Electronic device, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

An electronic device, a control method, and a storage medium are provided. The electronic device includes a connection unit and a control unit. In a case where a first battery or a second battery connected to an external device is not charged, the control unit enables a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the external device to the electronic device, and enables a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to a predetermined function unit of the external device. In a case where the first battery or the second battery connected to the external device is charged, the control unit disables the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to the predetermined function unit, and enables a power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery or the second battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The aspects of this disclosure generally relate to electronic devices capable of controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries connected to other electronic devices, methods for controlling such electronic devices, and storage media storing programs for causing a computer to execute methods for controlling such electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, have been used as power sources for electronic devices such as digital cameras, personal computers (PCs), and smartphones. These electronic devices can charge their batteries using power supplied from commercial AC power or external devices while the batteries are connected. Furthermore, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, one of the interface standards for connecting electronic devices, can supply power and charge the batteries connected to the devices.

[0003] Accessory devices exist that can be mounted on electronic devices, such as digital cameras capable of charging batteries via the USB standard. These accessory devices include, for example, a battery holder and a WFT (Wireless Document Transmitter) with communication capabilities with external devices; the battery holder can be connected to the battery and used as a handle for the camera during shooting. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-87953 discloses a method for controlling the charging of a battery connected to an accessory device, which involves switching the power supply path to the battery based on whether the battery is in a discharging or charging state.

[0004] However, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-87953, the battery of the accessory device is not charged via a digital camera or the like connected to the accessory device. Furthermore, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-87953, when attempting to charge the battery of the accessory device via a digital camera, a power supply path for each battery is required, and the number of connection terminals or charging control circuits used to connect to the accessory device increases the number of batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a connection unit; and a control unit, configured to, when a first battery or a second battery connected to an external device is not being charged, enable a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the external device to the electronic device, and enable a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to a predetermined functional unit of the external device; and, when the first battery or the second battery connected to the external device is being charged, disable the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to the predetermined functional unit, and enable a power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery or the second battery.

[0006] According to another aspect of the embodiments, a method for controlling an electronic device is provided, comprising: when a first battery or a second battery connected to an external device is not being charged, enabling a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the external device to the electronic device, and enabling a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to a predetermined functional unit of the external device; and when the first battery or the second battery connected to the external device is being charged, disabling the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to the predetermined functional unit, and enabling a power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery or the second battery.

[0007] According to another aspect of the embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium is provided that stores a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an electronic device, the control method comprising: when a first battery or a second battery connected to an external device is not being charged, enabling a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the external device to the electronic device, and enabling a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to a predetermined functional unit of the external device; and when the first battery or the second battery connected to the external device is being charged, disabling the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the external device to the predetermined functional unit, and enabling a power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery or the second battery.

[0008] Other aspects of this embodiment will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1A and 1B This is an external view of the electronic device 100 and accessory device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the components of the electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the components of the electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2C This is a diagram illustrating an example of the components of the electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2DThis is a diagram illustrating an example of the components of the electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3A and 3B This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the charging sequence determination process for batteries 203 and 204 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figures 5A to 5C This is a diagram illustrating an example of the charging sequence arrangement of batteries 203 and 204 according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the remaining levels of display batteries 203 and 204 according to a first embodiment.

[0018] Figures 7A to 7C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 according to a second embodiment.

[0019] Figures 8A to 8C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 according to a third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0021] [First Embodiment]

[0022] First, refer to Figures 1A to 6 The first embodiment will be described below.

[0023] In the first embodiment, an example of the process of controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 will be described.

[0024] Figure 1A and 1BThis is an external view of the electronic device 100 and accessory device 200 according to the first embodiment. The electronic device 100 is, for example, a camera device used as a digital camera for capturing images. The accessory device 200 is, for example, another electronic device used as a wireless document transmitter. The accessory device 200 is not limited to WFT (Wireless Document Transmitter) and may be a device with a battery holder function.

[0025] Figure 1A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the connection state between electronic device 100 and external device 300 when accessory device 200 is not connected to electronic device 100.

[0026] The electronic device 100 can connect a third battery 107 to a first battery holder 106. The third battery 107 is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0027] The electronic device 100 has a first connector 101 (jack). By connecting an external device 300, the third battery 107 can be charged using the power supplied to the electronic device 100 or the remaining power during power supply.

[0028] The external device 300 has a second connector 302, which is a plug-shaped USB connector and a power supply device for supplying power to the electronic device 100 from the outside. A power plug 301 connects to a commercial AC power supply 303 that converts power from the external device 300 into DC power and supplies it from the second connector 302. The electronic device 100 can know the voltage and current supplied to the external device 300 through voltage levels on a communication line (not shown) and data communication.

[0029] Figure 1B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the connection state between the electronic device 100 and the external device 300 when the accessory device 200 is connected to the electronic device 100.

[0030] The accessory device 200 can connect two batteries, a first battery 203 and a second battery 204, and the first battery 203 and the second battery 204 are rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion batteries.

[0031] Accessory device 200 can be connected to electronic device 100 via connection unit 208. Power from first battery 203 is supplied to electronic device 100 via connection unit 208. A portion of the power supplied from first battery 203 to electronic device 100 is also supplied to accessory device 200 via connection unit 208. See below for further details. Figures 2A to 2D To describe the details. The power of the second battery 204 supplies the WFT circuit 234, which will be described later.

[0032] Accessory device 200 can be connected to the first battery holder 106 instead of the third battery 107. Electronic device 100 can receive power supplied from the first battery 203 of accessory device 200 connected to the first battery holder 106. Additionally, it can receive power supplied from the second power circuit 112 or the power control unit 104, which will be described later. (Referring to...) Figures 2A to 2D Detailed description. To charge the first battery 203 and the second battery 204 while the electronic device 100 and accessory device 200 are connected, the external device 300 is connected to the first connector 101 in the same manner as when the accessory device 200 is not connected to the electronic device 100. The first light-emitting unit 206a and the second light-emitting unit 206b are light sources such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) used to indicate the charging status by emitting light.

[0033] Figures 2A to 2D This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the components of the electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2A This is a block diagram of the electronic device 100 and the external device 300 when the accessory device 200 is not connected to the electronic device 100.

[0035] The first connector 101 is a plug-in USB connector. A power supply 130, signal line 131, and GND (not shown) are connected via the first connector 101. The power supply 130 is VBUS, and the signal line 131 includes the signal lines required for USB communication. The power supply 130 is connected to a third battery 107, which is connected to the first battery holder 106, via a fourth switch 103 and a power control unit 104. Figure 2A In this configuration, the AC adapter is connected to the first connector 101 as an external device 300, but devices such as mobile batteries, PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc., can also be connected to the first connector 101.

[0036] The PD communication unit 102 is a communication circuit that can use the CC1 and CC2 terminals (not shown) to detect the connection of the external device 300 and communicate with the external device 300 based on the USB PD (Power Delivery) standard.

[0037] The fourth switch 103 is a switching circuit used to connect and disconnect the power supply to VBUS, and in the event of an overvoltage, the overvoltage is controlled by disconnecting the fourth switch 103 to prevent it from being applied to subsequent circuitry. The fourth switch 103 is controlled by the PD communication unit 102.

[0038] The power control unit 104 is a voltage conversion circuit for supplying power by converting the power source 130 into a voltage usable for the electronic device 100. The power control unit 104 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter that can supply the power required by the first power circuit 105 and the second power circuit 112. Furthermore, the power control unit 104 can switch between power supplied from an external device 300 and power supplied from at least one of the third battery 107 or the first battery 203. Additionally, the power control unit 104 can use the power supplied from the external device 300 to charge the batteries. Using the power supplied from the external device 300, the power control unit 104, by controlling the voltage and current, enables rapid constant-current charging, rapid constant-voltage charging, linear charging, and pre-charging, etc., for at least one of the third battery 107, the first battery 203, and the second battery 204.

[0039] The first power supply circuit 105 is a circuit for supplying power to the system circuitry (not shown) of the electronic device 100. When charging the third battery 107 using power supplied from the external device 300, the power control unit 104 receives power from the external device 300 and charges the battery with remaining power while operating the system circuitry via the first power supply circuit 105. Note that one of the third battery 107, the first battery 203, and the second battery 204 is charged.

[0040] The first battery holder 106 is a battery connection portion for accommodating a connectable third battery 107. The first battery holder 106 can also be connected to the accessory device 200 and can receive power from the battery connected to the accessory device 200. Furthermore, power can be supplied to the accessory device 200 from the second power circuit 112 or the power control unit 104.

[0041] The first detection circuit 108 is used to detect the connection of the accessory device 200 to the first battery holder 106. The detection signal of the first detection circuit 108 is output to the first control unit 120, which will be described later. The first control unit 120 can detect the connection of the accessory device 100 to the first battery holder 106. For example, the first control unit 120 can detect the connection of the accessory device 200 by grounding the terminal on the accessory device 200 side that mates with the first battery holder 106 of the electronic device 100, and by pulling up or intermittently pulling down the terminal on the electronic device 100 side to the power supply.

[0042] The first memory 109 includes non-volatile memory, volatile memory, etc., and is used as a storage area for storing display data of the first display unit 110, which will be described later, and is also used to expand constants, variables, computer programs, etc. for the operation of the first control unit 120, which will be described later.

