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| United States Patent Application |
20100010857
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
Fadell; Anthony
|
January 14, 2010
|
INTELLIGENT POWER MONITORING
Abstract
An electronic device operative to monitor and control processes and
operations based on the power cost of those processes and operations are
provided. The electronic device can identify processes or networked
devices requiring power, determine the expected amount of power required
for the process or networked device, and calculate the cost of the power
requirement. For example, the electronic device can receive data or
algorithms defining the manner in which a power supplier computes the
cost of consumed power, and predict the expected cost of the particular
power requirement. Based on the importance of the process or device, and
the expected power cost, the electronic device can perform a process or
provide power to a networked device, or alternatively delay or cancel a
process to ensure that the power cost of the device remains within preset
boundaries (e.g., the power cost of the device or of a home network of
devices does not exceed a maximum cap).
| Inventors: |
Fadell; Anthony; (Portola Valley, CA)
|
| Correspondence Address:
|
KRAMER LEVIN NAFTALIS & FRANKEL LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York
NY
10036
US
|
| Assignee: |
Apple Inc.
Cupertino
CA
|
| Family ID:
|
41505973
|
| Appl. No.:
|
12/463133
|
| Filed:
|
May 8, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
| | | | |
|---|
|
| Application Number | Filing Date | Patent Number |
|---|
| | 61079751 | Jul 10, 2008 | |
|
|
| Current U.S. Class: |
705/7.38 ; 705/412 |
| Current CPC Class: |
G06F 1/3203 20130101; G06F 1/329 20130101; Y02B 60/144 20130101; G06Q 10/0639 20130101; G06Q 50/06 20130101; G06F 9/4881 20130101 |
| Class at Publication: |
705/8 ; 705/412 |
| International Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101 G06Q010/00; G06Q 50/00 20060101 G06Q050/00 |
Claims
1. A power management method for a system that performs a plurality of
processes, the method comprising: assigning a priority to each of the
processes; accessing power cost information; and for each respective one
of the processes, executing the respective one of the processes on a
schedule based at least in part on the power cost information and the
priority assigned to the respective one of the processes.
2. The power management method of claim 1 wherein: the system has a
plurality of users; a respective one of the processes is invoked by one
of the users; the method further comprises assigning a priority to each
of the users; and executing further comprising executing the respective
one of the functions on a schedule based at least in part on the priority
assigned to the one of the users.
3. The power management method of claim 1 further comprising accepting a
user override of the schedule.
4. The power management method of claim 1 wherein accessing comprises
accessing information stored on the system.
5. The power management method of claim 1 wherein accessing comprises
accessing information external to the system.
6. The power management method of claim 5 wherein accessing comprises
accessing utility company information via an external data network.
7. The power management method of claim 6 wherein accessing comprises
accessing utility company information via an Internet connection.
8. The power management method of claim 1 wherein the process comprises
at least one of: charging a peripheral device; downloading a file; and
sending an electronic mail message.
9. The power management method of claim 1 further comprising: monitoring
power use by the system based on currently active functions and power
cost information; and displaying cost of the power use.
10. The power management method of claim 9 further comprising: displaying
a recommendation of deferral of at least one of the currently active
functions to a future time period of lower power cost.
11. The power management method of claim 10 further comprising displaying
currently a cost of power use at the future time for the at least one
function.
12. The power management method of claim 1 further comprising: on
occurrence of a power management scheduling failure, displaying a notice
of the failure.
13. A power management method for a system that performs a plurality of
processes, the method comprising: accessing electricity rate information
including time-of-day pricing information; monitoring power use by the
system based on currently active processes and the electricity rate
information; and displaying current cost of the power use.
14. The power management method of claim 13 further comprising:
displaying a recommendation of deferral of at least one of the currently
active process to a future time period of lower power cost.
15. The power management method of claim 14 further comprising displaying
currently a cost of power use at the future time for the at least one
function.
16. A system that performs a plurality of operations, the system
comprising: a processor; and data storage that stores a priority assigned
to each of the operations, wherein: for each respective one of the
operations, the processor performs the respective one of the operations
on a schedule based at least in part on the power cost information as
retrieved by the processor from a source of power cost information, and
the priority assigned to the respective one of the operations as
retrieved by the processor from the data storage.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein: the system has a plurality of users;
a respective one of the operations is invoked by one of the users; the
data storage further stores a priority assigned to each of the users; and
the processor further performs the respective one of the operations on a
schedule based at least in part on the priority assigned to the one of
the users as retrieved by the processor from the data storage.
18. The system of claim 17 further comprising an input device that
accepts a user override of the schedule.
19. The system of claim 17 wherein the source of power cost information
comprises the data storage.
20. The system of claim 17 wherein the source of power cost information
comprises a connection to a source of information external to the system.
21. The system of claim 17 further comprising: a power monitor that
monitors power use by the system based on currently active operations and
current power cost information; wherein: said power monitor displays
current cost of the power use.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein the power monitor displays a
recommendation of deferral of at least one of the currently active
operations to a future time period of lower power cost.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein the power monitor displays currently a
cost of power use at the future time for the at least one operation.
24. A method for controlling the power consumption of electronic device
operations, comprising: identifying electricity rate information
including time-of-day pricing information; displaying a listing of a
plurality of electronic device operations to be performed; displaying a
plurality of power consumption cost characteristic options, each option
associated with one of the displayed listings; receiving a user defined
value for each of the displayed plurality of power consumption cost
characteristic options; and scheduling the performance of a particular
electronic device operation based on the received user defined value of
the power consumption cost characteristic option associated with the
particular electronic device operation.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: displaying a listing of a
plurality of electronic devices coupled in a network; displaying a
plurality of power consumption cost characteristic options, each option
associated with one of the displayed listings; receiving a user defined
value for each of the displayed plurality of power consumption cost
characteristic options; and scheduling the performance of an electronic
device operation by a particular electronic device based on the received
user defined value of the power consumption cost characteristic option
associated with the particular electronic device.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising adjusting the value of a
displayed power consumption cost characteristic option.
27. A system comprising: a plurality of devices; a local-area network
interconnecting the plurality of devices; a respective power monitor in
each respective one of the devices, each respective power monitor
monitoring power consumption by the respective one of the devices; and a
respective power console in each of at least one of the devices, wherein:
each the respective power monitor communicates with the respective power
console via the local-area network; and each of the respective power
console displays power consumption by the devices.
