System and method for powering down a mobile device

Abstract

Described is a mechanism for mobile devices that allows a user to set a time at which the mobile device will automatically power down, and another time at which the mobile device will wake up. The mechanism further allows the mobile device to be awakened earlier than the wake up time if an event is scheduled to occur prior to the wake up time. Furthermore, the mechanism provides for the cancellation of the automatic power down or wake up, based on user input.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to computer-executable software, and more particularly to increasing power management efficiency in mobile devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Consumer electronics of almost any size now include controllers or processors and perform many functions that used to be exclusively within the domain of the desktop computer. One such device, the cellular phone, previously dedicated to transmitting only voice communication, is now being used for a variety of functions, such as Personal Information Management (PIM) and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) functions. In addition, consumers are pushing the market to make the devices smaller and smaller. As the devices become smaller yet more powerful, power consumption becomes an ever increasing problem. The limitations of power storage components, both in size and capacity, make it difficult to operate mobile devices for extended periods of time. Mobile device designers ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003] The present invention provides a system and method for extending the time interval between recharging a mobile device. The invention provides a personal data assistant (PDA) application for mobile devices that allow a user to set a time at which the mobile device will automatically power down, and another time at which the mobile device will wake up. The result extends battery life.

[0004] In one aspect of the invention, an application is in communication with an operating system, a timer, a switch, an appointment register, and a file system. The application allows the user to set a time period during which limited or no activity is expected. When the given time is reached, the application puts the mobile device into a sleep mode until the end of the user defined time period, or until a scheduled event, whichever occurs first. In this way, the existing power management system may be supplemented with these power savings thereby extending the length of time between recharging, and ultimately extending the battery life as well. The invention further includes a switch to shut down the system. If the switch is used to shut down the system, the auto wake up feature is circumvented. This allows added flexibility such as, for example, the ability to negate the awakening process if traveling necessitates it.

Problems solved by technology

The result extends battery life.

Images