PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8230242-B2
Application Number: US-201113291537-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Accessory power management

Abstract:
Methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among portable computing devices and one or more accessories. One example provides commands to improve power management between a portable computing device and one or more accessories. Other examples provide commands that may allow a portable computing device to charge at a maximum available current level while providing an accessory with sufficient current for its proper operation. Another may help prevent a portable computing device from drawing a high level of current that could be detrimental to an accessory, while others provide commands that may allow a battery pack to instruct a portable computing device to not charge its internal battery. Another example may allow a portable computing device to determine which power supply among multiple power supplies should be used to power an accessory, while others may allow an accessory to retrieve charging current parameters from a portable computing device.

Claims:
1. A method of operating an accessory, the method comprising:
 establishing a connection between the accessory and a portable computing device; 
 providing, by the accessory, a request to the portable computing device inquiring whether the accessory should use a first power source or a second power source to power the accessory; 
 receiving, by the accessory, an instruction indicating which power source to use to power the accessory; and 
 using, by the accessory, the indicated power source to power the accessory. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 determining, by the accessory, a first current required to operate the accessory if the first power source is used; and 
 determining, by the accessory, a second current required to operate the accessory if the second power source is used, 
 wherein the request includes the first current and the second current. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein if the first power source is used to power the accessory, the accessory and the portable computing device draw current from the first power source and if the second power source is used to power the accessory, the accessory draws current from the second power source and the portable computing device draws current from the first power source. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first power source is a universal serial bus power source and the second power source is an accessory power source. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4  wherein if the universal serial bus power source is used to power the accessory, the accessory and the portable computing device draw current from the universal serial bus power source and if the accessory power source is used to power the accessory, the accessory draws current from the accessory power source and the portable computing device draws current from the universal serial bus power source, wherein the accessory power source comprises a battery internal to the portable computing device. 
     
     
       6. An accessory, comprising:
 an interface to electrically communicate with a computing device; and 
 a power managing element coupled to the interface and operable to:
 communicate, to the computing device, a request inquiring which of a plurality of power sources is to be used; 
 receive, from the computing device, a response to the request, the response including an indication indicating a preferred power source from the plurality of power sources; and 
 draw current from the preferred power source. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The accessory of  claim 6 , wherein the preferred power source is located in the computing device. 
     
     
       8. The accessory of  claim 7 , wherein the power managing element is further operable to:
 draw current from a power source external to the accessory and the computing device; and 
 provide the current drawn from the power source external to the accessory to the computing device. 
 
     
     
       9. The accessory of  claim 8 , wherein the amount of current drawn from the preferred power source is less than the amount of current provided to the computing device. 
     
     
       10. The accessory of  claim 6 , wherein the preferred power source is located external to the computing device and the accessory. 
     
     
       11. The accessory of  claim 10 , wherein the power managing element is further operable to:
 draw current from the preferred power source; and 
 provide only a portion of the current drawn from the preferred power source to the computing device. 
 
     
     
       12. The accessory of  claim 6 , further comprising a first power line and a second power line each coupled to the power managing element, wherein the first power line is operable to communicate power to the computing device and the second power line is operable to receive power from the computing device. 
     
     
       13. A method of operating a computing device, the method comprising:
 establishing a connection between the computing device and an accessory; 
 receiving, from the accessory, a request inquiring whether the accessory should use a first power source or a second power source; 
 determining whether the accessory should use the first power source or the second power source; and 
 communicating, to the accessory, an instruction indicating which power source to use. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein receiving the request inquiring whether the accessory should use a first power source or a second power source includes:
 receiving an indication indicating a first current required to operate the accessory if the first power source is used; and 
 receiving an indication indicating a second current required to operate the accessory if the second power source is used. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 drawing current from the first power source when it is determined that the accessory should use the first power source; and 
 drawing current from the first power source when it is determined that the accessory should use the second power source. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 providing current to the accessory when it is determined that the accessory should use the second power source. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first power source is a universal serial bus power source and the second power source is an accessory power source. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 drawing current from the universal serial bus power source when it is determined that the accessory should use the first power source; and 
 providing current to the accessory when it is determined that the accessory should use the second power source, wherein the accessory power source comprises a battery internal to the computing device. 
 
     
     
       19. A computing device, comprising:
 an interface to electrically communicate with an accessory; and 
 a power managing element coupled to the interface and operable to:
 receive, from the accessory, a request inquiring which of a plurality of power sources is to be used; 
 determine, from the plurality of power sources, a preferred power source; and 
 communicate, to the accessory, a response including an indication of the preferred power source. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The computing device of  claim 19 , further comprising the preferred power source, wherein the preferred power source is coupled to the power managing element. 
     
     
       21. The computing device of  claim 20 , wherein the power managing element is further operable to:
 draw current from a power source external to the accessory and the computing device via the accessory; and 
 provide current to the accessory. 
 
     
     
       22. The computing device of  claim 21 , wherein the amount of current provided to the accessory is less than the amount of current drawn from the power source external to the accessory and the computing device. 
     
     
       23. The computing device of  claim 19 , wherein the preferred power source is located external to the computing device and the accessory. 
     
     
       24. The computing device of  claim 23 , wherein the power managing element is further operable to draw current from the accessory, and the amount of current drawn from the accessory is less than an amount of current drawn by the accessory from the preferred power source. 
     