28. The system of claim 27 wherein the respective power console displays
total power consumption of all of the devices.
29. The system of claim 27 wherein the respective power console displays
power consumption of individual ones of the devices.
30. The system of claim 29 wherein the respective power console displays
total power consumption of selected individual ones of the devices as
selected by a user.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of copending, commonly-assigned
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/079,751, filed Jul. 10, 2008,
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This relates to monitoring power usage in a computer or other
processor-based device.
[0003] Household power consumption continues to increase as the number of
electronic devices proliferates. Portable media players, mobile
telephones, and personal digital assistants, and other portable
electronic devices have batteries that must be charged. Moreover, as
users spend more time engaged in on-line activities, personal computers
and other fixed electronic devices are being left on for longer periods,
and even continually. Some personal computers sometimes are being left on
simply to serve as power supplies for the charging of the aforementioned
portable devices via connections, such as Universal Serial Bus ("USB")
connections, that provide power in addition to data (rather than charging
those devices from the household electric service using their dedicated
chargers), even though the power supply of a personal computer is much
larger than is needed for such a function, and as such draws much more
power than such a function would otherwise demand. As the price of
electricity increases, such uses of power can cost users more.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, systems and
methods for controlling the performance of electronic device operations
based on the power cost associated with the operations is provided.
[0005] One or more electronic devices can be operative to perform
different processes or operations. Each process or operation can require
the use of particular electronic device components, and different amounts
of each component's resources (e.g., different durations of each
component's activity). For example, a file transfer operation can require
the use of a hard drive or solid state drive, input mechanism for
providing the file transfer operation, and processor for transferring the
file in memory or storage. The particular amount of resources required by
each component can be the same or vary based on the type of operation
(e.g., substantially similar input mechanism power requirements for file
transfers, but different processor and storage requirements based on the
size of the file transfer).
[0006] The electronic device can thus predict, based on the components
used and the amount of resources each component requires, the amount of
power required to perform a particular operation. To determine the power
cost associated with each operation, however, the electronic device may
require information regarding the manner in which the cost of power is
computed. The cost of power can vary based on a number of factors,
including for example the time of day, week or month, the consumer's tier
or type of service, the amount of power previously consumed by the
consumer, alternate sources of power used by the consumer (e.g., solar
cells used during the day), or any other suitable criteria. The criteria
can be combined into one or more tables or graphs, or into one or more
equations or algorithms used by the power supplier to determine how much
to charge for each consumer's power use.
[0007] To determine the power cost associated with different electronic
device operations, the electronic device can receive from the power
supplier information regarding the manner in which power costs are
computed. Using the received information, the electronic device can
provide information regarding expected power consumption (e.g., power
consumption information related to the particular operation) and
determine the expected cost of the operation. Alternatively, the
electronic device can provide information regarding prospective power
consumption (e.g., the amount of power required and when the power will
be consumed) and receive from the power supplier an expected cost for the
operation.
[0008] To control power costs of different electronic device operations,
the electronic device can define conditions, boundaries or limits to the
power cost of operating the device. For example, boundaries or limits can
be set for the entire device (e.g., the device cannot exceed a particular
power costs per week). As another example, boundaries or limits can be
set for particular processes or types of processes executed by the
electronic device (e.g., media playback processes cannot exceed a
particular power cost per day). Before performing each operation, the
electronic device can then determine the power cost associated with the
operation, and determine whether the power cost satisfies the boundaries
or limits set for the operation.
[0009] If the electronic device determines that the power cost of a
particular process or operation does not satisfy the set conditions, the
electronic device can first attempt to reschedule the operation or
process for a later time when the power cost is lower. For example, the
electronic device can determine whether the power cost of the process at
an off-peak time satisfies the power cost conditions for the process. If
the conditions can be satisfied at a later time, the electronic device
can reschedule the process for the later time. If the conditions are not
satisfied, even at a later time, the electronic device can prompt the
user to overrule the conditions to allow the process or operation to
proceed. For example, the electronic device can prompt the user for an
administrative password providing sufficient rights to execute the
operation. If the user provides appropriate credentials, the electronic
device can perform the process despite the power cost.
[0010] In some embodiments, an electronic device can be coupled to several
other electronic devices in a network. For example, the electronic device
can be coupled to one or more host devices (e.g., a server), periphery
devices (e.g., a printer or a portable media device), or any other
suitable device. To reduce the cost of operating all of the networked
devices, one or more particular electronic devices can manage the power
costs associated with all of the devices in the network. In some
embodiments, a single device can control the execution of processes or
operations of each electronic device in the network. As another example,
each electronic device in the network can control its own power costs. As
still another example, some devices (e.g., host devices) can manage their
power costs and the power costs associated with their respective
peripheral devices (e.g., a cellular telephone connected to a host device
to recharge a battery).
[0011] The electronic device can use an approach similar to that used for
managing the power costs of processes to manage the power cost of
electronic devices. For example, the electronic device can assign power
cost conditions, boundaries or limits to specific electronic devices or
types of electronic devices in the network. As another example, the
electronic device can assign power cost conditions, boundaries or limits
to specific operations of one or more electronic devices in the network
(e.g., recharging operations by host devices). In response to determining
whether particular operations to be executed by a networked device fail
to satisfy the associated power cost conditions, the electronic device
can reschedule the particular operations, or prompt the user to provide
administrative rights to authorize the particular operations despite the
power cost conditions.
