System and method for detection of an accessory device connection status

Abstract

Embodiments of this invention provide for a portable computer that determines whether an accessory device is actively connected to it. In one embodiment, the portable computer may include a signal line accessible through an output of the portable computing device. The signal line may be connected to a communication device such as a communication cradle. The portable computer may detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the communication device is actively connected to the portable computer. If the communication device is actively connected, the portable computer suspends implementation of a time-out feature that would otherwise reduce power consumption of the portable computer.

1 . A method for operating a portable computing device, the method comprising: 
 while the portable computing device is operational for a user, detecting that an external computing device is actively connected to transfer data and provide power to the portable computing device; and    responsive to detecting the external computing device, suspending execution of at least a portion of a program that would otherwise reduce a power consumption of the portable computing device after a given duration of inactivity.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein suspending execution of at least a portion of a includes suspending occurrence of a timeout feature.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising transmitting one or more communications from the portable computing device using the external computing device when the external computing device is actively connected to the portable computing device.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising coupling a signal line to the external computing device, and determining a type of the external computing device using the signal line.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein suspending execution of at least a portion of a program includes selectively suspending the occurrence of the time-out feature when the external computing device is actively coupled.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein suspending execution of at least a portion of a program includes disabling the time-out feature while the external computing device is actively coupled.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detecting that an external computing device is actively connected to communicate and providing power includes measuring a voltage level of a signal provided from the external computing device.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein detecting that an external computing device is actively connected to communicate and providing power includes coupling the portable computing device to the external computing device using a serial connector.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein suspending execution of at least a portion of a program for reducing power consumption of the portable computing device includes determining a programmable backlight of a display to be operational while the communication device is coupled.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein suspending execution of at least a portion of a program for reducing power consumption of the portable computing device includes programming a backlight of a display to be selectively operational while the communication device is coupled.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein suspending execution of at least a portion of a program for reducing power consumption of the portable computing device includes programming the display to be operational when the backlight of the display is selected to be operational.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , including executing a program upon detecting the signal on the signal line to reorganize an output arrangement of a database.  
     
     
         13 . A detachable assembly, comprising: 
 an accessory device; and    a portable computing device adapted to couple to the accessory device, the portable computing device including:    a signal line that is adapted to couple to an output node of the accessory device; and    a processor coupled to detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the accessory device is actively connected to the portable computing device;    wherein the processor is programmed to suspend execution of at least a portion of a program upon detecting the accessory device, the portion of the program reducing power consumption of the portable computing device.    
     
     
         14 . The detachable assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the accessory device includes an alternating current adapter for supplying power to the portable computing device.  
     
     
         15 . The detachable assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the processor suspends an occurrence of a timeout feature that significantly reduces power consumption by the portable computing device.  
     
     
         16 . The detachable assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the signal line extends to a pin element of a pin connector forming the outlet.  
     
     
         17 . The detachable assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the processor selectively suspends an occurrence of the time-out feature upon the accessory device actively coupling to the portable computing device.  
     
     
         18 . The detachable assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the processor disables the time-out feature upon the accessory device actively coupling to the portable computing device.  
     
     
         19 . The detachable assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the signal is a voltage level provided by the output node of the accessory device.  
     
     
         20 . The detachable assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the portable computing device couples to the accessory device using a pin connector, and wherein one pin in the pin connector extends into the signal line.