Method and apparatus for reducing battery replacement

Abstract

A mobile computing device comprising: a battery bay configured to removably secure a first battery pack; an output device; and a processor configured to: detect a second battery pack in proximity to the mobile computing device; in response to detecting the second battery pack, place the mobile computing device in a low-power mode of operation; control the output device to generate a battery change ready notification; and in response to the second battery pack being secured in the battery bay in place of the first battery pack, return the mobile computing device to a full-power mode of operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatus for simplifying battery replacement. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile devices can be equipped with removable battery packs. When the available battery capacity is low or depleted during use, the current battery pack can be removed and replaced with another battery pack. However, replacing the battery pack may require a time-consuming interruption to normal device operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, the present invention is a mobile computing device comprising: a battery compartment configured to removably hold a first battery pack; an output device; and a processor configured to: detect a second battery pack near the mobile computing device; determine whether the second battery pack meets a minimum charging threshold; in response to detecting the second battery pack and determining that the second battery pack meets the minimum charging threshold, (a) automatically placing the mobile computing device into a low-power operation mode, and (b) when the mobile computing device is in the low-power operation mode, controlling the output device to generate a battery replacement ready notification; and in response to the second battery pack replacing the first battery pack and holding it in the battery compartment, returning the mobile computing device to a full-power operation mode. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The accompanying drawings (in which the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally similar elements throughout the different views) together with the following detailed description are incorporated into and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments including the concepts of the claimed invention, and to explain the various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0005] Figure 1 It is a front-view isometric view of a mobile computing device.

[0006] Figure 2 is a rear isometric view of the mobile computing device in Figure 1.

[0007] Figure 3 This shows the removal of its battery pack. Figure 1 and Figure 2 An illustration of a mobile computing device.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A block diagram of some internal hardware components of a mobile computing device and battery pack.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figures 1-4 A flowchart illustrating the method for replacing a warm battery in a mobile computing device.

[0010] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 The diagram shows an example of the method executed in boxes 515 and 520.

[0011] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 The example execution diagram of the method in box 545.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the accompanying drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in understanding embodiments of the invention.

[0013] The apparatus and method configurations have been indicated in appropriate places in the accompanying drawings by conventional symbols, which show only those specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of the invention, so as not to obscure this disclosure with details that would be obvious to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Mobile computing devices with removable, rechargeable battery packs can be deployed in a variety of environments, including warehouse facilities (e.g., for use in transportation and logistics activities), medical facilities, manufacturing facilities, and more. Such devices can operate continuously for extended periods, during which time the battery pack may be depleted and require replacement.

[0015] Some devices implement "hot swapping" of battery packs, where an operator can simply remove the current battery pack and insert a new one without taking any further action to prepare the device for the replacement. However, the implementation cost of the hardware that enables hot swapping (such as auxiliary rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, etc.) can be very high.

[0016] Other devices reduce the cost of implementing hot-swap functionality by implementing "warm swap," where the device is placed in a low-power state before the battery pack is replaced. While this avoids some hardware costs and complexity, warm swap may require additional interaction between the operator and the device, such as launching a setup app and instructing the device to enter low-power mode for battery replacement. Such interaction can be time-consuming, extending the period during which the device's regular operation is interrupted.

[0017] The examples disclosed herein relate to a mobile computing device including: a battery compartment configured to removably hold a first battery pack; an output device; and a processor configured to: detect a second battery pack near the mobile computing device; in response to detecting the second battery pack, place the mobile computing device into a low-power operating mode; control the output device to generate a battery replacement ready notification; and in response to the second battery pack replacing the first battery pack being held in the battery compartment, return the mobile computing device to a full-power operating mode.

[0018] Additional examples disclosed herein relate to a method comprising: detecting a second battery pack near a mobile computing device having a battery compartment configured to removably secure a first battery pack; placing the mobile computing device into a low-power operating mode in response to detecting the second battery pack; controlling the output of the mobile computing device to generate a battery replacement ready notification; and returning the mobile computing device to a full-power operating mode in response to the second battery pack being secured in place of the first battery pack in the battery compartment.

