SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF AN ACCESSORY DEVICE CONNECTION STATUS
First Claim
1. A method for operating a portable computing device, the method comprising:
- while the portable computing device is operational for a user, detecting that an external computing device is actively connected to transfer data and provide power to the portable computing device; and
responsive to detecting the external computing device, suspending execution of at least a portion of a program that would otherwise reduce a power consumption of the portable computing device after a given duration of inactivity.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of this invention provide for a portable computer that determines whether an accessory device is actively connected to it. In one embodiment, the portable computer may include a signal line accessible through an output of the portable computing device. The signal line may be connected to a communication device such as a communication cradle. The portable computer may detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the communication device is actively connected to the portable computer. If the communication device is actively connected, the portable computer suspends implementation of a time-out feature that would otherwise reduce power consumption of the portable computer.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for operating a portable computing device, the method comprising:
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while the portable computing device is operational for a user, detecting that an external computing device is actively connected to transfer data and provide power to the portable computing device; and
responsive to detecting the external computing device, suspending execution of at least a portion of a program that would otherwise reduce a power consumption of the portable computing device after a given duration of inactivity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A detachable assembly, comprising:
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an accessory device; and
a portable computing device adapted to couple to the accessory device, the portable computing device including;
a signal line that is adapted to couple to an output node of the accessory device; and
a processor coupled to detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the accessory device is actively connected to the portable computing device;
wherein the processor is programmed to suspend execution of at least a portion of a program upon detecting the accessory device, the portion of the program reducing power consumption of the portable computing device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification