Electronic apparatus, control method thereof, and program

The electronic device addresses inrush current-induced power interruptions by using voltage detection and switching mechanisms to manage voltage transitions, ensuring stable power supply across different power sources.

JP2025094549APending Publication Date: 2025-06-25CANON KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023210169
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-13
Publication Date
2025-06-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional electronic devices face issues with inrush currents when switching between power supplies with different supply voltages, leading to power interruptions, particularly affecting devices with weak resistance to such currents.

Method used

The device includes a voltage detection unit to detect voltage values, a determination unit to identify instantaneous power interruptions, a power supply switching unit to switch between power supplies, and a voltage reduction unit to prevent interruptions, enabling seamless voltage transitions.

Benefits of technology

Enables smooth switching between power supplies with different voltages without interruptions, ensuring stable power supply even in the presence of inrush currents.

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Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus, a control method, and a program that enable switching between power sources capable of supplying different voltages even when a momentary interruption occurs due to an inrush current.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes: a first power supply unit 112 that supplies power; second power supply units 200, 109 that supply power at a supply voltage that is higher than the first power supply unit and equivalent to a target voltage; a voltage detection unit 205 that detects a voltage value supplied from the second power supply units; a determination unit that determines, on the basis of the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 205, whether or not a momentary interruption occurs in the power supply from the second power supply unit; a power supply switching unit 110 that switches the power supply to either the first power supply unit or the second power supply unit; and a voltage reduction unit that reduces, when it is determined that the momentary interruption occurs, the target voltage so that no momentary interruption occurs. The power supply switching unit 110 enables switching of the power supply from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of receiving power supply from power supplies that supply different supply voltages, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the “USB Power Delivery (USB_PD)” standard has been established for USB, and an environment for supplying more power than the conventional power supply using VBUS is being prepared. “USB_PD” executes negotiation about supply power between a device that is a power supply source and an electronic device that is a power supply destination, and can supply power up to a maximum of 240 (W). Further, the supply power is not constant, and it is possible to supply power in a plurality of types of power amounts according to the power supply profile of “USB_PD” provided in the electronic device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technologies related thereto.

[0003] Further, there has conventionally been an electronic device that can operate by receiving power supply from a plurality of types of power supplies having different voltages. For example, there is an electronic device that can receive power supply by “USB_PD” and from a battery (including a battery), and operates with the power of either one of the two power supplies. Among such electronic devices, when a first power supply (for example, a power supply device compatible with “USB_PD”) and a second power supply (for example, a battery) are simultaneously connected, there is an electronic device that operates with the supply power from the first power supply.

[0004] In such an electronic device, when the first power supply and the second power supply are simultaneously connected, if the power supply from the first power supply is cut off, it switches to a state of operating with the power supply from the second power supply. Further, there is also an electronic device that switches to a state of operating with the power supply from the first power supply when the first power supply is connected from a state where only the second power supply is connected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, as in the above-described conventional technology, an "inrush current" may occur when switching to a power supply with a different supply voltage. When an inrush current occurs, for example, the following cases can be cited. In an electronic device in which a first power supply (for example, a power supply device compatible with "USB_PD") and a second power supply (for example, a battery) can be connected simultaneously, when the power supply is switched from the second power supply to the first power supply and the supply voltage of the first power supply is higher than that of the second power supply. Even when an inrush current occurs, in the case of an electronic device having strong resistance to the inrush current, there is no momentary interruption of the supplied power, so it can be used as it is.

[0007] However, a wide variety of products compatible with "USB_PD" are sold as general-purpose products, and there are also many electronic devices with weak resistance to inrush current. In such an electronic device with weak resistance to inrush current, there has been a problem that the power supply cannot be switched because the supplied power is interrupted by the inrush current.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device, a control method, and a program that enable switching between power supplies capable of supplying different voltages even when an interruption caused by an inrush current occurs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the electronic device of the present invention includes a first power supply unit that supplies power, a second power supply unit that supplies power at a supply voltage corresponding to a target voltage at a higher voltage than the first power supply unit, a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage value supplied from the second power supply unit, and based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit, a determination unit that determines whether an instantaneous power interruption has occurred in the power supply from the second power supply unit, a power supply switching unit that switches the power supply between the first power supply unit or the second power supply unit, and a voltage reduction unit that reduces the target voltage so that an instantaneous power interruption does not occur when it is determined by the determination unit that an instantaneous power interruption has occurred. The power supply switching unit is capable of switching the power supply from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, an effect is obtained that it is possible to switch between power supplies capable of supplying different voltages even when an instantaneous power interruption due to an inrush current occurs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations and processes described in the embodiments. In the embodiments of the present invention, an imaging device is exemplified as an example of an electronic device, but this does not limit the scope of electronic devices to which the present invention is applicable. Also, in the following description, "momentary interruption" refers to the supply power being interrupted for a moment.

[0013] (FIG. 1: Configuration diagram of imaging device 100) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 100 is an electronic device having an imaging function such as a digital camera or a digital video camera. The imaging device 100 may alternatively be a smartphone, a tablet terminal having an imaging function, an industrial camera, a medical camera, or the like. In short, any electronic device having an imaging function may be used.

[0014] The imaging device 100 includes a lens unit 101, an imaging element 102, a memory 104, a storage medium 105, a UI unit 106, a display panel 107, a temperature sensor 113, and a power supply unit 108, and these are communicably connected to a processor 103 with required information. A battery 112 is detachably attached to the imaging device 100, and a power supply device 200 capable of supplying power from the outside of the imaging device 100 is provided. The battery 112 includes a battery that is removable from the imaging device 100.

[0015] The lens unit 101 constitutes an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject on the imaging surface of the imaging device 102. The imaging device 102 generates image data from the optical image formed on the imaging surface. The processor 103 performs predetermined image processing, predetermined encoding processing, etc. on the image data generated by the imaging device 102. The image data processed by the processor 103 is stored in the storage medium 105 and displayed on the display panel 107. The memory 104 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs for controlling each component of the imaging device 100, various data, etc., and can be realized by a ROM, a flash memory, etc. The various data stored in the memory 104 are, for example, power consumption information for each operation mode, operation mode information, image data for notifying the user of the state of the imaging device 100, etc.

[0016] The processor 103 controls each component of the imaging device 100 by executing the programs stored in the memory 104. Examples of the processor 103 include a CPU, a DSP, etc. As an example, the CPU (processor 103) expands the programs non-volatilely stored in the ROM (memory 104) into a RAM (not shown) and controls each component of the imaging device 100 by executing the expanded programs.

[0017] The storage medium 105 is a storage device that stores the image data encoded by the processor 103, etc., and for example, a memory card is exemplified. The storage medium 105 is detachable from the imaging device 100. The UI unit 106 provides a user interface (UI) when the user operates the imaging device 100. The display panel 107 is a display device for performing displays for the user to confirm the image to be captured, displays for the user to confirm the captured image, displays for the operation mode of the imaging device 100, etc., and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an EL, etc. The temperature sensor 113 is connected to the processor 103, detects the temperature of each component, and is realized by a thermistor, etc. The processor 103 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 113 and calculates the temperature margin until operation stops based on the difference between the operation upper limit temperature pre-stored in the memory 104 and the acquired detected temperature.

[0018] (Configuration of the power supply unit 108) (USB unit 109) The power supply unit 108 includes a USB unit 109, a power supply switching unit 110, and a power supply circuit 111. The USB unit 109 complies with the USB standard, USB Type-C standard, USB PD standard, etc., and supplies power for the operation of the imaging device 100. Also, the USB unit 109 is connected to the power supply device 200 via a USB cable 202 (see Fig. 2), and it is also possible to transfer the image data stored in the storage medium 105 to the power supply device 200. Examples of the power supply device 200 include a PC, but the type is not limited as long as it is a device capable of supplying power to the imaging device 100 via the USB cable 202.

