Electronic device, control method, and program

Abstract

To reduce power loss due to voltage conversion in a receiving device.SOLUTION: An electronic device has: connection means capable of connecting a plurality of power supply devices; a plurality of power receiving means for receiving power supply from the plurality of power supply devices; a plurality of power supply means for converting a voltage value of the power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices and supplying it to a plurality of load units; and control means for determining a voltage value and a current value at which the power supply from the plurality of power supply devices is received, based on the number of the plurality of power supply devices and the power consumption of the plurality of load units, and controlling the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to be output to one of the plurality of power supply means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for supplying power from a plurality of power supply devices to a power receiving device. [Background technology]

[0002] The USB (Universal Serial Bus) PD (Power Delivery) standard is a standard that enables power supply by connecting a power supply device and a power receiving device with a USB Type-C connector and cable. In the USB PD standard, the power supply device (source device) and the power receiving device (sink device) communicate to determine the power that can be supplied or received based on power rules consisting of a combination of voltage and current values.

[0003] A power receiving device is equipped with a voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage received from the power supply device into a voltage at which the load section of the power receiving device can operate. However, the greater the difference between the input voltage and the output voltage of the voltage conversion circuit, the lower the conversion efficiency and the greater the power loss.

[0004] Furthermore, the higher the operating voltage of the load section of the power receiving device, the higher the voltage received from the power supplying device, resulting in greater power loss due to voltage conversion.For example, if the power supplying device is a mobile battery, the operating time of the power receiving device will be shortened.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a power receiving device that requires power supply from multiple power supply devices, which monitors whether each power supply device is capable of supplying power, and starts supplying power when the number of power supply devices required by the power receiving device are capable of supplying power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-193816 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, as the power required by the power receiving device increases, the number of power supplying devices needs to be increased.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to realize a technique for reducing power loss due to voltage conversion in a power receiving device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the electronic device of the present invention has a connection means capable of connecting a plurality of power supply devices, a plurality of power receiving means for receiving power from the plurality of power supply devices, a plurality of power supply means for converting the voltage value of the power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices and supplying it to a plurality of load units, and a control means for determining the voltage value and current value of the power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices based on the number of the plurality of power supply devices and the power consumption of the plurality of load units, and for controlling the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to be output to one of the plurality of power supply means. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce power loss due to voltage conversion in a power receiving device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a connection unit, a power supply control unit, and a power supply unit of the electronic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a reference table used in the control process of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a reference table used in the control process of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a connection unit, a power supply control unit, and a power supply unit of an electronic device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The system of this embodiment includes an electronic device 100, and one or more power supply devices A101, B102, and C103 connectable to the electronic device 100.

[0016] The electronic device 100 is an imaging device such as a digital video camera. The electronic device 100 operates as a power receiving device capable of receiving power from a power supply device A101, a power supply device B102, and a power supply device C103. The electronic device 100 can operate with power received from at least one of the power supply devices A101, B102, and C103. The electronic device 100 is not limited to an imaging device, and may be a personal computer (notebook PC or tablet PC) or a smartphone as long as it can receive power from multiple power supply devices.

[0017] The power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103 are mobile batteries that can be connected to the electronic device 100. The power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103 are not limited to mobile batteries, and may be chargers that use a commercial power source as a power source and can supply power to a power receiving device.

[0018] The electronic device 100, the power supply device A 101, the power supply device B 102, and the power supply device C 103 each include a connector conforming to the USB Type-C standard, and can be electrically connected to each other via USB Type-C cables 104, 105, and .

[0019] In this embodiment, the electronic device 100, the power supply device A 101, the power supply device B 102, and the power supply device C 103 operate as a power receiving device (sink device) and a power supply device (source device) that comply with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) PD (Power Delivery) standard. The power receiving device (sink device) and the power supply device (source device) perform arbitration to determine the supply power from a combination of a voltage value (e.g., 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V) and a current value (e.g., 3A, 5A) that are predetermined based on the power rule.

