WO2009124598A1

WO2009124598A1 - Method, apparatus, and computer program product for use of lcd display in a cordless tool

Info

Publication number: WO2009124598A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/054441
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rients Mathijs Bakker; Geert Martin Ensing
Original assignee: Jinding Group Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2008-04-11
Filing date: 2008-04-11
Publication date: 2009-10-15

Abstract

Provided are a method, apparatus and computer program product for the use of LCD display in an improved cordless tool having a self-contained power source. The method, apparatus and computer program product provide the operator of a cordless device with an accurate estimate of the remaining charge for performing the last task performed by the cordless device. In this regard, after a task is performed using the cordless tool, the charge consumed by the task is computed. The charge remaining in the self-contained power source is determined. The remaining charge in the power source for performing the same task is then computed based on the computed charge consumed by the task and the charge remaining in the power source. Accordingly, the remaining charge in the power source for performing the same task is actively and more accurately computed and outputted to the LCD display thereby providing an improved cordless tool.

Description

METHOD, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR USE OF LCD DISPLAY IN A CORDLESS TOOL

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to presenting information to the user of a cordless tool, and more particularly to the use of a liquid crystal display ("LCD") to indicate the remaining power in a cordless power tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years, it was the norm for countless devices including power tools to be connected to stationary sources of power in order to operate. Even when the power supply source was not stationary, the movement of the operator of the device was limited to a proximate area determined by the length of the connection to the power source, i.e., the power cord. With advancements of technologies including self-contained power sources, the world has since migrated towards the use of more cordless products. In this regard, many devices that previously required a connection to one or more static power sources have now become cordless or portable, using incorporated power supply source(s), such as battery(ies), thereby removing any proximity restraint imposed on the user because of a corded connection to a power source. In light of the improved ease of usage, cordless devices have become more desirable. However, even with such improved ease of usage, several limitations still remain.

In this regard, an incorporated power supply contained in cordless devices is not a source of unlimited power. Indeed, an incorporated power supply is available in two variations, namely single use/charge or rechargeable. As is apparent, a single use/charge power supply can only be used once. In other words, once its entire charge has been consumed, it can no longer be used. Contrarily, a rechargeable power supply can be used multiple times because, once the entire charge has been consumed, the charge can be replenished again through a (re)charging process. However, such a rechargeable power supply can only be charged but a finite number of times. Therefore, a rechargeable power supply source also needs to be replaced eventually. Accordingly, an incorporated power supply source needs to be replaced either after a single use or after a predetermined number of recharging iterations.

Moreover the discharge rate of the power source is not always predictable, although, with respect to a rechargeable power source, there is an inverse proportional relation between the life of the power source and the discharge rate. In other words, as the life of a rechargeable power source decreases (i.e., the battery gets older), the discharge rate increases. Further, the operator of the device may benefit from being regularly informed of the remaining level of charge in the power source, whether single use/charge or rechargeable, and, therefore, may plan or reevaluate the task to be accomplished accordingly. Indeed, it would not be desirable for the operator of a cordless device to be performing a task that is suddenly interrupted, even possibly temporarily, because of a complete drain of the power supply. In this regard, there have been numerous attempts to provide information relating to the remaining power of a cordless device.

One approach provides the operator of the device with an indicator of the remaining charge at various charge stages, instead of in units of time, such as, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,437,699 to Hayakawa (hereinafter the "Hayakawa '699 patent"). In this regard, a high level, such as "Level 4", would indicate that the power source is fully charged, while a low level, such "Level 1", would indicate that the power source is nearing a complete discharge state, or vice versa. A similar approach provides an indicator in percentages of remaining charge, such as, for example, increments often percent (10%). For example, one hundred percent would indicate that the power source is fully charged whereas ten percent would indicate that the power source only has a low charge remaining. One disadvantage in these approaches is that the operator cannot readily and accurately estimate the corresponding amount of time remaining for using the device, which is very undesirable when performing a time sensitive task.

In another approach, the remaining charge is calculated based on stored values of consumption that were estimated or previously measured, such as, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,182,655 to Motoyanagi. In this regard, whether estimated or actually measured, the stored/pre-defined values are not actively computed for each task performed by the user. One disadvantage of this approach is that the operator can perform the same task at either a faster or slower pace and the same task can consume more or less charge. Accordingly, the remaining charge computed using this approach would not always provide the operator with an accurate value for the remaining charge.