[0043] The first display unit 110 includes an LCD (liquid crystal display), an organic EL (electroluminescent panel), etc., and displays the internal state of the electronic device 100, the battery charging status, captured images, shooting modes, etc. (See below for further details.) Figure 6 The description shows an example.

[0044] The first operation unit 111 includes switches, dials, touch panels, etc., that accept user operations such as shooting commands, displaying menu screens, and changing shooting modes.

[0045] The second power supply circuit 112 is a circuit used to generate power to be supplied to the system circuit 240 of the accessory device 200.

[0046] The first control unit 120 is a microcomputer used to control the charging or discharging of the battery or to communicate with the accessory device 200 and the external device 300. The first control unit 120 can communicate with devices such as a PC connected to the first connector 101. Furthermore, when the external device 300 is connected to the first connector 101, the first control unit 120 receives a detection signal from the PD communication unit 102 and detects the connection to the external device 300. In addition, the first control unit 120 determines the type and power supply capability of the connected adapter, controls the power control unit 104, and charges any one of the third battery 107, the first battery 203, and the second battery 204. The first control unit 120 also controls the first power circuit 105 and the second power circuit 112.

[0047] Figure 2B This is a block diagram of electronic device 100 and external device 300 when accessory device 200 is connected to electronic device 100.

[0048] The connection unit 208 is an interface connector capable of connecting to the first battery holder 106 of the electronic device 100. In the first embodiment, the connection unit 208 has a shape that mates with the first battery holder 106 of the electronic device 100. Power lines from the first battery 203, power lines to the first battery 203 or the second battery 204, as well as communication lines, detection signal lines, and power lines to the system circuit 204 are connected via the connection unit 208.

[0049] The second detection circuit 209 is used to detect the connection of the electronic device 100 to the connection unit 208. The detection signal of the second detection circuit 209 is output to the second control unit 220, which will be described later, and the second control unit 220 can detect the connection to the electronic device 100. For example, the second control unit 220 can detect the connection of the electronic device 100 by grounding the terminal of the first battery holder 106 on the side of the electronic device 100 that is to mate with the connection unit 208 of the accessory device 200, and by pulling up or intermittently pulling up the terminal on the side of the accessory device 200 to the power supply.

[0050] Similar to the first memory 109, the second memory 205 includes non-volatile memory, volatile memory, etc., and is used to store constants, variables, and computer programs for the operation of the second control unit 220, which will be described later.

[0051] Similar to the first display unit 110, the second display unit 206 includes a first light-emitting unit 206a and a second light-emitting unit 206b for displaying the internal state of the accessory device 200, the charging state of the battery, etc. The first light-emitting unit 206a is a light source, such as an LED, that is turned on when the first battery 203 is being charged, turned off when charging is complete, or flashes when a charging error occurs. The second light-emitting unit 206b is a light source, such as an LED, that is turned on when the second battery 204 is being charged, turned off when charging is complete, or flashes when a charging error occurs.

[0052] Similar to the first operation unit 111, the second operation unit 207 includes switches, dials, etc., that accept user operations such as shooting commands, menu screen display, and changes in shooting modes.

[0053] The second control unit 220 is a microcomputer used to control various switches, charging displays, or WFT circuits, or to communicate with the electronic device 100. The second control unit 220 can communicate with the first control unit 120. The second control unit 220 controls the second display unit 206, the first switch 231, the second switch 232, the third switch 233, and the WFT circuit 234 based on instructions from the first control unit 120. The control of the second display unit 206 is as described above. (Refer to the following...) Figure 3A and 3B The control of the first switch 231, the second switch 232, and the third switch 233 is described. When the user sets the operation to use WFT via the first operation unit 111, the second control unit 220 enables the WFT circuit 234 based on instructions from the first control unit 120. When the user sets the operation to not use WFT, the second control unit 220 disables the WFT circuit 234 based on instructions from the first control unit 120.

[0054] The second battery holder 201 is a battery housing unit for accommodating a connectable first battery 203. By connecting the first battery 203 to the second battery holder 201, power can be supplied to the electronic device 100 via the first switch 231, which will be described later.

[0055] The third battery holder 202 is a battery housing unit for accommodating a connectable second battery 204. By connecting the second battery 204 to the third battery holder 202, power can be supplied to the WFT circuit 234 via the second switch 232, which will be described later.

[0056] The first switch 231 is a switching circuit used to form (connect or disconnect) a power supply path between the first battery 203 and the electronic device 100. The first switch 231 is turned on when power is supplied (charged) from the first battery 203 to the electronic device 100 or when power is supplied from the electronic device 100 to the first battery 203, and the first switch 231 is turned off when power supply stops.