[0019] Further examples disclosed herein relate to a mobile computing device including: a battery compartment configured to removably hold a first battery pack; an output device; and a processor configured to: detect a second battery pack near the mobile computing device; receive a charging status indicator from the second battery pack; determine whether the charging status indicator exceeds a threshold; and control the output device to generate a warning notification when the charging status indicator does not exceed the threshold.

[0020] Further examples disclosed herein relate to a method comprising: detecting a second battery pack near a mobile computing device, the mobile computing device having a battery compartment configured to removably secure a first battery pack; receiving a charging status indicator from the second battery pack; determining whether the charging status indicator exceeds a threshold; and controlling an output device of the mobile computing device to generate a warning notification when the charging status indicator does not exceed the threshold.

[0021] Figure 1 An example mobile computing device 100 (also referred to herein as mobile device 100 or simply device 100) is depicted. Figure 1 In the illustration, device 100 is implemented as a handheld computer. In other examples, device 100 can be implemented in any of a variety of other form factors, including laptop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, etc.

[0022] Device 100 includes a housing 104 that supports various other components of the device, including at least one output device and at least one input device. In this example, the output devices include a speaker 108 and a display 112. The display 112 may implement both the output and input devices in the form of a touchscreen. Other examples of input devices include a barcode scanner 116. Various other examples of output devices are also conceived, such as indicator lights (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) supported by the housing 104. Various other examples of input devices are also conceived, such as buttons or switches disposed on the housing 104, microphones, etc.

[0023] Go to Figure 2 The device 100 may be powered by a battery pack 200 releasably secured to a housing 104. For example, the battery pack 200 may include a movable button 204 for activating a latch on the battery pack 200 to engage complementary features of the housing 104 to engage the battery pack 200 to the housing 104 and to release the battery pack 200 from the housing 104. Figure 2 The battery pack 200 is shown in the engaged position, while Figure 3 The battery pack 200 is shown after being removed from the housing 104. Specifically, Figure 3 The device 100 is shown to include a battery compartment 300 defined by a housing 104. The battery compartment 300 receives a battery pack 200, and a button 204 can retract or extend a latch 302 that engages the aforementioned complementary structure within the battery compartment 300.

[0024] The battery compartment 300 also includes electrical contacts 304 for electrically connecting the batteries in the battery pack 200 to supply power from the battery pack 200 to various powered components of the device 100.

[0025] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, battery pack 200 can be discharged during use and then removed from battery compartment 300 and replaced with another battery pack 200. However, removing battery pack 200 from device 100 interrupts power supply to device 100. Therefore, device 100 implements a function to prepare for such interruption and to enable a return to normal operation when a new battery pack 200 is inserted. Furthermore, device 100 implements a function to automatically initiate the aforementioned preparation under certain conditions.

[0026] Before discussing the functions of device 100 related to preparing for power interruption, reference will be made to... Figure 4 Discuss certain internal components of device 100 and battery pack 200.

[0027] Go to Figure 4The diagram illustrates a block diagram of certain components of device 100. Device 100 includes a dedicated controller, such as processor 400, which interconnects with a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, such as memory 404. Memory 404 includes a combination of volatile memory (e.g., random access memory or RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory or ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory or EEPROM, flash memory). Processor 400 and memory 404 each include at least one integrated circuit. In some examples, processor 400 and memory 404 may be implemented on a single integrated circuit, for example, as a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0028] Also Figure 4 As shown, and connected to the processor 400 is a combination Figure 1 The input and output devices mentioned are speaker 108, display and touchscreen 112, and scanner 116. As previously mentioned, device 100 may also include other input and / or output devices. Such other input and / or output devices, when present, are also connected to processor 400.

[0029] Device 100 also includes a communication interface 408, such as at least one wireless transceiver and associated hardware and software components, enabling device 100 to communicate with other computing devices via a network. Furthermore, device 100 includes a short-range communication interface 412. Short-range interface 412 also includes at least one transceiver and associated hardware and software, and is distinguished from interface 408 by the communication method implemented therein. Specifically, interface 408 can achieve communication over a distance exceeding approximately 50 meters (approximately 165 feet) via communication standards such as Wi-Fi and various cellular standards, while short-range interface 412 achieves communication over a distance not exceeding approximately 50 meters. For example, short-range interface 412 can implement any one or more of the Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) standards. In this example, for example, according to the NFC standard, short-range interface 412 achieves communication at a distance of less than approximately 30 cm (approximately 12 inches).