[0020] Next, the configuration and functions of the electronic device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] The electronic device 100 includes a system control unit 200, an imaging unit 201, a display unit 202, an operation unit 203, a temperature detection unit 204, connection units 205, 206, 207, a power control unit 208, a memory unit 209, a recording medium 210, and a power supply unit 211.

[0023] The system control unit 200 includes a processor (CPU) that performs arithmetic processing and control processing of the electronic device 100, and a work memory (RAM) into which constants and variables for the operation of the system control unit 200, a control program read from the memory unit 209, and the like are loaded. The system control unit 200 controls each component of the electronic device 100 by loading the control program stored in the memory unit 209 into the work memory and executing it.

[0024] The imaging unit 201 has an image sensor configured with a CCD (charge-coupled device), a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) element, or the like, and converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal.

[0025] The system control unit 200 performs various image processing on image data captured by the imaging unit 201, generates image files such as still images and videos, and displays them on the display unit 202 or records them on the recording medium 210. The system control unit 200 also performs predetermined calculation processing using the image data captured by the imaging unit 201, and performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation results.

[0026] The display unit 202 displays live view images, captured images, text for interactive operations, and the operation mode of the electronic device 100. The display unit 202 also displays the operable time of the electronic device 100 based on remaining battery information of a battery mounted in the electronic device 100 and remaining battery information of a power supply device connected to the electronic device 100. The display unit 202 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 202 may be integrated with the electronic device 100 or may be an external device connected to the electronic device 100.

[0027] The operation unit 203 is an operation member such as various switches, buttons, a touch panel, etc. that receives various operations from a user and notifies the system control unit 200. In addition, the operation unit 203 provides a user interface for the user to operate the electronic device 100.

[0028] The temperature detection unit 204 detects the temperature of a device (heat source device) that serves as a heat source in each component of the electronic device 100, and notifies the system control unit 200. The heat source device is, for example, the system control unit 200 and the imaging unit 201 that generate heat when the electronic device 100 operates with the power on. The system control unit 200 executes control processing based on temperature information of the heat source device detected by the temperature detection unit 204. For example, the system control unit 200 limits or stops the operation of the electronic device 100 so that the guaranteed operating temperature of the heat source device is not exceeded. The temperature detection unit 204 includes a temperature sensor such as a thermistor.

[0029] The connection units 205, 206, and 207 are power receiving units that connect the power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103 to the electronic device 100 and receive power from the power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103. The power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103 are interfaces that comply with the USB PD standard, for example. The connection units 205, 206, and 207 are USB Type-C connectors that can connect the USB Type-C cables 104, 105, and 106, for example. The connection units 205, 206, and 207 can communicate data and exchange power in compliance with the USB PD standard with the power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103 that are connected via the USB Type-C cables 104, 105, and 106. The connection units 205 , 206 , and 207 output the power (VBUS) supplied from the power supply device A 101 , the power supply device B 102 , and the power supply device C 103 to the power supply control unit 208 .

[0030] Note that the connection units 205, 206, and 207 are not limited to interfaces conforming to the USB PD standard, and may be interfaces capable of communication and power reception in other formats.

[0031] The power supply control unit 208 outputs the power (VBUS) received through the connections 205 , 206 , and 207 to the power supply unit 211 .

[0032] The memory unit 209 stores constants, programs, etc. for the operation of the system control unit 200. The program in this embodiment refers to a program for executing the flowcharts described later in Fig. 5 and Fig. 9. In addition to the program, the memory unit 209 stores, for example, reference data used for image processing, power consumption information for each operation mode, operation mode information, image data for notifying the user of the state of the electronic device 100, etc. The memory unit 209 is, for example, an EEPROM or a flash memory.

[0033] The recording medium 210 is a memory card, a hard disk, or the like, on which data can be written and read by the system control unit 200. The recording medium 210 stores image files, control programs, and the like.

[0034] The power supply unit 211 converts the voltage value of the power output from the power supply control unit 208 into a voltage value that allows the load unit connected to the power supply unit 211 to operate, and supplies the power to the load unit. The power supply unit 211 includes a plurality of power supply circuits that supply power to a plurality of load units of the electronic device 100.

[0035] Next, the configurations and functions of the connection units 205, 206, and 207, the power supply control unit 208, and the power supply unit 211 of the electronic device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] The connection units 205, 206, and 207 have the same configuration and function. The connection unit 205 has an interface (IF) unit 308 and a communication control unit 305. The connection unit 206 has an interface unit 309 and communication control units 306 and 307. The connection unit 207 has an interface unit 310 and a communication control unit 307.

[0037] The power supply control unit 208 includes an output destination switching unit 304. The power supply unit 211 includes a power supply circuit A301, a power supply circuit B302, and a power supply circuit C303.

[0038] The interface unit 308 is a connector that complies with the USB Type-C standard, and can be connected to the power supply device A101 via the USB Type-C cable 104. The interface unit 308 outputs to the output destination switching unit 304 a VBUS voltage based on the power supplied from the power supply device A101.

[0039] The communication control unit 305 is connected to a CC terminal of the interface unit 308, and operates as a USB PD controller that performs communication compliant with the USB PD standard (hereinafter, CC communication) when the power supply device A101 is connected.

[0040] The communication control unit 305 performs CC communication with the power supply device A101 connected to the interface unit 308, detects the connection of the power supply device A101, detects a combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​that the connected power supply device A101 can supply, and notifies the system control unit 200 of the detection result.

[0041] The communication control unit 305 performs arbitration (negotiation) through CC communication with the power supply device A101 to determine a combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​that the power supply device A101 can supply, which is the power that the power supply device A101 supplies and the electronic device 100 receives.

[0042] The system control unit 200 notifies the power supply device A101 of a combination of a voltage value and a current value required of the power supply device A101 via the communication control unit 305, and determines the voltage value and the current value of the power to be supplied by the power supply device A101.

[0043] The communication control unit 305 controls the interface unit 308 to receive power from the power supply device A101 at a desired VBUS voltage based on the voltage value and current value determined by arbitration with the power supply device A101.

[0044] The interface unit 308 outputs the VBUS voltage received from the power supply device A 101 to the output destination switching unit 304 .

[0045] Interface units 309 and 310 of connections 206 and 207 have the same configuration and function as interface unit 308 of connection unit 205. Communication control units 306 and 307 of connections 206 and 207 have the same configuration and function as communication control unit 305 of connection unit 205.

[0046] The output destination switching unit 304 includes a plurality of switch circuits (not shown). The output destination switching unit 304 outputs the power received by the connection units 205, 206, 207 from the power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103 to one of the power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303 of the power supply unit 211. The output destination switching unit 304 inputs the VBUS voltage from the power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103 via the interface units 308, 309, and 310. The output destination switching unit 304 outputs each VBUS voltage input from the power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103 to one of the power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303 of the power supply unit 211.

[0047] The power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303 receive as input any one of the VBUS voltages received by the output destination switching unit 304 from the power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103.

[0048] The power supply circuit A301 converts the voltage value of the VBUS voltage input from the output destination switching unit 304 and outputs it to a load unit connected to the power supply circuit A301. The power supply circuit A301 converts the voltage value of the VBUS voltage input from the output destination switching unit 304 to a voltage value at which the load unit connected to the power supply circuit A301 can operate, and outputs it to the load unit.

[0049] The power supply circuit B302 converts the voltage value of the VBUS voltage input from the output destination switching unit 304 and outputs it to a load connected to the power supply circuit B302. The power supply circuit B302 converts the voltage value of the VBUS voltage input from the output destination switching unit 304 to a voltage value at which the load connected to the power supply circuit B302 can operate, and outputs it to the load.

[0050] The power supply circuit C303 converts the voltage value of the VBUS voltage input from the output destination switching unit 304 and outputs it to a load unit connected to the power supply circuit C303. The power supply circuit C303 converts the voltage value of the VBUS voltage input from the output destination switching unit 304 to a voltage value at which the load unit connected to the power supply circuit C303 can operate, and outputs it to the load unit.

[0051] The voltage values ​​output from the power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303 may be further converted by a power supply circuit (not shown) and output as power supplies for the respective loads.

[0052] The system control unit 200 of the first embodiment has two operation modes: a standby mode and a normal operation mode.

[0053] When power supply device A101, power supply device B102, and power supply device C103 are connected to any of the interface units 308, 309, and 310, a VBUS voltage (5V) is input to any of the interface units 308, 309, and 310. The VBUS voltage (5V) input to any of the interface units 308, 309, and 310 is converted by a power supply circuit (not shown) to a voltage value (e.g., 3.3V) at which the system control unit 200 can operate in standby mode, and is output to the system control unit 200. As a result, the system control unit 200 starts up in standby mode.

[0054] Control of the communication control units 305, 306, and 307 and the output destination switching unit 304, and detection of user operations on the operation unit 203 can be performed even in the standby mode.

[0055] When the voltages output from power supply circuit A301, power supply circuit B302, and power supply circuit C303 are supplied to the components of electronic device 100, system control unit 200 switches to the normal operation mode.

[0056] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the system control unit 200 controls the communication control units 305, 306, and 307 and the output destination switching unit 304, and detects user operations on the operation unit 203. However, a separately provided control unit may be configured to control the output destination switching and detect user operations.

[0057] Next, the control process of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0058] The system control unit 200 determines a voltage value and a current value to receive power from the power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100, based on the number of power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100 and the power consumption of each load unit connected to the power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303. The system control unit 200 also controls the power supply control unit 208 to output the power received from the power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100 to any one of the power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303 of the power supply unit 211.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates a reference table 400 used in the control process of the first embodiment.

[0060] The number of connected power supply devices 401 indicates the number of power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100 and corresponds to the number of power supply devices connected to any of the interface units 308 , 309 , and 310 .

[0061] Adjustable power output 402 indicates the adjustable power output supplied by each power supply device according to the number of connected power supply devices. When the number of connected power supply devices is 1, the adjustable power output is 20V / 5A (100W). When the number of connected power supply devices is 2, the adjustable power output is 15V / 3A (45W) and 20V / 3A (60W). When the number of connected power supply devices is 3, the adjustable power output is 15V / 3A (45W), 5V / 3A (15W), and 20V / 3A (60W).

[0062] The system control unit 200 controls the communication control unit of the connection unit to which the power supply device is connected so as to arbitrate with an adjustment power output 402 based on the number of connections 401 of the power supply devices and the power consumption of the load unit 404 .

[0063] The output destination 403 indicates an output destination of the power input from each power supply device to the adjustment output 402, and in this embodiment, includes at least one of the power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303 as the output destination.

[0064] The system control unit 200 controls the output destination switching unit 304 so that the output destination 403 of the adjustment power 402 received from the power supply device A 101, the power supply device B 102, and the power supply device C 103 is one of the power supply circuit A 301, the power supply circuit B 302, and the power supply circuit C 303.

[0065] A load section 404 indicates the power consumption of the load sections connected to the power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303.

[0066] In the reference table 400, the adjustment power supply 402 and the output destination 403 are determined in advance so that the sum of the power losses in the power supply circuit A 301, the power supply circuit B 302 and the power supply circuit C 303 is minimized with respect to the power consumption of the load section 404.

[0067] Next, a control process of the electronic device 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] The process in Fig. 5 is realized by the system control unit 200 loading a program stored in the memory unit 209 into the memory, executing the program, and controlling each component of the electronic device 100. The process in Fig. 5 is started when the power supply device A 101, the power supply device B 102, and the power supply device C 103 are connected to any of the interface units 308, 309, and 310. The same applies to Fig. 9 described later in the third embodiment.

[0070] In step S502, the system control unit 200 starts up in standby mode by the VBUS voltage (5V) supplied from the interface unit to which the power supply device is connected.

[0071] In step S503, the system control unit 200 determines whether or not multiple power supply devices are connected to the electronic device 100. The system control unit 200 determines whether or not at least two of the power supply devices A101, B102, and C103 are connected to at least two of the interface units 308, 309, and 310. If the system control unit 200 determines that multiple power supply devices are connected to the electronic device 100, the process proceeds to step S504. If the system control unit 200 determines that multiple power supply devices are not connected to the electronic device 100, the process proceeds to step S511.