In yet another approach, the remaining charge is calculated based on the average consumption of multiple previous tasks, such as, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,789,901 to Lomholt (hereinafter the "Lomholt '901 patent "). In this regard, the remaining charge is computed based on the average consumption of multiple tasks, all of which could potentially have different consumption rates. One disadvantage is that computing a remaining charge using running averages does not always provide accurate results and is often unrelated to the current or future use of the device. In yet another approach, the remaining charge can be computed only if the specified task is performed multiple times such as, for example, the Hayakawa '699 patent. One disadvantage of this approach is the inconvenience to the operator in being forced to perform a specified task multiple times. This may not be desirable, such as if the operator requires the information regarding the remaining charge to be delivered promptly. Moreover, a specified task could only require two iterations, and, as such, the operator would only be provided the remaining charge information after the task has already been completed.

In yet another approach, the remaining charge is only calculated if the device performs the same type of task, such as, for example, the Lomholt '901 patent. In other words, the device can only perform a brushing task, a shaving task, or a drilling task. One disadvantage is that this approach is only applicable to limited devices and specific tasks. Indeed, power tools perform a wide variety of tasks such as drilling, screwing, or driving, all by the same device. Similarly, a further approach requires a regular pattern of usage before a remaining charge can be computed. Accordingly, this approach is not applicable to devices which operate in both regular and irregular patterns of usage, such as for example power tools. In light of the foregoing limitations, it would be desirable to provide cordless tools with improved remaining power indicators. More particularly, it would be desirable to provide cordless tools with indicators, such as LCD, to provide the operator with improved information regarding remaining power.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the limitations discussed above by providing an improved device by informing the operator of a more accurate estimated amount of time remaining to perform a specified task or a more accurate estimated number of additional times the specified task can be performed. More particularly, the present invention provides improved cordless tools with indicators, such as LCD, that inform the operator of a more accurate estimated amount of time remaining to perform a variety of tasks or the number of additional times a variety of tasks can be performed, as applicable in power cordless tools.

An embodiment of a method of the present invention may include performing a task with a cordless device having a self-contained power source and a display, wherein performing the task may comprise determining a beginning state of the task and determining an end state of the task. After the task is performed, a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task may be computed. Thereafter, a remaining charge in the self- contained power source of the cordless device may be determined and an estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task with the cordless device based on the computed power consumed and the determined remaining charge may be computed. Finally, the estimated computed amount of time remaining for performing the task may be displayed on the display.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, displaying the computed estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task may comprise displaying the estimated amount of time remaining in one or more units of time selected from the group comprising hours, minutes, and seconds. An embodiment of a method of the present invention may include performing a task with a cordless device having a self-contained power source and a display, wherein performing the task may comprise determining a beginning state of the task and determining an end state of the task. After the task is performed, a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task may be computed. Thereafter, a remaining charge in the self- contained power source of the cordless device may be determined and an estimated number of additional times for performing the task with the cordless device based on the computed power consumed and the determined remaining charge may be computed. Finally, the computed estimated number of additional times for performing the task may be displayed on the display.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, displaying the computed estimated number of additional times for performing the task may comprise displaying the estimated number of additional times in numerical representations selected from the group comprising integers and fractions.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the cordless device may be a power tool. In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the power source may comprise at least one rechargeable battery.

In yet another embodiment of the method of the present invention, computing the amount of time remaining for performing the task may comprise comparing the computed power consumed with the determined remaining charge. In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, determining a beginning state of the task may comprise identifying the last time the device was switched from an off position to an on position and determining an end state of the task may comprise identifying the last time the device was switched from an on position to an off position. An embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention may include a self-contained power source; a display unit electrically connected to the self- contained power source; a motor electrically connected to the self-contained power source; and a processor electrically connected to the self-contained power source and the display unit. As such, the processor may be configured to determine a beginning state of a task performed using the motor powered by the self-contained power source; determine an end state of the task; and compute a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task. The processor may be additionally configured to compute a remaining charge in the apparatus after performing the task; compute an estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task with the apparatus based on the computed power consumed and the computed remaining charge; and provide instructions to the display unit to display the estimated computed amount of time remaining for performing the task. The display unit may be configured to receive the provided instructions from the processor and display the estimated computed amount of time remaining for performing the task.

In the alternative, the processor may configured to compute an estimated number of additional times for performing the task with the apparatus based on the computed power consumed and the computed remaining charge, instead of an estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task with the apparatus, and provide instructions to the display unit to display the estimated computed number of additional times for performing the task. The display unit may be configured to receive the provided instructions from the processor and display the estimated computed number of additional times for performing the task.

In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus may be a cordless device. In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus may be a cordless power tool.