[0019] (Power supply switching unit 110) The power supply switching unit 110 switches to either the power supply of the USB unit 109 or the battery 112 in response to the control of the processor 103, and operates the imaging device 100 with the supply power from the switched power supply. For example, when the USB unit 109 and the battery 112 are both connected to the imaging device 100, the power supply switching unit 110 switches the power supply so that the imaging device 100 operates with the supply power from the USB unit 109. On the other hand, when the USB unit 109 and the battery 112 are both connected to the imaging device 100 and the USB unit 109 is removed, the power supply switching unit 110 switches the power supply so that the imaging device 100 operates with the supply power from the battery 112. Also, when only the battery 112 is connected and the USB unit 109 is connected, the power supply switching unit 110 switches the power supply so that the imaging device 100 operates with the supply power from the USB unit 109.

[0020] The power supply circuit 111 converts the supply voltage from the power supply switched by the power supply switching unit 110 into a voltage used by each component of the imaging device 100 such as the lens unit 101, the imaging element 102, and the processor 103. The battery 112 supplies power for the operation of the imaging device 100 and is detachable from the imaging device 100. The battery 112 is exemplified by a battery incorporating a lithium ion battery, for example. The power supply device 200 transmits and receives data to and from the USB unit 109 and supplies power to the USB unit 109. Thus, the power supply device 200 and the battery 112 function as power supplies that are power supply sources for the imaging device 100.

[0021] (FIG. 2: Configuration diagram of the power supply unit 108 and the power supply device 200) Next, the configuration of the USB unit 109 and the power supply device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The imaging device 100 can be connected to the power supply device 200 via the USB cable 202. The USB unit 109 has a USB connector 203 and a power receiving circuit 204, and the power receiving circuit 204 includes a voltage detection unit 205 and a communication interface 206. The power supply device 200 has a power supply circuit 211, a communication interface 212, and a processor 213.

[0022] (Power supply device 200) By the power supply device 200 supplying power at a supply voltage corresponding to the target voltage at a higher voltage than the battery 112, the USB unit 109 receives the supply power from the power supply device 200. The target voltage is notified by the processor 103 to the processor 213, and its lower limit value (minimum value) and upper limit value (maximum value) are determined by the type of USB, the imaging device 100, the specifications of the power supply device 200, etc. The processor 103 can change the target voltage between its minimum value and maximum value. As will be described again later, the "target voltage" is the supply voltage required by the processor 103 from the power supply device 200.

[0023] (Configuration of USB unit 109) (USB connector 203) The USB connector 203 is a connector for connecting the USB cable 202. The USB connector 203 has the "D+ / D- terminals" and "SS+ / SS- terminals" of the data communication line, a GND terminal (not shown) for the ground signal, a "VBUS terminal" of the power supply line, and a CC (configuration channel) terminal. The CC terminal is a terminal compliant with the USB Type-C standard and the USB PD standard, and is a terminal used for "power supply negotiation" compliant with the USB PD standard.

[0024] (Voltage detection unit 205) The voltage detection unit 205 detects the supply voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 211 of the power supply device 200 via the VBUS terminal of the USB connector 203 and sends the detection result (detected voltage value) to the processor 103. In response to this, the processor 103 determines whether or not an instantaneous break has occurred in the power supply device 200. The instantaneous break occurrence determination method is, for example, to compare the supply voltage requested from the power supply device 200 with the detected voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 205, and if the detected voltage value has reached the supply voltage, it is determined that no instantaneous break has occurred. On the other hand, if the detected voltage value is lower than the supply voltage requested from the power supply device 200, it is determined that an instantaneous break has occurred.