[0057] The second switch 232 is a switching circuit used to form (connect or disconnect) a power supply path between the second battery 204 and the WFT circuit 234. When power is supplied from the second battery 204 to the WFT circuit 234, the second switch 232 is turned on, and when power supply stops, the second switch 232 is turned off.

[0058] The third switch 233 is a switching circuit used to form (connect or disconnect) a power supply path between the second battery 204 and the electronic device 100. The third switch 233 is turned on when power is supplied from the second battery 204 to the electronic device 100 or when power is supplied from the electronic device 100 to the second battery 204 (charging), and the third switch 233 is turned off when power supply stops.

[0059] The WFT (Wireless File Transmitter) circuit 234 is a functional unit for communicating with the outside world based on wireless communication standards such as wireless LAN and for high-speed data transmission.

[0060] Power supply path 235 is a common power supply path for supplying power from the first battery 203 to the electronic device 100, or for supplying power from the electronic device 100 to the first battery 203 or the second battery 204 of the accessory device 200 from the external device 300.

[0061] In addition to the WFT circuit 234 and the second power supply circuit 112 of the accessory device 200, the system circuit 240 implements the functions of the accessory device 200. The system circuit 240 includes a second memory 205, a second display unit 206, a second operation unit 207, a second detection circuit 209, a second control unit 220, a first switch 231, a second switch 232, and a third switch 233.

[0062] Figure 2C and 2D It shows that it is aimed at Figure 2A and 2B A block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration that alters the arrangement of the second power supply circuit 112.

[0063] The second power supply circuit 112 may be provided in the electronic device 100 or the accessory device 200.

[0064] In the following text, we will refer to Figures 3A to 6 This describes a process for controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 when accessory device 200 is connected to electronic device 100.

[0065] Figure 3A and 3B This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 3A and 3B The processing is achieved by the first control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 executing the program stored in the first memory 109, and the second control unit 220 of the accessory device 200 executing the program stored in the second memory 205. The second control unit 220 executes based on instructions from the first control unit 120. Figure 3A and 3B The processing.

[0067] In step S301, the first control unit 120 determines whether the accessory device 200 is connected to the electronic device 100. When the first control unit 120 determines that the accessory device 200 is connected, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S302 and repeats the process of step S301 until the first control unit 120 determines that the accessory device 200 is not connected.

[0068] In step S302, the first control unit 120 determines whether the electronic device 100 is turned on. When the first control unit 120 determines that the electronic device 100 is powered on, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S303, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the power supply to the electronic device 100 is not connected, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S307.

[0069] In step S303, the first control unit 120 displays the remaining battery levels of the first battery 203 and the second battery 204 on the first display unit 110, and... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S304. The first control unit 120 obtains the remaining battery levels of the first battery 203 and the second battery 204 from the second control unit 220 via communication using a communication line (not shown), and displays the obtained remaining battery levels on the first display unit 110. (Refer to the following...) Figure 6 Describe the details.

[0070] In step S304, the first control unit 120 determines whether the user has set the WFT circuit 234 of the accessory device 200 through the first operation unit 111. When the first control unit 120 determines that the user has set the WFT circuit 234 of the accessory device 200 to be used, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S305. When the first control unit 120 determines that the user has set the WFT circuit 234 of the accessory device 200 to not use, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S306.

[0071] In step S305, the second control unit 220, based on the instructions of the first control unit 120, turns on the first switch 231, turns on the second switch 232, and turns off the third switch 233. Figure 3A and 3B The processing is now complete.

[0072] In step S306, the second control unit 220, based on the instructions of the first control unit 120, turns on the first switch 231, turns off the second switch 232, and turns off the third switch 233. Figure 3A and 3B The processing is now complete.

[0073] In step S307, the first control unit 120 determines whether an external device 300 is connected. When the first control unit 120 determines that an external device 300 is connected, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S308. When the first control unit 120 determines that the external device 300 is not connected, the first control unit 120 returns the process to step S302.

[0074] In step S308, the first control unit 120 determines the charging sequence of the first battery 203 and the second battery 204 based on the power supplied from the external device 300, and then... Figure 3A and 3BThe process proceeds to step S309. See below for further details. Figure 4 and 5A The method for determining the charging sequence is described up to 5C.

[0075] In step S309, the first control unit 120 determines whether to prioritize charging the first battery 203. When the first control unit 120 determines that charging the first battery 203 should be prioritized, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S310, and when the first control unit 120 determines that there is no priority for charging the first battery 203, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S315.

[0076] In step S310, the second control unit 220, based on instructions from the first control unit 120, turns on the first switch 231, turns off the second switch 232, and turns off the third switch 233, and... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S311.

[0077] In step S311, the second control unit 220 starts charging the first battery 203 based on the instruction from the first control unit 120, and... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S312.

