Patent ID: 6087804
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An electronic apparatus which can be driven by a battery and to which a serial bus having a data line and a power supply line is connected when necessary, said apparatus comprising:a serial bus controller connectable to the data line;a power supply circuit connectable to the power supply line; anda power supply controller for performing data communication with the serial bus controller and for controlling the power supply circuit,wherein said serial bus controller comprises means for detecting whether any other electronic apparatus capable of supplying power is connected to the serial bus while the serial bus is connected to the electronic apparatus, and means for supplying the power supply controller with data indicating that another electronic apparatus is connected to the electronic apparatus, when it is detected that another electronic apparatus capable of supplying power is connected to the electronic apparatus; and said power supply controller comprises means for causing the power supply circuit to charge the battery with the power supplied through the power supply line, when the power supply controller receives the data indicating that another electronic apparatus is connected to the electronic apparatus.