[0030] The short-range interface 412, implemented at device 100, may include all associated hardware and software for performing short-range communication. In other examples, the short-range interface 412 includes a portion of the associated hardware and software, while other components for implementing short-range communication are implemented on the battery pack 200. For example, the battery pack 200 may carry an NFC antenna, and the short-range interface 412 may include processing circuitry and electrical contacts for connecting to the antenna when the battery pack 200 is engaged with the housing 104.

[0031] Memory 404 stores computer-readable instructions that are executed by processor 400. Specifically, memory 404 stores battery management application 416 (also simply referred to as application 416), which, when executed by processor 400, configures processor 400 to perform various functions discussed in more detail below and relating to detecting the battery pack and preparing device 100 for battery pack replacement. In other examples, application 416 may also be implemented as a suite of different applications. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in other embodiments, the functions implemented by processor 400 via execution of application 416 may also be implemented by one or more specially designed hardware and firmware components, such as FPGAs, ASICs, etc.

[0032] Also Figure 4 As shown, battery pack 200 includes one or more energy storage units 420 and a controller 424. The controller 424 can monitor various attributes of the units 420 and generate continuously updated charging status indicators based on these attributes. The charging status indicator indicates the fraction of the maximum capacity of the battery unit 420 currently available from the battery unit 420. The charging status indicator can be represented as a percentage, for example, but various other forms of charging status indicators are also conceived. The controller 424 can also maintain various other battery status information, including the charging status indicator. Other examples of battery status information include manufacturer certification data indicating the battery pack 200, a maximum capacity indicator, current battery temperature, current battery voltage, active error codes, etc.

[0033] Battery pack 200 also includes a wireless tag 428, such as an NFC tag. Tag 428 may be an active tag connected to controller 424, enabling tag 428 to receive and transmit data from controller 424 (e.g., any or all of the aforementioned battery status information, including a charging status indicator). In other examples, tag 428 is a passive tag, and the connection between tag 428 and controller 424 may be omitted. Tag 428 may store an identifier for the battery pack (e.g., a serial number). In addition to or instead of the identifier, tag 428 may also store an indicator of the device type (e.g., an indication that tag 428 is associated with a battery). When tag 428 is an active tag, tag 428 may also store a current charging status indicator of battery pack 200 obtained from controller 424. It will now be apparent that tag 428 and short-range interface 412 enable device 100 and battery pack 200 to exchange data.

[0034] Now go to Figure 5The diagram illustrates a method 500 for battery replacement. The method 500 will now be discussed in conjunction with the execution of the method 500 by the device 100. Specifically, the block of method 500 is executed by the processor 400 in the following example, as configured via the execution of the application 416.

[0035] Assume that device 100 is equipped with and powered on battery pack 200 before starting execution of method 500. In block 505, device 100 detects a new battery pack 200 that is different from the battery pack 200 coupled to and powering device 100. Specifically, the detection of the new battery pack 200 includes detecting the physical proximity of the new battery pack 200 to device 100.

[0036] Detection of the new battery pack 200 in block 505 includes detecting the tag 148 associated with the new battery pack 200 via short-range communication interface 412. Detection of tag 148 may include receiving an identifier, device type indicator, etc., from tag 148 as described above. Detection of tag 148 may also include receiving a charging status indicator at interface 412 when tag 148 is active.

[0037] At block 510, device 100 can determine whether a charging status indicator for the new battery pack detected at 505 is available. In other words, at block 510, device 100 can determine whether a charging status indicator was received at block 505. As mentioned above, some tags 148 may be active tags, capable of obtaining charging status information from the corresponding controller 424 to transmit to device 100. Meanwhile, other tags may be passive tags, lacking the ability to obtain and transmit charging status information. In other examples, the determination at block 510 is not necessarily limited to determining whether a charging status indicator is available. In such examples, at block 510, device 100 can determine whether any of the aforementioned battery status information is available.

[0038] When the determination at box 510 is positive, device 100 can perform additional functions to assess the current charge level of the new battery pack 200 before initiating the replacement process. This function will be described in further detail below. In the current example execution of method 500, it is assumed that the determination at box 510 is negative, and the tag 148 indicating the new battery pack 200 detected at box 505 is a passive tag lacking the ability to transmit charge state information. Therefore, device 100 proceeds to box 515.