[0078] In step S312, the first control unit 120 determines whether charging of the first battery 203 is complete. When the first control unit 120 determines that charging of the first battery 203 is complete, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S313 and repeats the process of step S312 until the charging of the first battery 203 is completed.

[0079] In step S313, the first control unit 120 terminates charging of the first battery 203 and... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S314.

[0080] In step S314, the first control unit 120 determines whether charging of the second battery 204 is complete. When the first control unit 120 determines that charging of the second battery 204 is complete, the first control unit 120 terminates the process. Figure 3A and 3B The processing, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the charging of the second battery 204 has not been completed, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3BThe process proceeds to step S315.

[0081] In step S315, the second control unit 220, based on the instruction from the first control unit 120, disconnects the first switch 231, disconnects the second switch 232, and connects the third switch 233, and... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S316.

[0082] In step S316, the first control unit 120 begins charging the second battery 204, and... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S317.

[0083] In step S317, the first control unit 120 determines whether charging of the second battery 204 is complete. When the first control unit 120 determines that charging of the second battery 204 is complete, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S318 and repeats the process of step S317 until the charging of the second battery 204 is completed.

[0084] In step S318, the first control unit 120 terminates charging of the second battery 204 and... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S319.

[0085] In step S319, the first control unit 120 determines whether charging of the first battery 203 is complete. When the first control unit 120 determines that charging of the first battery 203 is complete, the first control unit 120 terminates the process. Figure 3A and 3B The processing, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the charging of the first battery 203 has not been completed, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 3A and 3B The process proceeds to step S310.

[0086] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3A The flowchart below shows an example of the charging sequence determination process in step S308. In the following description, it will be assumed that the first battery 203 is a battery for supplying power to the electronic device 100, and the second battery 204 is a battery for supplying power to the accessory device 200.

[0087] In step S401, the first control unit 120 determines whether the battery charging sequence has been set to "prioritize batteries for electronic devices" through user operation. When the first control unit 120 determines that the battery charging sequence has been set to "prioritize batteries for electronic devices," the first control unit 120 will... Figure 4 The process proceeds to step S402, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the battery charging sequence is not set to "prioritize the battery for electronic devices", the first control unit 120 will... Figure 4 The process proceeds to step S403.

[0088] In step S402, the first control unit 120 sets the charging sequence of the batteries to prioritize the first battery 203 for electronic devices, and then ends the process. Figure 4 The processing.

[0089] In step S403, the first control unit 120 determines whether the battery charging sequence has been set to "prioritize batteries for accessory devices" through user operation. When the first control unit 120 determines that the battery charging sequence has been set to "prioritize batteries for accessory devices," the first control unit 120 will... Figure 4 The process proceeds to step S404, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the battery charging sequence is not set to "prioritize the battery of the accessory device", the first control unit 120 will... Figure 4 The process proceeds to step S405.

[0090] In step S404, the first control unit 120 sets the charging sequence of the batteries to prioritize the second battery 204 of the accessory device, and then ends the process. Figure 4 The processing.

[0091] In step S405, the first control unit 120 determines that the user has set the battery charging order to "prioritize batteries with lower remaining levels" and then... Figure 4 The process proceeds to step S406.

[0092] In step S406, the first control unit 120 determines whether the remaining level of the first battery 203 for the electronic device is lower than the remaining level of the second battery 204 for the accessory device. When the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the first battery 203 for the electronic device is lower than the remaining level of the second battery 204 for the accessory device, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 4 The process proceeds to step S402. When the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the first battery 203 for the electronic device is not lower than the remaining level of the second battery 204 for the accessory device, the first control unit 120 will... Figure 4 The process proceeds to step S404.

[0093] Figures 5A to 5C This is an example diagram showing a screen displaying the charging sequence settings of a battery according to the first embodiment.

[0094] The first display screen 500 is a menu screen displayed on the first display unit 110 for setting the charging order of the batteries. The first option 501 is for setting the battery charging order to "prioritize batteries for electronic devices," and this setting prioritizes charging the batteries for electronic devices. The second option 502 is for setting the battery charging order to "prioritize batteries for accessory devices," and this setting prioritizes charging the batteries for accessory devices. The third option 503 is for setting the battery charging order to "prioritize batteries with lower remaining levels," and this setting compares the remaining levels of the batteries for electronic devices and the remaining levels of the batteries for accessory devices, prioritizing charging the battery with the lower remaining level.

[0095] Figure 5A , 5B 5C is an example of setting the display status of the first selection item 501, the second selection item 502, and the third selection item 503 in the first display screen 500. Figure 5A This is a display example showing the setting of "Prioritize battery for electronic devices". Figure 5B This is a display example showing the status of "Prioritize batteries for accessory devices". Figure 5C This is a display example showing the state where "prioritize batteries with lower remaining levels" is set.

[0096] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the remaining battery level according to the first embodiment.

[0097] The second display screen 600 is a live view screen displayed on the first display unit 110 in the shooting mode of the electronic device 100. The second display screen 600 displays various settings of the electronic device 100, such as object, shutter speed, and aperture. The first icon 601 displays the remaining battery level for the electronic device. The second icon 602 displays the remaining battery level for the accessory device. Information 603 is a portion of the second icon 602 and includes, for example, a marker indicating the destination of the battery for the accessory device.

[0098] According to the first embodiment, the batteries 203 and 204 of the accessory device 200 can be charged and / or discharged to the power control unit 104 of the electronic device 100 via a common power supply path 235. Therefore, the charging and / or discharging of the batteries 203 and 204 of the accessory device 200 can be controlled without increasing the circuit size required for power supply between the electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200. Furthermore, the charging sequence of the batteries 203 and 204 can be set by user operation, and the charging of the battery that the user desires to prioritize can be performed.

[0099] [Second Embodiment]

[0100] Next, we will refer to Figures 7A to 7C The second embodiment is described.

[0101] In the second embodiment, the step-by-step control of charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 will be described.

[0102] Figures 7A to 7C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 in a second embodiment.

[0103] This is achieved by the first control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 executing the program stored in the first memory 109 and the second control unit 220 of the accessory device 200 executing the program stored in the second memory 205. Figures 7A to 7C The second control unit 220 performs processing based on instructions from the first control unit 120. Figures 7A to 7C The processing.

[0104] exist Figures 7A to 7C In the flowchart, the same step numbers are used to represent... Figure 3A and 3B The steps in the flowchart are the same as those steps, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0105] Furthermore, the configuration of the electronic device 100 and accessory device 200 in the second embodiment is the same as that described according to the first embodiment. Figure 1A and 1B as well as Figures 2A to 2D The configurations are the same.

[0106] In step S701, the first control unit 120 determines whether the remaining level of the first battery 203 is higher than a predetermined value of 50%. When the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the first battery 203 is higher than the predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S702, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the first battery 203 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 repeats the process of step S702.

[0107] In step S702, the first control unit 120 determines whether the remaining level of the second battery 204 is higher than a predetermined value of 50%. When the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the second battery 204 is higher than the predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 7A to 7CThe process proceeds to step S703, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the second battery 204 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S704.

[0108] In step S703, the first control unit 120 continues to charge the first battery 203 and... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S312.

[0109] In step S704, the first control unit 120 stops charging the first battery 203 and... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S315.

[0110] In step S705, the first control unit 120 determines whether the remaining level of the second battery 204 is higher than a predetermined value of 50%. When the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the second battery 204 is higher than the predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S706, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the second battery 204 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 repeats the process of step S705.

[0111] In step S706, the first control unit 120 determines whether the remaining level of the first battery 203 is higher than a predetermined value of 50%. When the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the first battery 203 is higher than the predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S707, and when the first control unit 120 determines that the remaining level of the first battery 203 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S708.

[0112] In step S707, the first control unit 120 continues to charge the second battery 204, and... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S317.

[0113] In step S708, the first control unit 120 stops charging the second battery 204 and... Figures 7A to 7C The process proceeds to step S310.

[0114] According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even if the externally supplied power is insufficient to fully charge the batteries 203 and 204 of the accessory device 200, convenience is improved by charging the batteries 203 and 204 to a usable level in a short time.

[0115] [Third Embodiment]

[0116] Next, we will refer to Figures 8A to 8C The third embodiment is described.

[0117] In the third embodiment, the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 will be described based on the remaining battery level of external device 300 used to power electronic device 100.

[0118] Figures 8A to 8C This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for controlling the charging and / or discharging of batteries 203 and 204 connected to accessory device 200 via electronic device 100 in a third embodiment.

[0119] This is achieved by the first control unit 120 of the electronic device 100 executing the program stored in the first memory 109 and the second control unit 220 of the accessory device 200 executing the program stored in the second memory 205. Figures 8A to 8C The second control unit 220 performs processing based on instructions from the first control unit 120. Figures 8A to 8C The processing.

[0120] exist Figures 8A to 8C In the flowchart, the same step numbers are used to represent... Figure 3A , 3B and Figures 7A to 7C The steps in the flowchart are the same as those steps, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0121] In step S801, the first control unit 120 determines whether the external device 300 connected to the electronic device 100 is a portable battery (i.e., a device with a limited power supply) and whether the remaining battery level is below a predetermined value of 50%. When the first control unit 120 determines that the external device 300 is a portable battery and the remaining battery level is below the predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 8A to 8C The process proceeds to step S701. Furthermore, when the first control unit 120 determines that the external device 300 is not a mobile battery or that the remaining battery level is higher than a predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 8A to 8C The process proceeds to step S312.

[0122] In step S802, the first control unit 120 determines whether the external device 300 is a portable battery (i.e., a device with a limited power supply) and whether the remaining battery level is below a predetermined value of 50%. When the first control unit 120 determines that the external device 300 is a portable battery and the remaining battery level is below the predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 8A to 8CThe process proceeds to step S705. Furthermore, when the first control unit 120 determines that the external device 300 is not a mobile battery or that the remaining battery level is higher than a predetermined value of 50%, the first control unit 120 will... Figures 8A to 8C The process proceeds to step S317.

[0123] According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the batteries 203 and 204 of the accessory device 200 can be charged efficiently based on the remaining level of the mobile battery of the external device 300 connected to the electronic device 100.

[0124] In the first to third embodiments described above, when the second battery 204 is being charged, although the second switch 232 is turned off to stop the power supply from the second battery 204 to the WFT circuit 234, it can be controlled so that the charging of the second battery 204 is not performed. When the first battery 203 is being charged, the second switch 232 is turned on to supply power from the second battery 204 to the WFT circuit 234.

[0125] Furthermore, the third embodiment can be applied to any electronic device, as long as it has the function of controlling the charging and / or discharging of the batteries of other electronic devices. In the various embodiments described above, examples of the connection unit 208 transmitting and receiving power, data, and signals via power supply lines, communication lines, and detection signal lines have been described; the connection unit 208 can be one or more. Additionally, one of the first detection circuit 108 and the second detection circuit 209 can be used to detect the connection between the electronic device 100 and the accessory device 200. The display of the charging status using the first light-emitting unit 206a and the second light-emitting unit 206b can be a display appearance other than that described in the above embodiments. In the first display screen 500, three options are illustrated for the battery charging sequence, but other options may exist. For example, the option for controlling the second embodiment can be used to provide "prioritize the camera battery (gradual charging)". Furthermore, the number of options related to the battery charging sequence can be less than... Figures 5A to 5C For example, the number of charging sequence options could even be just two: "Prioritize batteries for electronic devices" and "Prioritize batteries for accessory devices." Furthermore, in... Figures 7A to 7C In this context, the threshold for the remaining level of the mobile battery is set to 50%, but values ​​other than 50% can be set, and a threshold can be provided.

[0126] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0127] At least one of the various functions, processes, and methods described in the above embodiments can be implemented using a program. In the following, in the fourth embodiment, the program used to implement at least one of the various functions, processes, and methods described in the above embodiments is referred to as "program X". Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the computer used to execute program X is referred to as "computer Y". A personal computer, microcomputer, CPU (central processing unit), etc., are exemplary examples of computer Y. At least one of the various functions, processes, and methods described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer Y executing program X. In this case, program X is supplied to computer Y via a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium according to the fourth embodiment includes at least one of a hard disk drive, magnetic storage device, optical storage device, magneto-optical storage device, memory card, ROM, RAM, etc. Furthermore, the computer-readable storage medium of the fourth embodiment is a non-transitory (non-temporary) storage medium.

[0128] While aspects of this disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims will be given the broadest interpretation to cover all modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: A connection unit, which connects an accessory device, the accessory device including a predetermined functional unit and connected to a first battery for powering the electronic device and a second battery for powering the predetermined functional unit; as well as A control unit is configured to control the charging of the first and second batteries connected to the accessory device, and to control whether to enable power supply from the second battery to the predetermined functional unit. The electronic device operates using power supplied from the first battery connected to the accessory device. Specifically, the control unit (a) enables a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the accessory device to the electronic device and enables a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit when the first battery and the second battery connected to the accessory device are not being charged and the predetermined functional unit of the accessory device is being used; (b) disables the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit and enables a power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery when the first battery connected to the accessory device is being charged and the second battery is not being charged; and (c) disables the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit and enables a power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the second battery when the second battery connected to the accessory device is being charged and the first battery is not being charged. The control unit, when the first and second batteries connected to the accessory device are being charged, controls the charging of the first and second batteries using power supplied from the power supply device connected to the electronic device. The control unit determines the charging sequence of the first battery and the second battery when the first battery and the second battery connected to the accessory device are being charged.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch. The first switch is used to enable the power supply path between the first battery and the electronic device; the second switch is used to enable the power supply path between the second battery and the predetermined functional unit; and the third switch is used to enable the power supply path between the second battery and the electronic device. Wherein, when the first battery and the second battery connected to the accessory device are not being charged, the control unit controls the first switch to supply power from the first battery to the electronic device, and controls the second switch to supply power from the second battery to the predetermined functional unit. When the first battery connected to the accessory device is being charged, the control unit controls the second switch to stop power supply from the second battery to the predetermined functional unit, and controls the first switch to supply power to the first battery.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, When the electronic device is turned on and the predetermined functional unit is activated, the control unit controls the second switch to enable the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery to the predetermined functional unit. Wherein, the control unit controls the second switch to disable the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery to the predetermined functional unit when the predetermined functional unit is not activated.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit determines the charging sequence of the first battery and the second battery based on user settings.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the charging of the first battery before charging the second battery when the remaining level of the first battery is lower than the remaining level of the second battery, and controls the charging of the second battery before charging the first battery when the remaining level of the second battery is lower than the remaining level of the first battery.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying the remaining level of the first battery or the second battery. in, The display unit displays information indicating the power supply destination of the first battery or the second battery.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device can be used as a camera.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined functional unit has the function of wireless communication.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (a) enables a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the accessory device to the electronic device and enables a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit when the second battery connected to the accessory device is not being charged and the predetermined functional unit is being used; and (b) disables a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit and enables a power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the second battery connected to the accessory device when the second battery connected to the accessory device is being charged.

10. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: When the first and second batteries connected to the accessory device are not being charged and a predetermined functional unit of the accessory device is being used, a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the accessory device to the electronic device is enabled, and a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is enabled. When the first battery connected to the accessory device is being charged and the second battery is not being charged, the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is disabled, and the power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery is enabled. When the second battery connected to the accessory device is being charged and the first battery is not being charged, the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is disabled, and the power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the second battery is enabled. When the first and second batteries connected to the accessory device are being charged, control is performed to charge the first and second batteries using power supplied from the power supply device connected to the electronic device; as well as When the first battery and the second battery connected to the accessory device are being charged, the charging sequence of the first battery and the second battery is determined.

11. The control method according to claim 10, further comprising: The display unit of the electronic device displays the remaining level of the first battery or the second battery; as well as The display unit of the electronic device displays information indicating the power supply destination of the first battery or the second battery.

12. The control method according to claim 10, wherein, The electronic device can be used as a camera.

13. The control method according to claim 10, wherein, The predetermined functional unit has the function of wireless communication.

14. The control method according to claim 10, further comprising: When the second battery connected to the accessory device is not charged and the predetermined functional unit is used, a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the accessory device to the electronic device is enabled, and a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is also enabled. as well as When the second battery connected to the accessory device is being charged, the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is disabled, and the power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the second battery connected to the accessory device is enabled.

15. A non-transitory storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform a control method of an electronic device, the control method comprising: When the first and second batteries connected to the accessory device are not being charged and a predetermined functional unit of the accessory device is being used, a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the accessory device to the electronic device is enabled, and a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is enabled. When the first battery connected to the accessory device is being charged and the second battery is not being charged, the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is disabled, and the power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery is enabled. When the second battery connected to the accessory device is being charged and the first battery is not being charged, the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is disabled, and the power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the second battery is enabled. When the first and second batteries connected to the accessory device are being charged, control is performed to charge the first and second batteries using power supplied from the power supply device connected to the electronic device; as well as When the first battery and the second battery connected to the accessory device are being charged, the charging sequence of the first battery and the second battery is determined.

16. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 15, wherein, The control method further includes: The display unit of the electronic device displays the remaining level of the first battery or the second battery; and The display unit of the electronic device displays information indicating the power supply destination of the first battery or the second battery.

17. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 15, wherein, The electronic device can be used as a camera.

18. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 15, wherein, The predetermined functional unit has the function of wireless communication.

19. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 15, wherein, The control method further includes: When the second battery connected to the accessory device is not charged and the predetermined functional unit is used, a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the accessory device to the electronic device is enabled, and a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is also enabled; and When the second battery connected to the accessory device is being charged, the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is disabled, and the power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the second battery connected to the accessory device is enabled.

20. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to perform a control method of an electronic device, the control method comprising: When the first and second batteries connected to the accessory device are not being charged and a predetermined functional unit of the accessory device is being used, a power supply path for supplying power from the first battery connected to the accessory device to the electronic device is enabled, and a power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is enabled. When the first battery connected to the accessory device is being charged and the second battery is not being charged, the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is disabled, and the power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the first battery is enabled. When the second battery connected to the accessory device is being charged and the first battery is not being charged, the power supply path for supplying power from the second battery connected to the accessory device to the predetermined functional unit is disabled, and the power supply path for supplying power from the electronic device to the second battery is enabled. When the first and second batteries connected to the accessory device are being charged, control is performed to charge the first and second batteries using power supplied from the power supply device connected to the electronic device; as well as When the first battery and the second battery connected to the accessory device are being charged, the charging sequence of the first battery and the second battery is determined.

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