Accessories, Power Management ICs and Communication Systems

Abstract

The communication system includes: a housing capable of supplying power; an accessory that can be connected to the housing via a charging line for sending and receiving a charging signal and a GND line, the GND line being set to a reference voltage. The accessory is provided with a request operation determination circuit for determining an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level. In addition, the communication system is provided with a housing, an accessory, and a power management IC, which is provided in the accessory and connected to the housing via a charging line and a GND line. The power management IC is provided with a request operation determination circuit for determining an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accessory for transmitting and receiving signals to and from a housing, a power management IC included in the accessory, and a communication system including the accessory. Background Art

[0002] The charging and communication operation is performed between the housing (eg, docking station) and an accessory such as a pair of wireless headphones. A configuration using two connection lines (charging line and GND line) for connection is used as a configuration for connecting the housing to the accessory.

[0003] For example, the system disclosed in Patent Document 1 switches an enable signal output from a driver of a housing relative to a power terminal of an accessory connected to the housing via two connection lines, and establishes communication depending on whether the enable signal is superimposed on an output communication signal.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0026461 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires the use of a separation circuit for separating the enable signal from the communication signal superimposed with the enable signal. Therefore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the circuit system is complicated.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present technology is to provide an accessory, a power management IC, and a communication system that can allow the use of a simplified circuit system.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] An accessory according to one aspect of the present technology is connectable to a housing having a charging line and a GND line. The charging line sends and receives a charging signal. The GND line is set to a reference voltage. The accessory includes a request operation determination circuit. Based on the voltage level of the charging signal and the duration of the voltage level, the request operation determination circuit determines the operation requested by the accessory.

[0012] A power management IC according to another aspect of the present technology is included in an accessory that is connected to a housing having a charging line and a GND line and has a request operation determination circuit. The accessory runs on electricity. The housing is capable of supplying electricity. The charging line sends and receives a charging signal. The GND line is set to a reference voltage. Based on the voltage level of the charging signal and the duration of the voltage level, the request operation determination circuit determines the operation requested by the accessory.

[0013] A communication system according to another aspect of the present technology includes a housing and an accessory. The housing is capable of supplying power. The accessory can be connected to the housing via a charging line and a GND line. The charging line sends and receives charging signals. The GND line is set to a reference voltage. The accessory includes a request operation determination circuit. Based on the voltage level of the charging signal and the duration of the voltage level, the request operation determination circuit determines the operation requested by the accessory.

[0014] A communication system according to another aspect of the present technology includes a housing, an accessory, and a power management IC. The housing is capable of supplying power. The accessory runs on power. The power management IC is included in the accessory and is connected to the housing via a charging line and a GND line. The charging line sends and receives charging signals. The GND line is set to a reference voltage. In addition, the power management IC includes a request operation determination circuit. Based on the voltage level of the charging signal and the duration of the voltage level, the request operation determination circuit determines the operation requested by the accessory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 A diagram showing a configuration example of a request operation determination circuit.

[0017] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0018] Figure 4 A timing diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0019] Figure 5 A timing diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0020] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0021] Figure 7 A timing diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0022] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0023] Fig. 9 A diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0024] Fig.10 A timing diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0025] Fig.11 A diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0026] Fig.12 A timing diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0027] Fig.13 A diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0028] Fig.14 A timing diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0029] Fig.15 A diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0030] Fig.16 A timing diagram illustrating operations performed by a communication system.

[0031] Fig.17 A diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment.

[0032] Fig.18 A diagram showing a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present technology will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar parts in the drawings are represented by the same or similar reference numerals, and will not be described repeatedly. The drawings are schematic and may depict situations that are different from the actual ones. The embodiments described below illustrate devices and methods for implementing the technical ideas of the present technology. The technical ideas of the present technology are not specifically limited to the devices and methods described in conjunction with the embodiments described below. Various modifications may be made to the technical ideas of the present technology within the technical scope described in the appended claims.

[0034] (First embodiment)

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1 comprises an accessory 2 and a housing 4. The accessory 2 operates on electricity. The housing 4 is capable of supplying electricity.

[0036] The accessory 2 and the housing 4 are connected by two connection lines (charging line 6 and GND line 8).

[0037] The charging line 6 is formed by bringing terminals (charging terminals (Vin)) respectively formed on the accessory 2 and the housing 4 into contact, for transmitting and receiving a charging signal.

[0038] As in the case of the charging line 6 , the GND line 8 is formed by contacting terminals (ground (GND) terminals (GND)) respectively formed on the accessory 2 and the case 4 , and is set to a reference voltage (for example, 0 V).

[0039] <Attachment Configuration>

[0040] The accessory 2 includes a power management unit (PMU) 10 , an accessory battery 20 , and a signal processing circuit 30 .

[0041] The first embodiment is described below with reference to the case where Attachment 2 is, for example, a pair of wireless headphones that acquire audio data (sound data) from, for example, a music reproduction device via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communications and output sound based on the sound data.

[0042] (PMU)

[0043] The PMU 10 includes a regulator 11 , a receiving path 12 , a transmitting path 13 , a register 14 , and a request operation determination circuit 15 .

[0044] The regulator 11 receives the instruction signal input from the request operation determination circuit 15, and outputs the instruction signal to the signal processing circuit 30. In addition, the regulator 11 includes a DC-DC converter and a low dropout (LDO).

[0045] The DC-DC converter is a circuit that switches input power at a relatively high speed using a switching element, and rectifies and smoothes the switched input power to obtain DC power with a desired voltage. In addition, the DC-DC converter has a wider input voltage variation range than the LDO.

[0046] LDO is a series regulator that controls the amount of voltage drop in a transistor element to obtain DC power with a desired voltage. In addition, LDO has a narrower input voltage variation range than a DC-DC converter and provides efficient voltage conversion when the input voltage is slightly higher than the output voltage.

[0047] The reception path 12 is connected to the signal processing circuit 30 and to the charging terminal of the charging line 6 .

[0048] Furthermore, the reception path 12 connects the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 when the reception route connection signal (RxON signal) is input from the request operation determination circuit 15. The reception route connection signal is a command signal to connect the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30.

[0049] Furthermore, when the reception path blocking signal (RxOFF signal) is input from the request operation determination circuit 15, the reception path 12 blocks the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30. The reception path blocking signal is a command signal to block the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30.

[0050] The transmission path 13 is connected to the charging terminal and the signal processing circuit 30. The transmission path 13 and the signal processing circuit 30 are connected using, for example, a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART).

[0051] Furthermore, the transmission path 13 connects the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal when a transmission route connection signal (Txon signal) is input from the signal processing circuit 30. The transmission route connection signal is a command signal that connects the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal.

[0052] Furthermore, when a transmission path blocking signal (TxOFF signal) is input from the signal processing circuit 30, the transmission path 13 blocks the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal. The reception route blocking signal is a command signal to block the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal.

[0053] The register 14 is connected to the signal processing circuit 30 by using, for example, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C).

[0054] Furthermore, based on the command signal input from the request operation determination circuit 15 , the register 14 inputs a transmission route connection signal or a transmission route blocking signal to be input to the transmission path 13 to the signal processing circuit 30 .

[0055] The requested operation determination circuit 15 determines (recognizes) an operation requested by the accessory 2 based on the voltage level of the charging signal input from the housing 4 through the charging cable 6 and the duration of the voltage level of the charging signal.

[0056] The operations that can be requested by the accessory 2 include a recovery operation and a communication operation. The recovery operation recovers the signal processing circuit 30 from the sleep state. The communication operation provides a one-way communication from the housing 4 to the request operation determination circuit 15 and a two-way communication (one-way communication and two-way communication) between the signal processing circuit 30 and the housing 4. In addition, the operations that can be requested by the accessory 2 include a charging operation, an initialization operation, and a sleep operation. The charging operation charges the accessory battery 20. The initialization operation initializes (resets) the system of the accessory 2. The sleep operation switches the running signal processing circuit 30 to the sleep state.

[0057] It should be noted that the communication between the accessory 2 and the case 4 may include, for example, communication for indicating the remaining capacity (remaining battery level) of the case battery 40 described later by using an LED that flashes or steadily emits light.

[0058] The request operation determination circuit 15 may be, for example, Figure 2 Configure as shown in .

[0059] As an example, Figure 2The illustrated configuration indicates that the request operation determination circuit 15 includes a first determination section 15a, a first counter processing section 15b, a second determination section 15c, a second counter processing section 15d, a third determination section 15e, and a third counter processing section 15f.

[0060] Upon receiving the input of the charging signal, the first determining unit 15a determines whether the voltage level of the input charging signal is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage. In the case where the voltage level of the input charging signal is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage, the first determining unit 15a outputs the charging signal to the first counter processing unit 15b. At the same time, in the case where the voltage level of the input charging signal is higher than the reference voltage and not lower than the first threshold voltage, the first determining unit 15a allows the charging signal to flow to the ground terminal.

[0061] Upon receiving the input of the charging signal, the first counter processing section 15b determines whether the voltage level of the charging signal remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold time period (e.g., several milliseconds). If it is determined that the voltage level of the charging signal does not remain higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage within the first threshold period, the first determination section 15a concludes that one of the operations requested by the accessory 2 is a recovery operation. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the voltage level of the charging signal remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage within the first threshold period, the first determination section 15a concludes that one of the operations requested by the accessory 2 is a communication operation.

[0062] In addition, when the voltage level of the input charging signal higher than the reference voltage drops to the reference voltage, the first determination section 15 a determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is the sleep operation.

[0063] Upon receiving the input of the charging signal, the second determining unit 15c determines whether the voltage level of the input charging signal is not lower than the first threshold voltage and is lower than the second threshold voltage preset to be higher than the first threshold voltage. In the case where the voltage level of the input charging signal is not lower than the first threshold voltage and is lower than the second threshold voltage, the second determining unit 15c outputs the charging signal to the second counter processing unit 15d. At the same time, in the case where the voltage level of the input charging signal is not lower than the second threshold voltage, the second determining unit 15c allows the charging signal to flow to the ground terminal.

[0064] Upon receiving the input of the charging signal, the second counter processing section 15d determines whether the voltage level of the charging signal remains higher than the first threshold voltage and lower than the second threshold voltage for a preset second threshold time period (e.g., several milliseconds). It should be noted that the second threshold time period may be equal to the first threshold time period. If it is determined that the voltage level of the charging signal has not remained higher than the first threshold voltage and lower than the second threshold voltage for the second threshold time period, the second determination section 15c continues to make determinations. At the same time, if it is determined that the voltage level of the charging signal has remained higher than the first threshold voltage and lower than the second threshold voltage for the second threshold time period, the second determination section 15c concludes that one of the operations requested by the accessory 2 is a charging operation.

[0065] Upon receiving the input of the charging signal, the third determination unit 15e determines whether the voltage level of the input charging signal is not lower than the second threshold voltage. If the voltage level of the input charging signal is not lower than the second threshold voltage, the third determination unit 15e outputs the charging signal to the third counter processing unit 15f.

[0066] Upon receiving the input of the charging signal, the third counter processing section 15f determines whether the voltage level of the charging signal remains higher than the second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold time period (e.g., several milliseconds). It should be noted that the third threshold time period may be equal to the first threshold time period, for example. If it is determined that the voltage level of the charging signal does not remain higher than the second threshold voltage within the third threshold time period, the third determination section 15e continues to make determinations. At the same time, if it is determined that the voltage level of the charging signal remains higher than the second threshold voltage within the third threshold time period, the third determination section 15e concludes that one of the operations requested by the accessory 2 is an initialization operation.

[0067] Therefore, when determining that an operation is requested by the accessory 2, the requested operation determination circuit 15 performs the following processing (I) to processing (V).

[0068] -Processing (I)

[0069] Upon detecting that the voltage level of the charging signal is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is the recovery operation.

[0070] When it is determined that one of the operations requested by the accessory 2 is a recovery operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal (system recovery signal) for switching the signal processing circuit 30 to the standby state. In addition, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal (power supply on signal) for supplying power to the signal processing circuit 30 to the regulator 11.

[0071] - Treatment (II)

[0072] In a case where the voltage level of the charging signal remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage for the first threshold period, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is a communication operation.

[0073] When determining that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a communication operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a reception route connection signal to the reception path 12 .

[0074] Thereafter, when the charging signal is input to the signal processing circuit 30, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs the reception path blocking signal to the reception path 12. In addition, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the register 14 to input the transmission route connection signal to the signal processing circuit 30.

[0075] Furthermore, when the communication signal output from the signal processing circuit 30 is input to the housing 4 , the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the register 14 in order to input the transmission route blocking signal to the signal processing circuit 30 .

[0076] - Treatment (III)

[0077] In a case where the voltage level of the charging signal remains not lower than the first threshold voltage within the second threshold period, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is the charging operation.

[0078] When determining that one of the operations requested by the accessory 2 is a charging operation, the requested operation determination circuit 15 outputs a charging signal to the accessory battery 20 .

[0079] - Treatment (IV)

[0080] In a case where the voltage level of the charging signal remains not lower than the second threshold voltage for the third threshold period of time, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is an initialization operation.

[0081] When determining that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is an initialization operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the regulator 11, the reception path 12, the transmission path 13, the register 14, and the signal processing circuit 30 to initialize their states.

[0082] -Processing (V)

[0083] In a case where the voltage level of the charging signal higher than the reference voltage drops to the reference voltage, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is the sleep operation.

[0084] When determining that one of the operations requested by the accessory 2 is the sleep operation, the requested operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal (power-off signal) to the regulator 11 in order to turn off the power supply to the signal processing circuit 30 .

[0085] (Accessory battery)

[0086] The accessory battery 20 is, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A charging signal is provided to the accessory battery 20 by the request operation determination circuit 15. In addition, the accessory battery 20 supplies power to the PMU 10 and the signal processing circuit 30.

[0087] (Signal processing circuit)

[0088] The signal processing circuit 30 receives signals input from the request operation determination circuit 15 and the regulator 11. Furthermore, the signal processing circuit 30 inputs and outputs signals to and from the register 14.

[0089] Furthermore, the signal processing circuit 30 in the sleep state receives an input of a system recovery signal from the request operation determination circuit 15, and switches to the standby state upon receiving power supplied from the regulator 11. In addition, when the power is cut off from the regulator 11, the signal processing circuit 30 in the standby state switches to the sleep state.

[0090] Furthermore, when receiving an input of a command signal for inputting a transmission route connection signal to the signal processing circuit 30 from the register 14, the signal processing circuit 30 outputs the transmission route connection signal to the transmission path 13. Furthermore, when receiving an input of a command signal for inputting a transmission route blocking signal to the signal processing circuit 30 from the register 14, the signal processing circuit 30 outputs the transmission route blocking signal to the transmission path 13.

[0091] <Shell Configuration>

[0092] The housing 4 serves as a docking station capable of docking the accessory 2. In addition, the housing 4 includes a housing battery 40 and a signal control section 50.

[0093] The case battery 40, which is, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, outputs a charging signal to the accessory 2 through the charging cable 6. Therefore, the case 4 can supply power to the accessory 2. Furthermore, the case battery 40 can be charged by supplying power from the outside through, for example, a public power outlet.

[0094] The signal control section 50 controls the voltage level and duration of the voltage level of the charging signal to be output to the accessory 2 through the charging cable 6. The control of the charging signal by the signal control section 50 is based on an operation requested by the accessory 2.

[0095] <Operations and Effects>

[0096] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Based on Figures 3 to 16 , a description will now be given of operations performed by the communication system 1 and effects produced by the operations performed by the communication system 1. The following description assumes that the housing 4 and the accessory 2 are not connected, the signal processing circuit 30 is in a sleep state, and further assumes that the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 and the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal are blocked.

[0097] It should be noted that in Figure 3 In the above, the state in which the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 is blocked and the state in which the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal is blocked can be referred to as the "off" state. Similarly, the state in which the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 is connected and the state in which the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal is connected can be referred to as the "on" state.

[0098] In a case where the remaining power of the accessory battery 20 is low, for example, during use of the accessory 2 , the accessory 2 and the case 4 are connected to the charging line 6 and the GND line 8 , so as to charge the accessory battery 20 , for example.

[0099] When the accessory 2 and the housing 4 are connected, that is, the charging terminal and the GND terminal formed on the accessory 2 and the housing 4 are in contact with each other, the charging signal output from the housing 4 is input to the request operation determination circuit 15 through the charging line 6, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 It should be noted that the charging signal output from the housing 4 and input to the request operation determination circuit 15 is Figure 3 In the figure, it is indicated by the reference symbol S1.

[0100] Upon receiving the input of the charging signal S1, the request operation determination circuit 15 detects the voltage level of the charging signal S1 and measures the duration of the voltage level of the charging signal S1. Then, when it is detected that the voltage level of the charging signal S1 is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown at time "t1", the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a restore operation.

[0101] When it is determined that an operation requested by the attachment 2 is a recovery operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a system recovery signal to the signal processing circuit 30, such as Figure 3 In addition, Figure 3 As shown, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a power-on signal to the regulator 11 .

[0102] In addition, upon receiving the input of the power-on signal, the regulator 11 supplies power to the signal processing circuit 30, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0103] When receiving the input of the system recovery signal and receiving the power supplied from the regulator 11 , the signal processing circuit 30 switches from the sleep state to the standby state.

[0104] When power is supplied to the signal processing circuit 30 within a predetermined period of time after the signal processing circuit 30 switches from the sleep state to the standby state, the signal processing circuit 30 is restored and becomes operable.

[0105] Thereafter, when the voltage level of the charging signal S1 is Figure 5 When the voltage remains above the reference voltage and below the first threshold voltage for the first threshold period ending at the time "t2" shown, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a communication operation. It should be noted that Figure 5 The communication operations in are described as "one-way and two-way communication".

[0106] When it is determined that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a communication operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a reception route connection signal (RxON signal) to the reception path 12, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0107] Upon receiving input of the reception path connection signal, the reception path 12 connects (turns on) the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 .

[0108] When the voltage level of the charging signal S1 is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage after time t2, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown at time "t3" in FIG. 1 , the receiving path 12 continuously connects the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the charging signal S1 is input from the housing 4 to the signal processing circuit 30 .

[0109] When receiving the input of the charging signal S1, the signal processing circuit 30 performs processing based on the voltage level (e.g., the instantaneous change of the voltage level and the time of the instantaneous change of the voltage level). The processing performed by the signal processing circuit 30 based on the voltage level is, for example, a process of indicating the remaining capacity (remaining battery level) of the accessory battery 20 by using an LED that flashes or steadily emits light.

[0110] In addition, when the charging signal S1 is input to the signal processing circuit 30, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a reception route blocking signal (RxOFF signal) to the reception path 12, such as Fig. 9 When receiving the input of the reception path blocking signal, the reception path 12 blocks (turns off) the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 .

[0111] In addition, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the register 14 in order to input the transmission route connection signal to the signal processing circuit 30. Upon receiving the input of the command signal, the register 14 outputs the transmission route connection signal to be input to the transmission path 13 to the signal processing circuit 30. Upon receiving the input of the transmission route connection signal from the register 14, the signal processing circuit 30 outputs the transmission route connection signal to the transmission path 13.

[0112] Upon receiving input of the transmission path connection signal, the transmission path 13 connects (turns on) the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal.

[0113] When the reception path 12 blocks the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 and the transmission path 13 connects the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal, the housing 4 communicates with the request operation determination circuit 15 , and the signal processing circuit 30 communicates with the housing 4 .

[0114] When the voltage level of the charging signal S1 is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage after time t3, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown at time “t4” in FIG. 1 , the receiving path 12 continuously blocks the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30. Then, when the communication signal output from the signal processing circuit 30 is input to the housing 4, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the register 14 so as to input the transmission route blocking signal to the signal processing circuit 30.

[0115] Upon receiving the input of the command signal, the register 14 outputs a transmission route blocking signal (TxOFF signal) to the transmission path 13 through the signal processing circuit 30 .

[0116] Upon receiving the input of the transmission path blocking signal, the transmission path 13 blocks (turns off) the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal, such as Fig.11 shown.

[0117] When the voltage level of the charging signal S1 decreases to the reference voltage after time t4, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown at time "t5" in FIG. 1 , the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a sleep operation.

[0118] When determining that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a sleep operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a power supply shutoff signal to the regulator 11, such as Fig.13 shown.

[0119] When receiving the input of the power off signal, the regulator 11 turns off the power to the signal processing circuit 30, such as Fig.13 shown.

[0120] In the case where the voltage level of the charging signal S1 remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for the second threshold period after time t5, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown at time “t6” in FIG. 1 , the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a charging operation.

[0121] When determining that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a charging operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 provides a charging signal to the accessory battery 20, such as Fig.15 shown.

[0122] Upon receiving the provided charging signal, the accessory battery 20 is charged based on the voltage level of the charging signal.

[0123] The voltage level of the charging signal S1 is Fig.16 In a case where the voltage remains not lower than the second threshold voltage for the third threshold period as shown at time “t7” after time t6 in FIG. 1 , the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is an initialization operation.

[0124] When determining that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is an initialization operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the regulator 11, the reception path 12, the transmission path 13, the register 14, and the signal processing circuit 30 to initialize their states.

[0125] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the accessory 2 and the communication system 1 are capable of determining an operation requested by the accessory 2 based on the voltage level of the charging signal input from the housing 4 and the duration of the voltage level. Therefore, an operation requested by the accessory 2 can be determined without requiring a configuration including, for example, a separation circuit for signal separation. This allows the use of a simplified circuit. In addition, since there is no need to include a configuration including, for example, a separation circuit for signal separation, there is no need to operate, for example, a separation circuit. As a result, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

[0126] Furthermore, as described above, the operation determination method used by the accessory 2 and the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment can determine an operation requested by the accessory 2 based on the voltage level of the charging signal and the duration of the voltage level. Therefore, an operation requested by the accessory 2 can be determined without requiring a configuration including, for example, a separation circuit for signal separation. This allows the use of a simplified circuit. Furthermore, since there is no need to include a configuration including, for example, a separation circuit for signal separation, there is no need to operate, for example, a separation circuit. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption.

[0127] <Edit>

[0128] The first embodiment assumes that the accessory 2 is a pair of wireless headphones. However, the accessory 2 is not limited to wireless headphones. Alternatively, the accessory 2 may be, for example, a wireless microphone for recording sound or a pair of virtual reality (VR) goggles for outputting video images. In addition, the accessory 2 may be, for example, a clock or sensor for detecting biological information (pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.).

[0129] (Second embodiment)

[0130] The second embodiment will be described below. However, components similar to those in the first embodiment may not be described in detail.

[0131] like Fig.17 As shown, the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment includes an accessory 2 , a housing 4 , and a power management integrated circuit (IC) 60 .

[0132] <Attachment Configuration>

[0133] The accessory 2 includes an accessory battery 20 and a signal processing circuit 30 .

