Electronic device, control method thereof, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device, a control method thereof, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The electronic device includes a detection unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The detection unit detects the temperature of a cable connected to the electronic device. The communication unit receives cable information including information related to the cable from the cable. In a case where the temperature indicated by the cable information is higher than a predetermined temperature and the communication unit receives the cable information, the control unit changes the threshold temperature from the predetermined temperature to the temperature indicated by the cable information. In a case where the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, the control unit controls a power supply device to stop supplying power from the power supply device to the electronic device via the cable, or controls the electronic device to stop receiving power from the power supply device via the cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to an electronic device capable of supplying or receiving power via a cable and a control method of the electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-38429 describes a power supply system that complies with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) PD (Power Delivery) standard.

[0003] An E-marked cable (Electronically Marked Cable) that complies with the USB PD standard and the USB Type-C standard has an ID chip in which cable information (such as current capacity, performance, and vendor information), i.e., information related to the cable, is stored. In the case where the cable connected to the electronic device is not an E-marked cable, the cable may be a low-quality cable.

[0004] Another problem is that the information in the ID chip of the E-marked cable may be copied to the ID chip included in the inferior cable. In this case, an electronic device connected to the inferior cable posing as the E-marked cable may mistake the inferior cable for the E-marked cable.

[0005] When power is supplied from an electronic device to another electronic device via a poor quality cable, the temperature of the cable's insulator or sheath (housing) may rise to a level at least as high as the allowable temperature of the electronic device. In this case, the heat may damage the cable or the electronic device, thereby possibly reducing the safety of the cable or the electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to various embodiments, there is provided an electronic device capable of safely supplying or receiving power via a cable.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a detection unit that detects a temperature of a cable connected to the electronic device; a communication unit that receives cable information including information related to the cable from the cable; and a control unit that, when a temperature indicated by the cable information is higher than a predetermined temperature and the communication unit receives the cable information from the cable, changes a threshold temperature from the predetermined temperature to a temperature indicated by the cable information, and, when the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, controls a power supply device to stop supplying power from the power supply device to the electronic device via the cable, or controls the electronic device to stop receiving power from the power supply device via the cable.

[0008] According to various embodiments, there is provided an electronic device, comprising: a detection unit, which detects a temperature of a cable connected to the electronic device; a communication unit, which receives cable information including information related to the cable from the cable; and a control unit, which, when a temperature indicated by the cable information is higher than a predetermined temperature and the communication unit receives the cable information from the cable, changes a threshold temperature from the predetermined temperature to a temperature indicated by the cable information, and, when the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, controls the electronic device to stop supplying power from the electronic device to a power receiving device via the cable, or controls the power receiving device to stop receiving power from the electronic device via the cable.

[0009] According to various embodiments, a control method of an electronic device is provided, comprising: detecting a temperature of a cable connected to the electronic device; in a case where a temperature indicated by cable information including information related to the cable is higher than a predetermined temperature and a communication unit of the electronic device receives the cable information from the cable, changing a threshold temperature from the predetermined temperature to a temperature indicated by the cable information; and in a case where the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, controlling a power supply device to stop supplying power from the power supply device to the electronic device via the cable, or controlling the electronic device to stop receiving power from the power supply device via the cable.

[0010] According to various embodiments, a control method of an electronic device is provided, comprising: detecting the temperature of a cable connected to the electronic device; in a case where a temperature indicated by cable information including information related to the cable is higher than a predetermined temperature and a communication unit of the electronic device receives the cable information from the cable, changing a threshold temperature from the predetermined temperature to a temperature indicated by the cable information; and in a case where the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, controlling the electronic device to stop supplying power from the electronic device to a power receiving device via the cable, or controlling the power receiving device to stop receiving power from the electronic device via the cable.

[0011] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram for illustrating components of a power supply system in a first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram for illustrating components of an electronic device 100 in the first embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3is a block diagram for illustrating components of a power supply device 300 in the first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 4 is a block diagram for illustrating components of a power control unit 109 in the first embodiment;

[0016] Figure 5 is a flowchart for illustrating the threshold temperature setting process in the first embodiment;

[0017] Figure 6 is a flowchart for illustrating a threshold temperature setting process in the second embodiment; and

[0018] Figure 7 is a flowchart for illustrating the threshold temperature setting process in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0020] [First embodiment]

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a diagram for illustrating components of a power supply system in a first embodiment. The power supply system in the first embodiment includes an electronic device 100, a cable 200, and a power supply device 300. Each of the electronic device 100, the cable 200, and the power supply device 300 complies with the USB PD (Power Delivery) standard and the USB Type-C standard. Note that the cable 200 is any one of an E-marked cable, a cable posing as an E-marked cable, and a cable other than an E-marked cable.

[0022] The electronic device 100 is a power receiving device to which power is supplied from the power supply device 300. In the first embodiment, the electronic device 100 can be used as a camera (eg, a digital camera). However, the electronic device 100 can also be used as a media player, a smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0023] The electronic device 100 includes an imaging unit 102, an operation unit 104, and a connection unit 110. The electronic device 100 can operate using power supplied from a battery 111. The connection unit 110 in the electronic device 100 is connected to a power supply device 300 via a cable 200 to obtain power. The connection unit 110 is a USB C type connector. The electronic device 100 can also operate using power supplied from the power supply device 300 (rather than using power from the battery 111).

[0024] The power supply device 300 is an electronic device that supplies power to the electronic device 100. The power supply device 300 is an AC adapter or a mobile battery. In the first embodiment, the power supply device 300 is a source device, and the electronic device 100 is a sink device.

[0025] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 Describe the components of the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 includes a main control unit 101, an imaging unit 102, a recording medium 103, an operation unit 104, a display unit 105, a memory 106, a storage 107, a sub-control unit 108, a power control unit 109, a connection unit 110, a battery 111, and a power control unit 112.

[0026] The main control unit 101 executes a program stored in the memory 107 to be able to control each component of the electronic device 100 .

[0027] The imaging unit 102 includes a lens unit and an imaging element, and generates image data from an optical image of a subject. The image data generated by the imaging unit 102 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the main control unit 101 and then recorded on the recording medium 103.

[0028] The recording medium 103 records the image data output from the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 103 may be embedded in the electronic device 100 or may also be detachable from the electronic device 100.

[0029] The operation unit 104 receives instructions given by the user to the electronic device 100. The operation unit 104 transmits a signal in response to the instruction from the user to the main control unit 101 or the sub-control unit 108. The operation unit 104 includes a power button (an operation member for the user to give an instruction to turn on or off the power of the electronic device 100), a release switch (an operation member for the user to give an imaging instruction), and a zoom lever (an operation member for the user to give an instruction to zoom an image). The operation unit 104 includes a reproduction button (an operation member for the user to give an instruction to reproduce image data), a mode dial (an operation member for the user to give an instruction to switch the electronic device 100 to a startup mode), and a touch panel provided in the display unit 105.

[0030] Note that the release switch includes a first switch (SW1) and a second switch (SW2). When the release switch is changed to a so-called half-pressed state, the first switch (SW1) is changed to an ON state. When the first switch (SW1) is changed to an ON state, the main control unit 101 receives an instruction to prepare for imaging. Imaging preparation includes AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (electronic flash pre-emission) processing. When the release switch is changed to a so-called full-pressed state, the second switch (SW2) is changed to an ON state. When the second switch (SW2) is changed to an ON state, the main control unit 101 receives a signal (instruction) allowing imaging.

[0031] The display unit 105 displays a viewfinder image when imaging is performed, an image (image data) generated by imaging, characters for interactive operations, etc. Note that the display unit 105 does not necessarily need to be embedded in the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 may be connected to the display unit 105 inside or outside the electronic device 100, and may appropriately have a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit 105.

[0032] The memory 106 is a buffer memory that temporarily retains image data generated by imaging by the imaging unit 102. The memory 106 is used as an image display memory of the display unit 105 and as a work memory of the main control unit 101.

[0033] The memory 107 stores programs and the like to be executed in the main control unit 101 .

[0034] The sub-control unit 108 executes a program stored in a memory to be able to control any components of the electronic device 100. The sub-control unit 108 can operate with power lower than that consumed by the main control unit 101. The sub-control unit 108 can communicate with the main control unit 101.

[0035] The power control unit 109 supplies the power acquired by the connection unit 110 to the respective components of the electronic device 100. At this time, the power control unit 109 charges the battery 111 with the power acquired by the connection unit 110.

[0036] The connection unit 110 is an interface for connecting the power supply device 300 and the electronic device 100. The connection unit 110 has a CC (Configuration Channel) terminal, and the CC terminal is used by each device that complies with the USB PD standard to communicate between the devices. The electronic device 100 uses the connection unit 110 to communicate data with the power supply device 300. The connection unit 110 has a VBUS terminal for power communication. The electronic device 100 uses the connection unit 110 to obtain power from the power supply device 300.

[0037] Note that in the first embodiment, the electronic device 100 is a USB device, and the connection unit 110 includes an interface connector and a USB device controller each for USB communication. The main control unit 101 controls the connection unit 110 to perform USB communication with the power supply device 300 .

[0038] The battery 111 supplies the power required to operate the electronic device 100. When the power supply from the power supply device 300 is stopped, the electronic device 100 operates using the power supplied from the battery 111. Therefore, even when the power supply from the power supply device 300 is stopped, the electronic device 100 can continue to operate safely. The battery 111 can be removed from the electronic device 100. The battery 111 can obtain the power obtained by the connection unit 110 via the power control unit 109. Therefore, the battery 111 is charged. The battery 111 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM that perform a battery authentication process. The battery 111 performs a battery authentication process with the main control unit 101 or the sub-control unit 108. The battery authentication process is an authentication process for determining whether the battery 111 is a predetermined battery.

[0039] The power supply control unit 112 controls the power supplied from the battery 111 or the power control unit 109 to other components of the electronic device 100 based on the state of the electronic device 100 .

[0040] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 The components of the power supply device 300 are described. The power supply device 300 includes a main control unit 301 , a connection unit 302 , an information acquisition unit 303 , a connection unit 304 , a power supply control unit 305 , an output control unit 306 , and a temperature detection unit 307 .

[0041] The main control unit 301 executes a program stored in a memory to control the respective components of the power supply apparatus 300 .

[0042] The connection unit 302 is an interface connected to the electronic device 100 via the cable 200. The connection unit 302 supplies power to the electronic device 100. The connection unit 302 has a CC terminal and a VBUS terminal.

[0043] The information acquisition unit 303 controls the PD (power transmission) communication of the power supply device 300. For example, as a control of the PD communication, the information acquisition unit 303 reports the power supply capability of the power supply device 300. The information acquisition unit 303 can negotiate the power required by the electronic device 100 (set the required power to an optimal value) by using communication through the CC (configuration channel) terminal. In addition, the information acquisition unit 303 can also obtain cable information (such as current capacity, performance, and vendor information) from the cable 200 (E-marked cable) connected thereto by using communication through the CC terminal. The information acquisition unit 303 can request authentication information (certificate) from the cable 200 for authenticating the cable 200 as an E-marked cable.

[0044] The connection unit 304 draws power from a household wall socket or from a battery.

[0045] The power control unit 305 converts the power acquired by the connection unit 304 into power that can be supplied to the electronic device 100 and outputs the power. For example, when power (9V, 3A) is supplied to the electronic device 100 from a household power supply (100V and 50Hz AC power supply), the power control unit 305 converts the AC voltage into a DC voltage to convert the DC voltage into 9V. Note that the power control unit 305 follows instructions from the main control unit 301 to control power based on the power supply capacity of the power supply device 300. Therefore, the information about the voltage and current that can be output after the conversion of the power control unit 305 corresponds to the information about the power that can be supplied from the power supply device 300.

[0046] The output control unit 306 is connected to the VBUS terminal of the connection unit 302. The output control unit 306 controls the power supplied from the power control unit 305 to the electronic device 100. The output control unit 306 follows instructions from the main control unit 301 or the electronic device 100 to perform power supply stop processing and the like.

[0047] The temperature detection unit 307 detects the temperature in the connection unit 302 to notify the main control unit 301 of the detected temperature. Heat is conducted from the cable 200 to the connection unit 302 via the metal connector. Therefore, by detecting the temperature in the connection unit 302, the temperature detection unit 307 can detect the temperature of the cable 200 (a temperature equivalent to the temperature of the cable 200).

[0048] Next, we will refer to Figure 4 The components of the power control unit 109 are described. The power control unit 109 includes an information acquisition unit 1091 , an input control unit 1092 , a power supply control unit 1093 , a charging control unit 1094 , a connection unit 1095 , a voltage detection unit 1096 , and a temperature detection unit 1097 .

[0049] The information acquisition unit 1091 is connected to the CC terminal of the connection unit 110. The information acquisition unit 1091 can detect the power supply capability of the power supply device 300 connected thereto at the CC terminal voltage. The information acquisition unit 1091 can negotiate with the power supply device 300 about the power to be supplied thereto by communication using the CC terminal. In addition, by communication using the CC terminal, the information acquisition unit 1091 can also acquire the cable information of the cable 200 and request the certification information (certificate) for certifying the cable 200 as an E-marked cable from the cable 200.

[0050] The input control unit 1092 is connected to the VBUS terminal of the connection unit 110. The input control unit 1092 obtains power (VBUS power) from the power supply device 300 connected to the VBUS terminal. The input control unit 1092 follows the instruction from the sub-control unit 108 based on the information obtained by the information acquisition unit 1091 to switch the power supply control unit 1093 between the power supply state and the power supply stop state.

[0051] The power supply control unit 1093 converts the voltage of the power (VBUS power) supplied thereto via the input control unit 1092 into a voltage that can be used by each of the power supply control unit 112 and the charging control unit 1094. For example, the power supply control unit 1093 reduces the 5V voltage supplied thereto to a suitable battery voltage. In the first embodiment, the battery 111 is a single battery, so constant current charging (CC charging) and constant voltage charging (CV charging) are performed so that a fully charged state is achieved at 4.2V. When the battery 111 is not connected to the electronic device 100, the power supply control unit 1093 converts the VBUS power into the most effective voltage (e.g., 3.7V) in the power supply control unit 112.

[0052] The power supply control unit 1093 can limit the current to be supplied to each component of the power supply device 300 based on the power supply capability of the power supply device 300. For example, when the power supply capability of the power supply device 300 corresponds to a 9V voltage and a 3A current, the power supply control unit 1093 reduces the voltage to 4.2V close to the battery voltage used as the battery 111, while preventing a current of at least 3A from flowing into the power supply control unit 112 or flowing into the charging control unit 1094.

[0053] The charging control unit 1094 charges the battery 111 with power received from the VBUS terminal via each of the input control unit 1092 and the power supply control unit 1093. The charging control unit 1094 performs CC charging and CV charging of the battery 111 while controlling the current so as not to damage the battery 111.

[0054] The battery 111 detachable from the electronic device 100 may be connected to the connection unit 1095. Power supplied to the battery 111 via the connection unit 1095 is supplied to a battery cell, an authentication circuit, and a thermistor, each of which is included in the battery 111.

[0055] The voltage detection unit 1096 detects the voltage of the VBUS power input thereto and notifies the sub-control unit 108 of the voltage value. When the power supply capacity of the power supply device 300 corresponds to, for example, a 9V voltage and a 3A current, the voltage detection unit 1096 detects whether the power supply device 300 outputs a voltage of at least an expected value (such as 15V). The voltage detection unit 1096 also detects whether the voltage of the VBUS power input thereto is significantly lower than 9V due to the occurrence of a short circuit caused by the electronic device 100 being in an abnormal state, etc. When such an abnormal voltage is detected, the sub-control unit 108 stops the operation of the input control unit 1092 and gives an instruction to stop power supply to the power supply device 300 via the information acquisition unit 1091. Although Figure 4 It is illustrated that the voltage detection unit 1096 detects the voltage between the input control unit 1092 and the power supply control unit 1093 , but the voltage detection unit 1096 may also detect the voltage between the connection unit 110 and the connection unit 1095 , for example.

[0056] The temperature detection unit 1097 detects (monitors) the temperature in the connection unit 110 and notifies the sub-control unit 108 of the detected temperature value. Heat is conducted from the cable 200 to the connection unit 110 via the metal connector. Therefore, by detecting the temperature in the connection unit 110, the temperature detection unit 1097 can detect the temperature of the cable 200 (a temperature equivalent to the temperature of the cable 200). When the temperature of the cable 200 is higher than the threshold temperature Th, the sub-control unit 108 controls the input control unit 1092 to stop receiving power through the connection unit 110. Alternatively, when the temperature of the cable 200 is higher than the threshold temperature Th, the sub-control unit 108 gives an instruction to stop power supply to the power supply device 300 via the information acquisition unit 1091.

[0057] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 The flowchart in FIG. 1 describes the threshold temperature setting process to be performed in the electronic device 100 in the first embodiment. Note that the control is performed by executing a program by the sub-control unit 108 of the electronic device 100. Figure 5 The threshold temperature setting process is shown in the flowchart in FIG. Figure 5Before the flowchart in FIG. 1 , the sub-control unit 108 sets the temperature Th1 to the threshold temperature Th. The temperature Th1 mentioned here is the upper limit temperature (upper limit value of the permissible temperature) that the electronic device 100 can allow. The temperature Th1 is a predetermined temperature. Information indicating the temperature Th1 is pre-stored in the sub-control unit 108 or a memory accessible to the sub-control unit 108. The threshold temperature Th and the temperature Th3 to be described later are both stored in the sub-control unit 108 or a memory accessible to the sub-control unit 108.

[0058] In step S501, the sub-control unit 108 determines whether the power supply device 300 is connected to the connection unit 110 via USB. For example, the sub-control unit 108 may also determine that the power supply device 300 is connected to the connection unit 110 via USB when the voltage detection unit 1096 detects the VBUS voltage. Alternatively, the sub-control unit 108 may also determine that the power supply device 300 is connected to the connection unit 110 via USB based on the voltage level of the CC terminal of the information acquisition unit 1091. The process of step S501 is repeated until the power supply device 300 is connected to the connection unit 110 via USB. When the power supply device 300 is connected to the connection unit 110 via USB, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S502.

[0059] In step S502, the sub-control unit 108 sets the temperature Th2 as the threshold temperature Th. The temperature Th2 mentioned here is the temperature at which the cable 200 is not damaged, and the temperature corresponds to the upper limit of the allowable temperature of the main material used for the insulation or sheath material of the typical cable. For example, the upper limits of the allowable temperatures of ethylene polypropylene or polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene and vinyl are 90°C, 80°C, 75°C and 60°C. In the first embodiment, 60°C, which is a temperature that can be allowed for a cable formed of any material, is used as the temperature Th2. Therefore, as long as the threshold temperature Th is the temperature Th2, the sub-control unit 108 can prevent the power supply device 300 from supplying power before reaching the temperature at which the cable is damaged. The temperature Th2 is a predetermined temperature. Information indicating the temperature Th2 is pre-stored in the sub-control unit 108 or a memory accessible to the sub-control unit 108.

[0060] In step S503, the information acquisition unit 1091 determines whether a power list including combinations of voltage values ​​and current values ​​that can be supplied from the power supply device 300 is received from the information acquisition unit 303. When the power list is received from the information acquisition unit 303, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S506. When the power list is not received from the information acquisition unit 303, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S504.

[0061] In step S504, the information acquisition unit 1091 determines whether a timeout is called before the information acquisition unit 1091 receives the power list. For example, when the power list is not sent even after 620ms, the electronic device 100 sends a reset signal to the information acquisition unit 303 via the information acquisition unit 1091. When the electronic device 100 and the power supply device 300 are normally connected through the appropriate cable 200, the power list is sent from the information acquisition unit 303 that has acquired the reset signal. Then, when the power list cannot be received even if the information acquisition unit 1091 repeatedly sends the reset signal 3 times after the waiting period of 620ms, a timeout is called. When a timeout is called before the information acquisition unit 1091 receives the power list, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S505. When a timeout is not called before the information acquisition unit 1091 receives the power list, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S503.

[0062] In step S505 , the sub-control unit 108 controls the power supply control unit 1093 so that power within the power supply capability of the power supply apparatus 300 determined based on the CC terminal voltage is received from the power supply apparatus 300 .

[0063] In step S506 , the information acquisition unit 1091 performs PD communication with the power supply apparatus 300 to determine the power to be supplied from the power supply apparatus 300 .

[0064] In step S507, the information acquisition unit 1091 issues a VCONN_Swap request to try to acquire the cable information of the cable 200. The VCONN_Swap request is a request for exchanging between the Source function and the Sink function, and is a request for the right to supply power to the cable 200. When the VCONN_Swap request is issued and the VCONN_Swap is permitted, an electronic device that has become a Sink can be used as a VCONN_Source. When allowed to be used as a VCONN_Source by VCONN_Swap, an electronic device that has become a Sink can acquire the cable information of the cable 200 from the cable 200. The cable information includes, for example, the maximum operating temperature. The maximum operating temperature is an item included in the USB Power Transmission Revision 3.0 Active Cable VDO2.