[0025] Alternatively, a specified value (specified voltage value) is stored in advance in the memory 104, and the processor 103 compares the specified voltage value with the detected voltage value. If the detected voltage value is higher than the specified voltage value, it is determined that no instantaneous break has occurred. On the other hand, the processor 103 may determine that an instantaneous break has occurred when the detected voltage value is lower than the specified voltage value. When no instantaneous break has occurred in the power supply device 200, the power supply switching unit 110 switches the power supply under the control of the processor 103 and supplies the supply power from the power supply device 200 to the power supply circuit 111. The power supply circuit 111 converts the received voltage into a plurality of types of voltages used by the respective components of the imaging device 100.

[0026] (Communication interface 206) The communication interface 206 is connected to the communication interface 212 of the power supply device 200 via the CC terminal of the USB connector 203. The communication interface 206 and the communication interface 212 mediate between the imaging device 100 and the power supply device 200 under the control of the processor 103. During standard USB power supply, the power supply circuit 211 of the power supply device 200 supplies power of "5V, 500 (mA)" to the imaging device 100 via the VBUS terminal. On the other hand, during power supply by USB PD, the power supply circuit 211 of the power supply device 200 can supply power from, for example, "10W (5V, 2A)" to "100W (20V, 5A)" to the imaging device 100 via the VBUS terminal.

[0027] Next, the operation until power supply compliant with the USB PD standard is started will be described. When the power supply device 200 is connected to the imaging device 100 via the USB cable 202, the processor 103 detects the voltage of the "CC terminal" determined by a pull-down resistor (not shown) in the imaging device 100 and a pull-up resistor (not shown) in the power supply device 200. Based on the detected voltage value of the "CC terminal", the processor 103 determines whether the power supply device 200 is a device that supplies standard power (e.g., 5V, 500mA) compliant with the USB standard. If it is determined that the power supply device 200 is a device that supplies standard power compliant with the USB standard, the processor 103 starts up with the standard power compliant with the USB standard. Next, the processor 103 conducts power supply negotiation compliant with the USB PD standard with the power supply device 200 via the "CC terminal" to set the combination of the supply voltage and the supply current.

[0028] The power supply negotiation is carried out as follows, for example. First, the processor 103 of the imaging device 100 (Consumer) requests the processor 213 of the power supply device 200 (Provider) for the supply capabilities (combinations of supplyable voltages and currents) compliant with the USB PD standard. Next, the processor 213 responds to the processor 103 with the "supply capabilities" compliant with the USB PD standard. If the processor 103 determines that there is a combination of desired voltage and current among the responded "supply capabilities", the processor 103 transmits "supply power setting information" indicating the combination of desired voltage and current to the processor 213. In response to this, the processor 213 controls the power supply circuit 211 based on the received "supply power setting information" to perform a boosting process or a bucking process to supply the desired power to the imaging device 100 via the "VBUS terminal". Also, if the processor 103 determines that there is no combination of desired voltage and current among the responded supply capabilities, the processor 103 aborts the power supply compliant with the USB PD standard.

[0029] As described above, the imaging device 100 can set the supply voltage compliant with the USB PD standard through communication with the power supply device 200. The supply voltage is, for example, 5 (V), 9 (V), 12 (V), 15 (V),... 20 (V), etc.

[0030] <First Embodiment> (FIG. 3: Flowchart of the First Embodiment) First, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the power switching control of the first embodiment performed by the imaging device 100 will be described. The power control of the first embodiment is basically performed by the processor 103. At the start of this flowchart, it is assumed that the imaging device 100 is operating with the supply power from the battery 112 and the power supply device 200 corresponding to "USB_PD" is not connected.

[0031] First, in step S301, when the processor 103 detects that the imaging device 100 and the power supply device 200 are connected via the USB cable 202, the process proceeds to step S302. In step S302, the processor 103 communicates with the processor 213 of the power supply device 200 using the communication interface 206 and the communication interface 212, and changes the supply voltage of the power supply circuit 211 to the "target voltage". As a result, the supply voltage of the power supply circuit 211 becomes the target voltage. Here, the "target voltage" refers to the supply voltage required by the imaging device 100 from the power supply device 200, and when step S302 is executed for the first time, it is the maximum value of the voltage corresponding to both the imaging device 100 and the power supply device 200.