[0134] The accessory battery 20 is, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A charging signal is provided to the accessory battery 20 by the request operation determination circuit 15. In addition, the accessory battery 20 supplies power to the power management IC 60 and the signal processing circuit 30. It should be noted that the power management IC 60 is capable of selectively using the power supplied from the accessory battery 20 or the power supplied from the housing 4 by the charging signal. Therefore, in the event that, for example, the accessory battery 20 fails, the power management IC 60 is capable of operating with the power supplied from the housing 4 by the charging signal. In addition, even in a state where the accessory battery 20 is not charged, the power management IC 60 is capable of operating with the power supplied from the housing 4 by the charging signal.

[0135] The structure of the signal processing circuit 30 is similar to that of the signal processing circuit 30 in the first embodiment which has been previously described, and the description will not be repeated.

[0136] <Configuration of Power Management IC>

[0137] The power management IC 60 is included in the accessory 2 , and is connected to the housing 4 using the charging line 6 and the GND line 8 .

[0138] Furthermore, the power management IC 60 includes a regulator 11 , a reception path 12 , a transmission path 13 , a register 14 , and a request operation determination circuit 15 .

[0139] Upon receiving the command signal input from the request operation determination circuit 15, the regulator 11 outputs the command signal to the signal processing circuit 30. Furthermore, the regulator 11 includes a DC-DC converter and an LDO.

[0140] The reception path 12 is connected to the signal processing circuit 30 and a charging terminal connected to the charging line 6. Furthermore, when a reception route connection signal is input from the request operation determination circuit 15, the reception path 12 connects the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30. Furthermore, when a reception path blocking signal is input from the request operation determination circuit 15, the reception path 12 blocks the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30.

[0141] The transmission path 13 is connected to the charging terminal and the signal processing circuit 30. The transmission path 13 and the signal processing circuit 30 are connected using, for example, UART. In addition, when a transmission route connection signal is input from the signal processing circuit 30, the transmission path 13 connects the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal. In addition, when a transmission path blocking signal is input from the signal processing circuit 30, the transmission path 13 blocks the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal.

[0142] The register 14 is connected to the signal processing circuit 30 by using, for example, I2C.

[0143] Furthermore, based on the command signal input from the request operation determination circuit 15 , the register 14 inputs a transmission route connection signal or a transmission route blocking signal to be input to the transmission path 13 to the signal processing circuit 30 .

[0144] The requested operation determination circuit 15 determines (recognizes) the operation requested by the accessory 2 based on the voltage level of the charging signal input from the housing 4 through the charging cable 6 and the duration of the voltage level of the charging signal.

[0145] The operations that accessory 2 can request and the processes (I) to (V) performed by request operation determination circuit 15 to determine an operation requested by accessory 2 are similar to those described in conjunction with the first embodiment, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0146] <Shell Configuration>

[0147] The housing 4 serves as a docking station capable of docking the accessory 2. In addition, the housing 4 includes a housing battery 40 and a signal control section 50.

[0148] The housing battery 40, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, outputs a charging signal to the power management IC 60 through the charging line 6. Therefore, the housing 4 can supply power to the power management IC 60.

[0149] The signal control section 50 controls the voltage level and duration of the voltage level of the charging signal to be output to the power management IC 60 through the charging line 6. The control of the charging signal by the signal control section 50 is based on an operation requested by the accessory 2.

[0150] <Operations and Effects>

[0151] Reference Figures 1 to 16 Based on Fig.17 , a description will now be given of operations performed by the communication system 1 and effects produced by the operations performed by the communication system 1. The following description assumes that the housing 4 and the accessory 2 are not connected, the signal processing circuit 30 is in a sleep state, and further assumes that the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 and the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal are blocked.

[0152] In a case where the remaining power of the accessory battery 20 is low, for example, during use of the accessory 2 , the accessory 2 and the housing 4 are connected to charge the accessory battery 20 , for example.

[0153] When the accessory 2 and the case 4 are connected, the charging signal output from the case 4 is input to the request operation determination circuit 15 through the charging line 6. Upon receiving the input of the charging signal, the request operation determination circuit 15 detects the voltage level of the charging signal and measures the duration of the voltage level of the charging signal. Then, upon detecting that the voltage level of the charging signal is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit 15 determines that one of the operations requested by the accessory 2 is the recovery operation.

[0154] When determining that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is a recovery operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a system recovery signal to the signal processing circuit 30. In addition, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a power supply ON signal to the regulator 11.

[0155] Furthermore, upon receiving an input of a power-on signal, the regulator 11 supplies power to the signal processing circuit 30. The signal processing circuit 30 switches from the sleep state to the standby state upon receiving an input of a system recovery signal and receiving power supplied from the regulator 11. When power is supplied to the signal processing circuit 30 within a predetermined period of time after the signal processing circuit 30 switches from the sleep state to the standby state, the signal processing circuit 30 achieves recovery and becomes operable.

[0156] Thereafter, when the voltage level of the charging signal remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage for the first threshold period, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is a communication operation.

[0157] When determining that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is a communication operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a reception route connection signal to the reception path 12. Upon receiving input of the reception path connection signal, the reception path 12 connects a signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30.

[0158] When the voltage level of the charging signal is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage, the receiving path 12 continuously connects the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30. When receiving the input of the charging signal, the signal processing circuit 30 performs processing based on the voltage level.

[0159] In addition, when the charging signal is input to the signal processing circuit 30, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a reception path blocking signal to the reception path 12. The reception path 12 blocks the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 when receiving the input of the reception path blocking signal. In addition, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the register 14 so as to input the transmission route connection signal to the signal processing circuit 30. When receiving the input of the command signal, the register 14 outputs the transmission route connection signal to be input to the transmission path 13 to the signal processing circuit 30. When receiving the input of the transmission route connection signal from the register 14, the signal processing circuit 30 outputs the transmission route connection signal to the transmission path 13. When receiving the input of the transmission path connection signal, the transmission path 13 connects the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal.