[0012] Therefore, there is provided a power management method for a system
that performs several processes. The method includes assigning a priority
to each of the processes, accessing power rate information (e.g.,
time-of-day pricing information), and for each respective one of the
processes, executing that respective one of the operations on a schedule
based at least in part on the accessed power rate information and the
priority assigned to that respective one of the processes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Further features of the invention, its nature and various
advantages, will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative display for managing
power consumption in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an illustrative display for managing
the power consumption costs of individual processes in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention; and
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an illustrative display for managing
the power consumption costs of individual electronic devices in a network
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative display screen for
defining the power consumption characteristics of a new process in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention
[0019] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illustrative display provided
prior to exceeding set power consumption characteristics in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention
[0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illustrative display for providing
a representation of power costs in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention
[0021] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an illustrative process for performing an
electronic device process based on allocated power consumption costs in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention
[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for determining
when to perform a process in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device 100
can include control circuitry 102, storage 104, memory 106, input/output
circuitry 108, communications circuitry 110, and power circuitry 112. In
some embodiments, one or more of electronic device components 100 can be
combined or omitted (e.g., combine storage 104 and memory 106). In some
embodiments, electronic device 100 can include other components not
combined or included in those shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., motion detection
components, a display, bus, or input mechanism), or several instances of
the components shown in FIG. 1. For the sake of simplicity, only one of
each of the components is shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] Control circuitry 102 can include any processing circuitry or
processor operative to control the operations and performance of
electronic device 100. For example, control circuitry 100 can be used to
run operating system applications, firmware applications, media playback
applications, media editing applications, or any other application. In
some embodiments, the control circuitry can drive a display and process
inputs received from a user interface.
[0025] Storage 104 can include, for example, one or more storage mediums
including a hard-drive, solid state drive, flash memory, permanent memory
such as ROM, any other suitable type of storage component, or any
combination thereof. Storage 104 can store, for example, media data
(e.g., music and video files), application data (e.g., for implementing
functions on device 100), firmware, user preference information data
(e.g., media playback preferences), authentication information (e.g.
libraries of data associated with authorized users), lifestyle
information data (e.g., food preferences), exercise information data
(e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment),
transaction information data (e.g., information such as credit card
information), wireless connection information data (e.g., information
that can enable electronic device 100 to establish a wireless
connection), subscription information data (e.g., information that keeps
track of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes
to), contact information data (e.g., telephone numbers and email
addresses), calendar information data, and any other suitable data or any
combination thereof.
[0026] Memory 106 can include cache memory, semi-permanent memory such as
RAM, and/or one or more different types of memory used for temporarily
storing data. In some embodiments, memory 106 can also be used for
storing data used to operate electronic device applications, or any other
type of data that can be stored in storage 104. In some embodiments,
memory 106 and storage 104 can be combined as a single storage medium.
[0027] Input/output circuitry 108 can be operative to convert (and
encode/decode, if necessary) analog signals and other signals into
digital data. In some embodiments, input/output circuitry 108 can also
convert digital data into any other type of signal, and vice-versa. For
example, input/output circuitry 108 can receive and convert physical
contact inputs (e.g., from a multi-touch screen), physical movements
(e.g., from a mouse or sensor), analog audio signals (e.g., from a
microphone), or any other input. The digital data can be provided to and
received from processor 102, storage 104, memory 106, power circuitry
112, or any other component of electronic device 100. Although
input/output circuitry 108 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a single component
of electronic device 100, several instances of input/output circuitry can
be included in electronic device 100.
[0028] Electronic device 100 can include any suitable mechanism or
component for allowing a user to provide inputs to input/output circuitry
108. For example, electronic device 100 can include any suitable input
mechanism, such as for example, a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, or
a touch screen. In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can include a
capacitive sensing mechanism, or a multi-touch capacitive sensing
mechanism. Some sensing mechanisms are described in commonly owned
Hotelling et al. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 1006/0026521,
filed Jul. 30, 1004, entitled "Gestures for Touch Sensitive Input
Device," and Hotelling et al. U.S. Published Patent Application No.
1006/0026535, filed Jan. 18, 2005, entitled "Mode-Based Graphical User
Interfaces for Touch Sensitive Input Device," both of which are
incorporated herein in their entirety.
[0029] In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can include specialized
output circuitry associated with output devices such as, for example, one
or more audio outputs. The audio output can include one or more speakers
(e.g., mono or stereo speakers) built into electronic device 100, or an
audio component that is remotely coupled to electronic device 100 (e.g.,
a headset, headphones or earbuds that can be coupled to communications
device with a wire or wirelessly).
[0030] In some embodiments, I/O circuitry 108 can include display
circuitry (e.g., a screen or projection system) for providing a display
visible to the user. For example, the display circuitry can include a
screen (e.g., an LCD screen) that is incorporated in electronics device
100. As another example, the display circuitry can include a movable
display or a projecting system for providing a display of content on a
surface remote from electronic device 100 (e.g., a video projector). In
some embodiments, the display circuitry can include a coder/decoder
(Codec) to convert digital media data into analog signals. For example,
the display circuitry (or other appropriate circuitry within electronic
device 100) can include video Codecs, audio Codecs, or any other suitable
type of Codec.
[0031] The display circuitry also can include display driver circuitry,
circuitry for driving display drivers, or both. The display circuitry can
be operative to display content (e.g., media playback information,
application screens for applications implemented on the electronic
device, information regarding ongoing communications operations,
information regarding incoming communications requests, or device
operation screens) under the direction of control circuitry 102.
Alternatively, the display circuitry can be operative to provide
instructions to a remote display (e.g., display 130, FIG. 1).
[0032] Communications circuitry 110 can include any suitable
communications circuitry operative to connect to a communications network
(e.g., communications network 150, FIG. 1) and to transmit communications
(e.g., voice or data) from communications device 100 to other devices
within the communications network. Communications circuitry 110 can be
operative to interface with the communications network using any suitable
communications protocol such as, for example, Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11
protocol), Bluetooth.RTM., radio frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 1.4
GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, GSM, GSM plus EDGE,
CDMA, quadband, and other cellular protocols, VOIP, or any other suitable
protocol.
[0033] In some embodiments, communications circuitry 110 can be operative
to create a communications network using any suitable communications
protocol. For example, communications circuitry 110 can create a
short-range communications network using a short-range communications
protocol to connect to other devices. For example, communications
circuitry 110 can be operative to create a local communications network
using the Bluetooth.RTM. protocol to couple electronic device 100 with a
Bluetooth.RTM. headset.
[0034] Electronic device 100 can include one more instances of
communications circuitry 110 for simultaneously performing several
communications operations using different communications networks,
although only one is shown in FIG. 1 to avoid overcomplicating the
drawing. For example, electronic device 100 can include a first instance
of communications circuitry 110 for communicating over a cellular
network, and a second instance of communications circuitry 110 for
communicating over Wi-Fi or using Bluetooth.RTM.. In some embodiments,
the same instance of communications circuitry 110 can be operative to
provide for communications over several communications networks.