     
       25. The computing device of  claim 19 , further comprising a first power line and a second power line each coupled to the power managing element, wherein the first power line is operable to receive power from the accessory and the second power line is operable to communicate power to the accessory.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/695,102, filed Jan. 27, 2010, which claims the benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/292,689, filed Jan. 6, 2010. The respective disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The popularity of various portable electronic devices has exploded the past several years and the public&#39;s fascination and desire for new devices shows no signs of abating. Along with this increase in popularity, the number of types of these portable devices has grown considerably, and the functionality of these devices has diversified tremendously. 
     Interestingly, this diversification has become so thorough that it has begun to lead to a convergence. One such convergence is occurring with portable computing devices. 
     Smaller devices, such as phones, can now be used to perform functions that were previously limited to larger computing devices. These go beyond native functions, such as actually calling people, and include listening to music, watching movies, viewing documents, surfing the web, and reading email. Larger devices, such as netbooks, are slimming down to ultraportable size by jettisoning their optical drives and other functionality. 
     The evolution of these devices is thus converging towards a common destination: the portable computing device. These portable computing devices may handle various functions currently assigned to phones and netbooks. They may be used to listen to music, watch movies, view and edit documents, surf the web, read email and books, as well as myriad other functions. 
     Users of these portable computing devices often place them in a docking station. These docking stations may provide mechanical support for the portable computing devices, holding them in place in a roughly upright manner so that the screen can be viewed easily. Other accessories may be used with these portable computing devices as well. These accessories often provide power to the portable computing device, which is used to run circuitry on the portable computing device and to charge its internal battery. 
     These portable computing devices have comparatively large batteries and a correspondingly large current is required to charge them. But while the portable computing device&#39;s batteries are charging, the accessories require current for their operation. Also, some accessories may only be able to safely supply a certain amount of current. 
     Thus, what is needed are methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among these portable computing devices and one or more accessories. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among portable computing devices and one or more accessories. An illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a set of commands and supporting circuitry that provides improved power management between a portable computing device and one or more accessories. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides commands that may allow a portable computing device to charge at a maximum available current level while providing an accessory with sufficient current for its proper operation. Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may help prevent a portable computing device from drawing a high level of current that could be detrimental to an accessory, such as a cable. Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may allow a battery pack or other accessory to instruct a portable computing device to not charge its internal battery. Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may allow a portable computing device to determine which power supply among multiple power supplies should be used to power an accessory. Yet another illustrative embodiment of the present invention may allow an accessory to get charging current parameters from a portable computing device. 
     One illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating an accessory. In this method, the accessory may establish a connection with a portable computing device and receives power from an external power source. The accessory may determine a current capability of the external power source, and then may determine a net current capability by deducting a current requirement of the accessory from the current capability of the external power source. The accessory may then signal to the portable computing device that the portable computing device is to draw a current having a limit equal to the net current capability. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating a portable computing device. In this method, the portable computing device may establish a connection with an accessory. The portable computing device may then receive an indication of a current capability of an external power source powering the accessory. The portable computing device may also receive a power instruction from the accessory, where the power instruction may indicate a current requirement of the accessory. The portable computing device may then determine a net current capability by deducting the current requirement of the accessory from the current capability of the external power source. A current having a limit equal to the net current capability may then be drawn by the portable computing device. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides another method of operating a portable computing device. This method may include establishing a connection with a power source via a cable, receiving an indication that the power source can supply current at first level, receiving an indication that the cable can supply current at a lower second level, and drawing a current having a limit equal to the lower second level. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating a portable computing device. This method may include establishing a connection with a battery pack, receiving a command to operate circuitry using current from the battery pack without charging the internal battery, and drawing a current to operate the internal circuitry without charging the internal battery. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating an accessory. In this method, the accessory may establish a connection with a portable computing device. The accessory may then provide a request to the portable computing device inquiring whether the accessory should use a first power source or a second power source to power the accessory. The accessory may then receive an instruction indicating which power source to use to power the accessory. The accessory may then use the indicated power source to power itself. 
     Yet another illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating an accessory. This method may include establishing a connection with a portable computing device, providing a request for a charging parameter to the portable computing device, and receiving the charging parameter from the portable computing device. 
     Still another illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of operating a portable computing device. This method may include establishing a connection with an accessory, reading a resistor identification on the accessory, determining a set of one or more default values based on the resistor identification, receiving a command from the accessory to modify the set of one or more default values, and modifying the set of one or more default values. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic system that may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram of a system including a portable computing device and an accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an electronic system that is improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a packet format that may be employed by an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the flow of commands and information between an accessory and portable computing device when utilizing set commands; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates command and data communication between an accessory and a portable computing device where both acknowledgments and notifications are employed; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the flow of get and return commands in an electronic system including an accessory and a portable computing device; 