[0160] When the reception path 12 blocks the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30 and the transmission path 13 connects the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal, the housing 4 communicates with the request operation determination circuit 15 , and the signal processing circuit 30 communicates with the housing 4 .

[0161] When the voltage level of the charging signal is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage, the receiving path 12 continuously blocks the signal transmission route from the charging terminal to the signal processing circuit 30. Then, when the communication signal output from the signal processing circuit 30 is input to the housing 4, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the register 14 so as to input the transmission route blocking signal to the signal processing circuit 30.

[0162] Upon receiving input of the command signal, the register 14 outputs a transmission route blocking signal to the transmission path 13 through the signal processing circuit 30. Upon receiving input of the transmission path blocking signal, the transmission path 13 blocks the signal transmission route from the signal processing circuit 30 to the charging terminal.

[0163] When the voltage level of the charging signal drops to the reference voltage, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is a sleep operation.

[0164] When determining that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is a sleep operation, the requested operation determination circuit 15 outputs a power-off signal to the regulator 11. Upon receiving input of the power-off signal, the regulator 11 turns off power to the signal processing circuit 30.

[0165] When the voltage level of the charging signal remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for the second threshold period, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is a charging operation.

[0166] When determining that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is a charging operation, the requested operation determination circuit 15 supplies a charging signal to the accessory battery 20. Upon receiving the supplied charging signal, the accessory battery 20 is charged based on the voltage level of the charging signal.

[0167] When the voltage level of the charging signal remains not lower than the second threshold voltage for a third threshold period, the requested operation determination circuit 15 determines that one operation requested by the accessory 2 is an initialization operation.

[0168] When determining that an operation requested by the accessory 2 is an initialization operation, the request operation determination circuit 15 outputs a command signal to the regulator 11, the reception path 12, the transmission path 13, the register 14, and the signal processing circuit 30 to initialize their states.

[0169] As described above, the power management IC 60 and the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment can determine an operation requested by the accessory 2 based on the voltage level of the charging signal input from the housing 4 and the duration of the voltage level. Therefore, an operation requested by the accessory 2 can be determined without requiring a configuration including, for example, a separation circuit for signal separation. This allows the use of a simplified circuit. In addition, since there is no need to require a configuration including, for example, a separation circuit for signal separation, there is no need to operate, for example, a separation circuit. As a result, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

[0170] Furthermore, as described above, the operation determination method used by the power management IC 60 and the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment can determine an operation requested by the accessory 2 based on the voltage level of the charging signal and the duration of the voltage level. Therefore, an operation requested by the accessory 2 can be determined without requiring a configuration including, for example, a separation circuit for signal separation. This allows the use of a simplified circuit. Furthermore, since there is no need to require a configuration including, for example, a separation circuit for signal separation, there is no need to operate, for example, a separation circuit. As a result, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

[0171] <Edit>

[0172] The second embodiment assumes that the accessory 2 and the housing 4 are connected to the charging line 6 and the GND line 8. However, the connection form between the accessory 2 and the housing 4 is not limited to this configuration. Fig.18 As shown, the switch 70 can be externally attached to the middle of the charging line 6. The switch 70 branches the charging line 6 into two lines for connecting the accessories 2.

[0173] When the voltage level of the charging signal is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the first threshold voltage, the switch 70 inputs the charging signal to the first determination section 15a (see Figure 2 Meanwhile, when the voltage level of the charging signal is higher than the first threshold voltage, the switch 70 inputs the charging signal to the third determination section 15e (see Figure 2 ).

[0174] When using Fig.18 In the illustrated configuration, the second determination section 15c and the second counter processing section 15d can be removed from the request operation determination circuit 15. Thus, the configuration of the request operation determination circuit 15 can be simplified.

[0175] (Other implementation schemes)

[0176] Although embodiments of the present technology have been described above, it should be understood that the present technology is not limited by the statements and drawings included in this disclosure. It will be clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques based on this disclosure. In addition, it is clear that the present technology also includes configurations that are appropriately formed, for example, by using individual components described in various embodiments in combination with the aforementioned embodiments and modifications other than those described in this specification. Therefore, the technical scope of the present technology is limited only by specifying the claimed invention within the scope of the appropriate attached claims based on the above description.

[0177] In addition, the accessories, power management ICs, and communication systems according to the present disclosure need not include all of the components described in conjunction with the foregoing embodiments, but may include some other components. It should be noted that the advantages described in this specification are merely illustrative and not restrictive. The present technology may additionally provide advantages other than those described in this specification.

[0178] It should be noted that the present technology can adopt the following configurations. (1)

[0180] An accessory connectable to a housing using a charging line and a GND line, the charging line sending and receiving charging signals, the GND line being set as a reference voltage, the accessory comprising:

[0181] The requested operation determination circuit determines an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level. (2)

[0183] The attachment described in (1) also includes:

[0184] an accessory battery that can be charged based on the charging signal; and

[0185] A signal processing circuit capable of processing a charging signal input from the housing and switching to a sleep state;

[0186] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation, and the initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the battery of the accessory, the communication operation provides a one-way communication from the housing to the request operation determination circuit, and a two-way communication between the signal processing circuit and the housing,

[0187] When the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that one operation is a communication operation,

[0188] When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that one operation is a charging operation; and

[0189] The request operation determination circuit determines that an operation is an initialization operation when the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage, which is set higher than the first threshold voltage, for a preset third threshold period of time. (3)

[0191] According to the attachment described in (2),

[0192] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a resume operation, which resumes the signal processing circuit from a sleep state, and

[0193] When detecting that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the recovery operation. (4)

[0195] According to the attachment described in (2) or (3),

[0196] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation, which switches the running signal processing circuit to a sleep state, and

[0197] When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage decreases to the reference voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the requested operation is the sleep operation. (5)

[0199] A power management IC is included in an accessory and connected to a housing using a charging line and a GND line, the accessory is operated by electricity, the housing is capable of supplying electricity, the charging line sends and receives charging signals, the GND line is set as a reference voltage, and the power management IC includes:

[0200] The requested operation determination circuit determines an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level. (6)

[0202] According to the power management IC described in (5),

[0203] The accessory includes an accessory battery and a signal processing circuit, wherein the accessory battery can be charged based on a charging signal, and the signal processing circuit can process the charging signal input from the housing and switch to a sleep state.