[0035] In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can be coupled a host
device for data transfers, synching the communications device, software
or firmware updates, providing performance information to a remote source
(e.g., providing riding characteristics to a remove server) or performing
any other suitable operation that can require electronic device 100 to be
coupled to a host device. Several electronic devices 100 can be coupled
to a single host device using the host device as a server, and instead or
in addition electronic device 100 can be coupled to several host devices
(e.g., for each of the plurality of the host devices to serve as a backup
for data stored in electronic device 100). In some embodiments,
electronic device 100 can be coupled to a host device or a periphery
device to transfer power, for example to be powered or be charged by the
host device, or to power or charge the periphery device.
[0036] Power circuitry 112 can include any suitable circuitry for
providing power to components of electronic device 100. For example,
power circuitry 112 can include one or more of a battery (e.g., a gel,
nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen, lead acid, or
lithium-ion battery), an uninterruptible or continuous power supply (UPS
or CPS), and circuitry for processing power received from a power
generation source (e.g., power generated by an electrical power plant and
delivered to the user via an electrical socket). The received power can
be provided as alternating current or direct current, and processed to
transform power or limit received power to particular characteristics.
For example, received power can be transformed to or from direct current,
and constrained to one or more values of average power, effective power,
peak power, energy per pulse, voltage, current (e.g., measured in
amperes), or any other characteristic of received power. Power circuitry
112 can be operative to request or provide particular amounts of power at
different times, for example based on the needs or requirements of
electronic device 100 or periphery devices coupled to electronic device
100 (e.g., request more power when charging a battery than when the
battery is charged).
[0037] The electronic device can include different power management modes
to control and manage power consumption by the device and other devices
coupled to the electronic device. In particular, a portable electronic
device (e.g., a laptop or notebook computer) can include power management
modes for reducing power consumption when the device is not connected to
a remote power supply (e.g., the electronic device is not plugged in to a
wall socket). For example, the power management mode can prevent
non-essential power intensive processes from being performed while on
battery. As another example, the power management mode can prevent the
electronic device from powering or charging a peripheral device in the
absence of an external power source for the electronic device. In some
embodiments, an electronic device can refrain from providing power to
particular electronic device components after a period of non-use. For
example, an electronic device can turn off a hard drive, dim or turn off
a display, or place a processor in a low-power "sleep" or "hibernate"
mode. Some or all of the power management settings can be set
automatically or by a user (e.g., the user defines the duration or
condition before a laptop computer switches to a sleep mode).
[0038] While such power monitoring modes are applied to devices based on
an intermittent power supply (e.g., portable devices that are not
permanently coupled to a remote power source, such as a wall socket),
they may not apply during operation, as it defeats the purpose of having
an electronic device in use by the user to spontaneously place the device
in hibernation mode. Different electronic device operations or processes,
however, can invoke the use of different electronic device components or
different amounts of electronic device component resources. Because
different processes can require different components in different
quantities, the different processes can be associated with different
power consumptions or different power requirements. For example, a
copying process that involves reading and copying data from an electronic
device hard drive to a peripheral device can require more power than
displaying a text document. As another example, decoding media for audio
and video playback can require more power than transferring data over a
remote communications link (e.g., using an FTP protocol over an Internet
connection).
[0039] In addition, not all electronic device operations or processes can
have the same priority. For example, processes that run in the background
(e.g., a virus scan) can be less important than processes associated with
applications in use by the user. As another example, transferring data
between the electronic device and a remote storage source (e.g., a
scheduled backup) can have a lower priority than checking a remote server
for incoming messages (e.g., new e-mail messages). In addition, some
electronic device operations or processes instructed or scheduled by a
user can be performed at any suitable time, including the scheduled time
or time when the instruction was received, or a later time. For example,
some instructed or scheduled processes can be time-sensitive, or
alternatively executed any time within a set or known duration (e.g.,
within 18 hours, 1 day, or by a particular date and time).
[0040] In some cases, the cost of power received from a power source
(e.g., a power generation plant) can vary over time. For example, power
can be more expensive in the mornings and evenings (e.g., when more
consumers require power), and less expensive at night (e.g., when more
consumers are sleeping and not using electronic devices). As another
example, if a consumer has a personal power generation source (e.g.,
solar panels), power consumption may be cheaper during the day (e.g.,
when sunlight can provide power to the consumer's solar panels), and more
expensive at night (e.g., when the consumer relies on a public power
supply). As still another example, a power supply company can
dramatically increase the cost of power during a crisis or when available
power sources are low (e.g., during a heat wave when air conditioning
units are using a disproportionate amount of the available power
generated by a power source).
[0041] A power supplier can assign costs to generated power using any
suitable approach. In some embodiments, the power supplier can assign
costs based on expected demands for power. For example, the power
supplier can determine (e.g., based on past usage) the times of day,
week, month or year at which power demand is the highest, and adjust the
cost of power based on the determined expected usage. The power supplier
can use any suitable criteria in determining how much to charge for
power. For example, the power supplier can increase the cost of power
during periods when power demands are the highest to increase or maximize
profits. As another example, the power supplier can increase the cost of
power when power demands are the highest or decrease the cost of power
when power demands are the lowest to incite consumers to adjust their
power consumption (e.g., to maintain a uniform demand for power over time
and avoid failures due to excessive demand).
[0042] In some embodiments, the power supplier can instead or in addition
modify the cost of power based on the consumer or characteristics of the
consumer. For example, a consumer can pay a flat rate for a particular
amount of power, and a variable rate for additional power in excess of a
limit (e.g., a rate varying based on time of day). As another example, a
consumer can pay a regular fee in exchange for one or more preferential
rates for power (e.g., pay a fee to pay an off-peak rate during peak
hours). As still another example, the cost of power can be higher for
consumers of large amounts of power (e.g., those who consume a
disproportionate amount of power are charged a fixed penalty or a higher
per unit rate). As still yet another example, the cost of power can be
lower for users who generate their own power or provide power back to the
power grid (e.g., consumers having solar panels or other systems for
generating power).