In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the power source may comprise at least one rechargeable battery. In yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the power source may comprise a battery pack which may comprise a plurality of batteries.

In yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the display unit may comprise a liquid crystal display ("LCD"). Embodiments of computer-readable storage medium having computer- readable program code portions of the present invention corresponding to the above-described methods and apparatus of the present invention are provided herein and further described and claimed below. These characteristics, as well as additional details, of the present invention are further described herein with reference to these and other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a cordless tool according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a processor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of an operation performed according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of another operation performed according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of yet another operation performed according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of yet another operation performed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Referring now to Figure 1, a cordless tool apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Apparatus 100 may include a processor 110, a memory 120, a display unit 130, a power source 140, and a motor 150. According to one embodiment, apparatus 100 may be used to perform one or multiple tasks or functions, wherein each task may consume the same or a different amount of charge or energy. In this regard, apparatus 100 may be a cordless tool that performs one similar task or function, such as, for example, an electrical shaver, toothbrush, screw driver, or drill, according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to another embodiment, apparatus 100 may be a cordless power tool that performs a wide variety of tasks or functions, such as, for example, various types of drilling, screw driving, steel fastening, sanding, sawing, or nailing. According to yet another embodiment, apparatus 100 may be used in regular or irregular patterns. In one embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 100 may be used for predetermined amount of times over a specific period of time, whereas in another embodiment, apparatus

100 may be used sporadically over unspecified periods of time. According to yet another embodiment, apparatus 100 may be used with short and long tasks or functions separated by short or long pauses.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 100 includes a processing element, such as processor 110, which may be operatively connected to display unit 130 and memory 120. Processor 110 may be used to implement functions of embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, processor 110, if sufficiently powerful, may control and/or operate the functions of apparatus 100. For example, processor 110 may control and/or operate the functions of the apparatus relating to providing the operator with the remaining charge of the power source. In this regard, processor 110 may contain electronic circuitry and/or related programming to actively compute the remaining charge of a power source based on the task previously performed by the cordless tool. A more detailed description of processors according to embodiments of the present invention is provided below.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 100 may include a computer-readable storage medium such as, for example, memory 120. Memory 120 may comprise a primary memory. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a primary memory may be a volatile memory, such as volatile Random Access Memory (RAM) including a cache area for the temporary storage of data. Apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively include other non-volatile memory, which can be embedded and/or may be removable. The non-volatile memory may additionally or alternatively comprise a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or the like. The memory may store any of a number of pieces of information, and data, used by apparatus 100 to implement the functions of apparatus 100. According to another embodiment, memory 120 may also comprise a secondary memory, such as disk storage, that stores additional data. The secondary memory may be a floppy disk, hard disk, compact disk, DVD, or any other type of mass storage type known to those skilled in the computer arts. According to one embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 100 may include an output device, such as, for example, display unit 130, that may provide the operator of the device with information relating to the remaining charge of the power source 140. Display unit 130 may be electrically connected to power source 140, described more fully below, and processor 110. Power source 140 may supply the electrical power to activate display unit 130. Processor 110 may compute the remaining charge for performing the last task performed by the device and supply the computed remaining charge information to display unit 130 to be outputted thereon. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise one or more embodiments of display unit 130. According to one embodiment of the present invention, display unit 130 comprises a liquid crystal display ("LCD"). According to another embodiment of the present invention, display unit 130 comprises an LED display.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processor 110 may be configured to compute and display unit 130 may be configured to display units of time referring to the remaining time for performing the same task last performed by the cordless tool. In this regard, display unit 130 may be configured to display one unit of time, including but not limited to seconds, minutes, hours or a combination of two or more units of time, such as, for example, minutes and seconds, hours and minutes, or hours, minutes and seconds, all in various orders. According to another embodiment of the present invention, processor 110 may be configured to compute and display unit 130 may be configured to display numerical representations, referring to number of additional iterations of the task possible in light of the remaining charge in the power source. In this regard, the numbers displayed may be integers, fractions, or other numerical representation, and in any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, processor 110 may be configured to compute and display unit 130 may be configured to display the remaining charge for performing the same task immediately after the task is performed. In this regard, the remaining charge may be displayed on display unit 130 for a predetermined period of time, after which display unit 130 may be deactivated to prevent the charge of the power source from draining. According to another embodiment, processor 110 may be configured to compute and display unit 130 may by configured to display the remaining charge only upon the operator's intervention. In other words, after the operator has performed the task, processor 110 may be configured to compute and display unit 130 may be configured to be in a deactivated state. Accordingly, the information relating to the remaining charge for performing the same task will not be displayed. However, in the event the operator further interacts with apparatus 100, such as operating the apparatus 100 or selecting to view the remaining charge for the apparatus 100, display unit 130 will be reactivated, and accordingly, the information relating to the remaining charge may be displayed. In this regard, the cordless tool may include an activation member whereupon actuation of the member may reactivate display unit 130 to display the remaining charge. For example, the cordless tool may include a trigger lever whereupon a quick and light depress and release of the trigger or regular depression of the trigger may activate display unit 130 to display the remaining charge. According to another embodiment, display unit 130 may include an activation member, such as, for example, a button or a switch, to activate display unit 130 to display the remaining charge.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 100 may include a power supply source, such as power source 140, wherein the power source may be operatively connected to processor 110, memory 120, display unit 130, and motor 150 to supply the power necessary for the operation of each of the aforementioned elements. According to one embodiment, power source 140 is a self-contained power source of apparatus 100. In this regard, power source 140 may comprise at least one battery, according to one embodiment. According to another embodiment, power source 140 may comprise one or more battery packs that may include a plurality of batteries. According to yet another embodiment, power source 140 may comprise a rechargeable battery or one or more battery packs comprising a plurality of rechargeable batteries. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more rechargeable batteries may comprise Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), and/or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.