[0072] In step S511, the system control unit 200 controls the communication control unit based on the reference table 400 so as to arbitrate with the power supply device in the control output when the number of connected power supply devices is one.

[0073] In step S512, system control unit 200 controls output destination switching unit 304 based on reference table 400 so as to set the output destination when the number of connected power supply devices is one.

[0074] In step S504, system control unit 200 determines whether the number of connected power supply devices is 3. If the number of connected power supply devices is 3, system control unit 200 proceeds to step S505, and if the number is not 3, i.e., if the number is 2, system control unit 200 proceeds to step S509.

[0075] In step S509, the system control unit 200 controls the communication control unit based on the reference table 400 so as to arbitrate with the power supply device in the control output when the number of connected power supply devices is two.

[0076] In step S510, system control unit 200 controls output destination switching unit 304 based on reference table 400 so as to set the output destination when the number of connected power supply devices is two.

[0077] In step S505, the system control unit 200 controls the communication control unit based on the reference table 400 so as to arbitrate with the power supply device in the control output when the number of connected power supply devices is three.

[0078] In step S506, system control unit 200 controls output destination switching unit 304 based on reference table 400 so as to set the output destination when the number of connected power supply devices is three.

[0079] In step S507, system control unit 200 waits until a power-on instruction for electronic device 100 is received by user operation via operation unit 203, and if it is determined that a power-on instruction has been received, system control unit 200 proceeds to step S508.

[0080] In step S508, system control unit 200 powers on each component of electronic device 100, and ends the process.

[0081] According to the first embodiment, the power supply of each power supply device is arbitrated based on the number of power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100 and the power consumption of each load connected to a plurality of power supply circuits, and the power supply circuit to which each power supply device outputs power after arbitration is controlled. This makes it possible to reduce the difference between the input voltage and output voltage of the power supply circuit to which each power supply device outputs power after arbitration, and to reduce power loss due to voltage conversion.

[0082] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0083] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the arbitration of power supply between the electronic device 100 and a plurality of power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100 is performed by selecting a combination of a voltage value and a current value (PDO: Power Data Object) that is predetermined based on a power rule.

[0084] In response to this, the USB PD3.0 standard adds the PPS (Programmable Power Supply) function, which allows the voltage and current values ​​of the power supply to be set in increments of 20mV and 50mA, respectively, making it possible to change the voltage and current values ​​in smaller increments than with PDO.

[0085] The configuration and functions of the electronic device of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, but the reference table that the system control unit 701 uses for control is different.

[0086] FIG. 6 illustrates a look-up table 600 used in the control process of the second embodiment.

[0087] In FIG. 6, the same items as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] An adjustment power 601 indicates a supply power that can be set by arbitration with the power supply device by the PPS.

[0089] According to the second embodiment, the PPS arbitrates the power supply of multiple power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100, thereby making it possible to reduce the difference between the input voltage and the output voltage of the power supply circuit to which each power supply device outputs power after arbitration, thereby reducing power loss due to voltage conversion.

[0090] [Embodiment 3] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0091] In the first and second embodiments, when power is supplied from a plurality of power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100, if the power supply from any of the power supply devices is interrupted due to a cable being pulled out of a connector or other reason, the power supply to the power circuit from which the interrupted power supply device is outputting power is also interrupted. As a result, the power supply to the load unit of the electronic device 100 is stopped, and the operation of the electronic device 100 is stopped.

[0092] Therefore, in the third embodiment, when power is being supplied from a plurality of power supply devices connected to the electronic device 700 and the power supply from any of the power supply devices is interrupted, the power supply is switched to the battery unit 703 other than the power supply device attached to the electronic device 700, thereby preventing the power supply to the power circuit from being interrupted. Furthermore, based on the number of power supply devices being supplied with power and the power consumption of the load unit of the electronic device 700, arbitration of the power supply from each power supply device and control of the power circuit to which each power supply device outputs power after arbitration are performed.

[0093] First, the configuration of an electronic device 700 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0094] The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device 700 according to the third embodiment.

[0096] The battery unit 703 is a secondary battery that is detachable from the electronic device 700, and is, for example, a lithium ion battery that can supply power that enables the electronic device 700 to operate.