[0039] At box 515, device 100 is configured to automatically enter a low-power mode in response to the detection of a new battery pack 200. Low-power mode, also known as standby, sleep, or hibernation mode, disables some or all of the device's functions to reduce power consumption. The difference between low-power mode and a complete shutdown of device 100 is usually, but not necessarily, that it allows for a faster return to normal operation.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will conceive of various implementations of the low-power mode. Device 100 may initiate a transition to low-power mode, for example, by storing application state information (e.g., an indication of the currently running application, and any application-specific information stored in volatile memory) in non-volatile memory. In other examples, power may continue to be supplied to volatile memory (e.g., from an auxiliary battery different from battery pack 200) while power delivery to other components of device 100 is disabled.

[0041] In box 520, the device generates a warm-change notification, instructing device 100 to prepare for battery pack 200 replacement. Box 520 can be executed together with box 515. Various examples of warm-change notifications are also conceived. For example, see brief reference. Figure 6 Device 100 may display message 600 on display 112, which instructs the operator of device 100 that the transition to low-power mode will be completed when LED 604 is turned off. Simultaneously with displaying message 600, processor 400 may also enable LED 604. Once the transition to low-power mode is complete, power delivery to both display 112 and LED 604 ceases (not necessarily simultaneously), and the LED thus stops emitting light.

[0042] Other forms of haptic feedback notification are also envisioned. For example, device 100 could generate audible sounds, recorded messages, etc., to instruct the operator that device 100 will enter a low-power mode when the audible output stops. In another example, device 100 includes a haptic output device (such as a motor) to vibrate housing 104. In such an example, the notification at box 520 could be the vibration of housing 104 upon completion of the transition to low-power mode (after which the motor itself can be disabled).

[0043] Once a notification has been generated at box 520 and the transition to low power mode is complete, battery pack 200 can be removed from battery compartment 300 and replaced with a new battery pack 200.

[0044] return Figure 5At box 525, device 100 determines whether a new battery pack 200 has been placed in battery compartment 300 (i.e., whether battery replacement is complete). The determination at box 525 can be automatic or may include receiving input via a button or other input device. For example, processor 400 may be configured to detect power availability via contact 304, indicating that a new battery pack 200 has been inserted. In other examples, the determination at box 525 may include detecting activation of a power button on housing 104 of device 100.

[0045] After the affirmative determination in box 525, the device resumes full-power operation at box 530. Resuming full-power operation can include returning from a low-power mode to any of a variety of other operating modes. As will be apparent, computing devices may be able to reduce the power consumption of certain components or disable certain components under certain conditions. For example, when no wireless data transmission is scheduled, the wireless transceiver can be put into sleep mode while other activities continue. In other examples, the processor 400 itself may be able to operate in various different modes utilizing different levels of power consumption. These states are all referred to herein as “full-power” and differ from low-power mode in that they allow the device 100 to operate at least some activities after waiting for a wake-up signal at box 525.

[0046] Returning to box 510, we will discuss another example of how method 500 is performed when the charging status indicator indicates that a new battery pack 200 is available as detected at box 505.

[0047] When the determination at box 510 is affirmative, processor 400 proceeds to box 535 instead of box 515. At box 535, processor 400 determines whether the charge status indicator received at box 505 exceeds a threshold. This threshold may be a predetermined threshold stored in memory 404 (e.g., 50%, but thresholds higher and lower than 50% may also be used). The threshold may also be configurable, for example, via the execution of application 416. For example, a prompt or other interface element may be presented on display 112 for receiving input data to select the threshold.

[0048] In other examples, the threshold to be applied at box 535 can be dynamically determined based on the current state of charge indicator of battery pack 200. For example, the threshold can be determined as a multiple of the current state of charge indicator of battery pack 200 (e.g., 3 times, up to the maximum value of 100%).

[0049] As previously described, device 100 may receive battery status information other than or in lieu of a charging status indicator. Therefore, at box 535, device 100 may be configured to determine whether the battery status information meets at least one criterion. A charging status threshold is one example of such a criterion. Other examples of criteria applied at box 535 include whether the battery manufacturer matches an expected battery manufacturer identifier stored at device 100. Other examples of criteria applied at box 535 include a minimum voltage threshold, such that the determination at box 535 is affirmative only if the current voltage reported by new battery pack 200 is higher than the threshold voltage.