The present invention may support the interchangeability of batteries and battery packs. In other words, the present invention may still provide a more accurate estimate of the remaining charge for performing a task even when one or more batteries are replaced. In this regard, one or more batteries or battery packs used in the cordless tool may be replaced with one or more new batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries at various stages of their life cycle (i.e., rechargeable batteries that already have or have not been recharged more than once), one or more different battery packs, or one or more batteries at different charge level. Moreover, the one or more batteries may be replaced, in accordance with our discussion above, before or after the task is performed. Nevertheless, regardless of the various types of batteries and/or battery packs or combinations thereof and/or the timing of the replacement, meaning either before or after performing the task, the present invention may still provide the operator with a more accurate estimate of remaining charge for performing a specific task because the information relating to the remaining charge is task specific based upon whatever power source is supplied to the apparatus 100 at the time of computation. According to one embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 100 may include a motor 150 that draws power from power source 140 to drive the operations of the cordless tool. According to one embodiment of the present invention, motor 150 may be a direct current electric motor such as a brushed, brushless, coreless, stepper, servo, spindle voice-coil, and/or speed-regulated DC motor.

Referring now to Figure 2, a processor 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The processor 200 may comprise one or more electronic circuitries and/or related programming that may at least identify/determine the last task performed by the tool, compute the corresponding charge consumed by the last task, and compute the remaining charge for performing the same task again. According to one embodiment, processor 200 may include a unit or means for determining the last task performed by the cordless tool, such as for example unit 210, a unit or means for computing the charge consumed by the last task, such as for example unit 220, a unit or means for determining the charge remaining in the power source, such as for example unit 230, a unit or means for computing the remaining charge for performing the same task, such as for example unit 240, and a unit or means for outputting the computed remaining charge to a display, such as for example unit

