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`
`US 20030201755A1
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0201755 A1
`Briggs et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Oct. 30, 2003
`
`(54) BATTERY DISABLE/ENABLE CONTROL
`CIRCUITRY OF A PORTABLE COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`(76) Inventors: Scott W. Briggs, Cypress, TX (US);
`zljlsahael W. Edwards, Houston, TX
`
`Correspondence Address;
`AKIN, GUMP, STRAUSS, HAUER & EELI)
`711 LOUISIANA STREET
`SUITE 1900 SOUTH
`HOUSTON, TX 77002 (US)
`
`(21) Appl, No;
`
`10/132,364
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 25, 2002
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`..... .. H02J 7/00
`(51) Int. Cl.7 .
`(52) US. Cl. ............................................................ .. 320/135
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A portable computing device includes at least three buttons
`and circuitry for sensing the pressing of at least three
`buttons, one being recessed, and in response to such sensing
`provides a battery disable signal to a non-removable battery.
`The portable computing device further includes circuitry for
`sensing the coupling of the device to a device cradle, and in
`response to such coupling, or in response to the press of the
`recess button, provides a battery enable signal to the non
`rernovable battery.
`
`4_-_V
`
`+V
`
`810 § £820
`
`830;’
`
`+V
`
`840;
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`Line 102’
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`
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`
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`Bug: 774 rLine 114'
`I
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`|
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`' K850
`
`Line 740
`
`Disable LII76 602
`
`'
`
`_
`\Llne 114'
`
`E\8a0
`‘
`
`Enable Line 604
`
`1 of 8
`
`FITBIT EXHIBIT 1018
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`

`
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 30, 2003 Sheet 1 0f 3
`
`US 2003/0201755 A1
`
`240 \
`
`(3/172
`
`FIG. 1
`
`2 of 8
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 30, 2003 Sheet 2 0f 3
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`US 2003/0201755 A1
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`
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`
`3 of 8
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 30, 2003 Sheet 3 0f 3
`
`US 2003/0201755 A1
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`4 of 8
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`

`
`US 2003/0201755 A1
`
`Oct. 30, 2003
`
`BATTERY DISABLE/ENABLE CONTROL
`CIRCUITRY OF A PORTABLE COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
`[0002] The invention relates to control of enabling and
`disabling battery connections of a portable computing
`device.
`
`[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
`[0004] The advantages of portable computing devices
`continue to be recogniZed in an ever groWing variety of
`personal and Work activities. Being portable, these devices
`have many design features and constraints not present in
`their desktop counterparts. For example, such portable com
`puting devices must rely on battery poWer rather than on the
`traditional source of poWer, the electrical outlet. This depen
`dence on a battery source has introduced many neW design
`constraints including: battery charge capacity, battery siZe
`requirements, battery under-voltage threats and battery
`operational impact. Given these constraints, designers have
`attempted to provide portable computing devices that best
`satisfy the consumer’s needs While balancing the demands
`inherent in the above identi?ed constraints.
`[0005] The requirement that portable computing devices
`be able to function Without the tether of a cord plugged into
`a standard electrical outlet requires that they operate on
`batteries. A unique feature of portable computing devices,
`not present in many other battery operated portable electrical
`devices, is a need for a continuous supply of poWer even
`after being turned off. This poWer demand is due to the
`operational nature of the volatile memory commonly con
`tained in these devices. Volatile memory requires continuous
`poWer to retain the data stored therein. Because it is common
`for portable computing devices to contain volatile memory,
`it is important that such devices maintain a constant supply
`of poWer.
`
`[0006] This need for a continuous supply of poWer pre
`sents many design challenges. For eXample, because batter
`ies have a limited storage capacity, and because this capacity
`can be depleted through either operational use, or non-use
`(i.e., the volatile memory problem), such batteries need to be
`eventually recharged or replaced. In the case of replacement,
`When such batteries are replaced there is a period, betWeen
`the removal of the old battery and insertion of the neW
`battery, Where no battery is connected to the device, and as
`such, there is a period Where the volatile memory is Without
`poWer. To prevent this period of non-poWer, one solution has
`been used Which incorporates tWo batteries: a main or
`primary battery for supplying the normal operating poWer
`for the device, and a back-up or secondary battery for use as
`fail-over poWer. More speci?cally, during normal opera
`tions, Whether turned on or not, the device draWs its poWer
`from the main battery. It is only When the supply of poWer
`from this main battery is interrupted that the back-up battery
`is draWn upon. This dual battery design alloWs for the
`replacement of a main battery of a portable computing
`device Without losing poWer and thus not losing the data
`stored in the volatile memory. Although this dual battery
`approach solves the problem of replacing replaceable bat
`teries, it does not solve the problem discussed beloW relating
`to the general large siZe of replaceable batteries.