[0065] In step S508, the sub-control unit 108 determines whether the information acquisition unit 1091 has successfully acquired the cable information of the cable 200 from the cable 200. When the information acquisition unit 1091 has successfully acquired the cable information of the cable 200, the sub-control unit 108 determines that the cable 200 is a safety E-marked cable. When the information acquisition unit 1091 has successfully acquired the cable information of the cable 200, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S509. When the information acquisition unit 1091 has not successfully acquired the cable information of the cable 200, Figure 5 The flowchart in ends, so the sub-control unit 108 does not change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2. Note that when the information acquisition unit 1091 does not successfully acquire the cable information of the cable 200, the sub-control unit 108 determines that the cable 200 is not an E-mark cable.

[0066] In step S509, the sub-control unit 108 determines whether to change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2 to the temperature Th3. When the temperature Th3 indicated by the cable information is higher than the temperature Th2, the sub-control unit 108 determines that the threshold temperature Th will be changed from the temperature Th2 to the temperature Th3. The temperature Th3 is used here as, for example, the highest operating temperature indicated by the cable information. When the threshold temperature Th is changed from the temperature Th2 to the temperature Th3, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S510. When the threshold temperature Th is not changed from the temperature Th2, Figure 5 The flowchart in ends.

[0067] In step S510, the sub-control unit 108 changes the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2 to the temperature Th3. This allows the sub-control unit 108 to set, for example, the higher one of the temperature Th2 and the temperature Th3 as the threshold temperature Th. If the higher one of the temperature Th2 and the temperature Th3 is used as the threshold temperature Th, the temperature of the cable 200 will not be restricted too much, and the possibility of stopping power supply (or power reception) can be reduced. Therefore, the safety of the cable 200, the electronic device 100, and the power supply device 300 and the stability of power supply can be achieved at the same time.

[0068] Note that in order to ensure the maximum safety of the electronic device 100 and the cable 200, in step S510, the sub-control unit 108 may also set the lower one of the temperature Th2 and the temperature Th3 as the threshold temperature Th. When considering the possibility that the cable 200 is a cable posing as an E-marked cable, in step S510, the sub-control unit 108 may set the lower one of the temperature Th2 and the temperature Th3 as the threshold temperature Th.

[0069] In addition, when the temperature Th3 is higher than the temperature Th1 in step S510, the sub-control unit 108 may change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2 to the temperature Th1 regardless of the magnitude relationship between the temperature Th2 and the temperature Th3. This can prevent the cable 200 from being heated to a temperature higher than the temperature Th1 which is the allowable temperature of the electronic device 100.

[0070] Therefore, when a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th is detected, the sub-control unit 108 stops the power reception of the connection unit 110 (or stops the operation of the input control unit 1092). Alternatively / additionally, when a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th is detected, the sub-control unit 108 also gives an instruction to stop the power supply to the power supply device 300 via the information acquisition unit 1091. This can prevent the temperature of the cable 200 from changing to a temperature of at least the allowable temperature, and thus improve the safety of the cable 200, the power supply device 300, and the electronic device 100.

[0071] Note that the processing performed by the sub-control unit 108 when a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th is detected is not limited to stopping the power reception of the electronic device 100 and / or stopping the power supply from the power supply device 300. When a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th is detected, the sub-control unit 108 may appropriately control to reduce the power obtained by the electronic device 100 to a level lower than the power when the sub-control unit 108 does not detect a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th. This can also suppress the temperature increase of the cable 200, and thus improve the safety of the cable 200 and the electronic device 100.

[0072] [Second embodiment]

[0073] The second embodiment will be described below. The components of the electronic device 100 and the power supply device 300 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their detailed description is omitted. Since the threshold temperature Th, temperature Th1, temperature Th2, and temperature Th3 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, their detailed description is omitted.

[0074] Will refer to Figure 6 The flowchart in FIG. 1 describes the threshold temperature setting process to be performed in the electronic device 100 in the second embodiment. Note that the sub-control unit 108 executes a program to control Figure 6 The processing of steps S501 to S510 is the same as that of steps S501 to S510 in the first embodiment, so the detailed description thereof is omitted. Figure 6 Before the flowchart of FIG. 1 , in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the sub-control unit 108 sets the temperature Th1 as the threshold temperature Th.

[0075] In step S621, the information acquisition unit 1091 issues a VCONN_Swap request to try to acquire authentication information of the cable 200. When the VCONN_Swap request is accepted, the information acquisition unit 1091 can acquire authentication information of the cable 200 from the cable 200. For acquiring authentication information, an authentication method based on the USB Type-C Authentication Specification Revision 1.0 can be used.

[0076] In step S622, the sub-control unit 108 determines whether the information acquisition unit 1091 has successfully acquired the authentication information of the cable 200 from the cable 200. When the information acquisition unit 1091 has successfully acquired the authentication information of the cable 200, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S507. When the information acquisition unit 1091 has not successfully acquired the authentication information of the cable 200, Figure 6 The flowchart in ends. Therefore, when the authentication information of the cable 200 is not acquired, the sub-control unit 108 does not change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2 regardless of the cable information of the cable 200. Note that when the information acquisition unit 1091 does not successfully acquire the cable information of the cable 200 from the cable 200, the sub-control unit 108 determines that the cable 200 is a cable pretending to be an E-marked cable or a cable that is not an E-marked cable.