250.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processor 200 may include unit 210 to identify the last task performed by the cordless tool. In this regard, the last task performed may be determined by identifying the operative period between when the tool was last activated and deactivated. According to another embodiment, unit 210 may identify a beginning state and an end state of a task. In this regard, unit 210 may determine the last time the tool was switched from an off position to an on position (beginning state) and from an on position back to an off position (end state). According to yet another embodiment, unit 210 may determine the last task performed by measuring the last time the tool was switched on and switched off. According to one embodiment, the information determined by unit 210 can be used in real-time application, such as, for example, in conjunction with the immediate computation of the remaining charge for performing additional similar tasks, or stored in memory in conjunction with a later computation of the remaining charge.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processor 200 may include unit 220 to compute the charge consumed by the last task performed or, in other words, the actual charge used in performing the last task. In this regard, and according to one embodiment of the present invention, computing the charge consumed may comprise averaging the energy used by the task. According to one embodiment, the average of the energy used by the task may be the average energy based on the information obtained by unit 210. In other words, the average of the energy used by the task may be the average energy between when the tool switch is activated and deactivated, between the beginning state and an end state of a task, the last time the tool was switched from an off position to an on position (beginning) and from an on position back to an off position (end), or the measured last time the tool is switched on and switch off as determined by unit 210. Therefore, the charge computed may be specific to the last task performed and not an average of more than one previously performed tasks. Accordingly, a more accurate task specific estimate of remaining charge can be provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processor 200 may include unit 230 to determine the remaining charge in the power source after the last task has been performed. In this regard, the remaining charge in the power source may be measured some time after the last task has been completed. According to one embodiment, the remaining charge in the power source may be measured immediately after the task has been completed. According to another embodiment, the remaining charge may be measured based on the intervention of the operator. In other words, the remaining charge may be measured when the operator initiates a request for the information relating to the remaining charge based upon some interaction with the cordless tool. According to yet another embodiment, the remaining charge in the power source may be determined by computation in a similar fashion as in the event the remaining charge is measured, namely, shortly or immediately after the performance of the task or after user initiated request.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processor 200 may include unit 240 to compute the charge remaining in the power source after the last task has been completed. In this regard, the information obtained from at least two of the previously discussed units, such as for example units 220 and 230, may be used as a basis for computing the charge remaining in the power source. In other words, the remaining charge in the power source for performing the same task may be computed based on the charge consumed by the task and the charge remaining in the power source. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the remaining charge for performing the last task may be computed by comparing the charge consumed by the last task performed, as computed by unit 220, with the remaining charge in the power source after the last task has been performed, as determined by unit 230.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, unit 240 may compute the remaining charge for performing the same task immediately after the task has been performed. According to another embodiment, unit 240 may compute the remaining charge for performing the same task upon the intervention of the operator, such as, for example, when the operator initiates a request to receive the information relating to the remaining charge based upon some interaction with the cordless tool. According to yet another embodiment, unit 240 may compute the remaining charge for performing the same task immediately after the task has been performed and may store the information for a later retrieval upon a request by the operator.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, processor 200 may include unit 250 to output the computed remaining charge for performing the same task from unit 240 to a display unit of a cordless device. According to one embodiment, unit 250 of the processor 200 may control functions of the display unit as discussed above. For example, unit 250 may control when to activate or deactivate the display unit, what information to display, and when to display the information. According to another embodiment, unit 250 may simply control when to send the computed remaining charge to the display unit to be displayed.

It should be noted that the computation and determination performed by each of the units of processor 200 may be executed immediately, shortly or some time after the task is performed, or immediately, shortly or some time after an operator of the cordless tool initiates a request for information relating to the remaining charge in the power source for performing the same task, or any other temporal period, but before the remaining charge is displayed on the display unit. It should also be noted that the information resulting from the immediate computation and determination after the task is performed may be stored and later retrieved upon a user initiated request as discussed above. Referring now to Figure 3, a flowchart 300 of an operation performed according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The flowchart begins at step 310 and continues to step 320 where a task is performed using a cordless device. According to one embodiment, the cordless device may include a member for activating and deactivating the device, such as for example, a trigger lever. In this regard, a task may be performed, beginning when the device is activated and end when the device is deactivated. As such, the trigger may enable the cordless tool to operate from an off position to an on position, when the trigger is depressed, to begin a task and from an on position to an off position, when the trigger is released, to end a task. In this regard, the device may be powered but in a stand-by state, awaiting the actuation of the trigger lever by the operator to activate the cordless device to perform a task. According to another embodiment, the cordless device may include an additional member, such as an on/off switch, to preserve the charge of the power supply. In this regard, the device would need to be in an on position before the trigger can be actuated to perform a task.

Next, at steps 330 and 340, the beginning state and the end state of the task is determined. As previously discussed, according to one embodiment, the last task performed may be determined by identifying the operative period between when the device was last activated and deactivated. In this regard, the beginning state may be the last time the device was activated and the end state may be the last time the device was deactivated. According to yet another embodiment, the beginning state may be identified as the last time the device was switched from an off position to an on position whereas the end state may be identified as the last time the device was switched from an on position back to an off position. Many other variations for determining the beginning and end states of the task are achieved by this invention, as would be apparent to an ordinary person skilled in the art. The power or charge consumed by the task performed may then be computed, as indicated by step 350. As discussed above, the charge consumed by the last task performed, or in other words, the actual charge used in performing the last task is computed. In this regard, and according to one embodiment of the present invention, computing the charge consumed may comprise making an average of the energy used by the task. It should be noted that the charge consumed by the last task is actively computed for each task performed. In other words, the charge computed is specific to the last task and not an average charge consumed by more than the last task performed. Next, at step 360, the charge remaining in the power source is determined. According to one embodiment, the remaining charge in the power source following the performance of the task may be measured. According to another embodiment, the remaining charge may be computed. The remaining charge may be determined immediately after the last task has been performed.

