System for updating programmable batteries

• US 7,646,167 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2006
• Issued: 01/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Technuity Incorporated (VOXX International Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Technuity Incorporated (VOXX International Corporation)
• Inventors: Feng, Li Yao, Hui, Zeng Jin, Jun, Wang
• Primary Examiner(s): TSO, EDWARD H
• Application Number:
  US11/411,284
• Publication Number:
  US 20070252554A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,357 Days
• Field of Search: 320/106, 320/107, 320/112, 702/63, 702/64, 702/65
• US Class Current: 320/112
• 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: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A system for updating battery software includes a programmable battery unit that includes an internal access point. The programmable battery unit includes a battery control unit that controls the overall functionality of the programmable battery unit. A programmable storage medium may be included on the battery control unit. The storage medium has stored therein battery software operable to control certain features of the programmable battery unit. An input port may be connected with the battery control unit. An update device that includes a second storage medium having stored therein updated battery software for the programmable battery unit. A connector may be included for connecting the update device to the input port of the programmable battery unit. A software routine on the update device is operable to automatically transfer the updated battery software from the update device to the first storage medium of the programmable battery unit thereby reprogramming the programmable battery unit.

Claims

1. A system for updating battery software, comprising:

a programmable battery unit that includes a programming access point;

a battery control unit associated with said programmable battery unit;

a first storage medium associated with said battery control unit;

an input port associated with said battery control unit accessible via said access point;

an update device including a second storage medium having stored therein updated battery software for said programmable battery unit;

a connector for connecting said update device to said input port of said programmable battery unit; and

a software module on said update device operable to automatically transmit said updated battery software from said update device to said first storage medium of said programmable battery unit once said update device detects a connection between said update device and said programmable battery unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said access point is located on an outside surface of said programmable battery unit and comprises an aperture formed in said programmable battery unit.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said access point includes a sliding door operable to expose an aperture when positioned in an open state and to cover said aperture when positioned in a closed state.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said sliding door includes a base portion that fits within at least one track of said programmable battery unit, wherein said sliding door is operable to move back and forth within said track.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said sliding door includes a grip that protrudes upwardly from said base section of said sliding door.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said first storage medium comprises a non-volatile memory.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computing device connected with said update device for transferring said updated battery software to said update device.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising an indicator on said update device for indicating when a valid connection between said update device and said programmable battery unit has been made.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first indicator on said update device for indicating when said software module is updating said programmable battery unit and a second indicator for indicating when said software module has completed updating said programmable battery unit.

10. A method of updating software in rechargeable batteries for use with portable electronic devices, comprising the steps of:

providing an access point in a programmable battery unit;

connecting an update device with an input port exposed through said access point of said programmable battery unit;

transferring updated battery software from said update device to said programmable battery unit;

generating an update in progress indication on said update device while said updated battery software is being transferred to said programmable battery unit;

storing said updated battery software in a storage medium of said programmable battery unit; and

generating an update complete indication on said update device after said updated battery software has been successfully transferred to said programmable battery unit.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said access point comprises a sliding door operable to be moved between an open state and a closed state.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of disconnecting said update device from said input port.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein said update device comprises a portable handheld unit.

14. A system for updating battery software, comprising:

a programmable battery unit that includes a programming access point;

a battery control unit associated with said programmable battery unit;

a first storage medium associated with said battery control unit;

an input port associated with said battery control unit accessible via said access point;

an portable handheld update device including a second storage medium having stored therein updated battery software for said programmable battery unit;

a connector for connecting said update device to said input port of said programmable battery unit;

a software module on said update device operable to automatically transmit said updated battery software from said update device to said first storage medium of said programmable battery unit once said update device detects a connection between said update device and said programmable battery unit;

a first indicator on said portable handheld update device configured to provide a progress indication to a user of said update device while said updated battery software is being installed on said programmable battery unit; and

a second indicator on said portable handheld update device configure to provide a completion indication to said user of said update device once said update device has successfully completed installing said updated battery software on said programmable battery unit.