[0077] Note that in the second embodiment, when the information acquisition unit 1091 acquires the authentication information of the cable 200 in step S622, the electronic device 100 attempts to acquire the cable information of the cable 200 in step S507. However, the electronic device 100 may also attempt to acquire the cable information of the cable 200 in a step before step S622. In this case, when the authentication information of the cable 200 is not acquired in step S622, the sub-control unit 108 does not refer to the cable information of the cable 200, and does not change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2.

[0078] Therefore, when the temperature detection unit 1097 detects a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th, the sub-control unit 108 stops the operation of the input control unit 1092 and gives an output stop (or power supply stop) instruction to the power supply device 300 via the information acquisition unit 1091. This can prevent the temperature of the cable from reaching a level of at least the allowable temperature, and thus improve the safety of the cable and the electronic device.

[0079] In the second embodiment, when the authentication information cannot be obtained from the cable 200 (when the cable 200 cannot be authenticated as an E-marked cable), the electronic device 100 does not change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2. As a result, even when the cable 200 is not an E-marked cable, the electronic device 100 can be prevented from changing the threshold temperature Th to an erroneous temperature. This further improves the safety of the cable 200, the power supply device 300, and the electronic device 100.

[0080] [Third embodiment]

[0081] The first or second embodiment describes an example in which, when the temperature of the cable 200 exceeds the threshold temperature Th, the electronic device 100 performs control to stop the supply of power from the power supply device 300, etc. The third embodiment will describe an example in which, when the temperature of the cable 200 exceeds the threshold temperature Th, the power supply device 300 stops supplying power to the electronic device 100, etc. The respective components of the electronic device 100 and the power supply device 300 in the third embodiment are the same as those of the electronic device 100 and the power supply device 300 in the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] In the third embodiment, when the temperature detection unit 307 detects a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th, the main control unit 301 gives an instruction to stop power supply to the output control unit 306. Alternatively, when the temperature detection unit 307 detects a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th, the main control unit 301 gives an instruction to stop power reception to the electronic device 100 via the information acquisition unit 303.

[0083] The following will refer to Figure 7 The flowchart in FIG. 1 describes the threshold temperature setting process to be performed in the power supply device 300 in the third embodiment. Note that the main control unit 301 executes a program to control Figure 7 The threshold temperature setting process is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Figure 7 Before the flowchart of FIG. 301 is executed, the main control unit 301 sets the temperature Th1 as the threshold temperature Th. The temperature Th1 is the upper limit temperature (upper limit value of the permissible temperature) that the power supply device 300 can allow. The temperature Th1 is a predetermined temperature. Information indicating the temperature Th1 is pre-stored in the main control unit 301 or a memory accessible to the main control unit 301. The threshold temperature Th and the temperature Th3 are both stored in the main control unit 301 or a memory accessible to the main control unit 301.

[0084] In step S701, the main control unit 301 determines whether the electronic device 100 is connected to the connection unit 302 via USB. For example, the power supply device 300 determines whether the electronic device 100 is connected to the connection unit 302 via USB based on the voltage level of the CC terminal of the information acquisition unit 303. The process of step S701 is repeated until the electronic device 100 is connected to the connection unit 302 via USB. When the electronic device 100 is connected to the connection unit 302 via USB, the threshold temperature setting process flow proceeds to step S702.

[0085] In step S702, in the same manner as step S502, the main control unit 301 sets the temperature Th2 as the threshold temperature Th. The temperature Th2 is a temperature at which the cable 200 is not damaged, and corresponds to an upper limit value of an allowable temperature of a main material used for an insulation or sheath material of a typical cable. The temperature Th2 is a predetermined temperature. Information indicating the temperature Th2 is pre-stored in the main control unit 301 or a memory accessible to the main control unit 301.

[0086] In step S703, the information acquisition unit 303 determines whether information indicating required power (required power information) is received from the information acquisition unit 1091. When the required power information is received from the information acquisition unit 1091, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S706. Otherwise, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S704.

[0087] In step S704, the information acquisition unit 303 determines whether a timeout is called before the required power information is received. When the required power information is not sent from the information acquisition unit 1091 before a predetermined period of time has passed, a timeout is called. When a timeout is called before the information acquisition unit 303 receives the required power information, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to S705. Otherwise, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S703.

[0088] In step S705 , the main control unit 301 controls the output control unit 306 so that the electronic device 100 is supplied with power within the power supply capacity presented to the electronic device 100 based on the CC terminal voltage.

[0089] In step S706 , the information acquisition unit 303 performs PD communication with the information acquisition unit 1091 , and determines the power to be supplied to the electronic device 100 .

[0090] In step S707, the information acquisition unit 303 attempts to acquire authentication information of the cable 200. For example, the information acquisition unit 303 attempts to acquire authentication information by using an authentication method based on the USB Type-C Authentication Specification Revision 1.0.

[0091] In step S708, the main control unit 301 determines whether the information acquisition unit 303 has successfully acquired the authentication information of the cable 200 from the cable 200. When the information acquisition unit 303 has successfully acquired the authentication information of the cable 200, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S709. When the information acquisition unit 303 has not successfully acquired the authentication information of the cable 200, Figure 7The flowchart ends. Therefore, when the information acquisition unit 303 does not successfully acquire the authentication information of the cable 200, the main control unit 301 does not change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2. Note that when the information acquisition unit 303 does not successfully acquire the cable information of the cable 200 from the cable 200, the main control unit 301 determines that the cable 200 is a cable pretending to be an E-marked cable or a cable that is not an E-marked cable.

[0092] In step S709 , the information acquiring unit 303 attempts to acquire the cable information of the cable 200 .

[0093] In step S710, the main control unit 301 determines whether the information acquisition unit 303 successfully acquires the cable information of the cable 200 from the cable 200. When the information acquisition unit 303 successfully acquires the cable information of the cable 200, the main control unit 301 determines that the cable 200 is a safety E-marked cable. When the information acquisition unit 303 has successfully acquired the cable information of the cable 200, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S711. When the information acquisition unit 303 has not successfully acquired the cable information of the cable 200, Figure 7 The flowchart in ends. Therefore, when the information acquisition unit 303 does not successfully acquire the cable information of the cable 200, the main control unit 301 does not change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2. Note that when the information acquisition unit 303 does not successfully acquire the cable information of the cable 200, the main control unit 301 determines that the cable 200 is not an E-marked cable.

[0094] In step S711, the main control unit 301 determines whether to change the threshold temperature Th from temperature Th2 to temperature Th3. For example, when the temperature Th3 indicated by the cable information is higher than the temperature Th2, the main control unit 301 determines that the threshold temperature Th will be changed from temperature Th2 to temperature Th3. When the threshold temperature Th is to be changed from temperature Th2 to temperature Th3, the threshold temperature setting process proceeds to step S712. When the threshold temperature Th is not to be changed, Figure 7 The flowchart in ends.

[0095] In step S712, in the same manner as step S510, the main control unit 301 changes the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2 to the temperature Th3. For example, when the temperature Th3 is higher than the temperature Th2, the main control unit 301 may change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2 to the temperature Th3. Note that when the temperature Th3 is higher than the temperature Th1 in step S712, the main control unit 301 may change the threshold temperature Th from the temperature Th2 to the temperature Th1, regardless of the magnitude relationship between the temperature Th2 and the temperature Th3.

[0096] Therefore, when the temperature detection unit 307 detects a temperature exceeding the threshold temperature Th, the main control unit 301 gives an instruction to stop power supply to the output control unit 306. Alternatively, the main control unit 301 gives an instruction to stop power reception to the electronic device 100 via the information acquisition unit 303. This can prevent the temperature of the cable 200 from changing to a level of at least the permissible temperature, and thus improve the safety of the cable 200, the electronic device 100, and the power supply device 300.

[0097] [Fourth embodiment]

[0098] The various functions, processes, and methods described in the above embodiments may also be implemented by a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU (central processing unit), etc. by using a program. In the fourth embodiment, a personal computer, a microcomputer, a CPU, etc. are hereinafter referred to as "computer X". In the fourth embodiment, a program for controlling computer X and for implementing the various functions, processes, and methods described in the above embodiments is referred to as "program Y".

[0099] The various functions, processes and methods described in the above embodiments are implemented by executing program Y by computer X. In this case, program Y is supplied to computer X via a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium in the fourth 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, a non-volatile memory, etc. The computer-readable storage medium in the fourth embodiment is a non-temporary (non-transient) storage medium.

[0100] Although aspects of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure are 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, comprising: A first detection unit, whose detection cable is connected to the electronic device; a second detection unit, which detects a temperature of the cable connected to the electronic device; a communication unit that receives cable information including information related to the cable from the cable connected to the electronic device; as well as The control unit performs: (a) in a case where the first detection unit has detected that the cable is connected to the electronic device, setting the threshold temperature to a second threshold temperature which is preset and represents an upper limit value of an allowable temperature of a typical cable to be connected to the electronic device, (b) when a third threshold temperature indicating a temperature value indicated by the cable information is higher than the second threshold temperature and the communication unit receives the cable information from the cable, setting the threshold temperature to the third threshold temperature, and (c) when the temperature detected by the second detection unit is higher than the threshold temperature, controlling the power supply device to stop supplying power from the power supply device to the electronic device via the cable, or controlling the electronic device to stop receiving power from the power supply device via the cable.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: In a case where the communication unit fails to successfully receive the cable information, the control unit sets the threshold temperature to the second threshold temperature.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: When the third threshold temperature is higher than the first threshold temperature and the communication unit receives the cable information from the cable, the control unit sets the threshold temperature to the first threshold temperature which is preset and represents an upper limit value of an allowable temperature of the electronic device.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The control section sets the threshold temperature to the second threshold temperature in a case where the communication section has not successfully received authentication information for authenticating that the cable complies with the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Standard from the cable.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit sets the threshold temperature to the third threshold temperature when the third threshold temperature is higher than the second threshold temperature and the communication unit receives authentication information for authenticating that the cable complies with the USB power delivery standard from the cable and receives the cable information from the cable.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit sets the second threshold temperature as the threshold temperature when the third threshold temperature is not higher than the second threshold temperature and the communication unit receives authentication information for authenticating that the cable complies with the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Standard from the cable and receives the cable information from the cable.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The control section sets the second threshold temperature as the threshold temperature when the communication section receives authentication information for authenticating that the cable complies with the USB power delivery standard from the cable and fails to successfully receive the cable information from the cable.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: When the third threshold temperature is higher than the first threshold temperature and the communication unit receives authentication information from the cable for authenticating that the cable complies with the Universal Serial Bus power transmission standard and receives the cable information from the cable, the control unit sets the threshold temperature to the first threshold temperature, which is preset and represents an upper limit value of the allowable temperature of the electronic device.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The third threshold temperature corresponds to a maximum operating temperature of the cable.