According to another embodiment, the remaining charge may be determined upon a request initiated by the operator of the cordless device for information regarding the remaining charge for performing the last task performed by the cordless device. At step 370, the remaining charge for performing the same task is computed. As discussed above, the remaining charge for performing the last task performed by the cordless device may be computed based on the charge consumed by the task and the charge remaining in the power source. According to one embodiment, the remaining charge for performing the last task may be computed by comparing the charge consumed by the last task performed with the remaining charge in the power source after the last task has been performed. According to another embodiment, the remaining charge for performing the last task is computed by comparing the charge consumed by the last task performed with the remaining charge in the power source after the user initiated request, as discussed above. Accordingly, a more accurate estimate based on the current level of the power source and the charge consumed by the last task may be computed.

Next, at step 380, the remaining charge for performing the same task last performed by the cordless device is displayed in units of time, such as, for example, hours, minutes, and seconds. As discussed above, the information display may include various combinations of units of time and may be displayed at and for various periods of time.

The operator of the cordless device may optionally perform a task again, as indicated in the flowchart and for which that task will then become the last task performed by the cordless device. In this regard, the operator may choose to perform the same general task last performed by the cordless device such as based on the assessment of the remaining charge information displayed on the display unit. For example, after performing a task, the display unit may indicate that, based on the remaining charge in the power source, the operator can perform the same task for an additional eight minutes, and the operator may perform the task again. Even when an operator performs the same task, practically the task is unlikely to be identical in all respects to the last task, so the present invention then proceeds at step 330 based upon the new last task performed. Alternatively, the operator may choose to perform a relatively or wholly different task. For example, as applicable to a cordless power tool, an operator may drill a hole and receive on the display unit information indicating the remaining charge in units of time for drilling a similar hole. If the operator believes the remaining charge time is too short, the operator may choose to perform a different task such as drilling a hole of a different size or driving a screw. Alternatively, the operator can terminate the use of the cordless device for this session until a later time, at which point, the flowchart ends at step 390. Referring now to Figure 4, a flowchart 400 of another operation performed according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In the embodiment of Figure 4, steps 410 to 470 are like steps 310 to 370 of flowchart 300 discussed above, with respect to the embodiment of Figure 3, and, accordingly, the description for each of steps 310 to 370 is applicable to each of corresponding steps 410 to 470, respectively. Next, at step 480, the remaining charge for performing the same task last performed by the cordless device is displayed in a numerical representation, referring to number of additional iterations of the same task based on the remaining charge in the cordless device, as previously discussed. In this regard, the numbers displayed may be integers, fractions, or other numerical representations, or any combination thereof. For example, after a performing a task, the display unit may indicate "10", "10/4", "4.5", or "7 1/2" corresponding to the number of additional times the same task may be performed.

Referring now to Figure 5, a flowchart 500 of yet another operation performed according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Similarly to flowchart 400, steps 510 to 545 are similar to steps 310 to 380 of flowchart 300 discussed above, and, accordingly, the description for each of steps 310 to 380 is applicable to each of corresponding steps 510 to 545, respectively. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit of a cordless device may display either or both the remaining charge for performing the last task performed by the cordless device in units of time and also in numerical representations of the number of additional iterations of the same task. Accordingly, at step 550, in the event the units of time are first displayed a decision may be made as to whether such numerical representations should also be displayed. Alternatively, the numerical representations may be displayed first, and a decision may be made as to whether the units of time should also be displayed. The decision process of step 550 may be in the form of a prompt generated by the cordless device requesting user intervention, such as to advance the display to the alternative remaining charge representation or in the form of a user initiated request, such as if the user can select or change which remaining charge representation is presented.

In the event the units of time are first displayed, if the determination at step 550 is positive, a numerical representation may also be displayed on the display unit. If the determination is negative, a numerical representation may not be displayed. As such, the operator of the cordless device may perform the same general task, perform a relatively or wholly different task, or suspend the use of the cordless device until a later time at which point the flowchart ends at step 560. Alternatively, the numerical representations may be displayed first, in which event the same general decision process discussed above may be followed. According to one embodiment, the units of time and the numerical representations may be displayed one after the other in various order of display. According to another embodiment, the units of time and the numerical representations may be displayed simultaneously, in various manners that would allow the operator to distinguish the two forms.