[0050] When the determination at box 535 is affirmative, the execution of method 500 proceeds to box 515, as discussed above. In some examples, after the affirmative determination at box 535, device 100 may display a prompt on display 112 and wait for instructions from the operator of device 100 to continue switching to low-power mode or to abort the process and continue full-power operation.

[0051] When the determination at box 535 is negative (i.e., when the new battery pack 200 has a charging status indicator that does not exceed a threshold), device 100 proceeds to box 540. At box 540, device 100 generates a warning notification, such as an audible alarm, a displayed message, etc., indicating that the new battery pack 200 is not suitable for replacement of the current battery pack 200. After the execution of box 540, the execution of method 500 can be terminated. That is, the replacement process can be automatically aborted when the charging status indicator of the new battery pack 200 fails to reach the threshold.

[0052] In other examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, device 100 may alternatively proceed to block 545 and determine whether an overrun command has been received. For example, after a negative determination at block 535, at block 540, the device may generate both the aforementioned warning and an optional option to perform a battery replacement or abort the battery replacement. Brief Reference Figure 7 Device 100 is shown with a warning message 700 displayed on display 112 and optional elements 704 and 708. Selection element 704 instructs device 100 to perform a battery replacement regardless of the low charge status indicator of the new battery pack 200 (i.e., proceeding from box 545 to box 515). Selection element 708 aborts the battery replacement process and terminates the execution of method 500.

[0053] The above-described changes to the functionality are envisioned. For example, when a charging status indicator is available from a new battery pack, the notification generated at box 520 may include, for example, the presentation of the charging status indicator or other output via display 112, speaker 118, etc.

[0054] In a further example, the short-range communication interface 412 of device 100 can be disabled until the charging status indicator of the currently inserted battery pack 200 is below a threshold (e.g., 20%, but thresholds greater than and less than 20% are also envisioned). When the current charging status indicator is below the threshold, the short-range communication interface 412 can be enabled to allow execution of block 505 of method 500. In other words, before executing block 505, device 100 can determine whether the current charging status indicator is below the aforementioned threshold.

[0055] Specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing specification. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching.

[0056] These benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements(s) that may make any benefit, advantage, or solution occur or become more prominent are not to be construed as key, essential, or necessary features or elements of any or all claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pending period of this application and all equivalents of these claims in the grant announcement.

[0057] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc., may be used individually to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “possessing,” “including,” “covering,” “encompassing,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, contains, or covers a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Elements beginning with “comprising one,” “having one,” “including one,” or “encompassing one,” in the absence of further constraints, do not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, contains, or covers that element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms “basically,” “approximately,” “about,” “approximately,” or any other version of these terms are defined as being as close as understood by those skilled in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, these terms are defined as being within 10%, in another within 5%, in yet another within 1%, and in still another within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly connected or mechanically connected. A device or structure “configured” in a certain way is configured at least in this manner, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0058] It will be understood that some embodiments may include one or more dedicated processors (or "processing devices"), such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, custom processors, and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and uniquely stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control one or more processors to implement some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and / or apparatuses described herein, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuitry. Alternatively, some or all of the functions may be implemented by a state machine without stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), wherein each function or some combination of certain functions is implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of these two approaches may also be used.

[0059] Furthermore, embodiments can be implemented as computer-readable storage media having computer-readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., including a processor) to perform the methods described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, ROMs (read-only memories), PROMs (programmable read-only memories), EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories), EEPROMs (electrically erasable programmable read-only memories), and flash memory. Moreover, it is anticipated that those skilled in the art, while making potentially significant efforts driven by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, and numerous design choices, will be able to readily generate such software instructions and programs, as well as ICs, with minimal experimentation when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein.