         FIG. 8  is a table listing commands employed by various embodiments of the present invention to manage power between an accessory and a portable computing device; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a method of controlling a level of current drawn by a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates the activities of a cable and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating the activities of a cable and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates the activities of a battery pack and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a flowchart of the activities of a battery pack and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates the activities performed by an accessory and portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart illustrating the activities performed an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a flowchart of the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 29  is a flow chart illustrating the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic system that may be improved by the incorporation of embodiments of the present invention. This figure, as with the other included figures, is shown for illustrative purposes only, and does not limit either the possible embodiments of the present invention or the claims. 
     This figure includes portable computing device  150  and accessory  130 . In this example, accessory  130  is a docking station, though in other examples accessory  130  may be other types of devices, such as radios, monitors, interactive displays, and others. In this example, portable computing device  150  is a tablet computer, though in other systems it may be other types of devices, such as a portable media player, cell phone, monitor, or other electronic device. 
     Accessory  130  may include insert  135  having insert opening  140 . Portable computing device  150  may have one or more receptacles  155  and  160 . These receptacles  155  and  160  may include receptacle tongues  165 . When portable computing device  150  is mated with accessory  130 , insert  135  may fit in either receptacle  155  or  160 . The corresponding receptacle tongue  165  may fit into insert opening  140 . Contacts (not shown) on receptacle tongue  165  form electrical connections with contacts in insert opening  140 . These electrical connections form pathways for power and signals that may be shared between accessory  130  and portable computing device  150 . 
     Accessory  130  and portable computing device  150  may include various electronic circuitry for managing and sharing power and data signals. Examples of these circuits are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram of a system  200  including portable computing device  250  and accessory  230  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, portable computing device  250  (e.g., implementing portable computing device  150  of  FIG. 1 ) can provide computing, communication and/or media playback capability. Portable computing device  250  can include processor  210 , storage device  212 , user interface  214 , power control  216 , network interface  218 , and accessory input/output (I/O) interface  220 . Portable computing device  250  can also include other components (not explicitly shown) to provide various enhanced capabilities. 
     Storage device  212  can be implemented using disk, flash memory, or any other non-volatile storage medium. In some embodiments, storage device  212  can store media assets such as audio, video, still images, or the like, that can be played by portable computing device  250 . Storage device  212  can also store other information such as a user&#39;s contacts (names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.); scheduled appointments and events; notes; and/or other personal information. In some embodiments, storage device  212  can store one or more application programs to be executed by processor  210  (e.g., video game programs, personal information management programs, media playback programs, etc.). 
     User interface  214  can include input devices such as a touch pad, touch screen, scroll wheel, click wheel, dial, button, switch, keypad, microphone, or the like, as well as output devices such as a video screen, indicator lights, speakers, headphone jacks, or the like, together with supporting electronics (e.g., digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converters, signal processors, or the like). A user can operate input devices of user interface  214  to invoke the functionality of portable computing device  250  and can view and/or hear output from portable computing device  250  via output devices of user interface  214 . 
     Processor  210 , which can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits (e.g., a conventional microprocessor or microcontroller), can control the operation of portable computing device  250 . In various embodiments of the present invention, processor  210  can execute a variety of programs in response to program code and can maintain multiple concurrently executing programs or processes. At any given time, some or all of the program code to be executed can be resident in processor  210  and/or in storage media, such as storage device  212 . 
     Through suitable programming, processor  210  can provide various functionality for portable computing device  250 . For example, in response to user input signals provided by user interface  214 , processor  210  can operate a database engine to navigate a database of media assets stored in storage device  212  in response to user input and display lists of selected assets. Processor  210  can respond to user selection of an asset (or assets) to be played by transferring asset information to a playback engine also operated by processor  210 , thus allowing media content to be played. Processor  210  can also operate other programs to control other functions of portable computing device  250 . In some embodiments, processor  210  implements a protocol daemon and other programs to manage communication with one or more connected accessories (e.g., accessory  230 ), examples of which are described below. 
     Power manager  216  provides power management capability for portable computing device  250 . For example, power manager  216  can deliver power from a battery (not explicitly shown) to accessory I/O interface  220  via line  217  and to other components of portable computing device  250  (power connections not shown). Power manager  216  can also receive power via accessory I/O interface  220  and line  219  and deliver received power to various components of portable computing device  250 . Power received from accessory  230  can also be delivered to the battery, thereby allowing the battery to be recharged via accessory I/O interface  220 . In some embodiments, power manager  216  can be implemented using programmable or controllable circuits operating in response to control signals generated by program code executing on processor  210  or as a separate microprocessor or microcontroller. 
     In some embodiments, power manager  216  is responsive to signals from a sensor (not explicitly shown) in accessory I/O interface  220 . The sensor can generate a signal indicative of the type of accessory connected, and power manager  216  can use this information to determine, e.g., whether to distribute power from the battery or power received from accessory I/O interface  220 . Power manager  216  can also provide other power management capabilities, such as regulating power consumption of other components of portable computing device  250  based on the source and amount of available power, monitoring stored power in the battery and generating user alerts if the stored power drops below a minimum level, and so on. 
     Network interface  218  can provide voice and/or data communication capability for portable computing device  250 . In some embodiments of the present invention, network interface  218  can include radio frequency (RF) transceiver components for accessing wireless voice and/or data networks (e.g., using cellular telephone technology, advanced data network technology such as 3G or EDGE, WiFi (IEEE 802.11 family standards), or other mobile communication technologies, or any combination thereof), GPS receiver components, and/or other components. In some embodiments network interface  218  can provide wired network connectivity (e.g., Ethernet) in addition to, or instead of, a wireless interface. Network interface  218  can be implemented using a combination of hardware (e.g., antennas, modulators/demodulators, encoders/decoders, and other analog and/or digital signal processing circuits) and software components. 
     Accessory I/O interface  220  can allow portable computing device  250  to communicate with various accessories. For example, accessory I/O interface  220  can support connections to a computer, an external speaker dock or media playback station, a digital camera, a radio tuner (e.g., FM, AM and/or satellite), an in-vehicle entertainment system, an external video device, card reader, disc reader, or the like. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, accessory I/O interface  220  can support connection to multiple accessories in a daisy chain configuration, allowing portable computing device  250  to manage concurrent communication with multiple accessories. This can be done, for example, by associating multiple virtual ports with a physical communication port provided by accessory I/O interface  220 . 