According to yet another embodiment, the decision of step 550 may be achieved through user intervention. In other words, the operator may decide to receive or not receive a display of numerical representation. According to yet another embodiment, step 550 may be skipped, and the display unit may automatically display a numerical representation. In this regard, the numerical representation may be displayed a predetermined amount of time after the display of units of time, or vice versa. According to yet another embodiment, the units of time and the numerical representations may be displayed simultaneously or one after the other, as discussed above. If displayed one after the other, the units of time and the numerical representation may continue to cycle on the display, and a user may be able to pause/hold, stop, and/or advance the display cycle to control the desired display information.

Referring now to Figure 6, a flowchart 600 of yet another operation performed according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Similarly to the flowcharts discussed above, it should be noted that steps 610 to 635 are similar to steps 310 to 370 of flowchart 300 discussed above, and, accordingly, the description for each of steps 310 to 370 is applicable to each of corresponding steps 610 to 635, respectively.

According to one embodiment, the remaining charge may be displayed automatically after the performance of every task. However, it may not be desirable for the remaining charge to be displayed with such frequency. For example, it may be perceived as a nuisance or an inconvenience to the operator and/or a waste of power charge. In this regard, a decision may be made as to whether to display or not display the computed remaining charge for performing the last task performed by the cordless device, as indicated at step 640. It should be noted that the decision process of step 640 may be in the form of a prompt generated by the cordless device requiring user intervention or in the form of a user initiated request.

According to one embodiment, the remaining charge may be displayed upon a request initiated by the operator. As such, the operator may choose to receive a display of the computed remaining charge, as indicate at step 645. In this regard, the display unit may display the remaining charge in units of time, numerical representations, or both, in a manner similar to the methods described above with respect to Figure 5. According to another embodiment, the operator may decide in what format to receive the display of computed remaining charge, namely, units of time, numerical representations, or both. The operator may also choose not to receive a display of the computed remaining charge. In this regard, the operator may either proceed to perform the same or a different task, or suspend the use of the cordless until a later time. According to another embodiment, the remaining charge may be displayed for a predetermined amount of time after a task is performed. According to yet another embodiment, the remaining charge may be displayed after the cordless device has not been used for a period of time. For example, the operator may momentarily pause after performing a task during which time, if a predetermined time threshold is reached, the remaining charge for performing the same task may be displayed on the display unit. In this case, the remaining charge may not be displayed while the operator continues to operate the cordless device in relatively rapid succession.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a processor 110 that implements embodiments of the present invention may operate under control of a computer program product. The computer program product for performing the methods of embodiments of the present invention may include a computer- readable storage medium, such as memory 120, and computer-readable program code portions, such as a series of computer instructions, embodied in the computer-readable storage medium.

In this regard, Figures 3 to 6 are flowcharts of methods, apparatus, and program products according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block or step of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus, such as processor 110, to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s) or step(s). The above computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable 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 which implement the function specified in the flowchart block(s) or step(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s) or step(s).

Accordingly, blocks or steps of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block or step of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks or steps in the flowchart, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. A method comprising: performing a task with a cordless device having a self-contained power source and a display, wherein performing the task comprises: determining a beginning state of the task; and determining an end state of the task; and after performing the task, computing a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task; determining a remaining charge in the self-contained power source of the cordless device; computing an estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task with the cordless device based on the computed power consumed and the determined remaining charge; and displaying the computed estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task on the display.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein computing the power consumed comprises computing an average energy used between the beginning state and the end state of the task.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein computing the amount of time remaining for performing the task comprises comparing the computed power consumed with the determined remaining charge.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cordless device is a cordless power tool.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the self-contained power source comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining a beginning state of the task comprises identifying the last time the device was switched from an off position to an on position and determining an end state of the task comprises identifying the last time the device was switched from an on position to an off position.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the computed estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task comprises displaying the estimated amount of time remaining in one or more units of time selected from the group comprising hours, minutes, and seconds.

8. A method comprising: performing a task with a cordless device having a self-contained power source and a display, wherein performing the task comprises: determining a beginning state of the task; and determining an end state of the task; and, after performing the task, computing a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task; determining a remaining charge in the self-contained power source of the cordless device; computing an estimated number of additional times for performing the task with the cordless device based on the computed power consumed and the computed remaining charge; and displaying the computed estimated number of additional times for performing the task on the display.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein computing the power consumed comprises computing an average energy used between the beginning state and the end state of the task.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein computing the number of additional times for performing the task comprises comparing the computed power consumed with the determined remaining charge.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the cordless device is a cordless power tool.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the self-contained power source comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying the computed estimated number of additional times for performing the task comprises displaying the estimated number of additional times in numerical representations selected from the group comprising integers and fractions.