[0060] This abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it is not intended to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the above detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of making the disclosure coherent. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim represents itself as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A mobile computing device, comprising: A battery compartment configured to removably hold a first battery pack; Output devices; as well as Processor, the processor being configured to: Detect the second battery pack near the mobile computing device; Determine whether the second battery pack meets the minimum charging threshold; In response to detecting the second battery pack and determining that the second battery pack meets the minimum charging threshold, (a) the mobile computing device is automatically placed in a low-power operation mode, and (b) when the mobile computing device is in the low-power operation mode, the output device is controlled to generate a battery replacement ready notification; as well as In response to the second battery pack replacing the first battery pack and being fixed in the battery compartment, the mobile computing device is returned to full-power operation mode.

2. The mobile computing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile computing device further includes: Short-range communication interface; The processor is further configured to detect a wireless tag associated with the second battery pack via the short-range communication interface in order to detect the physical proximity of the second battery pack.

3. The mobile computing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to detect the placement of the second battery pack in the battery compartment before returning the mobile computing device to the full-power operation mode.

4. The mobile computing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile computing device further includes: Input devices; The processor is further configured to detect activation of the input device before returning the mobile computing device to the full-power operating mode.

5. The mobile computing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to: Receive battery status information corresponding to the second battery pack from the wireless tag; and Before placing the mobile computing device into the low-power operation mode, it is determined whether the battery status information meets the minimum charging threshold.

6. A method for battery replacement, comprising: Detect a second battery pack near a mobile computing device, the mobile computing device having a battery compartment configured to removably hold the first battery pack; Determine whether the second battery pack meets the minimum charging threshold; In response to detecting the second battery pack and determining that the second battery pack meets the minimum charging threshold, (a) the mobile computing device is automatically placed in a low-power operation mode, and (b) when the mobile computing device is in the low-power operation mode, the output of the mobile computing device is controlled to generate a battery replacement ready notification; as well as In response to the second battery pack replacing the first battery pack and being fixed in the battery compartment, the mobile computing device is returned to full-power operation mode.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Detecting the physical proximity of the second battery pack includes detecting the wireless tag associated with the second battery pack via the short-range communication interface of the mobile computing device.

8. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes detecting the placement of the second battery pack in the battery compartment before returning the mobile computing device to the full-power operation mode.

9. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes detecting activation of the input device of the mobile computing device before returning the mobile computing device to the full-power operation mode.

10. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive battery status information corresponding to the second battery pack from the wireless tag; and Before placing the mobile computing device into the low-power operation mode, it is determined whether the battery status information meets the minimum charging threshold.

11. A mobile computing device, comprising: A battery compartment configured to removably hold a first battery pack; Output devices; Input devices; as well as Processor, the processor being configured to: Detect the second battery pack near the mobile computing device; Receive battery status information from the second battery pack; Determine whether the battery status information meets the standard; and When the battery status information does not meet the standard, the output device is controlled to generate a warning notification; as well as When the battery status information meets the criteria, the mobile computing device is automatically placed into a low-power operation mode. The processor is further configured to detect activation of the input device to override the warning notification before placing the mobile computing device into the low-power operation mode.

12. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The mobile computing device further includes: Memory; The battery status information includes a charging status indicator, and the criterion is a threshold; and The processor is further configured to retrieve the threshold from the memory.

13. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The battery status information includes a charging status indicator, and the criterion is a threshold; and The processor is further configured to: obtain a first charging state indicator from the first battery pack, and dynamically generate the threshold based on the first charging state indicator.

14. The mobile computing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to control the output device to generate a battery replacement ready notification when the mobile computing device is in the low-power operation mode.

15. A method for battery replacement, comprising: Detect a second battery pack near a mobile computing device, the mobile computing device having a battery compartment configured to removably hold the first battery pack; Receive battery status information from the second battery pack; Determine whether the battery status information meets the minimum charging threshold; When the battery status information does not meet the minimum charging threshold, the output device of the mobile computing device is controlled to generate a warning notification. as well as When the battery status information meets the minimum charging threshold, the mobile computing device is automatically placed into a low-power operation mode.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before placing the mobile computing device into the low-power operating mode, the activation of the input device of the mobile computing device is detected to override the warning notification.

17. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes retrieving the minimum charging threshold from the memory of the mobile computing device.

18. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain a first charging status indicator from the first battery pack; and The minimum charging threshold is dynamically generated based on the first charging status indicator.

19. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the mobile computing device is in a low-power operation mode, controlling the output device to generate a battery replacement ready notification.

Images