[0032] Next, in step S303, the processor 103 determines whether the supply voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 205 has reached the "target voltage". That is, the processor 103 determines whether the supply voltage is equal to or higher than the target voltage. If in step S302, the processor 103 determines that the supply voltage is equal to or higher than the target voltage (Yes), the process proceeds to S304. On the other hand, if in step S302, the processor 103 determines that the supply voltage is less than the target voltage (No), it enters a wait state in S303. That is, when the supply voltage is low, the processor 103 repeatedly executes step S303 until the voltage becomes equal to or higher than the target voltage, and when the processor 103 determines that the supply voltage has become equal to or higher than the target voltage, it proceeds to step S304.

[0033] Next, in step S304, the processor 103 controls the power switch unit 110. In response, the power switch unit 110 switches the power supply for operating the imaging device 100 from the battery 112 to the power supply device 200. Then, the imaging device 100 receives the supply power from the power supply circuit 211 of the power supply device 200 via VBUS and uses it for its own operation. This operation is described as "switch the power to VBUS" in FIG. 3.

[0034] Next, in step S305, the processor 103 determines whether an instantaneous power interruption has occurred in the supply power from the power supply device 200 due to the power supply switching by the power supply switching unit 110 performed in step S304. For the instantaneous power interruption occurrence determination method, for example, when the detected value detected by the voltage detection unit 205 is lower than a predetermined ratio with respect to the target voltage, it is determined that an instantaneous power interruption has occurred. For example, when the detected value detected by the voltage detection unit 205 is lower than "80(%)" of the target voltage, the processor 103 determines that an instantaneous power interruption has occurred. This instantaneous power interruption occurrence determination method is only an example, and various other determination modes may be used as long as it can be determined that the supply voltage from the power supply device 200 is lower than the voltage condition required to operate the imaging device 100. Eventually, in S305, if the processor 103 determines that an instantaneous power interruption has occurred (Yes), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, in S305, if the processor 103 determines that no instantaneous power interruption has occurred (No), the process proceeds to step S309. In step S309, the processor 103 continues to supply the current supply voltage to the imaging device 100 as it is and ends the series of processes.

[0035] On the other hand, in step S306, when this process is executed, since an instantaneous power interruption has occurred during the power supply from the power supply device 200, the processor 103 controls the power supply switching unit 110. In response to this, the power supply switching unit 110 switches the power supply used to operate the imaging device 100 from the power supply device 200 to the battery 112 (battery). Next, in step S307, the processor 103 executes the following process. That is, the processor 103 communicates with the processor 213 using the communication interface 206 and the communication interface 212, and determines whether the current target voltage is the minimum value among the voltage values corresponding to both the imaging device 100 and the power supply device 200. Specifically, the process of step S307 is as follows.

[0036] In step S307, when the processor 103 determines that the target voltage is at the minimum value (Yes), since it is impossible to further lower the voltage, the process proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, in step S307, when the processor 103 determines that the target voltage is not at the minimum value (No), the process proceeds to S308. In step S310, the processor 103 stops the power supply from the power supply device 200.

[0037] Then, in step S308, the processor 103 lowers the target voltage of the imaging device 100 by one step from the current voltage value, and then returns to the process of step S302 to repeatedly perform power control. When step S308 is repeatedly executed, for example, the target voltage is sequentially lowered such as 20 (V), …, 15 (V), 12 (V), 9 (V), 5 (V). Thus, "lowering by one step" means sequentially lowering the target voltage in a preset lowering mode, but the target voltage may be lowered from the current voltage value in various other modes.