14. An apparatus comprising: a self-contained power source; a display unit electrically connected to the self-contained power source; a motor electrically connected to the self-contained power source; and a processor electrically connected to the self-contained power source and the display unity, and configured to: determine a beginning state of a task performed using the motor powered by the self-contained power source; determine an end state of the task; compute a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task; determine a remaining charge in the apparatus after performing the task; compute an estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task with the apparatus based on the computed power consumed and the computed remaining charge; and provide instructions to the display unit to display the estimated computed amount of time remaining for performing the task, wherein the display unit receives the provided instructions from the processor and displays the estimated computed amount of time remaining for performing the task, and, wherein the apparatus is a cordless device.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus is a cordless power tool.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the power source comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the power source comprises a battery pack comprising a plurality of batteries.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the display unit comprises a liquid crystal display ("LCD").

20. An apparatus comprising: a self-contained power source; a display unit operatively connected to the self-contained power source; a motor operatively connected to the self-contained power source; and a processor operatively connected to the self-contained power source and the display unity, and configured to: determine a beginning state of a task performed using the motor powered by the self-contained power source; determine an end state of the task; compute a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task; determine a remaining charge in the apparatus performing the task; compute an estimated number of additional times for performing the task with the apparatus based on the computed power consumed and the computed remaining charge; and provide instructions to the display unit to display the computed estimated number of additional times for performing the task on the display unit, wherein the display unit receives the provided instructions from the processor and displays the computed estimated number of additional times for performing the task, and, wherein the apparatus is a cordless device.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the apparatus is a cordless power tool.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the power source comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the power source comprises a battery pack comprising a plurality of batteries.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the display unit comprises a liquid crystal display ("LCD").

25. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portions comprising: a first executable portion configured to perform a task with a cordless device having a self-contained power source and a display, wherein performing the task comprises: a second executable portion configured to determine a beginning state of the task; and a third executable portion configured to determine an end state of the task; and, after performing the task, a fourth executable portion configured to compute a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task; a fifth executable portion configured to determine a remaining charge in the self-contained power source of the cordless device; a sixth executable portion configured to compute an estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task with the cordless device based on the computed power consumed and the determined remaining charge; and a seventh executable portion configured to display the estimated computed amount of time remaining for performing the task on the display.

26. The computer-readable program code portions of claim 25, wherein the fourth executable portion configured to compute the power consumed comprises an eighth executable portion configured to compute an average energy used between the beginning state and the end state of the task.

27. The computer-readable program code portions of claim 25, wherein the sixth executable portion configured to compute the amount of time remaining for performing the task comprises a ninth executable portion configured to compare the computed power consumed with the determined remaining charge.

28. The computer-readable program code portions of claim 25, wherein the executable portion configured to perform the task further comprises a tenth executable portion configured to identify the last time the device was switched from an on position to an off position.

29. The computer-readable program code portions of claim 25, wherein the seventh executable portion configured to display the computed estimated amount of time remaining for performing the task comprises an eleventh executable portion configured to display the estimated amount of time remaining in one or more units of time selected from the group comprising hours, minutes, and seconds.

30. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein, the computer-readable program code portions comprising: a first executable portion configured to perform a task with a cordless device having a self-contained power source and a display, wherein performing the task comprises: a second executable portion configured to determine a beginning state of the task; and a third executable portion configured to determine an end state of the task; and, after performing the task, a fourth executable portion configured to compute a power consumed between the beginning state and the end state of the task; a fifth executable portion configured to determine a remaining charge in the self-contained power source of the cordless device after performing the task; a sixth executable portion configured to compute an estimated number of additional times for performing the task with the cordless device based on the computed power consumed and the determined remaining charge; and a seventh executable portion configured to display the computed estimated number of additional times for performing the task on the display.

31. The computer-readable program code portions of claim 30, wherein the fourth executable portion configured to compute the power consumed comprises an eighth executable portion configured to compute an average energy used between the beginning state and the end state of the task.

32. The computer-readable program code portions of claim 30, wherein the sixth executable portion configured to compute the number of additional times for performing the task comprises a ninth executable portion configured to compare the computed power consumed with the determined remaining charge.

33. The computer-readable program code portions of claim 30, wherein the first executable portion configured to perform the task comprises a tenth executable portion configured to identify the last time the device was switched from an on position to an off position.

34. The computer-readable program code portions of claim 30, wherein the seventh executable portion configured to display the computed estimated number of additional times for performing the task comprises an eleventh executable portion configured to display the estimated number of additional times in numerical representations selected from the group comprising integers and fractions.