[0204] The operations that can be requested by the accessory include an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation, wherein the initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the accessory battery, and the communication operation provides one-way communication from the housing to the request operation determination circuit, and two-way communication between the signal processing circuit and the housing.

[0205] When the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that one operation is a communication operation,

[0206] When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is a charging operation; and

[0207] When the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is an initialization operation, the second threshold voltage being set higher than the first threshold voltage. (7)

[0209] According to the power management IC described in (6),

[0210] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a resume operation, which resumes the signal processing circuit from a sleep state, and

[0211] When detecting that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the recovery operation. (8)

[0213] According to the power management IC described in (6) or (7),

[0214] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation, which switches the running signal processing circuit to a sleep state, and

[0215] When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage decreases to the reference voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the requested operation is the sleep operation. (9)

[0217] A communication system, comprising:

[0218] a housing capable of supplying electrical power; and

[0219] Accessory, can be connected to the housing using a charging line and a GND line. The charging line sends and receives charging signals, and the GND line is set as a reference voltage.

[0220] The accessory includes a request operation determination circuit, which determines an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level. (10)

[0222] According to the communication system described in (9),

[0223] The accessory includes an accessory battery and a signal processing circuit, wherein the accessory battery can be charged based on a charging signal, and the signal processing circuit can process the charging signal input from the housing and switch to a sleep state.

[0224] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation, and the initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the accessory battery, and the communication operation provides a one-way communication from the housing to the request operation determination circuit, and a two-way communication between the signal processing circuit and the housing,

[0225] When the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is a communication operation,

[0226] When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is a charging operation; and

[0227] When the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is an initialization operation, the second threshold voltage being set higher than the first threshold voltage. (11)

[0229] According to the communication system described in (10),

[0230] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a resume operation, which resumes the signal processing circuit from a sleep state, and

[0231] When detecting that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than a preset first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is a recovery operation. (12)

[0233] According to the communication system described in (10) or (11),

[0234] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation, which switches the running signal processing circuit to a sleep state, and

[0235] When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage decreases to the reference voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the requested operation is the sleep operation. (13)

[0237] A communication system, comprising:

[0238] a housing capable of supplying electrical power;

[0239] accessories, operated by electricity; and

[0240] A power management IC is included in the accessory and is connected to the housing using a charging line and a GND line, the charging line sends and receives a charging signal, and the GND line is set as a reference voltage;

[0241] The power management IC includes a request operation determination circuit, which determines an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level. (14)

[0243] According to the communication system described in (13),

[0244] The accessory includes an accessory battery and a signal processing circuit, wherein the accessory battery can be charged based on a charging signal, and the signal processing circuit can process the charging signal input from the housing and switch to a sleep state.

[0245] The operations that can be requested by the accessory include an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation, wherein the initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the accessory battery, and the communication operation provides a one-way communication from the housing to the request operation determination circuit, and a two-way communication between the signal processing circuit and the housing.

[0246] When the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that one operation is a communication operation,

[0247] When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is a charging operation; and

[0248] When the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is an initialization operation, the second threshold voltage being set higher than the first threshold voltage. (15)

[0250] According to the communication system described in (14),

[0251] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a resume operation, which resumes the signal processing circuit from a sleep state, and

[0252] When detecting that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than a preset first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is a recovery operation. (16)

[0254] According to the communication system described in (14) or (15),

[0255] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation, which switches the running signal processing circuit to a sleep state, and

[0256] When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage decreases to the reference voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the requested operation is the sleep operation. (17)

[0258] An operation determination method for determining an operation requested by an accessory, the accessory being connectable to a housing using a charging line and a GND line, the charging line sending and receiving charging signals, the GND line being set to a reference voltage, the operation determination method comprising:

[0259] Based on the voltage level of the charging signal and the duration of the voltage level, an operation is determined. (18)

[0261] According to the operation determination method described in (17),

[0262] The accessory includes an accessory battery and a signal processing circuit, wherein the accessory battery can be charged based on a charging signal, and the signal processing circuit can process the charging signal input from the housing and switch to a sleep state.

[0263] The operation of the accessory that can be requested includes an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation. The initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the battery of the accessory, and the communication operation provides one-way communication from the housing to the request operation determination circuit, and two-way communication between the signal processing circuit and the housing.

[0264] The operation determination method determines that the one operation is a communication operation when the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than a preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time;

[0265] When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the operation determination method determines that the one operation is a charging operation;

[0266] When the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold voltage period, the operation determination method determines the one operation as an initialization operation, the second threshold voltage being set higher than the first threshold voltage. (19)

[0268] According to the operation determination method described in (18),

[0269] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a recovery operation, which enables the signal processing circuit to recover from a sleep state.

[0270] When it is detected that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than a preset first threshold voltage, the operation determination method determines that the one operation is a recovery operation. (20)

[0272] According to the operation determination method described in (18) or (19),

[0273] The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation, which switches the running signal processing circuit to a sleep state.

[0274] When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage is lowered to the reference voltage, the operation determination method determines that the requested operation is the sleep operation.

