Disable technique employed during low battery conditions within a portable computer system
US5442794A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/30
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system is provided that employs a disable technique which warns the user of a low battery condition when the user attempts to power-on the computer, and which prevents power from being applied to a primary portion of the computer system. A battery monitor is included for monitoring the voltage across the battery, and for asserting a control signal when the battery voltage drops below a certain threshold value. A control unit receives the control signal and accordingly prevents power from being applied to a primary computer subsystem when the computer system is turned on. Instead, when the user attempts to turn on the computer system when the low battery-capacity condition exists, the control unit causes a pulse generator to generate a signal that drives a speaker. An audible indication of the low power condition is thereby produced. In accordance, the user is alerted to the low battery condition, while further power is prevented from being depleted from the battery as a result of applying power to the primary computer subsystem.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.