Apple Inc.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BATTERY CHARGING BASED ON USAGE HISTORY

Abstract:

Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for adjusting a maximum charge amount of a battery. Batteries have preferred usage parameters, such as charging rates, maximum charge amounts, heat, etc. Throughout a battery's lifespan, it is used in different ways that are outside of these parameters. This slowly degrades the quality of the battery. According to the present disclosure, this usage is monitored and accounted for so as to increase the lifespan of the battery and prevent or reduce further degradation. Specifically, the usage is separated into bins, such as temperature and voltage bins. Each bin is associated with a different weighting factors. The amount of time the battery has spent in each bin is multiplied by the corresponding weighting factors, and these values are summed to provide an overall degradation value of the battery. Charging or other aspects of the battery are then controlled according to this degradation value.