[0038] As described above, when it is determined in step S305 by the processor 103 that an instantaneous power interruption has occurred in the supplied power, the process of lowering the "target voltage" is executed in steps S306 to S308. By repeatedly executing the process of lowering the "target voltage", the voltage becomes such that no inrush current occurs when switching the power supply. As a result, when the processes of steps S302 to S304 are executed again, when switching the power supply to the power supply device 200 side, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an instantaneous power interruption in the power supplied from the power supply device 200. Therefore, it becomes possible to switch the power supply so as to be supplied with power from the power supply device 200 side. Further, according to the first embodiment, since the occurrence of an instantaneous power interruption is determined and voltage control is performed, it is not necessary to inadvertently lower the supply voltage when no instantaneous power interruption has occurred.

[0039] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, in order to reduce the supply voltage from the power supply device 200, the power supply is switched even though it is impossible to supply the power consumption required by the imaging device 100 (hereinafter referred to as "required power consumption"). The second embodiment is characterized by improving this problem. Since the device configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, duplicate description of the device configuration is omitted.

[0040] (Fig. 4: Flowchart of the second embodiment) Next, with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 4, the power supply switching control of the second embodiment performed by the imaging device 100 will be described. Since steps S401 to S410 in Fig. 4 respectively correspond to S301 to S310 in Fig. 3, duplicate description is omitted. However, since it is a process related to the characteristic part of the second embodiment, it will be described again from the case where it is determined as "No" by the processor 103 in step S407.

[0041] In step S407, the processor 103 determines whether the current target voltage is the minimum value among the voltage values corresponding to both the imaging device 100 and the power supply device 200. In step S407, when the processor 103 determines that the current target voltage is not the minimum value (No), the process proceeds to step S411. The process of step S407 is the same as the process of step S307 in Fig. 3.

[0042] Then, in step S411, when the processor 103 decreases the current target voltage, it determines whether the required power consumption of the imaging device 100 is satisfied. An example of the method for determining whether the required power consumption of the imaging device 100 is satisfied is as follows. A specified value is stored in the memory 104 in advance, and when the processor 103 compares the specified value with the power value to be supplied and determines that the power value to be supplied is less than or equal to the specified value, it is determined that the required power consumption is not satisfied. Note that this determination method is only an example, and other determination methods may be used. For example, a measurement circuit for measuring the power consumption of the imaging device 100 is provided, and when the processor 103 compares the measured value of the measurement circuit with the power value to be supplied and determines that the power value to be supplied is less than or equal to the measured value (required power consumption), it may be determined that the required power consumption cannot be satisfied.

[0043] In this way, regarding whether it is possible to supply power that satisfies the required power consumption, a specified value is stored in the memory 104, and the processor 103 can compare the specified value with the power value scheduled to be supplied and make a determination. Alternatively, when the processor 103 compares the measured value of the power consumption measurement circuit with the power value scheduled to be supplied and the power value scheduled to be supplied is less than or equal to the measured value (required power consumption), it may be determined that the required power consumption cannot be satisfied. Further, it may be determined whether it is possible to supply power that satisfies the required power consumption in other determination modes.

[0044] Ultimately, in step S411, when the processor 103 determines that it is possible to supply power that satisfies the required power consumption of the imaging device 100 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S408. On the other hand, in step S411, when the processor 103 determines that it is not possible to supply power that satisfies the required power consumption of the imaging device 100 (No), the process proceeds to step S410. In step S410, the processor 103 stops the power supply from the power supply device 200. In order to stop the power supply from the power supply device 200, for example, under the control of the processor 103, the power supply switching unit 110 may be forced to switch the power supply to the battery 112 side.

[0045] As described above, in the second embodiment, it is determined in step S411 whether it is possible to supply power that satisfies the required power consumption of the imaging device 100 before reducing the voltage supplied from the power supply device 200. As a result, when it is not possible to supply power that satisfies the required power consumption, the switching of the power supply to the power supply device 200 side can be prevented.