`
`[0007] Further, there continues to be a demand for batter
`ies that can supply continuous poWer for the longest amount
`of time before recharging. Generally, and especially among
`batteries of similar components, the larger the battery, the
`longer it can hold a charge. Thus, siZe not being a factor,
`very large batteries could be used to provide ever longer
`periods of charges. HoWever, because it is almost alWays
`advantageous to produce portable computing devices that
`are as small as possible, and because the batteries used in
`such devices directly impact the ultimate siZe of such
`devices, the batteries need to be as small as possible, While
`providing as much poWer as possible. Further, user replace
`able batteries must be designed with sufficient casing as to
`protect anyone handling such batteries from its contents.
`This encapsulation requirement means that such replaceable
`batteries are inherently larger than their non-replaceable
`counterparts. Thus, there is a tradeoff betWeen using replace
`able batteries With larger siZe and non-replaceable batteries
`that are smaller. Because of their smaller siZe, it is generally
`preferable to use non-replaceable batteries in portable com
`puting devices.
`[0008] Another design constraint inherent in using batter
`ies is that batteries generally become damaged When their
`poWer is draWn beloW a particular level of charge (under
`voltage). Therefore, to prevent permanent battery damage, it
`is important to prevent batteries from having their charge
`draWn doWn to such levels. It is not uncommon for circuitry
`to be included With portable computing devices Which acts
`to disconnect or disable its battery When the battery charge
`level reaches a particular level. This is generally not an
`action one Wishes to alloW to occur on such devices since the
`disabling of the battery Will cause the loss of data in the
`device’s volatile memory.
`
`[0009] It is also important to deliver the neWly purchased
`portable computing device to the purchaser in the most user
`friendly condition as possible. Part of this user friendly
`condition relates to the batteries. For eXample, in the dual
`battery design discussed above, the most user friendly
`condition Would be With both batteries installed and the
`system already poWered up When the shipping boX is
`opened. HoWever, such a level of “user friendliness” is
`impractical and/or too costly as leaving the system fully
`poWered up upon preparation for shipping Would result in
`the batteries being fully discharged before reaching the
`purchaser. And further, Without any type of automatic dis
`abling circuitry, as discussed above, the batteries could
`suffer permanent damage. An alternative might be to ship the
`device With both batteries installed, but Without leaving the
`system poWered up. This approach Would not result in the
`batteries being discharged as fast as the previous scenario,
`but Would still likely result in the battery being fully
`discharged before reaching the purchaser. In practice, each
`of these tWo scenarios Would result in very loW user friendly
`conditions as both Would require the purchaser to both
`diagnose the problem and replace or recharge the batteries
`before being able to operate the device.
`
`[0010] Amore user friendly condition Would be to ship the
`device Without any batteries installed. This Would eliminate
`the need for the user to both diagnose Why the device Would
`not operate and to either recharge or replace the batteries.
`HoWever, this Would still require the purchaser to install the
`batteries before operating the device. Some manufacturers
`have devised a more user friendly Way to ship their dual
`
`5 of 8
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`

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`US 2003/0201755 A1
`
`Oct. 30, 2003
`
`battery computing devices Where the devices are shipped
`With the back-up battery already installed and requiring the
`purchaser to only install the main battery (both replaceable
`batteries). This is achieved by installing the back-up battery
`in the device Where an insulator is placed betWeen this
`battery and its electrical contact and Where the purchaser is
`required to pull the tab connected to the insulator to remove
`the insulator and to alloW for the electrical connection
`betWeen the back-up battery and the device contacts.
