Method and apparatus for reducing heat generation in a portable computer
First Claim
1. A computer comprising:
- a battery;
a battery charging circuit comprising;
an output operatively connected to the battery; and
a control input;
a processor; and
a temperature sensor to detect processor temperature at a location proximate to the processor, the temperature sensor being electrically coupled to the control input of the battery charging circuit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling heat generation within a battery-powered portable computer. One aspect is directed to a computer including a battery, a battery charging circuit operatively connected to the battery to charge the battery at a charging rate, and a temperature detection and control circuit, coupled to the battery charging circuit, that detects a temperature within the computer and provides a control signal to the battery charging circuit having a control value based on the temperature detected. The battery charging circuit is responsive to the control value of the control signal to alter the charging rate. Another aspect is directed to a method for controlling heat dissipation within a portable electronic device having a battery and a battery charging circuit. The method includes steps of charging the battery at a charging rate, detecting a temperature within the portable electronic device, determining whether the temperature exceeds a reference value, and reducing the charging rate when the temperature exceeds the reference value.
37 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A computer comprising:
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a battery;
a battery charging circuit comprising;
an output operatively connected to the battery; and
a control input;
a processor; and
a temperature sensor to detect processor temperature at a location proximate to the processor, the temperature sensor being electrically coupled to the control input of the battery charging circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for controlling heat dissipation within a portable electronic device having a processor, a battery, and a battery charging circuit, the method comprising the acts of:
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charging the battery at a charging rate;
detecting processor temperature at a location proximate to the processor within the portable electronic device;
determining whether the temperature exceeds a reference value; and
reducing the charging rate when the temperature exceeds the reference value. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
the step of detecting includes a step of detecting a plurality of temperatures at a plurality of locations in the portable electronic device;
the step of determining includes a step of determining whether any of the plurality of temperatures exceeds a corresponding reference value; and
the step of reducing the charge rate includes a step of reducing the charge rate when any of the plurality of temperatures exceeds the corresponding reference value.
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17. A computer, comprising:
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a battery;
means for charging the battery;
means for detecting a temperature of a processor within the computer; and
means for reducing a charging rate of the means for charging when the processor temperature exceeds a reference value. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification