Apparatus and method for identifying the type and brand of a battery for a portable device

• US 5,717,307 A
• Filed: 07/24/1996
• Issued: 02/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Amperex Technology Limited (TDK Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ng, Richard, Cruz, Michael S., Barkat, Shakil H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Peter S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Law, Patrick B.
• Application Number:
  US08/686,638
• Time in Patent Office: 566 Days
• Field of Search: 320/2, 320/5, 320/15, 320/35, 320/48, 429/7, 429/90, 429/96, 429/97, 429/98
• US Class Current: 340/636.1
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/44 Methods for charging or discharging circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/48 Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals, H01M50/569
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A portable cellular radiotelephone (100), which is powered by main and auxiliary batteries (101, 102) in an operating state. The main and auxiliary batteries (101, 102) include respective memories (402, 410) for storing a 64- bit registration number and 1024 bits of data for identifying the type and brand of such batteries. Memories (402, 410) store a laser-engraved 64-bit registration number and 1024 bits of data. In order to uniquely identify the batteries (101, 102), the 64-bit registration number includes a twelve-bit brand code having a predetermined brand code value and an eight-bit type code having a predetermined type code value, and the 1024 bits of data include a unique multi-character message. By identifying the unique brand code, type code and multi-character message when a battery is inserted into portable device (100), it can be insured that the portable device (100) will be operated with a reliable and safe battery. Otherwise, the portable device is turned off and the battery is not charged.

Claims

1. A battery for powering a portable device in an operating state, comprising:

a plurality of cells coupled to one another to produce a predetermined output voltage;

a memory device for storing data including at least, a registration number, an identification code indicating a battery type, and a predetermined multi-character message, the registration number including at least a predetermined brand code, a serial number code, and a predetermined type code, and the multi-character message including a multi-character year and a plurality of alphanumeric characters; and

at least one data bus line coupled to the memory device for access to the data stored therein.

2. An battery according to claim 1 further comprising a thermistor device thermally coupled to at least one of the plurality of cells.

3. An battery according to claim 1 wherein the memory device includes a portion where the registration number has been laser engraved.

4. A method of identifying a type and brand of a battery coupled to power a portable device in an operating state, the battery including a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting the battery;

(b) reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory of the battery which is detected;

(c) determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected;

(d) continuing to power the portable device from the battery when the match is detected; and

(e) powering down the portable device when the match is not detected.

5. A method of identifying according to claim 4 wherein the portable device is coupled to a second battery which includes a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, and wherein the steps of said method are repeated for said second bakery.

6. A method of identifying according to claim 4 wherein the battery includes a thermistor device, and wherein said step (a) further includes the step of detecting the thermistor device in order to determine when a battery is detected.

7. Portable apparatus, comprising:

a battery producing an output voltage for powering the portable apparatus in an operating state, the battery including a plurality of cells coupled to one another to produce the output voltage, and the battery further including a memory device for storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message;

at least one data bus line coupled to the memory device of the battery for access to the data stored therein; and

a controller coupled to the output voltage and coupled to the data bus line for detecting the battery, reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory device of the battery which is detected, determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected, continuing to power the portable apparatus from the battery when the match is detected; and

powering down the portable apparatus when the match is not detected.

8. A method of identifying a type and brand of a battery coupled to power a portable device in an operating state, the battery including a thermistor device and a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting the thermistor device in order to determine when the battery is detected;

(b) terminating charging of the battery when the battery is not detected.

(c) reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory of the battery when the battery is detected;

(d) determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected;

(e) continuing to power the portable device from the battery when the match is detected; and

(f) powering down the portable device when the match is not detected.

9. A method of identifying a type and brand of a battery coupled to power a portable device in an operating state, the battery including a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, the multi-character message includes a multi-character year and a plurality of alphanumeric characters, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting battery;

(b) reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory of the battery which is detected;

(c) comparing each character of the read brand code, type code and multi-character message except the multi-character year to each corresponding character of a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected;

(d) continuing to power the portable device from the battery when the match is detected; and

(e) powering down the portable device when the match is not detected.

10. A method of identifying a type and brand of a battery coupled to and being charged by a portable device coupled to an external power supply, the battery including a thermistor device and a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, the method comprising the steps

(a) detecting the thermistor device in order to determine when the battery is detected;

(b) terminating charging of the battery when the battery is not detected.

(c) reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory of the battery when the battery is detected;

(d) determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected;

(e) continuing to charge the battery when the match is detected; and

(f) terminating charging of the battery when the match is not detected.

11. A method of identifying a type and brand of a battery coupled to and being charged by a portable device coupled to an external power supply, the battery including a thermistor device and a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, the multi-character message includes a multi-character year and a plurality of alphanumeric characters, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting battery;

(b) reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory of the battery which is detected;

(c) comparing each character of the read brand code, type code and multi-character message except the multi-character year to each corresponding character of a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected;

(d) continuing to charge the battery when the match is detected; and

(e) terminating charging of the battery when the match is not detected.