[0097] Next, the control process of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0098] Next, the configurations and functions of the connection units 205, 206, 207, power supply control unit 702, and power supply unit 211 of the electronic device 700 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0099] The power supply control unit 702 includes the output destination switching unit 304 and power supply switching units 801 , 802 , and 803 .

[0100] The power supply switching unit 801 switches the power output from the power supply control unit 702 to the power supply circuit A301 between the power received from the power supply device A101, the power supply device B102, and the power supply device C103, and the power of the battery unit 703, under the control of the system control unit 701.

[0101] The power supply switching unit 801 has a detection unit (not shown) that detects the output voltage of the output destination switching unit 304, and when the output voltage of the output destination switching unit 304 falls below a threshold, outputs the battery voltage of the battery unit 703 to the power supply circuit A 301. The power supply switching unit 801 notifies the system control unit 701 that the output voltage of the output destination switching unit 304 has fallen below the threshold and that the battery voltage is to be output to the power supply circuit A 301. The threshold used for voltage detection by the power supply switching unit 801 is set by the system control unit 701.

[0102] The system control unit 701 determines the voltage value to be output from the output destination switching unit 304 to the power supply circuit A301 based on the adjustment power supply output 402 and the output destination 403 in the reference table 400 shown in Fig. 4, and sets the determined voltage value minus 10% as the threshold value. Note that the method for setting the threshold value is not limited to this, and it may be set to any value.

[0103] The configuration and function of power supply switching unit 802 are similar to those of power supply switching unit 801, and when the output voltage of output destination switching unit 304 falls below the threshold, it outputs the battery voltage of battery unit 703 to power supply circuit B302. The configuration and function of power supply switching unit 803 are similar to those of power supply switching unit 801, and when the output voltage of output destination switching unit 304 falls below the threshold, it outputs the battery voltage of battery unit 703 to power supply circuit C303.

[0104] When the output voltage of the output destination switching unit 304 drops below a threshold value and the system control unit 701 receives a notification from one of the power supply switching units 801, 802, 803 that the battery voltage should be output to the power supply circuit A301, the power supply circuit B302, and the power supply circuit C303, the system control unit 701 controls the other power supply switching units to output the battery voltage to the power supply circuits.

[0105] Next, a control process of the electronic device 700 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0106] In FIG. 9, the same processes as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers and their explanations are omitted.

[0107] After system control unit 701 powers on electronic device 700 in step S508, the process proceeds to step S901.

[0108] In step S901, the system control unit 701 determines whether or not the power supply of any of the power supply devices has been interrupted. If the system control unit 701 determines that the power supply of any of the power supply devices has been interrupted, the process proceeds to step S902. If the system control unit 701 determines that the power supply of any of the power supply devices has not been interrupted, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0109] In step S 902 , the system control unit 701 controls the power supply control unit 702 to output the battery voltage to the power supply unit 211 .

[0110] In step S903, the system control unit 701 determines whether or not multiple power supply devices are connected to the electronic device 100. If the system control unit 701 determines that multiple power supply devices are connected to the electronic device 100, the process proceeds to step S904. If the system control unit 701 determines that multiple power supply devices are not connected to the electronic device 100, the process proceeds to step S909.

[0111] In step S904, the system control unit 701 controls the communication control unit to arbitrate with the power supply device in the control output when the number of connected power supply devices is two, based on the reference table 400 shown in FIG.

[0112] In step S905, the system control unit 701 controls the output destination switching unit 304 to set the output destination when the number of connected power supply devices is two, based on the reference table 400 shown in FIG. 4, and proceeds to step S906.

[0113] In step S909, the system control unit 701 determines whether or not a power supply device is connected. If the system control unit 701 determines that a power supply device is connected, the process proceeds to step S910. If the system control unit 701 determines that a power supply device is not connected, the process proceeds to step S912.

[0114] In step S910, the system control unit 701 controls the communication control unit to arbitrate with the power supply device in the control output when the number of connected power supply devices is one, based on the reference table 400 shown in FIG.