[0043] The power supplier can define the relationships between power and
cost using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the power supplier
can define the cost of power based on a consumer or group or tier of
consumers. As another example, the power supplier can define the cost of
power based on the time of day, week, month or year. The power supplier
can generate one or more tables or grids based on consumers or time to
determine an expected cost of power. In some embodiments, the power
supplier can instead or in addition define one or more algorithms or
processes for determining the cost of power consumption based on one or
more characteristics (e.g., duration, time, consumer's past consumption,
and consumer's type of service).
[0044] To reduce the total cost of operating an electronic device, a user
can vary the power consumption of the device to maximize consumption when
power costs are low, and minimize consumption when power costs are high.
For example, the electronic device can perform different processes or
operations based on power cost considerations instead of or in addition
to when a user instructs the device to perform a process (e.g., in
response to a user instruction to perform a process or to schedule a
process). To determine when to perform different processes, however, the
electronic device can require information regarding the cost of power at
different times. In particular, the electronic device can require data
reflecting the cost of power at different instances, and data indicating
unexpected or emergency changes to the power cost data.
[0045] The electronic device can determine the cost of power consumption
due to one or more processes using any suitable approach. In particular,
the electronic device can first determine the expected or projected power
requirements of the one or more processes. For example, the electronic
device can determine which electronic device components will be used to
perform a process, and how long each component will be in use (e.g., how
long will a hard drive need to turn or a hard drive head need to move, or
how many operations will a processor be required to perform for a
particular process). Once the electronic device has determined its power
requirements, the electronic device can determine the expected power cost
of the processes using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the
electronic device can access data provided by the power supplier to
determine an expected cost of power consumption at a particular time. For
example, the electronic device can access tables or grids published by a
power supplier that describe how the cost of power is calculated. As
another example, the electronic device can receive access to algorithms
or equations providing power cost in response to characteristics of
expected or projected power consumption (e.g., provide the moment and
duration of projected power consumption, and past consumption to receive
the cost for the projected consumption). As still another example, the
electronic device can receive the actual power cost algorithms or
equations from the power supplier. The electronic device can retrieve and
store power cost information or algorithms at any suitable time,
including when power consumption costs are made, at predetermined
intervals, or at any other suitable time.
[0046] Using the received power cost calculation information, the
electronic device can distribute the execution of the one or more
processes to minimize the total power cost. For example, the electronic
device can account for the relative importance of each process, deadlines
for performing one or more of the processes (e.g., time-constrained
processes), user instructions with respect to one or more processes
(e.g., a user instruction to delay a process). In some embodiments, the
electronic device can delay or cancel one or more processes having a
lesser importance to limit or reduce the power cost of the electronic
device. If the electronic device determines that one or more processes
cannot be executed given the set power consumption constraints, the
electronic device can prompt or receive an instruction from the user to
overrule the power consumption constraints and execute some or all of the
restricted processes.
[0047] In some embodiments, an electronic device can be connected to
several other devices, including for example one or more host devices,
one or more peripheral devices, or and or more standalone devices (e.g.,
networked computers in a home or office network). The devices can be
connected using any suitable approach, including for example a network
(e.g., using an Ethernet protocol), wired connectors (e.g., USB
connections), or any other type of connection allowing electronic devices
to share information or resources (e.g., data or power). Several
approaches can be used to efficiently control the power consumption of
some or all of the connected devices. In some embodiments, each
electronic device can operate independently (e.g., independently receive
power cost information and determine how to schedule different processes
based on that information). As another example, one or more devices can
receive the power cost information and transmit that information to other
devices in the network (e.g., a router or host device receives the power
cost information and provides it to the electronic devices in the
network) to allow each device to manage its power consumption. This
approach can be of particular interest or use if one or more of the
electronic devices do not have access to the power supplier information
(e.g., a peripheral device that does not include communications circuitry
suitable for requesting or receiving power consumption information from a
power supplier).
[0048] In some embodiments, every device in the network may not have the
capabilities required to determine the cost of power consumption, or to
distribute the execution of the processes over time (e.g., the device has
insufficient processing power to determine the most efficient
distribution of processes). In such cases, one or more electronic devices
in the network can receive data reflecting the cost of power consumption
and identify the processes to be performed by each electronic device, and
assign a particular time at which each device is to perform its
processes. In some embodiments, the one or more electronic devices can
monitor the performance of other electronic devices to ensure that the
processes to be executed by each device are executed at the proper time,
and to start or stop a process being executed at an improper time (e.g.,
due to an incorrect instruction provided to an electronic device, or to a
change in circumstances (e.g., the amount of power available to the
electronic devices unexpectedly increased or decreased).
[0049] A user can control the manner in which power consumption of the
electronic device is managed using any suitable approach. For example,
the electronic device can provide one or more options for defining the
total power cost allocated to the device over a particular duration
(e.g., a day, week or month). Using the defined power cost allocation,
the electronic device can automatically schedule and perform different
processes at suitable times (e.g., based on the power cost information
received from the power source) to ensure that processes are executed and
that the power cost does not exceed the limit. The electronic device can
prioritize the various processes in need of execution based on any
suitable approach. For example, the electronic device can provide a
higher priority to operating system processes essential to the proper
operation of the device, a medium priority to applications running on the
electronic device, and a lower priority to scheduled tasks regularly
running on the device. In some embodiments, the electronic device can
determine which processes or tasks a user of the device has provided
instructions to perform, and prioritize those tasks (e.g., what the user
is doing) over other application tasks (e.g., tasks of applications that
the user is not currently using).
[0050] In some embodiments, an electronic device can provide an interface
for managing the power consumption of the associated electronic device.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative display for managing power
consumption in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display
200 can include bar 210 providing a graphical representation of the cost
of power as the electronic device operates. Bar 210 can include movable
slider 212 that can be placed between ends 214 and 216 of bar 210. Each
of ends 214 and 216 can represent a limit of power consumption management
for the associated electronic device. For example, end 214 can be
associated with minimizing the power cost of operating the electronic
device (e.g., by scheduling electronic device processes based on the cost
of power), and end 216 can be associated with disregarding power cost
considerations to ensure rapid or immediate execution of electronic
device processes. The user can drag slider 212 to select a particular
balance of processing efficiency and power cost of interest. Display 200
can include any other suitable information to assist a user in making
such a determination, including for example cost indication 217 (e.g.,
providing an estimate of the power cost of each configuration of the
electronic device) and processing delay indication 218 (e.g., providing
an indication of the delay between providing an instruction to perform an
operation and the actual execution of the operation). In some
embodiments, the user can manage the power costs of electronic device
operations using an interface other than bar 210 and slider 212,
including for example by providing a power cost cap, processing immediacy
maximum delay, percentage or value indicating the relative importance of
power cost and processing immediacy, or any other suitable interface. The
cost limit set by slider 212 or using another approach can be applied to
any suitable duration, including for example a per day, week or month
limit.
[0051] In some embodiments, the user can access advanced power management
settings. For example, display 200 can include processes option 220 for
controlling the particular power settings of each process executed by the
electronic device. As another example, display 200 can include network
devices option 222 for controlling the particular power settings
associated with each electronic device connected to a particular
electronic device or to a network of devices. As still another example,
display 200 can include users option 224 for setting power cost settings
associated with each user of the electronic device or of different
networked electronic devices.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an illustrative display for managing
the power consumption costs of individual processes in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention. A user can access display 300 using any
suitable approach, including for example in response to selection
processes option 220 (FIG. 2). Display 300 can include listing 310 of
processes to be performed by the electronic device. In some embodiments,
listing 310 can include specific processes scheduled to be performed, or
being performed pursuant to a user instruction and categories, types or
classes of processes. The user can limit the processes displayed in
listing 310 using any suitable approach, including using displayed
options related to the types of processes. For example, a user can select
All option 330 to display all current, scheduled, and potential future
processed that could be performed by the electronic device, Current
option 332 for displaying the processes that are currently being executed
by the electronic device, Scheduled option 334 for displaying the
processes that a user has directed the electronic device to perform but
that are not yet being performed (e.g., regular scheduled processes such
as automatically checking for updates, or processes that were delayed due
to power cost considerations), and Types option 336 for displaying
categories or types of processes that the electronic device could perform
(e.g., graphics applications, office applications, media operations, data
transfer operations). In some embodiments, each listing in listing 310
can include an indication of the type of process to which it relates
(e.g., use different colors, fonts, or icons for current, scheduled, and
types of processes).
[0053] Each listing 310 can be associated with an individual bar 320 and
slider 322, which the user can individually select and move to set the
relative importance of power cost and processing immediacy for each
process. In some embodiments, other interfaces can be used instead of or
in addition to bars 320 and sliders 322, including for example providing
power cost or processing delay caps, numerical indications of relative
importance (e.g., a percentage of importance), or any other suitable
interface. In some embodiments, display 300 can instead or in addition
allow a user to set the relative importance of each listing in listings
310. For example, display 300 can allow a user to order processes by
importance such that when power is limited, only the first processes in
the ordering are executed. Display 300 can include any suitable interface
for indicating the relative importance of processes, including for
example assigning numerical values to each process, placing each process
in an ordered list, or any other suitable display. In some embodiments,
the user can direct display 300 to order listing 310 based on the user
defined setting of sliders 322 to view an ordering of the relative
importance of each process.
[0054] In some embodiments, the user can define the power consumption
restrictions additional processes or types of processes. For example, the
user can set the power consumption of one or more particular applications
or types of applications (e.g., a preferred data transferring
application) to ensure that the application operates as quickly as
possible (e.g., with little regard to power costs). As another example,
the user can set the power consumption of one or more particular
applications or types of applications (e.g., media playback applications
on an office computer) such that the applications only operate when the
power costs are low. The user can add or define processes using any
suitable approach, including for example by selecting Add option 340.
Although it is not shown, a user can set power cost criteria for
different users of one or more electronic device using a display having
options similar to those of display 300 (e.g., a display with a listing
of users and associated bars and sliders for defining the power cost
criteria of each user).
[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an illustrative display for managing
the power consumption costs of individual electronic devices in a network
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. A user can access
display 300 using any suitable approach, including for example in
response to selection Network Devices option 222 (FIG. 2). Display 400
can include listing 410 of devices coupled to a network for which power
consumption costs can be controlled. In some embodiments, listing 310 can
include specific devices connected to the network, devices previously
connected to the network, and categories, types or classes of devices
(e.g., printers, computers, mobile devices). The user can limit the
devices displayed in listing 410 using any suitable approach, including
using displayed options related to the types of devices. For example, a
user can select All option 430 to display all current, past and types of
devices that are, have been or can be coupled to the network, Current
option 432 for displaying the devices that are currently connected to the
network, Prior option 434 for displaying the processes that in the past
have been coupled to the network but are not currently coupled to the
network, and Types option 436 for displaying categories or types of
electronic devices that could be coupled to the network (e.g., computers,
printers, portable devices, devices requiring only power, or devices
providing data transfers to host devices). In some embodiments, each
listing in listing 310 can include an indication of the type of process
to which it relates (e.g., use different colors, fonts, or icons for
current, scheduled, and types of processes).
[0056] Each listing 410 can be associated with an individual bar 420 and
slider 422, which the user can individually select and move to set the
relative importance of power cost and processing immediacy for each
device. In some embodiments, other interfaces can be used instead of or
in addition to bars 420 and sliders 422, including for example providing
power cost or processing delay caps, numerical indications of relative
importance (e.g., a percentage of importance), or any other suitable
interface. In some embodiments, display 400 can instead or in addition
allow a user to set the relative importance of each listing in listings
410. For example, display 400 can allow a user to sort devices by
importance such that when power is limited, only the first devices in the
ordering receive power. Display 300 can include any suitable interface
for indicating the relative importance of devices, including for example
assigning numerical values to each device, placing each device in an
ordered list, or any other suitable display. In some embodiments, the
user can direct display 400 to order listing 410 based on the user
defined setting of sliders 422 to view an ordering of the relative
importance of each device. In some embodiments, the user can define a
varying limit for the power cost of a particular device. For example, the
electronic device can define a condition that substantially ignores power
costs when a mobile device is charged from a discharged state, and
progressively increase the importance of power costs as the device charge
rises (e.g., and exceeds a particular cap, such as 60% charge).
[0057] In some embodiments, the user can define the power consumption
restrictions additional devices or types of devices not initially listed
in listing 410. For example, the user can set the power consumption of
one or more particular devices or types of devices (e.g., a specific
model of portable media devices, such as an ipod Touch available from
Apple Inc.) to ensure that the device receives power as quickly as
possible for charging or data transfers. As another example, the user can
set the power consumption of one or more particular devices or types of
devices (e.g., a networked printer) such that the device operations
(e.g., prints documents) only when the power costs are low. The user can
add or define processes using any suitable approach, including for
example by selecting Add option 440.