[0275] [Reference Symbol List]

[0276] 1: Communication system

[0277] 2: Attachments

[0278] 4: Shell

[0279] 6: Charging cable

[0280] 8: GND line

[0281] 10: Power Management Unit (PMU)

[0282] 11: Regulator

[0283] 12: Receiving path

[0284] 13: Sending path

[0285] 14: Register

[0286] 15: Request operation confirmation circuit

[0287] 15a: First determination part

[0288] 15b: First counter processing unit

[0289] 15c: Second determination part

[0290] 15d: Second counter processing unit

[0291] 15e: The third determination

[0292] 15f: Third counter processing unit

[0293] 20: Accessory battery

[0294] 30: Signal processing circuit

[0295] 40: Shell battery

[0296] 50: Signal control unit

[0297] 60: Power Management IC

[0298] 70: Switch.

Claims

1. An accessory that can be connected to a housing using a charging line and a ground line, the charging line sending and receiving charging signals, the ground line being set to a reference voltage, the accessory comprising: a requested operation determination circuit that determines an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level, an accessory battery capable of being charged based on the charging signal; as well as a signal processing circuit capable of processing the charging signal input from the housing and switching to a sleep state, The operations that can be requested by the accessory include: an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation, wherein the initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the accessory battery, and the communication operation provides unidirectional communication from the shell to the request operation determination circuit, and bidirectional communication between the signal processing circuit and the shell. when the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than a preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the communication operation, When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the charging operation, and When the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the initialization operation, and the second threshold voltage is set higher than the first threshold voltage.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, in, The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a resume operation that resumes the signal processing circuit from the sleep state, and When detecting that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the recovery operation.

3. The accessory according to claim 1, in, The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation that causes the signal processing circuit to switch to the sleep state, and When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage decreases to the reference voltage, the requested operation determination circuit determines that the requested operation is the sleep operation.

4. A power management integrated circuit included in an accessory and connected to a housing using a charging line and a ground line, the accessory running on electricity, the housing being able to supply the electricity, the charging line sending and receiving charging signals, the ground line being set to a reference voltage, the power management integrated circuit comprising: a requested operation determination circuit that determines an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level, wherein the accessory includes an accessory battery and a signal processing circuit, the accessory battery can be charged based on the charging signal, and the signal processing circuit can process the charging signal input from the housing and switch to a sleep state, The operations that can be requested by the accessory include an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation, wherein the initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the accessory battery, and the communication operation provides unidirectional communication from the housing to the request operation determination circuit, and bidirectional communication between the signal processing circuit and the housing. when the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than a preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the communication operation, When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the charging operation, and When the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the initialization operation, and the second threshold voltage is set higher than the first threshold voltage.

5. The power management integrated circuit according to claim 4, in, The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a resume operation that resumes the signal processing circuit from the sleep state, and When detecting that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the recovery operation.

6. The power management integrated circuit according to claim 4, in, The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation that causes the signal processing circuit to switch to the sleep state, and When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage decreases to the reference voltage, the requested operation determination circuit determines that the requested operation is the sleep operation.

7. A communication system, comprising: a housing capable of supplying electrical power; as well as an accessory, capable of being connected to the housing using a charging line and a ground line, the charging line sending and receiving charging signals, the ground line being set as a reference voltage, wherein the accessory includes a requested operation determination circuit, the requested operation determination circuit determining an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level, wherein the accessory includes an accessory battery and a signal processing circuit, the accessory battery can be charged based on the charging signal, and the signal processing circuit can process the charging signal input from the housing and switch to a sleep state, The operations that can be requested by the accessory include an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation, wherein the initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the accessory battery, and the communication operation provides unidirectional communication from the housing to the request operation determination circuit, and bidirectional communication between the signal processing circuit and the housing. when the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than a preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the communication operation, When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the charging operation, and When the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the initialization operation, and the second threshold voltage is set higher than the first threshold voltage.

8. The communication system according to claim 7, in, The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a resume operation that resumes the signal processing circuit from the sleep state, and When detecting that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the recovery operation.

9. The communication system according to claim 7, in, The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation that causes the signal processing circuit to switch to the sleep state, and When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage decreases to the reference voltage, the requested operation determination circuit determines that the requested operation is a sleep operation.

10. A communication system comprising: a housing capable of supplying electrical power; accessories, operated by electricity; as well as a power management integrated circuit included in the accessory and connected to the housing using a charging line and a ground line, the charging line sending and receiving charging signals, the ground line being set as a reference voltage, the housing being capable of supplying the power, wherein the power management integrated circuit includes a request operation determination circuit, the request operation determination circuit determining an operation requested by the accessory based on a voltage level of the charging signal and a duration of the voltage level, wherein the accessory includes an accessory battery and a signal processing circuit, the accessory battery can be charged based on the charging signal, and the signal processing circuit can process the charging signal input from the housing and switch to a sleep state, The operations that can be requested by the accessory include an initialization operation, a charging operation, and a communication operation, wherein the initialization operation initializes the system of the accessory, the charging operation charges the accessory battery, and the communication operation provides unidirectional communication from the housing to the request operation determination circuit, and bidirectional communication between the signal processing circuit and the housing. when the voltage level remains higher than the reference voltage and lower than a preset first threshold voltage for a preset first threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the communication operation, When the voltage level remains not lower than the first threshold voltage for a preset second threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the charging operation; and When the voltage level remains not lower than a second threshold voltage for a preset third threshold period of time, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the initialization operation, and the second threshold voltage is set higher than the first threshold voltage.

11. The communication system according to claim 10, in, The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a resume operation that resumes the signal processing circuit from the sleep state, and When detecting that the voltage level is higher than the reference voltage and lower than the preset first threshold voltage, the request operation determination circuit determines that the one operation is the recovery operation.

12. The communication system according to claim 10, in, The operation that can be requested by the accessory includes a sleep operation that causes the signal processing circuit to switch to the sleep state, and When the voltage level higher than the reference voltage decreases to the reference voltage, the requested operation determination circuit determines that the requested operation is a sleep operation.

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