[0115] In step S911, the system control unit 701 controls the output destination switching unit 304 to set the output destination when the number of connected power supply devices is 1, based on the reference table 400 shown in FIG. 4, and proceeds to step S906.

[0116] In step S912, the system control unit 701 waits until an instruction to power off the electronic device 100 is received by a user operation via the operation unit 203, and if it is determined that the instruction to power off the electronic device 100 has been received, the process proceeds to step S908.

[0117] In step S906, the system control unit 701 controls the power supply control unit 702 to output the VBUS voltage of the power supply device to the power supply unit 211.

[0118] In step S9907, the system control unit 701 determines whether or not a power-off instruction to the electronic device 100 has been received by a user operation via the operation unit 203. If the system control unit 701 determines that a power-off instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S908, and if the system control unit 701 determines that a power-off instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S901.

[0119] In step S908, system control unit 701 cuts off the power supply to each component of electronic device 100, transitions to a standby mode, and ends the process.

[0120] In this embodiment, the reference table 400 shown in FIG. 4 is used in the processes of steps S905, S906, S910, and S911, but the reference table 600 in FIG. 6 of the second embodiment may be used.

[0121] According to the third embodiment, when power is being supplied from a plurality of power supply devices connected to the electronic device 100, if the power supply from any of the power supply devices is interrupted, power supply is switched to a battery unit 703 other than the power supply device attached to the electronic device 100, and interruption of power supply to the power supply circuit can be prevented. Furthermore, based on the number of power supply devices being supplied and the power consumption of the load unit of the electronic device, arbitration of the power supply from each power supply device and control of the power supply circuit to which each power supply device outputs power after arbitration are performed. This makes it possible to reduce the difference between the input voltage and output voltage of the power supply circuit to which each power supply device outputs power after arbitration, and to reduce power loss due to voltage conversion.

[0122] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0123] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

[0124] The disclosure of this specification includes the following electronic device, control method, and program. [Configuration 1] A connection means capable of connecting a plurality of power supply devices; A plurality of power receiving means for receiving power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices; a plurality of power supply means for converting a voltage value of the power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices and supplying the converted voltage value to a plurality of loads; and a control means for determining a voltage value and a current value of power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices based on the number of the plurality of power supply devices and the power consumption of the plurality of load sections, and for controlling the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to be output to any one of the plurality of power supply means. [Configuration 2] The electronic device described in configuration 1, wherein the control means communicates with the plurality of power supply devices, and determines a predetermined combination of voltage value and current value from a plurality of combinations of voltage value and current value that can be supplied by the power supply device based on the number of the plurality of power supply devices and the power consumption of the plurality of load sections. [Configuration 3] The electronic device described in configuration 2, wherein the control means determines a first combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​to receive power from the multiple power supply devices and an output destination of the power received from the multiple power supply devices so that a sum of power losses in the multiple power supply means is minimized with respect to the power consumption of the multiple load sections. [Configuration 4] The electronic device described in configuration 3, wherein the control means determines a second combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​supplied from the multiple power supply devices and an output destination of the power received from the multiple power supply devices so as to minimize a sum of power losses in the multiple power supply means with respect to the power consumption of the multiple load sections, and the second combination is capable of changing the voltage values ​​and current values ​​at which power is supplied from the multiple power supply devices in smaller increments than the first combination. [Configuration 5] The plurality of power receiving means each have a switching means for outputting the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to one of the plurality of power supply means, 5. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the control means controls the switching means to switch an output destination of the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to one of the plurality of power supply means. [Configuration 6] A battery unit is provided. The electronic device according to configuration 1, wherein the control means switches the power to be output to the plurality of power supply means between the power received from the plurality of power supply devices and the power of the battery unit. [Configuration 7] The electronic device according to configuration 6, wherein the control means switches the power output to the plurality of power supply means to the power of the battery unit when power supply from any of the plurality of power supply devices is interrupted. [Configuration 8] The plurality of power receiving means each have a switching means for outputting the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to one of the plurality of power supply means, The switching means notifies the control means that power supply to any one of the plurality of power supply devices has been interrupted, 8. The electronic device according to configuration 7, wherein the control means, when receiving the notification, switches the power output to all of the plurality of power supply means to the power of the battery unit. [Configuration 9] The electronic device according to configuration 7 or 8, wherein the control means determines a combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​to receive power from the plurality of power supply devices and an output destination of the power received from the plurality of power supply devices, and switches the power to be output to the plurality of power supply means to the power received from the plurality of power supply devices. [Configuration 10] The connection means is an interface conforming to the USB Type-C standard, 10. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the electronic device and the power supply device are devices conforming to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) standard. [Configuration 11] A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: The electronic device includes: A connection means capable of connecting a plurality of power supply devices; A plurality of power receiving means for receiving power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices; a plurality of power supply means for converting a voltage value of the power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices and supplying the converted voltage value to a plurality of loads; The control method includes: a step of determining a voltage value and a current value of power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices based on the number of the plurality of power supply devices and the power consumption of the plurality of load sections, and controlling the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to be output to any one of the plurality of power supply means. [Configuration 12] A program for causing a computer to function as an electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 100, 700...electronic device, 101, 102, 103...power supply device, 200, 701...system control unit, 205 to 207...connection unit, 208, 702...power supply control unit, 211...power supply unit, 301, 302, 303...power supply circuit, 304...output destination switching unit

