System and method for battery verification

• US 6,972,542 B2
• Filed: 08/11/2003
• Issued: 12/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Burton, Andrew F., Patino, Joseph, Fraser, Randall S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sherry, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Grant, Robert
• Application Number:
  US10/638,621
• Publication Number:
  US 20050035738A1
• Time in Patent Office: 848 Days
• Field of Search: 320/106, 320/110, 320/DIG.12, 320/128, 320/137, 235/382, 235/382.5, 340/636.1, 455/573, 713/300
• US Class Current: 320/106
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/42 Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells H01M10/60 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4257 Smart batteries, e.g. electronic circuits inside the housing of the cells or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00038 using passive battery identification means, e.g. resistors or capacitors identification by mechanical connections H02J7/0045
• 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 system for verification of a battery (100) includes the battery (100) and a device (400,500). The battery (100) includes a memory device (135) for storing an identification number and a verification number. The verification number is generated by applying a key to the identification number. The device (400,500) is coupled to the battery (100) and includes a device memory (515) for storing the key and a microprocessor (435,510) for verifying the identification number of the battery (100) by applying the key to the verification number.

Claims

1. A system for verification of a battery, comprising:

a battery, wherein the battery comprises;

a memory for storing an identification number and a verification number, wherein the verification number is generated by applying a key to the identification number; and

an electronic device coupled to the battery, wherein the electronic device comprises;

a device memory for storing the key; and

a processor for verifying the verification number of the battery by applying the key to the identification number.

2. A system as recited for claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of a battery charger, a wireless communication device, a Personal Digital Assistant, a handheld computer, a media drive, a digital camera, a portable audio player, a portable video player, and an electronic game.

3. A method for verification of a battery, the method comprising:

communicating with a battery, wherein one or more codes and a serial number are stored within the battery;

verifying the one or more codes for authorization;

reading the serial number;

performing a mathematical function on the serial number to provide a new number when the one or more codes are authorized in the verifying step;

applying a key to the new number to generate a verification number; and

storing the verification number.

4. A method as recited for claim 3, wherein the one or more codes includes an 8-bit family code, and further wherein the verification step includes comparing the 8-bit family code to a pre-defined identification number.

5. A method as recited for claim 3, wherein the serial number is a 48-bit serial number.

6. A method as recited for claim 3, wherein the one or more codes includes an 8-bit CRC code.

7. A method as recited for claim 3, further comprising disabling use of the battery when one of the one or more codes is unauthorized in the verification step.

8. A method as recited for claim 3, further comprising disabling charging of the battery when one of the one or more codes is unauthorized in the verification step.

9. A method as recited for claim 3, wherein the performing a mathematical function comprises:

separating the serial number into six distinct 8-Bit sections; and

adding the six distinct 8 Bit sections together to form a new 8-Bit number.

10. A method as recited for claim 3, further comprising:

calculating a checksum using the new verification number; and

verifying data stored in the battery is valid using the checksum.

11. A method as recited for claim 3, further comprising:

programming the battery with a battery verification number prior to the communicating step;

comparing the battery verification number with the verification number; and

authorizing usage of the battery when the battery verification number matches the verification number.

12. A method as recited for claim 11, wherein the programming comprises:

reading an EPROM identification number from a memory device within the battery;

generating the battery verification number by mathematically applying the key to the EPROM identification number; and

programming the battery verification number into a memory device of the battery.

13. A method as recited for claim 3, further comprising:

programming the battery with a battery verification number prior to the communicating step;

comparing the battery verification number with the verification number; and

authorizing charging of the battery when the battery verification number matches the verification number.

14. A method as recited for claim 13, wherein the programming comprises:

reading an EPROM identification number from a memory device within the battery;

generating the battery verification number by mathematically applying the key to the EPROM identification number; and

programming the battery verification number into a memory device of the battery.

15. A battery comprising:

at least one battery cell for providing power for an electronic device; and

memory for storing a memory identification number and for storing a battery verification number, the stored battery verification number being generated by mathematically applying at least a key to the memory identification number.

16. The battery of claim 15, wherein the memory further stores at least one additional code.

17. The battery of claim 16, wherein the at least one additional code comprises a CRC code.

18. The battery of claim 15, wherein the memory identification number is a serial number for identifying the memory.