[0058] Any suitable user of an electronic device in the network can define
the power consumption of processes or devices. In some embodiments,
administrative rights, for example determined from a proper
username/password combination, can be required to set or define power
consumption characteristics. The electronic device can prompt the user to
provide administrative credentials at any suitable time, including for
example prior to accessing display 200 (FIG. 2) or in response to
selecting an option of display 200 or a subsequent display (e.g.,
displays 300 and 400, FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively). If several electronic
devices are interconnected, for example in a network, a user can control
the power consumption of different devices on the network based on one or
more of which devices are directly connected to the device used by the
user (e.g., without the intermediary of another electronic device), the
user's rights on each of the network devices, the types of devices, the
relative rights or importance of each device on the network, the
capabilities of each device, or any other suitable criteria. For example,
a user may be required to first provide an administrative password
associated with a second computer to set the power consumption limits of
the second computer, peripheral devices of the second computer (e.g., one
or more printers and portable electronic devices coupled to the second
computer), processes of the second computer, and processes of the
peripheral devices of the second computer. In some embodiments, an
electronic device (e.g., a more important electronic device) can require
a user to set power consumption settings directly from the device (e.g.,
and not from a less important device of the network).
[0059] When a user starts a new operation or process, or connects an
additional device to the network, the electronic device can prompt the
user to set the power consumption characteristics for the new process or
device. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative display screen for
defining the power consumption characteristics of a new process in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Although display 500
illustrates defining power consumption cost characteristics for a new
process, it will be understood that a substantially similar display, or a
display providing substantially similar options can be provided for
setting the power consumption characteristics of a new device. Display
500 can include listing 502 identifying a new process detected by the
electronic device. Display 500 can be displayed at any suitable time,
including for example automatically in response to detecting a new
process, when an application is run for the first time, each time an
application is run (e.g., creating a process for the control circuitry or
processor), in response to a user selecting an option within an
application, or at any other suitable time. If several new processes are
displayed, several listings 502 can be provided on the same display, or
several displays 500 with different listings 502 can be provided.
[0060] Display 500 can include bar 510 providing a graphical
representation of the cost of power for the process of listing 502 as the
electronic device operates. Bar 510 can include movable slider 512 that
can be displaced between ends 514 and 516 of bar 510. Each of ends 514
and 516 can represent a limit of power consumption management for the
associated electronic device. For example, end 514 can be associated with
minimizing the power cost of the process (e.g., by scheduling the process
based on the cost of power), and end 516 can be associated with
disregarding power cost considerations to ensure rapid or immediate
execution of the process. The user can drag slider 512 to select a
particular balance of processing efficiency and power cost of interest.
Display 500 can include any other suitable information to assist a user
in making such a determination, including for example cost indication 517
(e.g., providing an estimate of the power cost for the current power
setting for the process of listing 502) and processing delay indication
518 (e.g., providing an indication of the delay between providing an
instruction to perform the process and actually performing the process).
In some embodiments, the user can manage the power costs of the process
using an interface other than bar 510 and slider 512, including for
example by providing a power cost cap, processing immediacy maximum
delay, percentage or value indicating the relative importance of power
cost and processing immediacy, or any other suitable interface.
[0061] The user can search for other devices or processes for which to set
power consumption characteristics using any suitable approach. For
example, the user can select Find new process option 522 or Find new
devices option 524 to search for new processes or options, respectively,
for which specific power consumption characteristics have not been
defined. In response to receiving a user selection of one of options 522
or 524, the electronic device can display a listing of processes or
devices for which no power consumption characteristic is set (e.g., for
which a default characteristic used) or for which only a generic type
characteristic is used (e.g., processes or devices for which specific
characteristics overruling a type characteristic are not yet defined).
The user can select any of the displayed listings to access a display
similar to display 500 for the selected process or device.
[0062] As the user operates the electronic device, the user may instruct
the device to perform an operation that would cause the device to exceed
the power consumption cost set for the particular device or for a
particular process. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an illustrative display
provided prior to exceeding set power consumption characteristics in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display 600 can include
message 602 indicating to the user that executing a particular operation
will cause the power consumption cost of the operation (e.g., the process
or device operation) to exceed a set limit. Display 600 can be provided
to the user at any suitable time, including for example in response to
receiving a user request to perform a particular operation (e.g., a user
opening an application, or directing an application to perform a task, or
connecting a peripheral device to a host device for power or data
transfers). Display 600 can be provided using any suitable approach,
including for example as a pop-up window, new display, or any other
suitable approach. Display 600 can provide the user with options for
several actions in response to determining that the power consumption
cost will exceed a limit. For example, display 600 can include Reschedule
option 610 for directing the electronic device to reschedule the process
to a later time when performing the process will not cause the power
consumption cost to exceed the limit. The electronic device can
distribute the process over time to reduce the power cost, or reschedule
the process for a subsequent billing or accounting period (e.g., the
process type has used its quota of power cost for the day or week, and
the process must wait for the following day or week).
[0063] In some embodiments, display 600 can also or in addition include
Redefine option 612 and One-time exception option 614. In response to
receiving a user selection of Redefine option 612, the electronic device
can prompt the user to redefine the power consumption cost
characteristics associated with the process or device at issue. For
example, the electronic device can provide a display similar to display
200 (FIG. 2) for the process or device. As another example, the
electronic device can selective integrate an interface for changing the
power consumption cost characteristics in display 600. In response to a
user selection of One-time exception option 614, the electronic device
can prompt the user to define a one-time exception to the power
consumption cost settings for the process. In response to receiving a
user selection of one of options 612 or 614, the electronic device can
provide bar 620 depicting the range of power consumption cost settings
for each process, and slider 622 for selecting a particular setting. To
prevent unauthorized users from modifying the power consumption settings,
display 600 can prompt a user for authentication information (e.g., an
administrative password) prior to displaying bar 620 and slider 622, or
any other interface for defining the power consumption cost settings. In
some embodiments, the electronic device can automatically adjust the
power cost limits of other processes or devices in response to receiving
the user selection of a redefine or one-time exception option to ensure
that the overall power cost of the device remains constant (e.g., lower
the power cost allocations associated with other processes to account for
the increase requested by the user for the current process).
