Ken F Kelly

US Patent:

7109990, Sep 19, 2006

Filed:

Nov 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/724811

Inventors:

Van Oler - Redmond WA, US
David Mai - Shoreline WA, US
Ken Kelly - Carnation WA, US

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

G06T 17/00
G09G 3/36
G02F 1/133

US Classification:

345428, 345101, 349 72

Abstract:

A circuit and method for automatically compensating display contrast for temperature changes allowing user preference setting. The invention can be applied to any device having a display, but in one embodiment, portable electronic devices such as palmtops, other portable computers, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, portable web browsers, remote controls, pagers, etc. are described herein. The invention allows a user to set a desired contrast preference and provides display feedback to the user as the preference setting is being made. Once the preference is set, the invention automatically compensates the contrast adjustment based on variable temperature conditions to maintain the display according to the user preference. For instance, as the temperature falls, the invention automatically detects this and adjusts the contrast in a first direction to maintain the user preference. Alternatively, as the temperature rises, the invention automatically adjusts contrast in a second direction to maintain the user preference.

US Patent:

6437543, Aug 20, 2002

Filed:

Nov 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/717198

Inventors:

Van Oler - Redmond WA
David Mai - Shoreline WA
Ken Kelly - Carnation WA

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H01M 1046

US Classification:

320150

Abstract:

A system for controlling battery charging. The system comprises a battery charging device, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The battery may be a Lithium polymer battery, or the like. The temperature sensor senses the battery temperature and outputs a temperature data signal. The controller inputs the temperature data signal and determines if the temperature data is outside of a range with an upper limit and lower limit. If so, the controller disables the battery charging circuit, wherein the battery is prevented from being charged. In this fashion, the batterys lifetime (e. g. , number of charge/discharge cycles) is extended. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a display. The controller outputs a signal to the display, directing it to display a message indicating that the battery is not being charged because the temperature is out of the pre-determined range.