     In some embodiments, accessory I/O interface  220  can include a connector, such as a 30-pin connector corresponding to the connector used on iPod® and iPhone® products, as well as supporting circuitry. The connector can provide connections for power and ground as well as for various wired communication interfaces, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire (IEEE 1394 standard), and/or universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART). The connector can also provide connections for audio and/or video signals, which may be transmitted to or from portable computing device  250  in analog and/or digital formats. Thus, accessory I/O interface  220  can support multiple communication channels, and a given accessory can use any or all of these channels. 
     Accessory  230  can include controller  240 , user input device  242 , audio/video output device  244 , power manager  246 , power supply  248  and PCD I/O interface  236 . Accessories can vary widely in capability, complexity, and form factor. Various accessories may include components that are not shown, and may include, but are not limited to, storage devices (disk, flash memory, etc.) with fixed or removable storage media; camera components such as lenses, image sensors, and controls for same (e.g., aperture, zoom, exposure time, frame rate, etc.); microphones for recording audio (either alone or in connection with video recording); and so on. 
     Controller  240  can include a microprocessor or microcontroller executing program code to perform various operations associated with accessory  230 . For example, where accessory  230  incorporates a sound and/or video system, program code executed by controller  240  can include programs for digital audio decoding, analog or digital audio processing, and the like. Where accessory  230  incorporates a digital camera, program code executed by controller  240  can include programs that allow a user to control the camera to adjust settings, capture images, display images, transfer image data to another electronic apparatus, etc. 
     User input device  242  may include user-operable controls such as a touch pad, touch screen, scroll wheel, click wheel, dial, button, switch, keyboard, keypad, microphone, or the like. A user can operate the various input controls of user interface  234  to invoke functionality of accessory  230 , and such functionality may include exchanging control signals, data, or other communications with portable computing device  250 , either directly or via an intermediary. 
     In some embodiments, accessory  230  can also provide output devices, such as audio/video output device  244 . In some embodiments, audio/video output device  244  can include speakers and/or connection ports for connecting external speakers or headphones; a video screen and/or a connection port for connecting an external video screen, indicator lights, or the like, together with supporting electronics (e.g., digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converters, signal processors or the like). These components can be coupled to receive audio and/or video signals via PCD I/O interface  250 . Such components can allow the user to view and/or hear output from accessory  230 . 
     Power manager  246  can provide power management capability for accessory  230 . For example, power manager  246  can be configured to receive power from a power supply  248 . In some embodiments, power supply  248  can include a connection to an external power source (e.g., the standard electric grid); for example, power supply  248  can include an AC-DC converter that can be internal or external to accessory  230 . In other embodiments, power supply  248  can include a battery or other energy storage device. Power manager  246  can deliver power from power supply  248  to various components of accessory  230 . In addition, in some embodiments, power manager  246  can deliver power to upstream accessories via PCD I/O interface  236 . 
     PCD I/O interface  236  can allow accessory  230  to communicate with portable computing device  250 , either directly or through an intermediary. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, PCD I/O interface  236  can incorporate a USB interface. For example, PCD I/O interface  236  can provide a standard, mini, or micro USB port. In other embodiments, PCD I/O interface  236  can include a connector that can mate directly with a connector included in a portable computing device, such as a 30-pin connector that mates with the connector used on various iPod® products. Such a connector can be used to supply power to or receive power from portable computing device  250 , to receive audio and/or video signals in analog and/or digital formats, and to communicate information via various interfaces, such as USB, UART, and/or FireWire. 
     Accessory  230  can be any electronic apparatus that interacts with portable computing device  250 . In some embodiments, accessory  230  can provide remote control over operations of portable computing device  250 , or a remote user interface that can include both input and output controls (e.g., a display screen). Accessory  230  can control various functions of portable computing device  250  and can also receive media content from portable computing device  250  and present such content to the user (e.g., through audio speakers and/or video display screen, depending on the type of media content). In other embodiments, portable computing device  250  can control operations of accessory  230 , such as retrieving stored data from a storage medium of accessory  230 , initiating an image capture operation by a camera incorporated into accessory  230 , etc. As noted above, communication between accessory  230  and portable computing device  250  can be direct or through an intermediary source, and the presence or absence of an intermediary can be transparent to accessory  230 . 
     It will be appreciated that the system configurations and components described herein are illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. The portable computing devices and accessories may have other capabilities not specifically described herein. For example, they may incorporate mobile phone, global positioning system (GPS), broadband data communication, Internet connectivity, and the like. 
     Connectors at the various interfaces can be complementary or not as desired. Where two connectors are not complementary, an adapter can be provided to connect the two devices. While connectors may be described herein as having pins, a term generally associated with conventional electronic devices having wires to connect components, it is to be understood that other signal paths (e.g., optical signaling) can be substituted. Further, in some embodiments, some of the connections can be wireless, and connectors can be omitted where wireless interfaces are provided. 
     Further, while the portable computing devices and accessories are described herein with reference to particular blocks, it is to be understood that these blocks are defined for convenience of description and are not intended to imply a particular physical arrangement of component parts. Further, the blocks need not correspond to physically distinct components. Blocks can be configured to perform various operations, e.g., by programming a processor or providing appropriate control circuitry, and various blocks might or might not be reconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained. Embodiments of the present invention can be realized in a variety of apparatus including electronic devices implemented using any combination of circuitry and software. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an electronic system that is improved by the incorporation of an embodiment of the present invention. This figure includes power supply  310 , accessory  330 , and portable computing device  350 . Power source  310  may couple to a wall outlet or other power supply, such as a car outlet. Power supply  310  may provide power to accessory  330 . Portable computing device  350  may connect to accessory  330  either directly or via a cable or other electronic pathway. 
     Power provided by power supply  310  can be used to power accessory  330  and portable computing device  350 . A battery (not shown) internal to portable computing device  350  may be charged using power from power source  310 . It is desirable that the power provided by power source  310  be managed efficiently. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide commands and supporting circuitry whereby portable computing device  350  may communicate with accessory  330  or other electronic device regarding the electronic system&#39;s power management. 
