Patent ID: 6742070
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A function-expansion device detachably connected to electronic equipment to expand functions of the electronic equipment, comprising:a first battery pack to supply power to at least the function-expansion device via the electronic equipment, the electronic equipment having a second battery pack, and the first and second battery packs having a common configuration; a component unit providing an extended function of the electronic equipment; and a docking station having a first battery compartment therein accommodating one of the battery packs having the common configuration and the component unit detachably mounted with the docking station, the docking station connecting the component unit to the electronic equipment, the electronic equipment having a second battery compartment therein accommodating the other of the battery packs having the common configuration such that one of the battery packs is detachably connectable to one of the first and second battery compartments and the other of the battery packs is detachably connectable to a remaining one of the first and second battery compartments, wherein the component unit is detachable from the docking station when the docking station is attached to the electronic equipment which is in an operating condition, and wherein the function-expansion device outputs a notification signal to the electronic equipment when one of an event that the function-expansion device is connected to the electronic equipment and an event that the component unit is mounted on the docking station occurs.