Method and apparatus for authenticating a charging unit by a portable battery-operated electronic device

Patent, 2002

A portable battery-operated electronic device authenticates/identifies a charging unit in order to prevent an incompatible and/or poorly designed or constructed charging unit from possibly damaging the portable battery-operated electronic device. The authentication/identification is effectuated over a wireless interface (e.g., using Bluetooth transceivers) when a portable battery-operated electronic device detects connection to a charging unit. The portable battery-operated electronic device requests data related to source and/or compatibility of the charging unit. If data is received and it indicates a proper source and/or compatibility, the portable battery-operated electronic device permits the charging. Otherwise, the portable battery-operated electronic device executes an action, such as preventing charging and/or memorializing information about the risky charging.