     In some embodiments, a portable computing device and an accessory can communicate while connected by exchanging commands and data according to a portable-computing-device-to-accessory-protocol, also referred to herein as an “accessory protocol.” The commands and data can be communicated using any wired or wireless transport medium provided by the relevant interfaces. 
     The accessory protocol defines a format for messages to be exchanged between a portable computing device and any accessories connected thereto. For instance, the accessory protocol may specify that each message (also referred to herein as a command) is sent in a packet with a header and an optional payload. The header provides basic information (e.g., a start indicator, length of the packet, and a command code identifying a command to be processed by the recipient), while the payload provides any data associated with the command; the amount of associated data can be different for different commands, and some commands may provide for variable-length payloads. In some embodiments, the commands may be defined such that any particular command code is valid in only one direction. The packet can also include error-detection or error-correction codes as known in the art. 
     The accessory protocol can define a number of “lingoes,” where a “lingo” is a group of related commands that can be supported (or unsupported) by various classes of accessories. In one embodiment, a command code can include a first byte identifying the lingo to which the command belongs and a second byte identifying the particular command within the lingo. Other command structures may also be used. It is not required that all accessories, or all portable computing devices to which an accessory can be connected, support every lingo defined within the accessory protocol. 
     In some embodiments, every accessory and every portable computing device that use the accessory protocol support at least a “general” lingo that includes commands common to the portable computing device and all accessories. The general lingo can include commands enabling the portable computing device and the accessory to identify and authenticate themselves to each other and to provide general information about their respective capabilities, including which (if any) other lingoes each supports. The general lingo can also include authentication commands that the portable computing device can use to verify the purported identity and capabilities of the accessory (or vice versa), and the accessory (or portable computing device) may be blocked from invoking certain (or all) commands or lingoes if the authentication is unsuccessful. 
     An accessory protocol can also include various other lingoes, such as a simple remote lingo that allows an accessory to send a command indicating a function of the portable computing device to be invoked; a remote user interface lingo that can be used to communicate commands and data related to replicating all or part of a user interface of a portable computing device on an accessory (thereby supporting a more advanced remote control), a tuner lingo that allows a user to control a tuner accessory by operating the portable computing device and/or to control a tuner in the portable computing device by operating an accessory, a storage lingo that allows an accessory to store data on the portable computing device, and so on. Any lingo or combination of lingoes or other commands or groups of commands can be used in connection with an accessory protocol. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, these commands may be sent as packets. These packets may include information regarding power management activities. An example of such a packet is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a packet format for conveying commands that may be employed by an embodiment of the present invention. This packet includes preamble or synchronizing information  410 , which is followed by packet start field  420 . A load length for the packet is identified in field  430 . The lingo to which the command belongs is identified in field  440 . The command itself is identified in field  450 . The command data follows in field  460 . A checksum or CRC may be performed using field  470 . 
     The commands included in embodiments of the present invention are of two types, specifically, set and get commands. Set commands instruct a receiving device to set an internal value. Get commands request information from the receiving device. An example of activities in a system employing set commands is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the flow of commands and information between an accessory and portable computing device when utilizing set commands. In this example, acknowledgment signals that indicate that a command has been received are employed. Also in this example, set commands may travel from the accessory to a portable computing device, or from the portable computing device to an accessory. 
     In act  510 , a set command and corresponding data may be sent by an accessory. In act  515 , the set command and data may be received by a portable computing device. In act  525 , an acknowledgement may be sent by the portable computing device, and received by the accessory in act  530 . In act  535 , a portable computing device may act on the set command and data. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, an acknowledgement may be structured such that it identifies the received command that it is acknowledging. For example, the portable computing device may send an acknowledgment identifying that a specific command and data was received. In other embodiments of the present invention, the set command and data sent by the accessory in act  510  may have an identification number associated with it. In this case, the acknowledgment sent by the portable computing device in act  525  may include that identification number. The identification number may be tracked using a counter or other mechanism. 
     Again, in general, set commands may be initiated by either an accessory or a portable computing device. Accordingly, in act  540 , a set command and data may be sent by the portable computing device. The set command and data may be received by an accessory in act  545 . In act  555  an acknowledgement may be sent by the accessory and received by the portable computing device in act  560 . In act  565 , the accessory can act on the set command and data. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, notifications may be used. A notification differs from the acknowledgment in that an acknowledgment indicates that a command and data has been received, whereas a notification indicates that the command and data have been acted on. In typical systems that are consistent with embodiments of the present invention, a portable computing device generates a large number of notifications. Accordingly, to reduce traffic between an accessory and the portable computing device, an accessory may register for notifications. That is, the accessory may request that it receives notifications of certain types of activities performed by a portable computing device. On the other hand, in typical systems, portable computing devices do not register for notifications from an accessory, since an accessory typically does not generate a large number of notifications. Accordingly, it is common for an accessory to provide all notifications to the portable computing device. Examples of this are shown on the following figure. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates command and data communication between an accessory and a portable computing device where both acknowledgments and notifications are employed. In act  610 , an accessory may register for notifications. This registration may be received in act  615  by a portable computing device. This registration may inform the portable computing device that the accessory would like notifications when the portable computing device performs certain classes or types of functions. In act  620 , a set command and data may be sent from the accessory to the portable computing device. In act  625 , the set command and data may be received by the portable computing device. An acknowledgement may be sent in act  630  by the portable computing device and received by the accessory in act  635 . In act  640 , the portable computing device acts on the set command and data. Once this activity is complete, a notification may be sent by the portable computing device in act  645 . The notification may be received in act  650 . At this time, the accessory may learn that the portable computing device has updated itself and will act in a manner consistent with the command and data sent in act  620 . 
