Method and Apparatus For Diagnosing The Condition of A Rechargeable Battery

Abstract

A diagnostic technique for determining whether the degradation of a rechargeable battery is normal or abnormal is provided. A device for determining whether the degradation of a rechargeable battery is normal or abnormal comprises a device for measuring a degradation indicator of a rechargeable battery, a device for determining the usage quantity of the rechargeable battery, and a device for comparing the usage quantity with a reference usage quantity in the case where the measured degradation indicator exceeds a reference degradation value.

1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a battery pack including a memory apparatus that stores data indicating usage history of the battery pack; and    an adapter adapted for coupling to the battery pack, the adapter including a reading means for reading the data stored in the memory apparatus when the battery pack is coupled to the adapter, and a displaying means for displaying the data read by the reading means so that a user of the battery pack can learn the use history of the battery pack.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a charger for charging the battery pack when the battery pack is coupled with the charger, the charger including an updating means for updating data stored in the memory apparatus of the battery pack.    
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the battery pack includes an updating means for updating data stored in the memory apparatus of the battery pack.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter displays at least a number of times the battery pack has been charged.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter displays at least a number of times the battery pack has been fully charged and a number of times the battery pack has been incompletely charged.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus for coupling to a battery pack used to power a battery-powered device, wherein the battery pack includes a memory apparatus for storing usage history data of the battery pack, comprising: 
 a connector that can connect to the battery pack;    a terminal in communication with the memory apparatus;    a controller in communication with said terminal that reads the usage history data stored in the memory apparatus; and    a display device in communication with said controller that displays the usage history data.    
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 a charger for charging the battery pack when the battery pack is coupled to the charger, the charger including an updating means for updating data stored in the memory apparatus of the battery pack.    
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the battery pack includes an updating means for updating data stored in the memory apparatus of the battery pack.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said display can display at least a number of times the battery pack has been charged.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said display can display at least a number of times the battery pack has been fully charged and a number of times the battery pack has been incompletely charged.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus for coupling to a battery pack used to power a battery-powered device, wherein the battery pack includes a memory apparatus for storing usage history data of the battery pack, comprising: 
 a connector that can connect to the battery pack;    a terminal in communication with the memory apparatus;    a controller in communication with said terminal that reads the usage history data stored in the memory apparatus and calculate various battery usage characteristics; and    a display device in communication with said controller that displays said battery usage characteristics.    
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 a charger for charging the battery pack when the battery pack is coupled to the charger, the charger including an updating means for updating data stored in the memory apparatus of the battery pack.    
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the battery pack includes an updating means for updating data stored in the memory apparatus of the battery pack.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said display can display at least a number of times the battery pack has been charged.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said display can display at least a number of times the battery pack has been fully charged and a number of times the battery pack has been incompletely charged.