Patents by Inventor Christopher Book
Christopher Book has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20120328094Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Pattenden, Christopher Book, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher, Herbert Little
-
Publication number: 20120322513Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Pattenden, Christopher Book, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher, Herbert Little
-
Publication number: 20120315959Abstract: Various embodiments are described for a mobile communication device having a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device; a device memory coupled to the main processor for storing a plurality of battery information profiles; and a smart battery coupled to the main processor for providing supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor; and a battery memory coupled to the battery processor for storing a Battery ID indicating the model of the smart battery. The main processor is configured to communicate with the battery processor to obtain the Battery ID and select one the battery information profiles based on the Battery ID.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Book, David Mak-Fan, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher
-
Patent number: 8184969Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Martin Guthrie, Christopher Book, Lyall Winger
-
Publication number: 20120026389Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Ryan GERIS, Lyall WINGER, Christopher BOOK
-
Publication number: 20120021807Abstract: Various embodiments are described for a mobile communication device having a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device; a device memory coupled to the main processor for storing a plurality of battery information profiles; and a smart battery coupled to the main processor for providing supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor; and a battery memory coupled to the battery processor for storing a Battery ID indicating the model of the smart battery. The main processor is configured to communicate with the battery processor to obtain the Battery ID and select one the battery information profiles based on the Battery ID.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Book, David Mak-Fan, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher
-
Publication number: 20120021709Abstract: A system and method for managing battery slump in a battery-powered communications device including: an input configured for receiving battery voltage level information; an output configured for sending a signal for terminating a transmission; and a controller connected to the input and the output and configured to receive the battery voltage level information from the input; monitor the battery voltage level information; and send a signal via the output to terminate a transmission if the battery voltage level information crosses a predetermined threshold during the transmission. In particular, the system and method may further include an input connected to the controller and configured for receiving a signal indicating when a transmission is beginning or occurring and the controller is further configured to receive and monitor the battery voltage level information only when the transmission is occurring.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Martin Guthrie, Richard Madter, Dusan Veselic, Christopher Book, Kent Nickerson
-
Patent number: 8081992Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for displaying a geographic location associated with an incoming call being received on a mobile device are provided. The mobile device has a user interface that provides a call screen to the user for identifying a phone number associated with the incoming call, and for displaying data including the geographic location associated with the incoming call. The geographic location is resolved by identifying a geographic location associated with a contact entry in the address book of the mobile device, or by comparing the area code of the phone number of the incoming call in a list of area codes and associated geographic location to find a match corresponding to the area code of the incoming call.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventor: Christopher Book
-
Patent number: 8032189Abstract: A system and method for managing battery slump in a battery-powered communications device including: an input configured for receiving battery voltage level information; an output configured for sending a signal for terminating a transmission; and a controller connected to the input and the output and configured to receive the battery voltage level information from the input; monitor the battery voltage level information; and send a signal via the output to terminate a transmission if the battery voltage level information crosses a predetermined threshold during the transmission. In particular, the system and method may further include an input connected to the controller and configured for receiving a signal indicating when a transmission is beginning or occurring and the controller is further configured to receive and monitor the battery voltage level information only when the transmission is occurring.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Martin Guthrie, Richard Madter, Dusan Veselic, Christopher Book, Kent Nickerson
-
Publication number: 20110217032Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Martin GUTHRIE, Christopher BOOK, Lyall WINGER
-
Patent number: 7970272Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Martin Guthrie, Christopher Book, Lyall Winger
-
Patent number: 7835640Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a method and related apparatus for safely operating a camera flash on a mobile device powered by a battery module. Upon determination that the camera flash needs to be activated the method comprises measuring several battery parameters including the voltage and temperature of the battery module. An equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery module is determined based on the battery temperature. The maximum flash current is then determined based on the battery voltage, and ESR along with potential current loads that may occur during operation of the camera flash, and a minimum battery voltage for safe operation of the mobile device where the battery voltage has been adjusted if needed. The device is then configured to draw a current from the battery module that is not greater than the maximum flash current.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Ryan Geris, Lyall Winger, Christopher Book
-
Publication number: 20100284677Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Ryan GERIS, Lyall WINGER, Christopher BOOK
-
Patent number: 7777809Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Ryan Geris, Lyall Winger, Christopher Book
-
Publication number: 20100197367Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Pattenden, Christopher Book, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher, Herbert Little
-
Publication number: 20100197366Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Pattenden, Christopher Book, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher, Herbert Little
-
Publication number: 20100178961Abstract: Various embodiments are described for a mobile communication device having a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device; a device memory coupled to the main processor for storing a plurality of battery information profiles; and a smart battery coupled to the main processor for providing supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor; and a battery memory coupled to the battery processor for storing a Battery ID indicating the model of the smart battery. The main processor is configured to communicate with the battery processor to obtain the Battery ID and select one the battery information profiles based on the Battery ID.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Book, David Mak-Fan, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher
-
Patent number: 7715884Abstract: Various embodiments are described for a mobile communication device having a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device; a device memory coupled to the main processor for storing a plurality of battery information profiles; and a smart battery coupled to the main processor for providing supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor; and a battery memory coupled to the battery processor for storing a Battery ID indicating the model of the smart battery. The main processor is configured to communicate with the battery processor to obtain the Battery ID and select one the battery information profiles based on the Battery ID.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Christopher Book, David Mak-Fan, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher
-
Patent number: 7697957Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Christopher Pattenden, Christopher Book, Martin Guthrie, Jonathan Brubacher, Herbert Little
-
Publication number: 20100014848Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device, or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined before the pre-flash test and examined as a consequence of performing the pre-flash test, if a change in the battery level as so examined meets certain criterion, then the full flash is not permitted to proceed. If the battery level does not meet the criterion, the full flash is permitted to proceed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Martin GUTHRIE, Christopher BOOK, Lyall WINGER