     Again, a portable computing device typically does not register for notifications with an accessory, though this may be performed in some embodiments of the present invention. In this example, the accessory may send notifications for each of the activities. In act  660 , a set command and data may be sent from the portable computing device and received by the accessory in act  665 . In act  670 , an acknowledgment may be sent from the accessory and received by the portable computing device in act  675 . In act  680 , the accessory may act on the set command and data. Once this activity is complete, a notification may be sent in act  685  from the accessory and received in act  690  by the portable computing device. 
     In various situations, one device may ensure that another device is operating in a specific manner by instructing it to do so using a set command and data. On occasion, one device may need to retrieve information regarding a function parameter from the other device. In such a situation, the get command may be used. As with set commands, a get command may be initiated by either an accessory or a portable computing device. With these commands, acknowledgements or notifications are not needed, since the return of the requested information implies both the acknowledgement and notification functions. An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the flow of get and return commands in an electronic system including an accessory and a portable computing device. In act  710 , an accessory may send a get command to a portable computing device, which receives it in act  715 . In act  730 , the portable computing device may retrieve the requested data. Often, this may be as simple as reading a value from a register. In act  740 , the portable computing device may return the requested data, which may be received by the accessory in act  745 . 
     Again, either the accessory or portable computing device may initiate a get command. Accordingly, in act  750 , a get command may be provided by portable computing device to an accessory. In act  755 , the accessory may receive the get command and data and retrieve the requested data in act  760 . After the data has been retrieved, the requested data may be returned by the accessory in act  770 , and received by the portable computing device in act  775 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, various commands may be used for specific functions, and these commands may be used in a specific direction. Some commands employed by various embodiments of the present invention, their typical direction, and their payloads, are listed in the following figure. 
       FIG. 8  is a table listing commands employed by various embodiments of the present invention to manage power between an accessory and a portable computing device. The typical direction of flow is also shown, as it is the command&#39;s typical payload. Each of these commands is further elaborated upon in the following figures. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure includes power source  910 , accessory  930 , and portable computing device  950 . Power source  910  may provide power for both accessory  930  and portable computing device  950 . In such a system, portable computing device  950  may wish to charge its internal battery at a high a rate as possible. Accordingly, portable computing device  950  would like to use any current not needed for operation of accessory  930 . 
     Accessory  930  may determine the current capability of power source  910 . In various embodiments of the present invention, this may be achieved by reading either voltage levels or resistor values on one or more pins or signal lines provided by power supply  910 . In a specific embodiment of the present invention, power source  910  may provide power over a USB type connection, where voltage levels or values of resistors on the USB data lines indicate the current capability of power source  910 . In other embodiments of the present invention, other types of identification, such as an identification resistor, may be used. For example, power source  910  may provide a signal or other indication as to its current capability. Accessory  930  can deduct the operating current that it requires from this available current. The net available current may be sent to portable computing device  950  using the SetAvailableCurrent command. This command may include the current limit that portable computing device  950  should use. That is, 1. Accessory  930  determines current capability of power source  910 . 2. Accessory  930  deducts its operating current. 3. Accessory  930  sends SetAvailableCurrent command to portable computing device  950  to draw current having a limit of current capability of power source  910  less accessory operating current. The operations performed by accessory  930  and portable computing device  950  are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  1010 , the accessory may determine a current capability of a power source. In act  1020 , the accessory may deduct its own current requirements from the current capability of the power source to determine a net current. In act  1030 , this net current may be sent as part of a SetAvailableCurrent command to the portable computing device, which receives the set command in act  1040 . In act  1050 , an acknowledgment may be sent by the portable computing device and received by the accessory in act  1060 . In act  1070 , the portable computing device may set the available current level to the net current. After this, the portable computing device may draw a current not exceeding the net current provided by the accessory in act  1030 . The portable computing device may provide a notification of this change to the accessory at this time. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a method of controlling a level of current drawn by a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  1110 , a connection may be established between an accessory and a portable computing device. In act  1120 , the accessory may receive power from an external power source. The accessory may determine a current capability of the external power source in act  1130 . In act  1140 , the accessory may determine a net current capability by deducting the required operating current from the current capability of the external power source. Again, this may ensure that the accessory has enough power to operate properly. In act  1150 , the accessory may signal via the connection to the portable computing device that the portable computing device should draw a current having a limit equal to the net current capability. 
     In the above example, the accessory may determine the current capability of the power source. In other embodiments of the present invention, the portable computing device may determine the current capability of the power source. The portable computing device may achieve this by reading resistor values or voltage levels on lines provided by the power source. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the accessory acts as a passthrough for these pins. This allows the portable computing device to read resistor values or voltage levels on these lines directly. In other embodiments of the present invention, the accessory may read these resistor values or voltage levels and pass the resistor values or voltage levels on to the portable computing device. An example is shown on the following figures. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this system, portable computing device  1250  may determine the current capability of power source  1210 . Accessory  1230  may communicate the operating current that it requires to portable computing device  1250  using the SetReserveCurrent command. This command may include in its payload the current that accessory  1230  requires for its operation. Portable computing device  1250  may then draw a current having a limit that is the current capability of power source  1210  less the operating current needed by accessory  1230 . Again, this ensures that accessory  1230  has sufficient operating current and is not current-starved by portable computing device  1250 . That is, 1. Portable computing device  1250  determines current capability of power source  1210 . 2. Accessory  1230  communicates its operating current to portable computing device  1250  using SetReserveCurrent command. 3. Portable computing device draws current having a limit of current capability of power source  1210  less operating current of accessory  1230 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  1310 , an accessory may determine its current requirements. In act  1320 , the portable computing device may determine the current capability of a power source. In act  1330 , the accessory may send its current requirements to the portable computing device, which receives them in act  1340 . An acknowledgment can be sent in act  1350 , and received by the accessory in act  1360 . In act  1370 , the portable computing device may deduct current requirements of the accessory from the current capability of the power source to determine a net current. In act  1380 , the portable computing device may set an available current to the net current. Following this, the portable computing device may draw a current having a limit equal to the net current determined in act  1370 . A notification may be sent by the portable computing device to the accessory at this time. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  1410 , a connection may be established between the portable computing device and the accessory. In act  1420 , the portable computing device may receive an indication of a current capability of an external power source power from an accessory. The portable computing device may receive an instruction from the accessory indicating a current requirement for the accessory in act  1430 . In act  1440 , the portable computing device may determine a net current capability by deducting the current requirement of the accessory from the current capability of the external power source. In act  1450 , the portable computing device may draw a current having a limit equal to the net current capability determined in act  1440 . 
