Abstract: Proximity of a user body part can be detected by measuring the effects such proximity has on antenna impedance mismatches. The amount of mismatch affects the amount of RF signal energy reflected back into a transmission line connecting the antenna to a RF signal source. A directional coupler has a main line electrically connected to the transmission line, as well as a coupled line. The directional coupler produces a signal on its coupled line in relation to the magnitude of reflected energy on the transmission line; the amount of reflected energy varies in response to how well the antenna impedance matches the transmission line impedance. A signal detector is electrically connected to the coupled line, and responds to signals produced in the coupled line by the main line. The signal detector output is then used to determine whether a body part is in proximity. Other aspects the invention include an adaptive algorithm to adjust a threshold for proximity determination.

Abstract: An apparatus supporting both identification of a battery type and communications over an interface between a battery and an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a processor for communicating with communications circuitry of the battery. Identification circuitry associated with the processor enables a determination of the type of battery with which the electronic device is connected. If a “smart” battery capable of carrying out serial communications with the electronic device is connected, the electronic device further provides means for carrying out communications between the processor and the communication circuitry of the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus supporting both identification of a battery type and communications over an interface between a battery and an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a processor for communicating with communications circuitry of the battery. Identification circuitry associated with the processor enables a determination of the type of battery with which the electronic device is connected. If a “smart” battery capable of carrying out serial communications with the electronic device is connected, the electronic device further provides means for carrying out communications between the processor and the communication circuitry of the battery.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a capacity of interest is determined. This capacity of interest is the useful battery capacity required for an operation of interest; that is, the battery capacity at the discharge rate required for the operation of interest. The operation of interest may be a save-to-disk operation during a battery operated computer shutdown or a shutdown procedure for a personal digital assistant, for example. Given the capacity of interest, alarm settings are determined for a variety of voltage, discharge, and, optionally, temperature conditions. The trip points map, or index, voltage and discharge rate information for one or more discharge rates to one or more capacities of interest.