Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information

Details Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information Method and apparatus for obtaining product use information

1999-04-15

2001-04-17

Wong, Peter S. (Department: 2838)

Electricity: battery or capacitor charging or discharging

Means to identify cell or battery type

C320S127000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06218806

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for obtaining product use information and more particularly, for obtaining use information of components included in a rechargeable battery system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rechargeable battery systems include three main components: (1) a rechargeable battery or battery pack; (2) a charger for charging the battery; and (3) a device powered by the battery, such as portable power tools and certain kitchen and domestic appliances. Knowledge of how a user actually uses and interacts with each component can provide useful insights, which can in turn be implemented in future product designs.
Typically, such information is derived from actual interviews with users, either individually or in groups. However, the information derived from these interviews is usually information relating to the user's perception of his use patterns, which are often subjective and inaccurate.
It is thus an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for obtaining actual product use information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a charging apparatus for charging a battery comprising a current source for providing current to the battery, a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery, and a memory connected to the controller for storing information about the battery. The memory may also store information about the charging apparatus. Preferably, the memory is a non-volatile memory, such as E
2
PROM.
Additional features and benefits of the present invention are described, and will be apparent from, the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below.


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