Claims

1. A connection means capable of connecting a plurality of power supply devices; A plurality of power receiving means for receiving power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices; a plurality of power supply means for converting a voltage value of the power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices and supplying the converted voltage value to a plurality of loads; and a control means for determining a voltage value and a current value of power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices based on the number of the plurality of power supply devices and the power consumption of the plurality of load sections, and for controlling the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to be output to any one of the plurality of power supply means.

2. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means communicates with the plurality of power supply devices, and determines a predetermined combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​from a plurality of combinations of voltage values ​​and current values ​​that can be supplied by the power supply device, based on the number of the plurality of power supply devices and the power consumption of the plurality of load sections.

3. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the control means determines a first combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​to receive power from the plurality of power supply devices and an output destination of the power received from the plurality of power supply devices so that a sum of power losses in the plurality of power supply means is minimized with respect to the power consumption of the plurality of load sections.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control means determines a second combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​supplied from the multiple power supply devices and an output destination of the power received from the multiple power supply devices so as to minimize a sum of power losses in the multiple power supply means for a power consumption of the multiple load sections, and the second combination is capable of changing the voltage values ​​and current values ​​at which power is supplied from the multiple power supply devices in smaller increments than the first combination.

5. The plurality of power receiving means each have a switching means for outputting the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to one of the plurality of power supply means, 2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the switching unit to switch an output destination of the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to one of the plurality of power supply units.

6. A battery unit is provided. 2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit switches the power output to the plurality of power supply units between the power received from the plurality of power supply devices and the power of the battery unit.

7. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit switches the power output to the power supply units to the power of the battery unit when power supply from any of the power supply devices is interrupted.

8. The plurality of power receiving means each have a switching means for outputting the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to one of the plurality of power supply means, The switching means notifies the control means that power supply to any one of the plurality of power supply devices has been interrupted, 8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit, upon receiving the notification, switches the power output to all of the plurality of power supply units to the power of the battery unit.

9. 8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the control means determines a combination of voltage values ​​and current values ​​to receive power from the plurality of power supply devices and an output destination of the power received from the plurality of power supply devices, and switches the power to be output to the plurality of power supply means to the power received from the plurality of power supply devices.

10. The connection means is an interface conforming to the USB Type-C standard, 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device and the power supply device are devices conforming to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) standard.

11. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: The electronic device includes: A connection means capable of connecting a plurality of power supply devices; A plurality of power receiving means for receiving power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices; a plurality of power supply means for converting a voltage value of the power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices and supplying the converted voltage value to a plurality of loads; The control method includes: a step of determining a voltage value and a current value of power supplied from the plurality of power supply devices based on the number of the plurality of power supply devices and the power consumption of the plurality of load sections, and controlling the power received from the plurality of power supply devices to be output to any one of the plurality of power supply means.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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