`Although this removes the need to install tWo batteries, it
`still requires tWo actions by the purchaser before the device
`is ready for use. The possibility also exists that the tab might
`separate from the insulator leaving all or part of the insulator
`betWeen the back-up battery and the electrical contact.
`Further, as discussed above, this design is less advantageous
`than other designs using non-replaceable batteries since the
`device Would be required to be larger to accommodate the
`larger replaceable batteries.
`[0011] Another approach to the shipment of the portable
`computing devices has been to ship the devices With the
`battery(s) installed, Where such devices have circuitry
`including a battery disabled and battery enabled modes, and
`the device is shipped With the device in the battery disabled
`mode. For example, such designs as the Compaq iPAQ 3700
`series have included the use of a single non-replaceable
`battery With such disabled and enabled modes. As shoWn in
`FIG. 3, such a unit 500 is shipped in the disabled mode and
`the purchaser activates the unit, i.e., the user changes the unit
`from the battery disabled mode to the battery enabled mode,
`by locating a sliding door 522 on the bottom side 530 of the
`unit 500, and using the accompanying stylus (not shoWn),
`sliding the door 522 open, and ?ipping a slide sWitch 520 to
`the on position. Note that reset button 514 is not used in this
`battery enable procedure. This approach has its draWbacks
`as users might be confused as to hoW to poWer up the
`system. The users might have a problem identifying the
`door, or that the sWitch Was behind that door. Another
`potential negative aspect of this approach is that the door
`may potentially develop a rattle over time.
`
`[0012] Regardless of Which of the above approaches
`involving shipping the batteries in a disabled state is used to
`ship the portable computing device, each has the common
`feature of an activation scenario that cannot easily occur
`accidentally during shipping. As explained above, one needs
`the batteries to be installed, While another needs a plastic tab
`removed, and ?nally another needs a sWitch behind a door
`to be throWn.
`
`[0013] Designers have also chosen to include a disable
`battery function in their portable computing devices.
`Designers have provided different Ways, either passive or
`active, for users to place the units in a disabled state. The
`passive designs, Where a physical break betWeen the battery
`and the device is required, include those devices Where
`removable batteries are used and the only Way to accomplish
`a disabled state is to remove the batteries. For example, the
`Compaq Aero 1550 Pocket PC required the removal of both
`a main battery and a back-up battery. Active designs, Where
`some form of button pressing or sWitching throWing is
`needed, include devices such as the Compaq iPAQ 3700
`series Which simply required the opening of the door at the
`bottom of the unit and throWing the sWitch to the disabled
`position. Another unit Was the HeWlett Packard Jornada that
`required that the unit be turned off using the poWer button,
`
`folloWed by the simultaneous pressing of the reset button
`and the poWer button. The Casio E115 required the simul
`taneous pressing of the poWer button and reset button for
`tWo seconds Which invokes a screen prompt, folloWed by the
`pressing of a control button.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0014] Aportable computing device includes at least three
`buttons and circuitry for sensing the pressing of at least three
`buttons, one being recessed, and in response to such sensing
`provides a battery disable signal to a non-removable battery.
`The portable computing device further includes circuitry for
`sensing the coupling of the device to a device cradle, and in
`response to such coupling, or in response to the press of the
`recess button, provides a battery enable signal to the non
`removable battery.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0015] Abetter understanding of the present invention can
`be obtained When the folloWing detailed description of the
`disclosed embodiment is considered in conjunction With the
`folloWing draWings, in Which:
`[0016] FIG. 1 is a component diagram shoWing the face of
`a portable computing device including multiple buttons and
`a display, and in phantom, the battery and circuitry located
`there behind;
`[0017] FIG. 2 is a component diagram shoWing the bot
`tom of the portable computing device of FIG. 1 including a
`port and a rest button, and in phantom, the battery and
`circuitry located there behind;
`[0018] FIG. 3 is a component diagram shoWing the bot
`tom of a prior art portable computing device including a
`dedicated sWitch for controlling the enabling and disabling
`of the battery; and
`[0019] FIGS. 4 is a circuit diagram shoWing exemplary
`battery disable/enable control circuitry of the portable com
`puting device of FIG. 1 that interprets button activity into
`battery enable and disable requests.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a portable
`computing device 100 implemented according to the dis
`closed techniques. The term “portable computing device”
`generally refers to a portable device With a subset or superset
`of typical computing functions of a personal computer. For
`purposes of explanation, speci?c embodiments are set forth
`to provide a thorough understanding of the present inven
`tion. HoWever, it Will be understood by one skilled in the art,
`from reading the disclosure, that the invention may be
`practiced Without these details. Moreover, Well-knoWn ele
`ments, devices, process steps, and the like, and including,
`but not limited to, electronic circuitry components and
`connections, are not set forth in detail in order to avoid
`obscuring the disclosed system.
`
`[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a portable com
`puting device 100 With a front surface or face 200, left side
`surface 210, right side surface 220, bottom surface 230 and
`a top surface 240. FIG. 1 also shoWs the front surface 200
`of the device containing a display screen 290 for text and
`
`6 of 8
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`US 2003/0201755 A1
`
`Oct. 30, 2003
`
`graphics, application programming buttons 102, 104, 106
`and 108, and navigation button 105. Speci?cally, button 102,
`near the left side 210 of the device 100, is the calendar
`button. In addition, button 102 is used in conjunction With
`buttons 108 and 114 (FIG. 2) in performing a battery disable
`function. Buttons 108 and 102 re non-adjacent. Button 104,
`slightly further from the left side 210 of the device 100 than
`button 102, and adjacent to button 102, is the contacts
`button. Button 108, near the right side 220 of device 100, is
`the task button. As mentioned above, button 108 is also used
`in a battery disable function. Button 106, slightly further
`from the right side 220 of the device 100, is the inboX button.
`Button 105, located centrally betWeen the left and right
`sides, 210 and 220, respectfully, is used as the navigation
`and scroll through list button. Button 112 is the poWer
`button. On the portable computing device’s left side 210,
`and as shoWn in FIG. 2, is button 110 Which is the
`record/application button. On the portable computing
`device’s bottom 230, a reset button 114 and a charging and
`communications port 232 is provided. The device bottom
`230 is provided Without a battery enable/disable sWitch or
`accompanying door. As described above, button 114 is also
`used in the battery disable function. It is contemplated that
`more or less buttons could be incorporated into the device
`100 and that the functionality of particular buttons, or button
`combinations, could vary Without departing from the spirit
`or scope of the invention. Further, the buttons depicted in the
`?gures may be sensitive to pressure, light, magnetism or
`other like properties. Also, the buttons may be virtual
`buttons like those seen in touch screen type devices Where
`either a contact sensitive membrane covering the screen is
`used, or Where a coordinate mapping is used, such as Where
`sensors along the sides of the screen sense the location of an
`object in contact, or in approXimate contact, With the screen.
`[0022] As shoWn in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portable comput
`ing device 100 includes a lithium ion ?at cell battery 300,
`and circuitry 400 to either enable or disable the battery
`connection to the device 100 depending on Whether an
`enable or disable signal is generated Within the device 100.
`The ?at cell battery 300 is neither removable, nor does it
`having casing typically found With otherWise replaceable
`batteries. For a battery protection circuit to disable the
`battery connection to the portable computing device 100, the
`circuit must receive a battery disable signal With a prede
`termined duration such as tWo or more seconds. The battery
`protection circuit includes a timer de?ning the particular
`duration. Concerning the battery enable signal, it is contem
`plated that the detection of the coupling betWeen the device
`100 and a device cradle or dock could be performed by a
`number of mechanisms used to sense such a coupling
`including, but not limited to, electrical, mechanical, optical
`or magnetic detection mechanisms. It is also contemplated
`that the coupling necessary to activate the battery connection
`to the device 100 via a battery enable signal could be a
`number of devices other than a device cradle or dock, such
`as a communications device, an A/C poWer source, or
`simply a dedicator/activator device used solely to perform
`such activations.
`[0023] As shoWn in FIG. 4, computing device 100 con
`tains battery enable/disable control circuitry 400. This cir
`cuitry 400, for eXample, senses the simultaneous pressing of
`buttons 102, 108 and 114 and in response provides a battery
`disable signal. The circuitry 400 may be part of an Appli
`cation Speci?c Integrated Circuit (ASIC) of an input/output
`
`controller of the device 100. In operation, When all three
`buttons 102, 108 and 114 are pressed at the same time, the
`disable line 602 goes loW to indicate a disable battery
`request provided to a battery protection circuit or battery
`controller such as contained in the Dallas Semiconductor
`DS2760 battery monitor. Speci?cally, When each of the
`buttons 102 and 108 are pressed and these button commu
`nications are sensed, the corresponding lines 102‘ and 108‘
`go loW, and When, and only When such tWo lines go loW, line
`730‘ also goes loW. Further, if button 114 is pressed, corre
`sponding line 114‘ goes loW. When, line 730‘ is loW, i.e., With
`buttons 102 and 104 being pressed, and line 114‘ is loW, i.e.,
`With button 114 being pressed, line 740‘ also goes loW. When
`line 740‘ goes loW, so does disable line 602. A loW state of
`the disable line 602 indicates a battery disable request. To
`perform this disable battery sequence one may, With one
`hand, hold a stylus 114, or some instrument capable of
`reaching recessed button 114, and With it, press the recessed
`button 114, and With tWo ?ngers on the other hand, press
`buttons 102 and 108. This sort of tWo-handed operation
`ensures that a battery is being disconnected intentionally.
`Generally, to perform this procedure one may prefer to ?rst
`place the device 100 on a ?at surface rather than grasping in
`one hand.
`[0024] As shoWn in FIG. 4, OR gates 730 and 740 are part
`of the device circuitry 400. Gate 730 is used to determine if
`both buttons 102 and 108 are being pressed. Gate 740 is used
`to determine if both the reset button 114 is being pressed and
`the output of gate 730 indicates that the tWo buttons 102 and
`108 are also being pressed. If this gate arrangement deter
`mines that all such buttons 102, 108 and 114 are being
`pressed, then disable line 602 is set to loW. Further, other
`combinations of gates, other than What is shoWn in FIG. 4,
`may be used to achieve the desired result. Resistors 810-840
`serve as pull-up resistors in the circuitry of FIG. 4. When
`line 740‘ is loW, resistor 840 places transistor 880 into an
`open collector state, alloWing the disable line 602 to go loW.
`Further, When reset button 114 is pressed the enable line 604
`goes loW and it is When the enable line goes loW that signals
`the enables the battery. The battery has a Weak pull up on
`enable line 604. Diode 890 serves as a protection diode that
`guards back feeding on the enable line 604. Further, diode
`850 prevents current ?oW from enable line 604 to line 114
`When the battery is disable. If diode 850 Was not there, and
`current Was alloWed to pass from enable line 604 to line 114,
`the battery Would enable prematurely. It should be under
`stood that other circuit con?gurations may be utiliZed in
`accordance With the disclosed techniques. It should also be
`understood that the circuitry of FIG. 4 can be adapted to
`support both a primary battery and a secondary battery.
`[0025] It is contemplated that there are a variety of reasons
`for ensuring that disabling a battery 300 is intentional. For
`eXample, one may Want to transfer the device 100 to a neW
`user and may Want a quick and easy Way of clearing the
`volatile memory. Another eXample might be Where the
`device 100 Was to be put in storage for an eXtended period
`of time Without jeopardizing the battery 300 by causing an
`under-voltage condition. Yet another eXample, might be
`Where the device 100 is not sufficiently responding to a soft
`reset and disconnecting the battery 300 is the only option to
`adequately reset the system 100. Because of the relative
`catastrophic results of a hard reset, namely the loss of all
`data stored in volatile memory, it is important that the hard
`reset procedures be such that they are not accidentally
`
`7 of 8
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`US 2003/0201755 A1
`
`Oct. 30, 2003
`
`performed. Further, unlike previous portable computing
`devices, the illustrative system 100 provides a user friendly
`design, i.e., no batteries to install, no doors to open, no added
`sWitches or buttons, With a button sequence that all but
`ensures that the disable battery procedure is not inadvert
`ently performed. This is done by simultaneous pressing of
`three buttons With at least one of them recessed.
`
`[0026] Also as shoWn in FIG. 4, When the reset button 114
`is pressed, line 114‘ goes loW, as Well as enable line 604.
