Method for prioritizing load consumption within a notebook computer
First Claim
1. A method for charging a portable computer via a docking station, said method comprising:
- determining the total power consumption of a first charger and a first system load within said docking station and a second charger and a second system load within said portable computer in relation to an output power of an AC/DC adapter capable of supplying power to said docking station and said portable computer;
permitting the power consumptions of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads is less than a first predetermined output power threshold of said AC/DC adapter;
reducing the charging current of said first charger while permitting the power consumptions of said second charger and said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads exceeds said first predetermined output power threshold but less than a second predetermined output power threshold of said AC/DC adapter; and
reducing the charging current of said first and second chargers while permitting the power consumptions of said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads exceeds said second predetermined output power threshold but less than said predetermined rating capacity of said AC/DC adapter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A function extending apparatus for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The function extending apparatus includes an AC/DC adapter, a second charging system and a controller. The AC/DC adapter is capable of supplying power to the portable computer equipped with a system load and a first charging system having a first charger and a first battery. The second charging system of the function extending apparatus includes a second charger and a second battery. The controller reduces power consumption of the second charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a first threshold value. The controller reduces power consumption of the first charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value.
19 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for charging a portable computer via a docking station, said method comprising:
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determining the total power consumption of a first charger and a first system load within said docking station and a second charger and a second system load within said portable computer in relation to an output power of an AC/DC adapter capable of supplying power to said docking station and said portable computer; permitting the power consumptions of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads is less than a first predetermined output power threshold of said AC/DC adapter; reducing the charging current of said first charger while permitting the power consumptions of said second charger and said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads exceeds said first predetermined output power threshold but less than a second predetermined output power threshold of said AC/DC adapter; and reducing the charging current of said first and second chargers while permitting the power consumptions of said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads exceeds said second predetermined output power threshold but less than said predetermined rating capacity of said AC/DC adapter. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A charging system comprising:
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a power source having a predetermined rating capacity; a first battery pack; a first charger; a first system load coupled to said first battery pack and said first charger; and a controller for determining whether or not a portable computer to be charged by said charging system includes a second battery pack, wherein said portable computer includes a second charger and a second system load, wherein said controller, in response to said portable computer including a second battery pack, permits the power consumptions of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads is less than a first predetermined output power threshold of said power source, and reduces the charging current of said first charger while permitting the power consumptions of said second charger and said first and second system loads to be completely met when the total power consumption of said first and second chargers and said first and second system loads exceeds said first predetermined output power threshold but less than a second predetermined output power threshold of said power source. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification