Electronic device, control method and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device, a control method and a storage medium. The electronic device comprises: a communication component that communicates with a battery; a storage component that stores first identification information of the battery; and a judgment component that judges whether the communication component can perform predetermined communication with the battery when the second identification information of the battery received from the battery is consistent with the first identification information stored in the storage component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to an electronic device capable of communicating with a battery and a method of controlling the electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-193784 describes an electronic device that can communicate with a battery and perform control according to the type of the battery.

[0003] However, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-193784, after continuous use of the battery, due to some defects, the predetermined communication between the electronic device and the battery may not be possible. In this case, the information about the battery required for controlling the electronic device may not be obtained, and therefore the electronic device or the battery cannot be properly controlled. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may be controlled according to whether predetermined information has been obtained from the battery.

[0005] According to various embodiments, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a communication component for communicating with a battery; a storage component for storing first identification information of the battery; and a judgment component for judging whether the communication component is capable of performing predetermined communication with the battery when second identification information of the battery received from the battery is consistent with the first identification information stored in the storage component.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a control method for an electronic device is provided, comprising: communicating with a battery via a communication component of the electronic device; and determining whether the communication component is capable of performing predetermined communication with the battery when second identification information of the battery received from the battery is consistent with first identification information stored in a storage component of the electronic device.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a non-temporary storage medium is provided, which stores a program that enables a computer to execute a control method for an electronic device, the control method comprising: communicating with a battery via a communication component of the electronic device; and determining whether the communication component is capable of performing predetermined communication with the battery when second identification information of the battery received from the battery is consistent with first identification information stored in a storage component of the electronic device.

[0008] Further aspects of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing elements of the flash device 300 according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing elements of the flash device 300 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing elements of a battery 301 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 : is a flowchart for describing the process of storing the identification information of the battery 301 .

[0013] Figures 5A to 5D 301 is a diagram showing an example of battery information for notifying information related to the battery 301 .

[0014] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing an example of inquiry information related to a battery with disabled communication.

[0015] Figure 7 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the flash device 300 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the flash device 300 according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the flash device 300 according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0019] [First embodiment]

[0020] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing elements of a flash device 300 as one example of the electronic device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 2 3 is a block diagram also showing elements of the flash device 300. The flash device 300 can be attached to or detached from the imaging apparatus. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same functional parts.

[0021] First, the elements of the flash device 300 will be described. The flash device 300 includes a main body 300a attachably and detachably connected to the imaging apparatus and a movable part 300b rotatably held relative to the main body 300a in the up-down direction and the left-right direction.

[0022] The control processor 310 controls the elements of the flash device 300. The control processor 310 has a single-chip IC including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output control circuit (I / O control circuit), a multiplexer, a timer circuit, an EEPROM, an A / D converter, or a D / A converter. A battery ID of the battery 301 (corresponding to identification information of the battery 301) to be described later is stored in the EEPROM within the control processor 310 of the flash device 300. Reference will be made to the control processor 310 later. Figure 4 A process for storing battery identification information is described.

[0023] The interface circuit 3000 of the flash device 300 is connected via Figure 2 The terminal 130 shown in FIG. 1 communicates with the control processor of the image pickup apparatus. A battery 301 connected to the outside of the flash device 300 is used as a power source (VBAT) of the flash device 300.

[0024] Figure 3 3 is a block diagram showing the components of the battery 301 and some components of the flash device 300. Figure 3 The elements of battery 301 are described.

[0025] The battery 301 is a battery having a communication function, and includes a battery cell 301 a , a protection circuit that monitors over discharge and the like, and a control processor 301 b .

[0026] The control processor 301b includes a single-chip microcomputer; inside the control processor 301b, there are a communication function unit and a remaining power detection unit that monitors the remaining battery power of the battery 301. The control processor 301b obtains and records various types of battery information, forms the various types of battery information into communication data, and sends the communication data to the control processor 310 of the flash device 300. In addition, the control processor 301b cooperates with the authentication IC 301c of the battery 301 to send encrypted information for battery authentication to the control processor 310. Using the encrypted information, the control processor 310 performs battery authentication processing. The temperature detection unit 301d of the battery 301 detects the temperature of the battery 301, and notifies the control processor 301b of temperature information indicating the detected temperature.

[0027] The connector 301e is arranged on the external package of the battery 301; the connector 301e includes a terminal 301f connected to the positive electrode of the battery cell 301a and a terminal 301h connected to the negative electrode of the battery cell 301a. The connector 301e also includes a communication terminal 301g connected to the communication port of the control processor 301b. The terminals of the connector on the flash device 300 side corresponding to the aforementioned terminals are connected to the control processor 310 of the flash device 300, and power supply from the battery 301 to the flash device 300 and communication between the battery 301 and the flash device 300 are performed via these terminals.

[0028] The terminal temperature detection unit 399 detects the temperature of the connector 301 e arranged near the battery 301 , and notifies the control processor 310 of the detected temperature.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the flash device 300 includes a storage unit 302, and the storage unit 302 includes a boost unit 302a, resistors 302b and 302c for voltage detection, and a main capacitor 302d. The storage unit 302 charges the main capacitor 302d by increasing the voltage of the battery 301 to several hundred volts using the boost unit 302a, and stores the voltage as electric energy for light emission. The boost unit 302a can change the current from the battery 301 according to the control signal (a signal for issuing an instruction related to the on-time of the FET) from the control processor 310. The charging voltage of the main capacitor 302d is divided by the resistors 302b and 302c, and the divided voltage is input to the A / D conversion terminal of the control processor 310.

[0030] The flash device 300 includes a trigger circuit 303 that applies a pulse voltage to a discharge tube 305. A light emission control circuit 304 controls the start and stop of light emission of the discharge tube 305. When receiving a pulse voltage of several kV applied by the trigger circuit 303, the discharge tube 305 is excited, discharges the electric energy charged in the main capacitor 302d, and emits light.

[0031] The integration circuit 309 of the flash device 300 integrates the current of the light received by the photodiode 314, and inputs its output to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 315 and the A / D converter terminal of the control processor 310 of the flash device 300. The non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 315 is connected to the D / A converter terminal in the control processor 310, and the output terminal of the comparator 315 is connected to the input terminal of the AND gate 311. The light emission control terminal (FL_START) of the control processor 310 is connected to the other input terminal of the AND gate 311, and the output of the AND gate 311 is input to the light emission control circuit 304. Note that the photodiode 314 is a sensor that receives the light emitted from the discharge tube 305, and receives the light emitted from the discharge tube 305 directly or via a glass fiber or the like.

[0032] The reflector 306 reflects the light emitted from the discharge tube 305 and guides the reflected light toward a predetermined direction. The zoom optical system 307 including an optical panel and the like is held in a manner that its position relative to the discharge tube 305 can be changed; changing the relative positions of the discharge tube 305 and the zoom optical system 307 enables the flash guide number and the irradiation range of the flash device 300 to be changed.

[0033] The light emitting unit of the flash device 300 includes a discharge tube 305, a reflector 306, and a zoom optical system 307. The irradiation range of the light emitting unit of the flash device 300 is changed by the movement of the zoom optical system 307, and the irradiation direction of the light emitting unit of the flash device 300 is changed by the rotation of the movable part 300b.

[0034] The input unit 312 of the flash device 300 includes an operation unit such as a power switch, a mode setting switch for setting an operation mode of the flash device 300, and a setting button for setting various types of parameters, and the control processor 310 performs various types of processing according to the input to the input unit 312. An operation unit for changing the setting of the light adjustment correction of the flash device 300 is also included in the input unit 312. The display unit 313 displays various states of the flash device 300. An LED for providing a warning display when the light is below the lower limit of the light adjustment range is also included in the display unit 313.

[0035] The zoom drive circuit 330 of the flash device 300 includes a zoom detection unit 330a that detects information related to the relative position of the discharge tube 305 and the zoom optical system 307 using an encoder or the like, and a zoom drive unit 330b that includes a motor for moving the zoom optical system 307. The control processor 310 obtains focal length information output from a control processor of the lens unit via a control processor of the image pickup apparatus, and the control processor 310 calculates a drive amount of the zoom optical system 307 based on the focal length information, so as to determine the drive amount of the zoom optical system 307. Alternatively, the control processor 310 drives the zoom optical system 307 so that the zoom optical system 307 is located at a position designated by a user via the input unit 312.

[0036] The flash device 300 can be controlled via wireless communication using the wireless unit 370. The wide-angle panel 380 is an optical component that is arranged in front of the light-emitting unit of the flash device 300 along the irradiation direction and expands the irradiation range of the light-emitting unit. The wide-angle panel 380 is manually pulled out from the light-emitting unit for use. The bounce adapter 390 is an optical component that serves as a cover located in front of the light-emitting unit along the irradiation direction and expands the irradiation range of the light-emitting unit. Note that, while the wide-angle panel 380 diffuses the emitted light forward, the bounce adapter 390 diffuses the emitted light upward, downward, leftward, and rightward, and does not irradiate strong light forward.

[0037] Figure 1 and 2 The communication line SC shown in FIG. 1 is a communication line for connecting between the flash device 300 and the image pickup apparatus. For example, the image pickup apparatus and the flash device 300 exchange data with each other via the communication line SC, and send commands and the like.

[0038] Figure 2 The terminal 130 of the serial communication based on three terminals is shown as an example of the communication line SC. The terminal 130 is connected to the control processor of the camera device via the interface circuit 1001. The terminal 130 includes an SCLK_S terminal for realizing communication synchronization between the camera device and the flash device 300, a MOSI_S terminal for sending data from the camera device to the flash device 300, and a MISO_S terminal for sending data from the flash device 300 to the camera device. Similar to the accessory socket, the terminal 130 is a terminal for connecting accessories such as the flash device 300 to the camera device. The terminal 130 also includes a GND terminal for connecting between the camera device and the flash device 300.

[0039] When data is sent from the control processor of the camera device to the control processor 310, the data is sent serially by inputting each bit to the MOSI_S terminal in the form of 0 or 1 in synchronization with the 8-bit clock of the SCLK_S terminal. On the other hand, when data is sent from the control processor 310 to the control processor of the camera device, the data is sent serially by outputting each bit from the MISO_S terminal in the form of 0 or 1 in synchronization with the 8-bit clock of the SCLK_S terminal. The signal is read and written at the rising timing of the SCLK_S signal via 8-bit (1-byte) communication. Then, this 8-bit communication is repeated for commands, command data, and data.

[0040] Figure 4 301 (corresponding to the identification information of the battery 301) is a flowchart for describing the process of causing the flash device 300 to store the battery ID of the battery 301. When the battery 301 is connected to the flash device 300 and the control processor 310 of the flash device 300 is activated, the flash device 300 starts Figure 4 The processing is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processing is described below. Figure 7 Step S111 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Figure 4 however, since the purpose here is to describe the process of causing the flash device 300 to store the identification information of the battery 301, step S401 is a useful starting point.

[0041] In step S401, the control processor 310 of the flash device 300 attempts to communicate with the control processor 301b of the battery 301. At this time, the control processor 310 sends a request for sending the type name, identification information, and other information of the battery 301 to the control processor 301b.

[0042] In step S402, the control processor 310 determines whether the battery 301 is a communication-valid battery. For example, in response to the information requested by the control processor 310 to the control processor 301b in step S101, this determination is made based on whether a response signal has been returned from the control processor 301b and whether appropriate response data has been sent. When appropriate response data has been sent, the process proceeds to step S403; on the other hand, when there is no response signal or when the response data is inappropriate, the process proceeds to step S411.

[0043] In steps S403 and S404, the control processor 310 of the flash device 300 performs a battery authentication process and determines whether the battery 301 is a battery capable of proper communication. A predetermined encryption code is sent from the control processor 310, and it is determined whether the content of the response signal from the control processor 301b is proper. When the content is proper, the process proceeds to step S405. When the content is not proper, the process proceeds to step S411.

[0044] In step S405, the control processor 310 of the flash device 300 requests the control processor 301b of the battery 301 to send the remaining battery power of the battery 301, the degree of deterioration of the battery 301, and the temperature of the battery 301, which are used for displaying battery information and control. The control processor 301b returns the requested information to the control processor 310. Note that the communication of information is performed in step S405, and the display of the battery information and other information is performed in step S408.

[0045] In step S406, based on the temperature information of the battery 301 obtained in step S405, the control processor 310 sets a temperature detection unit for control and sets a control condition for the flash device 300. Here, the first control condition with few restrictions is set as the control condition for the flash device 300.

[0046] Now, the control conditions for the flash device 300 will be briefly described. For the case where the battery 301 is a communication-valid battery capable of performing proper communication, a first control condition with fewer restrictions is used as the control condition, and for the case where the battery 301 is a communication-invalid battery or a battery that is not capable of proper communication, a second control condition with more restrictions is used as the control condition. Here, the second control condition is, for example, at least one of the following control conditions: a control condition in which the setting value of the operation prohibition voltage for prohibiting the operation of the electronic device is higher than the setting value of the first control condition; a control condition in which the operating current value of the electronic device is lower than the operating current value of the first control condition; a control condition in which the temperature setting value for limiting the operation of the electronic device is different from the temperature setting value of the first control condition; and a control condition in which the temperature detection unit used in the limiting operation of the electronic device is different from the temperature detection unit of the first control condition.

[0047] In step S407 , the control processor 310 stores the identification information of the battery 301 obtained in step S401 in the EEPROM within the control processor 310 .

[0048] In step S408, the control processor 310 starts controlling the flash device 300 under the first control condition set in step S406. Here, the control processor 310 also causes the display unit 313 to display the remaining battery power of the battery 301 based on the information of the battery received in step S405. In addition, when the display unit 313 of the flash device 300 is capable of displaying detailed battery information, the control processor 310 causes the display unit 313 to display the remaining battery power of the battery 301, the degree of deterioration of the battery 301, and other information as battery information.

[0049] Figures 5A to 5D is a diagram showing an example of battery information. Figure 5A An example of battery information is shown in the case where the battery 301 is determined to be a communication-enabled battery capable of appropriate communication. Based on the remaining battery capacity information obtained by communicating with the battery 301, the control processor 310 displays a battery icon 801 on the upper right portion of the display unit. Figure 5B An example of battery information is shown in the case where the flash device 300 is capable of displaying detailed battery information. Display information 802 indicating the remaining battery capacity of the battery 301 in percentage, a degree of deterioration 803, and other information are displayed.

[0050] On the other hand, when the battery 301 is determined to be a communication invalid battery in step S402, or when the content of the response from the battery 301 in step S404 is inappropriate, the control processor 310 displays the inquiry information in step S411; Figure 6 An example of such inquiry information is shown. That is, a notification "Unable to communicate with the battery" is displayed to the user, and at the same time, a query "Will this battery be used?" is presented to the user, requiring the user to input a selection of "Yes" or "No".

[0051] In step S412, the control processor 310 determines whether the input from the user indicates that the user wishes to use the battery or does not wish to use the battery in the question. When the user wishes to use the battery, the process proceeds to step S413 ("Yes" in step S412); when the user does not wish to use the battery, the process proceeds to step S414 ("No" in step S412).

[0052] In step S413, the control processor 310 controls the flash device 300 based on the output from the terminal temperature detection unit 399. Here, the control is performed under the second control condition with multiple restrictions. After the control condition is set in step S413, the process switches to step S408, and the control processor 310 starts controlling the flash device 300 under the set control condition.

[0053] Figure 5C An example of battery information in the case where the process proceeds to step S408 through step S413 is shown. In this case, since the battery 301 has been determined as a battery for which communication is invalid, or since the battery 301 has been determined as a battery that cannot perform appropriate communication, the control processor 310 cannot display the remaining battery power of the battery 301, and instead displays display information 804 indicating that the remaining battery power of the battery 301 is "empty" as the battery icon. Figure 5D Another example of battery information in the case where the process proceeds to step S408 through step S413 is shown. Since the information of the battery cannot be obtained, or since communication is inappropriate, “Cannot communicate with battery” is displayed to notify the user of this state.

[0054] When the user does not wish to use the battery ("No" is selected in step S412) as a result of the control processor 310 judging the input result from the user in step S412, the process proceeds to step S414, and the control processor 310 performs shutdown processing.

[0055] The above is a description of the process of causing the control processor 310 to store the identification information of the battery 301 .

[0056] Next, Figure 7 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the flash device 300 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 The operation of the flash device 300 is described. When the battery 301 is connected to the flash device 300 and the control processor 310 is activated, the flash device 300 starts Figure 7 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0057] In step S101, the control processor 310 attempts to communicate with the control processor 301b. At this time, the control processor 310 sends a request for sending the type name, identification information and other information of the battery 301 to the control processor 301b.

[0058] In step S102, the control processor 310 determines whether the battery 301 is a communication-valid battery. For example, in response to the information requested by the control processor 310 to the control processor 301b in step S101, this determination is made based on whether a response signal has been sent from the control processor 301b or whether appropriate reply data has been sent. When appropriate reply data has been sent, the process proceeds to step S103; when appropriate reply data has not been sent, the process proceeds to step S111. Figure 7 After step S111, the process is as described above. Figure 4 Step S401 continues. Figure 4 Although the process also proceeds to step S111 via branching in step S103 or step S104, the description of the process after the transition is omitted because it is similar to the case of step S102.

[0059] In step S103, the control processor 310 determines whether one or more identification information of the battery 301 is stored in the EEPROM in the control processor 310. When one or more identification information is stored, the process proceeds to step S104; when one or more identification information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0060] In step S104, the control processor 310 compares the battery ID of the battery 301 received in step S101 with the battery ID of the battery 301 stored in the EEPROM. When the stored identification information of the battery 301 includes identification information that is consistent with the identification information of the battery 301 received in step S101, the process proceeds to step S105. When the stored identification information of the battery 301 does not include identification information that is consistent with the identification information of the battery 301 received in step S101, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0061] In step S105, the control processor 310 requests the control processor 301b to send the remaining battery power of the battery 301, the degree of deterioration of the battery 301, and the temperature of the battery 301, which are used for displaying battery information and control. The control processor 301b returns the requested information to the control processor 310. Note that the communication of information is performed in step S105, and the display of battery information and other information is performed in step S107. In addition, here, the control processor 310 also obtains the output from the terminal temperature detection unit 399.

[0062] In step S106 , the control processor 310 sets the control condition for the flash device 300 to the first control condition having few restrictions, and sets the condition for control based on the battery temperature information obtained in step S105 .

[0063] In step S107, the control processor 310 starts control of the flash device 300 under the first control condition set in step S106. Here, the control processor 310 also causes the display unit 313 to display the remaining battery power of the battery 301 based on the battery information received in step S105. In addition, when the display unit 313 of the flash device 300 is capable of displaying detailed battery information, the control processor 310 causes the display unit 313 to display the remaining battery power of the battery 301, the degree of deterioration of the battery 301, and other information as battery information.

[0064] As mentioned above, Figures 5A to 5D is a diagram for describing an example of battery information.

[0065] In steps S108 and S109, the control processor 310 performs battery authentication processing and determines whether the battery 301 is a battery capable of proper communication. A predetermined encryption code is sent from the control processor 310, and it is determined whether the content of the response signal from the control processor 301b is proper. When the content is proper, the process proceeds to step S110. When the content is not proper, the process proceeds to step S121.

[0066] In step S110, the control processor 310 determines to continue the control under the first control condition set in step S106 and started in step S107, and ends Figure 7 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0067] In step S121 , the control processor 310 deletes the identification information of the currently connected battery 301 obtained in step S101 from the identification information of the battery 301 stored in the EEPROM of the control processor 310 .

[0068] In step S122 , the control processor 310 sets the control condition for the flash device 300 to the second control condition having more restrictions, and controls the flash device 300 based on the output from the terminal temperature detection unit 399 obtained in step S105 .

[0069] In step S123, the control processor 310 updates the battery information indicating the remaining battery power of the battery 301 (which is displayed on the display unit 313) to battery information indicating that the battery 301 is not a communication-effective battery or that the battery 301 is a battery incapable of proper communication.

[0070] As mentioned above, Figure 5C An example of battery information in this case is shown. As described above, in this case, since the battery 301 has been judged as a battery with invalid communication, or since the battery 301 has been judged as a battery that cannot perform appropriate communication, the control processor 310 cannot display the remaining battery power of the battery 301, and display information 804 indicating that the remaining battery power of the battery 301 is "empty" is used as the battery icon. Figure 5D Another example of battery information in this case is shown. Since the battery information cannot be obtained, or since the communication is inappropriate, "Unable to communicate with the battery" is displayed to inform the user of this. After step S213, the end Figure 7 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0071] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the identification information of the connected battery 301 is compared with the identification information of the battery 301 stored in the control processor 310, and when the former coincides with the latter as a result of the comparison, the flash device 300 is operated. In addition, thereafter, it is still determined whether the battery 301 is capable of proper communication. In this way, even in the case where a certain communication failure occurs on the electronic device that starts processing based on the received identification information of the battery 301, control can be performed based on the determination result regarding whether the battery 301 has a communication function and the determination result regarding whether the communication function is normal.

[0072] Furthermore, it is determined whether the communication function of the battery 301 is normal, and when the determination result is negative, the control condition is changed to a condition with more restrictions (second control condition) instead of stopping the operation of the flash device 300 and providing a warning display. This enables, for example, the user to continue to use the flash device 300 even if a malfunction occurs.

[0073] [Second embodiment]

[0074] According to the first embodiment, the operation of the flash device 300 starts when the battery ID of the connected battery 301 is stored in the flash device 300. In the described example, it is thereafter determined whether the communication function is normal, and when the determination result is negative, the identification information is deleted.

[0075] In contrast, according to the second embodiment, the timing of deleting the identification information of the battery 301 is different from that of the first embodiment. For example, the identification information of the battery 301 is deleted immediately after the operation of the flash device 300 is started, and thereafter it is determined whether the communication function of the battery 301 is normal. When it is determined that the communication function of the battery 301 is normal, the identification information of the battery 301 is stored again. According to the first embodiment, after the operation of the flash device 300 is started based on the identification information of the battery 301, if the removal of the battery 301 is repeated before the determination as to whether the communication function is normal is completed, there may be a problem that the control conditions for the flash device 300 cannot be updated even after the determination as to whether the communication function is normal is negative. In contrast, the second embodiment can prevent such a problem.

[0076] Figure 8 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the flash device 300 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 The processing of step S200 is Figure 7 The processes of steps S101 to S106 are the same, so description of these processes is omitted.

[0077] In step S201, Figure 7 Similar to step S107 , the control processor 310 starts controlling the flash device 300 under the first control condition set in step S106 .

[0078] In step S202 , the control processor 310 deletes the identification information of the currently connected battery 301 obtained in step S101 from the identification information of the battery 301 stored in the EEPROM within the control processor 310 .

[0079] In step S203 and step S204, the control processor 310 determines whether the communication-enabled battery 301 is capable of proper communication. A predetermined encryption code is sent from the control processor 310, and it is determined whether the content of the response signal from the control processor 301b is proper. When the content is proper, the process proceeds to step S205. When the content is not proper, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0080] In step S205, the control processor 310 determines to continue the control under the first control condition started in step S201, and the process proceeds to step S206.

[0081] In step S206, the control processor 310 stores the identification information of the battery 301 obtained in step S101 in the EEPROM in the control processor 310, and ends. Figure 8 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0082] When the process proceeds from step S204 to step S211 , in step S211 , the control processor 310 sets the control condition for the flash device 300 to the second control condition, and controls the flash device 300 based on the output from the terminal temperature detection unit 399 obtained in step S105 .

[0083] In step S212, the control processor 310 updates the battery information indicating the remaining battery power of the battery 301 (which is displayed on the display unit 313) to battery information indicating that the battery 301 is a communication invalid battery or that the battery 301 is a battery that cannot perform appropriate communication ( Figure 5C ). After that, end Figure 8 The process is shown in the flowchart.

[0084] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the identification information of the battery 301 is deleted immediately after the operation of the flash device 300 is started based on the identification information of the battery 301, and whether the communication function is normal is judged thereafter. This can prevent the problem that the control conditions for the flash device 300 cannot be updated even after the judgment result regarding whether the communication function is normal is negative.

[0085] [Third embodiment]

[0086] According to the third embodiment, after the operation of the flash device 300 is started based on the identification information of the battery 301, the judgment as to whether the communication function is normal is started. Then, when a predetermined operation is performed before the end of the judgment, the identification information of the battery 301 is deleted.

[0087] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for describing the operation of the flash device 300 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 9The processing of step S300 is Figure 7 The processes of steps S101 to S106 are the same, so description of these processes is omitted.

[0088] In step S301, Figure 7 Similar to step S107 , the control processor 310 starts controlling the flash device 300 under the first control condition set in step S106 .

[0089] In step S302, the control processor 310 starts a determination as to whether the communication-enabled battery 301 is capable of proper communication. A predetermined encryption code is sent from the control processor 310, and it is determined whether the content of the response signal from the control processor 301b is proper.

[0090] In step S303, the control processor 310 determines whether the determination started in step S302 has been completed. When the determination is completed, the process proceeds to step S304; when the determination is not completed, the process proceeds to step S311.

[0091] In step S311, the control processor 310 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, the predetermined condition is, for example, one of the following conditions.

[0092] (1) The cover of the location where the battery 301 connected to the flash device 300 is connected is opened, or the cover is unlocked.

[0093] (2) The cumulative number of operations equivalent to full charging of the main capacitor 302d under the first control condition exceeds a predetermined number of times.

[0094] (3) The cumulative time period of operation in which the maximum current flows under the first control condition exceeds a predetermined time period.

[0095] When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S312, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0096] The processing of steps S304 and S305 is the same as Figure 7 The processing of steps S109 and S110 is the same as that of steps S312 to S314. Figure 7 The processes of steps S121 to S123 are the same; therefore, descriptions of these processes are omitted.

[0097] As described above, according to the third embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied before the judgment regarding whether appropriate communication is possible is completed, the identification information of the battery 301 is deleted. This can prevent a problem in which the control conditions for the flash device 300 cannot be updated even after the judgment regarding whether the communication function is normal is negative. In addition, deletion from the EEPROM and storage to the EEPROM are performed when necessary; this can suppress the number of executions of deletion from the EEPROM and storage to the EEPROM.

[0098] As the predetermined condition, it is expected to use a condition related to stopping the operation of the communication function (such as removal of the battery 301, etc.), or a condition related to continued operation under the first control condition (such as use of the flash device 300 under high current, etc.); however, the predetermined condition is not limited to the above examples.

[0099] [Fourth embodiment]

[0100] The first to third embodiments describe the following situation: when the operation of the flash device 300 is started based on the identification information of the battery 301 and the judgment result regarding whether the communication function is normal is negative, a notification is given to the user via, for example, a display related to the battery 301 without interrupting the operation of the flash device 300.

[0101] The fourth embodiment describes an example in which, when the result of determination as to whether the communication function is normal is negative after the operation of the flash device 300 is started, a notification is actively issued to the user. Figure 7 The flowchart of the operation is basically the same, so we will use Figure 7 A fourth embodiment will be described.

[0102] In step S109, the control processor 310 starts determination as to whether the communication-valid battery 301 is capable of proper communication, and when the content of the response signal from the control processor 301b is inaccurate, the process proceeds to step S121.

[0103] After processing proceeds to step S121 and the control processor 310 has deleted the identification information of the battery 301 from the EEPROM, the user is actively notified that the battery 301 cannot communicate properly by executing at least one of steps (1) to (4) before transitioning to step S122.

[0104] (1) Provide warning display.

[0105] (2) The buzzer sounds (a warning sound).

[0106] (3) An operation of charging the main capacitor 302d of the flash device 300 is prohibited.

[0107] (4) The flash device 300 is prohibited from emitting light.

[0108] Regarding warning display (notification), Figure 4 The display is similar to the case of step S411, and the operation of the flash device 300 is stopped. Executing at least one of the above (1) to (4) enables the user to promptly notice a malfunction in the communication function of the battery 301.

[0109] [Fifth embodiment]

[0110] Although the aforementioned embodiment describes the flash device 300 as an example of the electronic device according to the aforementioned embodiment, the electronic device according to the aforementioned embodiment is not limited to the flash device 300 and the aforementioned embodiment is widely applicable to electronic devices other than the flash device 300 that communicate with the battery 301 .

[0111] [Sixth embodiment]

[0112] The various functions, processes or methods described in the first to fifth embodiments may also be implemented by a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU (central processing unit), or a microprocessor, etc. using a program. Hereinafter, in the sixth embodiment, a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU (central processing unit), or a microprocessor, etc. is referred to as "computer X". Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, a program intended to control computer X and intended to implement the various functions, processes or methods described in the first to fifth embodiments is referred to as "program Y".

[0113] The various functions, processes or methods described in the first to fifth embodiments are implemented by the computer X executing the program Y. In this case, the program Y is provided to the computer X via a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium according to the sixth embodiment includes at least one of a hard disk device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, a memory card, a volatile memory, or a non-volatile memory, etc. The computer-readable storage medium according to the sixth embodiment is a non-transitory storage medium.

[0114] While the features of the present invention have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An electronic device, include: a communication component for communicating with a battery connected to the electronic device and receiving second identification information of the battery from the battery; A storage component, used to store first identification information of the battery; a control component for performing a predetermined control when the second identification information received from the battery is consistent with the first identification information stored in the storage component; as well as a judging component, configured to judge whether the communication component can perform predetermined communication with the battery when the second identification information is consistent with the first identification information, Here, when the determining unit determines that the communication unit cannot perform the predetermined communication with the battery, the control unit deletes the first identification information stored in the storage unit and performs a different control from the predetermined control.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The different control is a control having more restrictions than the predetermined control.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, The different controls include at least one of: increasing a setting value of an operation prohibition voltage for prohibiting the operation of the electronic device, reducing an operating current value of the electronic device, changing a temperature setting value for limiting the operation of the electronic device, and changing a temperature detection component for limiting the operation of the electronic device.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, When the different control is started, the control section notifies the user.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, In the case where the communication section cannot perform the predetermined communication with the battery, the control section performs at least one of the following: asking a user whether to use the electronic device at the display section, sounding a warning, and limiting the operation of the electronic device.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, After starting the predetermined control, the control section deletes the first identification information stored in the storage section before the determination section determines whether the communication section can perform the predetermined communication with the battery.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, in, In a case where the communication section can perform the predetermined communication with the battery, the control section continues the predetermined control and also causes the storage section to store the second identification information of the battery.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, in, After starting the predetermined control and after the determination section has started determining whether the communication section can perform the predetermined communication with the battery, the control section deletes the first identification information stored in the storage section if a predetermined condition is satisfied.

9. A method for controlling an electronic device, include: communicating with a battery connected to the electronic device via a communication component of the electronic device and receiving second identification information of the battery from the battery; performing predetermined control when the second identification information received from the battery matches the first identification information stored in the storage unit of the electronic device; When the second identification information is consistent with the first identification information, determining whether the communication component can perform predetermined communication with the battery; as well as When it is determined through the determination that the communication means cannot perform the predetermined communication with the battery, the first identification information stored in the storage means is deleted, and a different control different from the predetermined control is performed.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an electronic device, the control method include: communicating with a battery connected to the electronic device via a communication component of the electronic device and receiving second identification information of the battery from the battery; performing predetermined control when the second identification information received from the battery matches the first identification information stored in the storage unit of the electronic device; When the second identification information is consistent with the first identification information, determining whether the communication component can perform predetermined communication with the battery; as well as When it is determined through the determination that the communication means cannot perform the predetermined communication with the battery, the first identification information stored in the storage means is deleted, and a different control different from the predetermined control is performed.

11. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an electronic device, wherein the control method include: communicating with a battery connected to the electronic device via a communication component of the electronic device and receiving second identification information of the battery from the battery; performing predetermined control when the second identification information received from the battery matches the first identification information stored in the storage unit of the electronic device; When the second identification information is consistent with the first identification information, determining whether the communication component can perform predetermined communication with the battery; as well as When it is determined through the determination that the communication means cannot perform the predetermined communication with the battery, the first identification information stored in the storage means is deleted, and a different control different from the predetermined control is performed.

Images