10. An electronic device, comprising: A first detection unit, whose detection cable is connected to the electronic device; a second detection unit, which detects a temperature of the cable connected to the electronic device; a communication unit that receives cable information including information related to the cable from the cable connected to the electronic device; as well as The control unit performs: (a) in a case where the first detection unit has detected that the cable is connected to the electronic device, setting the threshold temperature to a second threshold temperature which is preset and represents an upper limit value of an allowable temperature of a typical cable to be connected to the electronic device, (b) when a third threshold temperature indicating a temperature value indicated by the cable information is higher than the second threshold temperature and the communication unit receives the cable information from the cable, setting the threshold temperature to the third threshold temperature, and (c) when the temperature detected by the second detection unit is higher than the threshold temperature, controlling the electronic device to stop supplying power from the electronic device to the power receiving device via the cable, or controlling the power receiving device to stop receiving power from the electronic device via the cable.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The control section sets the threshold temperature to the second threshold temperature in a case where the communication section has not successfully received authentication information for authenticating that the cable complies with the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Standard from the cable.

12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The control unit sets the threshold temperature to the third threshold temperature when the third threshold temperature is higher than the second threshold temperature and the communication unit receives authentication information for authenticating that the cable complies with the USB power delivery standard from the cable and receives the cable information from the cable.

13. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The control unit sets the second threshold temperature as the threshold temperature when the third threshold temperature is not higher than the second threshold temperature and the communication unit receives authentication information for authenticating that the cable complies with the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery Standard from the cable and receives the cable information from the cable.

14. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The control section sets the second threshold temperature as the threshold temperature when the communication section receives authentication information for authenticating that the cable complies with the USB power delivery standard from the cable and fails to successfully receive the cable information from the cable.

15. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: When the third threshold temperature is higher than the first threshold temperature and the communication unit receives authentication information from the cable for authenticating that the cable complies with the Universal Serial Bus power transmission standard and receives the cable information from the cable, the control unit sets the threshold temperature to the first threshold temperature, which is preset and represents an upper limit value of the allowable temperature of the electronic device.

16. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The third threshold temperature corresponds to a maximum operating temperature of the cable.

17. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: A sense cable is connected to the electronic device; detecting a temperature of the cable connected to the electronic device; In the case where it is detected that the cable is connected to the electronic device, setting the threshold temperature to a second threshold temperature, the second threshold temperature being preset and representing an upper limit value of an allowable temperature of a typical cable to be connected to the electronic device; setting the threshold temperature to the third threshold temperature in a case where the communication section of the electronic device has received cable information including information related to the cable from the cable and a third threshold temperature representing a temperature value indicated by the cable information is higher than the second threshold temperature; as well as When the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, the power supply device is controlled to stop supplying power from the power supply device to the electronic device via the cable, or the electronic device is controlled to stop receiving power from the power supply device via the cable.

18. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: A sense cable is connected to the electronic device; detecting a temperature of the cable connected to the electronic device; In the case where it is detected that the cable is connected to the electronic device, setting the threshold temperature to a second threshold temperature, the second threshold temperature being preset and representing an upper limit value of an allowable temperature of a typical cable to be connected to the electronic device; setting the threshold temperature to the third threshold temperature in a case where the communication section of the electronic device has received cable information including information related to the cable from the cable and a third threshold temperature representing a temperature value indicated by the cable information is higher than the second threshold temperature; as well as When the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, the electronic device is controlled to stop supplying power from the electronic device to the power receiving device via the cable, or the power receiving device is controlled to stop receiving power from the electronic device via the cable.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a method, the method comprising: Sense cables are connected to the electronics; detecting a temperature of the cable connected to the electronic device; In the case where it is detected that the cable is connected to the electronic device, setting the threshold temperature to a second threshold temperature, the second threshold temperature being preset and representing an upper limit value of an allowable temperature of a typical cable to be connected to the electronic device; setting the threshold temperature to the third threshold temperature in a case where the communication section of the electronic device has received cable information including information related to the cable from the cable and a third threshold temperature representing a temperature value indicated by the cable information is higher than the second threshold temperature; as well as When the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, the power supply device is controlled to stop supplying power from the power supply device to the electronic device via the cable, or the electronic device is controlled to stop receiving power from the power supply device via the cable.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a method, the method comprising: Sense cables are connected to the electronics; detecting a temperature of a cable connected to the electronic device; In the case where it is detected that the cable is connected to the electronic device, setting the threshold temperature to a second threshold temperature, the second threshold temperature being preset and representing an upper limit value of an allowable temperature of a typical cable to be connected to the electronic device; setting the threshold temperature to the third threshold temperature in a case where the communication section of the electronic device has received cable information including information related to the cable from the cable and a third threshold temperature representing a temperature value indicated by the cable information is higher than the second threshold temperature; as well as When the detected temperature of the cable is higher than the threshold temperature, the electronic device is controlled to stop supplying power from the electronic device to the power receiving device via the cable, or the power receiving device is controlled to stop receiving power from the electronic device via the cable.

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