12. A method of identifying a type and brand of a battery coupled to power a portable device in an operating state, the battery including a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting the battery;

(b) reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory of the battery which is detected;

(c) determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected;

(d) continuing to power the portable device from the battery when the match is detected;

(e) generating, when the match is not detected, an alerting indication for a predetermined time indicating to a user that an invalid battery has been detected; and

(f) powering down the portable device after the predetermined time.

13. A method of identifying according to claim 12 wherein said portable device includes a display and step (e) further includes the step of placing a bad battery notice in the display.

14. A method of identifying according to claim 12 wherein said step (e) further includes the step of sounding a tone.

15. A method of identifying a type and brand of a battery coupled to power a portable device in an operating state, the battery including a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting the battery;

(b) reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory of the battery which is detected;

(c) determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected;

(d) continuing to power the portable device from the battery when the match is detected; and

(e) generating, when the match is not detected, an alerting indication for a predetermined time indicating to a user that an invalid battery has been detected.

16. A method of identifying according to claim 15 wherein said portable device includes a display and step (e) further includes the step of placing a bad battery notice in the display.

17. A method of identifying according to claim 15 wherein said step (e) further includes the step of sounding a tone.

18. A method of identifying a type and brand of a battery coupled to power a portable radiotelephone in an operating state, the battery including a memory storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message, and the portable radiotelephone making and receiving telephone calls, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting the battery;

(b) reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory of the battery which is detected;

(c) determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected;

(d) continuing to power the portable radiotelephone from the battery when the match is detected;

(e) generating, when the match is not detected, an alerting indication for a predetermined time indicating to a user that an invalid battery has been detected; and

(f) terminating a telephone call in process and powering down the portable device after the predetermined time.

19. A method of identifying according to claim 18 wherein said portable device includes a display and step (e) further includes the step of placing a bad battery notice in the display.

20. A method of identifying according to claim 18 wherein said step (e) further includes the step of sounding a tone.

21. Portable apparatus, comprising:

a battery producing an output voltage for powering the portable apparatus in an operating state, the battery including a plurality of cells coupled to one another to produce the output voltage, and the battery further including a memory device for storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message;

at least one data bus line coupled to the memory device of the battery for access to the data stored therein; and

a controller coupled to the output voltage and coupled to the data bus line for detecting the battery, reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory device of the battery which is detected, determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected, continuing to power the portable apparatus from the battery when the match is detected;

generating, when the match is not detected, an alerting indication for a predetermined time indicating to a user that an invalid battery has been detected; and

powering down the portable apparatus after the predetermined time.

22. The portable apparatus according to claim 21 further including a display, and wherein the controller places a bad battery notice in the display when the match is not detected.

23. The portable apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the controller sounds a tone when the match is not detected.

24. Portable apparatus, comprising:

a battery producing an output voltage for powering the portable apparatus in an operating state, the battery including a plurality of cells coupled to one another to produce the output voltage, and the battery further including a memory device for storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message;

at least one data bus line coupled to the memory device of the battery for access to the data stored therein; and

a controller coupled to the output voltage and coupled to the data bus line for detecting the battery, reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory device of the battery which is detected, determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected, continuing to power the portable apparatus from the battery when the match is detected; and

generating, when the match is not detected, an alerting indication for a predetermined time indicating to a user that an invalid battery has been detected.

25. The portable apparatus according to claim 24 further including a display, and wherein the controller places a bad battery notice in the display when the match is not detected.

26. The portable apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the controller sounds a tone when the match is not detected.

27. A portable radiotelephone for making and receiving telephone calls, the portable radiotelephone comprising:

a battery producing an output voltage for powering the portable radiotelephone in an operating state, the battery including a plurality of cells coupled to one another to produce the output voltage, and the battery further including a memory device for storing data including at least a brand code, a type code and a multi-character message;

at least one data bus line coupled to the memory device of the battery for access to the data stored therein; and

a controller coupled to the output voltage and coupled to the data bus line for detecting the battery, reading the brand code, type code and multi-character message from the memory device of the battery which is detected, determining if the read brand code, type code and multi-character message substantially match a predetermined brand code, a predetermined type code and a predetermined multi-character message, respectively, and indicating when a match is detected, continuing to power the portable radiotelephone from the battery when the match is detected;

generating, when the match is not detected, an alerting indication for a predetermined time indicating to a user that an invalid battery has been detected; and

terminating a telephone call in process and powering down the portable radiotelephone after the predetermined time.

28. The portable radiotelephone according to claim 27 further including a display, and wherein the controller places a bad bakery notice in the display when the match is not detected.

29. The portable radiotelephone according to claim 27 wherein the controller sounds a tone when the match is not detected.