     In some systems, a power source may indicate that it can provide current at a first level. However, a cable used to connect a power source to an accessory or portable computing device may not be able to supply current at this first level, and may only be able to provide a current at a lower, second level. In such a situation, it is desirable that the cable be able to indicate that a portable computing device should only draw current at the lower, second level. Examples of how this is done are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, power source  1510  may provide power to portable computing device  1550  via cable  1560  and cable insert  1565 . Cable insert  1565  mates with a connector receptacle (not shown) on the portable device  1550 . 
     Power source  1510  may provide an indication that it can supply current at a first level. Portable computing device  1550  may then read this indication that it can draw current at the first level. Cable  1560  then informs portable computing device  1550  that cable  1560  can provide current only at a lower second level. Cable  1560  may do this using the SetMaxCurrent command. Accordingly, portable computing device  1550  may draw current at the second, lower level, thereby protecting cable  1560 . That is, 1. Power source  1510  provides indication that it can supply current at a first level. 2. Portable computing  1550  device reads indication that it can draw current at first level. 3. Cable  1560  informs portable computing device  1530  that cable  1560  can provide current only at a lower second level using SetMaxCurrent command. 4. Portable computing device  1550  draws current at the lower second level. A diagram illustrating these activities is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the activities of a cable and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  1610 , the cable may determine its current limit. This current limit may be sent in act  1620  to the portable computing device. In act  1615 , the portable computing device may determine a current limit for the power source. The portable computing device may set this as a current limit in act  1625 . In act  1630 , the portable computing device may receive the current limit for the cable. In act  1640  the portable computing device may send an acknowledgment, which is received by the cable in act  1650 . In act  1660 , the current limit for the portable computing device may be set to the lower current limit of the cable, thereby protecting the cable. 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating the activities of a cable and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  1710 , a connection may be established between the portable computing device and a power source via the cable. In act  1720 , the portable computing device may receive an indication that the power source can supply current at a first level. The portable computing device may receive an indication that the cable can only supply current at a lower, second level in act  1730 . Accordingly, in act  1740 , the portable computing device may draw a current having a limit equal to the lower second level. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack may be used to supply power to a portable computing device. In such a situation, it may be desirable that the power from the battery pack not be used to charge an internal battery of the portable computing device. By not having the portable computing device charge its internal battery, but merely operate using the current from a battery pack, the resulting power losses due to charge transfer from the battery pack to the internal battery are eliminated. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, battery pack  1870  may provide power to portable computing device  1850  via cable  1860  and cable insert  1865 . In this example, battery pack  1870  may send a command to portable computing device  1850  to not charge the internal battery. Similarly, battery pack  1870  may send a command instructing the portable computing device  1850  to charge its internal battery. The battery pack may do this using the SetBatteryCharging command. The payload for this command may include a bit indicating whether portable computing device  1850  should charge its internal battery. After receiving a command to not charge its internal battery, portable computing device  1850  may draw a current sufficient to operate its circuitry, but portable computing device  1850  does not charge its internal battery. That is, 1. Battery pack  1870  sends command to portable computing device  1850  to not charge internal battery using SetBatteryCharging command. 2. Portable computing device  1850  draws current to operate circuitry, does not charge battery. Examples of the activities performed by the elements of this system are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates the activities of a battery pack and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  1910 , a command to not charge an internal battery may be sent from the battery pack and received by the portable computing device in act  1920 . An acknowledgement may be sent in act  1930 , and may be received by the battery pack in act  1940 . In act  1950 , the portable computing device may operate its circuitry using power from the battery pack, but does not charge its internal battery. A notification of this change may be sent from the portable computing device to the battery pack. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a flowchart of the activities of a battery pack and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  2010 , a connection may be established between the portable computing device and the battery pack. In act  2020 , the portable computing device may receive a command to operate its circuitry using current from the battery pack without charging its internal battery. Accordingly, the portable computing device may draw a current to operate its internal circuitry but does not charge its internal battery in act  2030 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, an accessory and a portable computing device may share more than one power line. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a USB power supply and an accessory power supply may be shared between an accessory and a portable computing device. In such a situation, an accessory may draw current from either supply. In this arrangement, power may be supplied by a power source over the USB lines. The portable computing device may prefer that the accessory take its power requirements from the USB power supply, thereby leaving the remaining USB power for the portable computing device. Alternately, the portable computing device may prefer to receive all the available power from the USB line and return power to the accessory using the accessory power supply. 
     Reasons for this include improved flexibility regarding the amount of current that the portable computing device can draw. For example, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, a power source may provide, for example, 2.0 amps of current. An accessory may require 0.2 amps of current for its operation. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the accessory can instruct the portable computing device to draw either 1.0 or 2.0 amps of current. Since 1.8 amps is available to the portable computing device, the accessory instructs the portable computing device to draw 1.0 amps. Accordingly, an internal battery of the portable computing device cannot charge as fast as it would if it could receive the entire 1.8 amps. Thus, the portable computing device may wish to draw the draw 2.0 amps available on the USB supply, and return 0.2 amps to the accessory using the accessory supply line. This arrangement leaves a net 1.8 amps for the operation of the portable computing device and for charging its internal battery. Examples of this are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an electronic system according to embodiment of the present invention. Power source  2110  may provide current to accessory  2130  and portable computing device  2150 . Portable computing device  2150  and accessory  2130  may share first and second power lines  2142  and  2144 . Accessory  2130  may send a command to portable computing device  2150  asking which power line it should use. Accessory  2130  may do this using the GetPrefPower command. This command may include in its payload a current needed if the first power line is used and a current that may be needed if a second power line is used. Portable computing device  1250  may then instruct accessory  1230  to use the first or the second power line  2142  and  2144 , using the RetPerfPower command. This command identifies the power source to use in its payload. 