`When enable line 604 goes loW, this is a signal to a battery
`protection circuit, such as the BS2760 mentioned above, to
`enable the battery connection. Further, device bottom 230
`also contains a charging and communications port 232.
`Although not shoWn, computing device 100 contains cir
`cuitry to sense the coupling betWeen itself and a device
`cradle. The coupling sensing occurs through recharge and
`communications port 232. HoWever, the coupling may occur
`through other mechanisms, including, but not limited to,
`electrical, mechanical, optical or magnetic detection mecha
`nisms. When the device 100 is coupled to a device cradle
`through port 232 the enable line 604 goes loW to indicate a
`battery enable request. The recessed button 114 is pressed
`When the device 100 resides in the device cradle.
`
`[0027] Because portable computing devices are shipped
`With their batteries in the disabled state, it is important to
`provide users With a fast and easy method to enable the
`batteries. The disclosed enabling techniques make it easier
`for users to enable the battery. Since the battery is enabled
`automatically upon placement of the device into the device
`cradle, such techniques alloW a user to enable the battery
`Without having to read the instructions on hoW to operate the
`portable computing device. Further, since users no longer
`need to understand hoW to enable the battery, service calls
`regarding battery enablement issues should be reduced.
`
`[0028] The foregoing disclosure and description of the
`various embodiments are illustrative and explanatory
`thereof, and various changes in the button layout, button
`functionality, button sequence, signals, components,
`devices, circuit elements, circuit con?gurations, and signal
`connections, as Well as in the details of the illustrated
`circuitry and construction and method of operation may be
`made Without departing from the spirit and scope of the
`invention.
`
`We claim:
`1. A portable computing device, comprised of:
`
`at least three buttons Wherein at least one button is
`recessed; and
`
`battery disable control circuitry to generate a battery
`disable signal in response to sensing communications
`from at least three of the buttons.
`2. The portable computing device of claim 1, Wherein at
`least tWo buttons are application buttons.
`3. The portable computing device of claim 2, Wherein the
`application buttons are non-adjacent.
`
`4. The portable computing device of claim 1, the device
`further comprising:
`
`a right side; and
`
`a left side;
`
`Wherein one of the buttons is near the right side and
`another of the buttons is near the left side.
`5. The portable computing device of claim 1, Wherein at
`least one button is a reset button.
`6. The portable computing device of claim 1, Wherein the
`battery disable signal is generated after sensing communi
`cation from at least three of the buttons for a predetermined
`duration.
`7. A portable computing device, comprised of:
`
`a button; and
`battery enable control circuitry to generate a battery
`enable signal in response to the sensing of a commu
`nication from the button When the device is connected
`to a device cradle.
`8. The portable computing device of claim 7, Wherein the
`button is a recessed button.
`9. The portable computing device of claim 7, Wherein the
`button is a reset button.
`10. A method of disable generation for a battery of a
`portable computing device, the device comprising at least
`three buttons, the method comprising the steps of:
`
`sensing button communications from at least three of the
`buttons Wherein at least one button is recessed; and
`
`generating a battery disable signal to disable the non
`removable battery in response to the sensing step.
`11. The method of claim 10, Wherein at least one button
`is the reset button.
`12. The method of claim 10, Wherein at least tWo buttons
`are application buttons.
`13. The method of claim 12, Wherein the tWo application
`buttons are non-adjacent.
`14. The method of claim 10, Wherein one of the buttons
`is near a right side of the device and another of the buttons
`is near a left side of the device.
`15. The method of claim 10, Wherein the battery disable
`signal is generated after sensing the communications from at
`least three of the buttons for a predetermined duration.
`16. A method of enable generation for a battery of a
`portable computing device, the device comprising a recessed
`button, comprising the steps of:
`
`sensing a communication from the recessed button; and
`
`generating a battery enable signal in response to the
`sensing step.
`17. The method of claim 16, Wherein the recessed button
`is a reset button.
`18. A method of enable generation for a battery of a
`portable computing device, comprising the steps of:
`
`detecting connection of the device With a device cradle;
`and
`
`generating a battery enable signal in response to the
`detecting step.
`
`8 of 8