[0064] The user can monitor past and current power consumption costs using
any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the electronic device can
provide a display indicating past, current and expected future power
consumption costs. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illustrative display
for providing a representation of power costs in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. Display 700 can include graph 710 providing
a visual depiction of the evolution of power consumption cost over time.
Graph 710 can include time and cost axes, over which cost curve 712 can
be plotted to represent the power cost of operating the electronic device
over time. In some embodiments, the user can view the power cost of
particular processes over time, indicated for example by curves 714 and
715. Display 700 can include legend 720 indicating the meaning of each of
curves 712, 714 and 715, which can be differentiated using any suitable
approach (e.g., different colors, line thickness, or line type). Graph
710 can include limit 718 indicating a graphical limit to the power
consumption cost allocated to the device. In the example of FIG. 7, line
718 reflects a constant limit, though it will be understood that any
other suitable type of limit can be used.
[0065] The user can direct graph 710 to display different curves using any
suitable approach, including for example by selecting one or more of All
option 730, Past option 732, Current option 734 and Future option 736
(e.g., to display representations for the power cost of all, past,
current and future processes or devices connected to the network). In
some embodiments, display 700 can include one or more options for
directing graph 710 to display curves for particular processes or
devices. For example, display 700 can include a processes option (not
shown) for viewing a listing of known processes.
[0066] The following flow charts describe illustrative processes for
managing the power cost of electronic devices and electronic device
processes and operations. FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an illustrative
process for determining whether to perform an electronic device process
based on allocated power consumption costs in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. Process 800 can begin at step 802 and at
step 804, the electronic device can identify an illustrative process to
perform. For example, the electronic device can receive an instruction
from a user to perform a process associated with an application. As
another example, the electronic device can identify a process to be
performed by an operating system. At step 806, the electronic device can
determine the expected power consumption for the identified process. For
example, the electronic device can determine the components required to
perform the process, and the duration of the activity for each component.
As another example, the electronic device can determine the number of
computations required by the electronic device to perform the identified
process. As still another example, the electronic device can determine,
from a reference of power requirements or based on previous requirements
for the same or similar processes, the power consumption of the
identified process.
[0067] At step 808, the electronic device can determine the power cost
characteristics set for the identified process. For example, the
electronic device can determine the relative importance of power cost and
processing immediacy for the identified process (e.g., from a slider
setting for the identified process). As another example, the electronic
device can determine a maximum power cost value for the category of
processes of the identified process. At step 810, the electronic device
can schedule the identified process based on the determined power cost
and power cost characteristics set for the identified process. For
example, the electronic device can determine the power cost of the
process at different times (e.g., determined at peak and off-peak power
times) and schedule the process for the earliest time when the power cost
satisfies the power cost characteristics set by the user. In particular,
if the power cost characteristic includes a maximum cost, the electronic
device can schedule the identified process for execution at the earliest
time that allows the power cost to be less than the maximum cost. In some
embodiments, the identified process can be schedule for a time and
duration that are associated with different power costs (e.g., start in
peak time and finish in off-peak time). Process 800 can then end at step
812.
[0068] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for determining
when to perform a process in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. Process 900 can begin at step 902. At step 904, the electronic
device can determine past power consumption. For example, the electronic
device can determine the cost of previous power consumption within a
given duration (e.g., in the past day, week or month) for which a power
consumption limit applies. In some embodiments, the electronic device can
determine power consumption for particular processes (e.g., the current
process), types of processes, or devices in a network. At step 906, the
electronic device can identify the applicable power consumption limit.
For example, the electronic device can determine the maximum cost per
given duration associated with the process, process type, or device of
the process. At step 908, the electronic device can determine whether
performing the particular process will exceed the identified power
consumption limit associated with the process. For example, the
electronic device can determine the power cost of executing the process
at the current time and compare the sum of past power consumption costs
with the expected cost of the current process with the identified power
consumption limit. To determine the expected cost, the electronic device
can determine the amount of power to be consumed by various electronic
device components to perform the process and the duration of the process,
and the cost of the determined amount of power during the determined
duration (e.g., from information provided by a power provider).
[0069] If the electronic device determines that performing the process
will exceed the identified power consumption limit, process 900 can move
to step 910. At step 910, the electronic device can determine whether
delaying the performance of the process will exceed the identified power
consumption limit associated with the process. For example, the
electronic device can determine the power cost of the process when power
provided by the power source is less than the current cost of power. If
the power source provides power at several lesser prices at different
times, the electronic device can identify the earliest of the different
times, if any, for which the power cost of performing the process will
not exceed the identified power consumption limit. In some embodiments,
the electronic device can prompt the user to accept or not to delay the
process. If the electronic device determines that delaying the
performance of the process will still exceed the identified power
consumption limit, process 900 can move to step 912.
[0070] At step 912, the electronic device can determine whether a user
authorized exceeding the identified power consumption limit. For example,
the electronic device can determine whether a user instruction to
overrule the identified power consumption limit was provided. In
particular, the electronic device can determine whether administrative
credentials have been provided. If the electronic device determines that
user authorization has been provided, process 900 can move to step 914.
In addition, if at step 910 the electronic device instead determines that
delaying the performance of the process will not exceed the identified
power consumption limit, process 900 can move to step 914. Also, if at
step 908 the electronic device instead determines that performing the
process will not exceed the identified power consumption limit, process
900 can move to step 914. At step 914, the electronic device can perform
the process. For example, the electronic device can execute an
application operation requested by the user, an operating system process
or any other process to perform by the device. Process 900 can then end
at step 916.
[0071] If, at step 912, the electronic device instead or in addition
determines that no user authorization was provided, process 900 can move
to step 918. At step 918, the electronic device can not perform the
process. For example, the electronic device can remove the process from a
process queue. Process 900 can then end at step 916.
[0072] Thus it is seen that computers and other network devices capable of
monitoring electricity consumption, and methods and apparatus for
scheduling computer activities to consume electricity during periods of
lower electricity rates, have been provided. It will be understood that
the foregoing is only illustrative of the principles of the invention,
and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, and the
present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.
* * * * *
