Power transfer between devices

摘要

Power transfer between devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, media players and other devices is described. In an embodiment power transfer is achieved either from a power source at a device or to a power source at that device using a bidirectional power transfer connector. In some embodiments a power management module at the device uses context, models or other information to control factors such as the power transfer direction, duration and amount. In examples, user preferences are taken into account. In an example, the bi-directional power transfer connector is provided as a USB connection or a wireless power transfer connection.

主权项

1. A device comprising:
a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; a power source; a user interface arranged to:
display an availability of other devices having respective power sources from which power can be accessed;display a current power status of the device; anddisplay user selectable power transfer preferences that enable a user to define power transfer preferences between the device and the other devices; at least one bi-directional power transfer connector arranged to enable the device to be connected to another device having a power source; a power bus linking the power source and the power transfer connector and arranged to enable bi-directional power transfer relative to the power source; and a power management module connected to the power bus and arranged to control the bi-directional power transfer, the power management module being configured to determine whether to provide a first level of power or a second level of power to a second device, the first level of power being sufficient to power operation of the second device, the second level of power being sufficient to power operation of the second device and charging of a battery of the second device, the determination being based at least in part on whether the battery of the second device is to be charged.