ACCESSORY POWER MANAGEMENT
First Claim
1. A method of operating an accessory, the method comprising:
- establishing a connection between the accessory and a portable computing device;
receiving, by the accessory, power from an external power source;
determining, by the accessory, a current capability of the external power source;
determining, by the accessory, a net current capability by deducting a current requirement of the accessory from the current capability of the external power source; and
signaling, by the accessory, via the connection to the portable computing device that the portable computing device is to draw a current having a limit equal to the net current capability.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among portable computing devices and one or more accessories. One example provides commands to improve power management between a portable computing device and one or more accessories. Other examples provide commands that may allow a portable computing device to charge at a maximum available current level while providing an accessory with sufficient current for its proper operation. Another may help prevent a portable computing device from drawing a high level of current that could be detrimental to an accessory, while others provide commands that may allow a battery pack to instruct a portable computing device to not charge its internal battery. Another example may allow a portable computing device to determine which power supply among multiple power supplies should be used to power an accessory, while others may allow an accessory to retrieve charging current parameters from a portable computing device.
-
Citations
25 Claims
-
1. A method of operating an accessory, the method comprising:
-
establishing a connection between the accessory and a portable computing device; receiving, by the accessory, power from an external power source; determining, by the accessory, a current capability of the external power source; determining, by the accessory, a net current capability by deducting a current requirement of the accessory from the current capability of the external power source; and signaling, by the accessory, via the connection to the portable computing device that the portable computing device is to draw a current having a limit equal to the net current capability. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A method of operating a portable computing device, the method comprising:
-
establishing a connection between the portable computing device and an accessory; receiving, by the portable computing device, an indication of a current capability of an external power source powering the accessory; receiving, by the portable computing device, a power instruction from the accessory, the power instruction indicating a current requirement of the accessory; determining, by the portable computing device, a net current capability by deducting the current requirement of the accessory from the current capability of the external power source; and drawing, by the portable computing device, a current having a limit equal to the net current capability. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of operating a portable computing device, the method comprising:
-
establishing a connection between the portable computing device and a power source via a cable; receiving, by the portable computing device, an indication that the power source can supply current at a first level; receiving, by the portable computing device, an indication that the cable can supply current at a lower, second level; and drawing, by the portable computing device, a current having a limit equal to the lower second level. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A method of operating a portable computing device, the method comprising:
-
establishing a connection between the portable computing device and a battery pack; receiving, by the portable computing device, a command to operate circuitry using current from the battery pack without charging an internal battery; and drawing, by the portable computing device, a current to operate internal circuitry without charging the internal battery. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. A method of operating an accessory, the method comprising:
-
establishing a connection between the accessory and a portable computing device; providing, by the accessory, a request to the portable computing device inquiring whether the accessory should use a first power source or a second power source to power the accessory; receiving, by the accessory, an instruction indicating which power source to use to power the accessory; and using, by the accessory, the indicated power source to power the accessory. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
-
Specification