Patent ID: 7197650

Claim:
A charging apparatus for connecting to a communication apparatus, said communication apparatus performing data communication via a communication channel connected to a computer, said communication channel being used to make the connection between said charging apparatus and said communication apparatus, said communication channel including a communication line for data communication and a power supply line for supplying electric power, and said charging apparatus comprising: a monitoring circuit for monitoring the electric power level supplied through said power supply line, where data representing the monitored power level is supplied to a processor in the charging apparatus which controls the power level in the power supply line based on the monitored power level and charging ability of said communication apparatus; and a charging circuit for applying electric power, with which it is supplied through said power supply line from said computer via said communication channel, to a connector of a data processing unit driven by a battery installed in said data processing unit, the data processing unit being formed to have said connector in order to input electric power for charging the battery, and said data processing unit being freely attachable and detachable to said connector of said charging apparatus.