage to charge the battery 110 of the computing device 102.
[0034] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the battery value determination module 204 may be configured to determine the battery charging value of the computing device 102.The battery charging value may be stored in the memory 114 of the computing device 102. The battery value determination module 204 may be configured to transmit the determined battery charging value to the comparison module 206.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the comparison module 206 may be configured to compare the received battery charging value with the threshold charging value provided by the user using the input module 200. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the battery charging value is more than or equal to the threshold charging value, then the comparison module 206 may be configured to generate a cutoff charging signal. The comparison module 206 may be configured to transmit the generated cutoff charging signal to the charging termination module 208. In another embodiment of the present invention, if the battery charging value is less than the threshold charging value, then the comparison module 206 may be configured to enable the device charger 104 to continue charging the battery 110 of the computing device 102 until the battery charging value reaches the threshold charging value.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the charging termination module 208 may be configured to enable the device charger 104 to discontinue the charging of the computing device 102 based on the received cutoff charging signal.
[0037] FIG. 3 depicts a graph 300illustrating energy efficiency data, according to an embodiment of the present invention.The graph 300 may represent a relationship between a number of Dynamic Stress Test (DST) cycle and a 1 Coulomb capacity retention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the 1 Coulomb capacity retention may be measured in percentage (%). In an embodiment of the present invention, the graph 300 may indicate that users donot use 100% of the battery 110 in the computing device 102 on a regular basis. Therefore, increase in battery life cycles of the computing device 102 may reduce a carbon footprint. Moreover, the graph 300 indicates that a charging of the battery 110 up to a safe level may reduce an overheating of the battery 110.
[0038] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method 400 for controlling the charging of the computing device 102 by using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] At step 402, the system 100 may enable the user to connect the device charger 104 to the computing device 102.
[0040] At step 404, the system 100 may enable the user to provide the input of the threshold charging value in the charge control application 108.
[0041] At step 406, the system 100 may enable the device charger 104 to initiate charging of the battery 110 of the computing device 102.
[0042] At step 408, the system 100 may determine the battery charging value of the computing device 102, as discussed above.
[0043] At step 410, the system 100 may compare the battery charging value with the threshold charging value. The method 400 may proceed to a step 412when the battery charging value is more than or equal to the threshold charging value. Otherwise, the method 400 may return to the step 406.
[0044] At the step 412, the system 100 may enable the device charger 104 to terminate charging of the computing device 102.
[0045] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention.It will be understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions.These computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce machines, such that the instructions which execute on the computers or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks.Such computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the block or blocks.
[0046] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art.Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.