     Specifically, first power line  2142  may convey a USB power supply. This power supply may be derived from power source  2110  by power manager  2134  in accessory  2130 . Power manager  2134  may provide this power on power line  2142  to power control  2154  in portable computing device  2150 . Power control  2154  may charge battery  2152  in portable computing device  2150  over line  2153  using this power and provide current for the operation of other circuitry. Battery  2152  may return power on line  2155  to power control  2154 . Power control  2154  may provide this battery power as an accessory power on second power line  2144  to power manager  2134 . With this configuration, accessory  2130  may be powered directly from the USB power on first power line  2142 , or it may receive power via battery  2152  on second power line  2144 . That is, 1. Portable computing device  2150  and accessory  2130  share first and second power lines  2142  and  2144 . 2. Accessory  2130  sends get command to portable computing device  2150  asking which power line it should use using GetPrefPower command. 3. Command may include current needed if first power line  2142  used, and current needed if second power line  2144  used. 4. Portable computing device  2150  instructs accessory  2130  as to which power line it should use using RetPrefPower command. The activities performed by the devices in this figure are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates the activities performed by an accessory and portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  2210 , an accessory may send a command to get preferred power, that is, whether the accessory should operate by drawing current from a first or second power source. This command may be received by the portable computing device in act  2220 . In act  2230 , the portable computing device may determine the preferred power source and send this information to the accessory in act  2240 . In act  2250 , the accessory may receive the preferred power source and draws current from that source in act  2260 . 
       FIG. 23  is a flowchart illustrating the activities performed by an accessory and portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  2310 , a connection may be established between the accessory and the portable computing device. In act  2320 , the accessory may provide a request to the portable computing device inquiring whether they accessory should use a first power source or a second power source to power the accessory. In act  2330 , the accessory may receive an instruction indicating which power source to use to power the accessory. In act  2340 , the accessory may use the indicated power source to power the accessory. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, it is desirable for an accessory to read information regarding charging and power management from a portable computing device. One such parameter may include the maximum charging current that the portable computing device can provide. This information may be requested and returned using the GetUltraHighPower and RetUltraHighPower commands. Examples of this are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure includes power source  2410 , accessory  2430 , and portable computing device  2450 . Accessory  2430  may send a command to portable computing device  2450  to retrieve charging information using the GetChargingInfo command. Portable computing device  2450  may return charging information to accessory  2430  using the RetChargingInfo command. That is, 1. Accessory  2430  sends get command to portable computing device  2450  to retrieve charging information using GetChargingInfo or GetUltraHighPower commands. 2. Portable computing device  2450  returns charging information to accessory  2430  using RetChargingInfo or RetUltraHighPower commands. These activities are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  2510 , an accessory may send a command to get charging information. The command to get information may be received by the portable computing device in act  2520 . This information may then be read, for example from a register, in act  2530 . In act  2540 , the charging information may be returned and received by the accessory in act  2550 . This charging information may include charging information discussed above, such as available current limits, maximum current limits, the status of internal battery charging, and other parameters. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a flowchart of the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  2610 , a connection may be established between the accessory and the portable computing device. A request for charging information may be sent to the portable computing device in act  2620 . In act  2630 , the charging information may be received from the portable computing device. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a portable computing device may identify an accessory by using a resistor value on the accessory. For example, the accessory may include a resistor having a specified value between two or more of its pins that may be used to communicate with the portable computing device. From this identification, one or more default values may be set in the portable computing device. On occasion, it may be desirable to override or supplement these values with specified values. Examples of this are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This figure includes power source  2710 , accessory  2730 , and portable computing device  2750 . Portable computing device  2750  may detect a resistor identification on accessory  2730 . Portable computing device  2750  may determine default values for a number of parameters from this resistor identification. Accessory  2730  may send one or more commands to portable computing device  2750  to override or supplement these default values. That is, 1. Portable computing device  2750  detects resistor identification from accessory  2730 . 2. Portable computing device  2750  determines default values from resistor identification. 3. Accessory  2730  sends commands to portable computing device  2750  to override or supplement default values. The activities performed by these devices are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  2810 , a portable computing device may read an identification resistor on the accessory. In act  2820 , the portable computing device may determine default values for various parameters based on this identification resistor. In act  2830 , the accessory may send one or more commands to supplement or override the default values. This command may be received by the portable computing device in act  2840 . An acknowledgement may be sent to the accessory in act  2850  and received by the accessory in act  2860 . In act  2870 , the portable computing device may supplement or override the default values. Notification of these changes may be provided from the portable computing device to the accessory. 
       FIG. 29  is a flow chart illustrating the activities performed by an accessory and a portable computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In act  2910 , a connection may be established between the portable computing device and the accessory. In act  2920 , a resistor identification may be read on the accessory. In act  2930 , the portable computing device may determine one or more default values based on the resistor identification. In act  2940 , the portable computing device may receive a command from accessory to modify the set of one more default values. In act  2950 , the portable computing device may modify the set of one of more default values. 
     The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20111108
Publication Date: 20120724
Grant Date: 20120724
Priority Date: 20100106
Inventors: RATHI SHAILESH
BOLTON LAWRENCE G.
ANANNY JOHN
KRUEGER SCOTT
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J2207/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/26", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0068", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0068", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/26", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/26", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44225408