[0046] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment, even when an instantaneous power failure occurs, in order to enable power switching from the power supply device 200, the voltage supplied from the power supply device 200 is reduced to prevent the generation of "inrush current" which is a cause of the instantaneous power failure. Since the inrush current occurs at the time of power switching, it is possible to increase the supplied power after the power switching. However, in the first embodiment, the power supply will continue with the supply voltage once reduced. The third embodiment is characterized by improving such a situation in the first embodiment. Since the device configuration of the third embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment, the duplicate description of the device configuration will be omitted.

[0047] (Fig. 5: Flowchart of the third embodiment) Next, the power switching control of the third embodiment performed by the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5. Since steps S501 to S510 in Fig. 5 respectively correspond to S301 to S310 in Fig. 3, the duplicate description will be omitted. However, "No" in step S505 will be described again because it is a process leading to the characteristic part of the third embodiment.

[0048] In step S505, similar to step S305 in Fig. 3, the processor 103 determines whether an instantaneous power failure has occurred in the power supplied from the power supply device 200. In step S505, if the processor 103 determines that no instantaneous power failure has occurred (No), the process proceeds to step S512.

[0049] In step S512, the processor 103 determines whether the supply voltage supplied from the power supply device 200 is the maximum value of the target voltage. In step S512, if the processor 103 determines that the supply voltage is not the maximum value of the target voltage, that is, if it determines that the voltage is lower than the maximum value (No), the process proceeds to step S513. On the other hand, in step S512, if the processor 103 determines that the supply voltage is the maximum value of the target voltage (Yes), the process proceeds to step S517. When proceeding to step S513, it means that the supply voltage is lower than the maximum value of the target voltage and it is possible to increase the supply voltage. Therefore, in step S513, the processor 103 increases the target voltage of the imaging device 100 by one step from the current voltage value and proceeds to step S514. When the process of step S513 is repeatedly executed, the processor 103 sequentially increases the target voltage in a preset manner such as 5 (V), 9 (V), 12 (V), 15 (V), …, 20 (V). Thus, "increasing by one step" means sequentially increasing the target voltage in a preset manner, but the target voltage may be increased in various other manners.

[0050] Next, in step S514, the processor 103 determines the magnitude relationship (including equality) between the target voltage and the maximum boost value. Here, the "maximum boost value" refers to the maximum value when the target voltage is increased during one execution of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. The "maximum boost value" is a voltage value (parameter) required to control so that momentary interruption does not occur again when the target voltage is increased in a later step and momentary interruption occurs. When step S514 is first executed, since the process of increasing the target voltage has not been executed, the "maximum boost value" is the initial value. The initial value of the maximum boost value is, for example, "0 (V)".

[0051] In step 514, the processor 103 makes the following three-mode determinations according to the magnitude relationship between the "maximum boost value" and the "target voltage". In the first mode, when in step S514 the processor 103 determines that the "maximum boost value" is lower than the "target voltage", the process proceeds to step S515. In the second mode, when in step S514 the processor 103 determines that the "maximum boost value" is higher than the "target voltage", the process proceeds to step S516. And in the third mode, when in step S514 the processor 103 determines that the "maximum boost value" is the same as the "target voltage", the process proceeds to step S517.

[0052] First, in step S514, when the processor 103 determines that the "maximum boost value" is lower than the "target voltage", since the supply voltage has not yet been raised to the "target voltage", it is unclear whether an instantaneous power failure occurs. For this reason, the processor 103 proceeds to step S515 to raise the target voltage. Also, when a value equal to or higher than the "target voltage" is set for the "maximum boost value" (when the "maximum boost value" ≥ the "target voltage"), it is a case where the supply voltage was once raised to the maximum boost value but the supply voltage has dropped. That is, an instantaneous power failure occurred when the supply voltage was increased to this "maximum boost value".

[0053] For this reason, when the "maximum boost value" and the "target voltage" are the same, the processor 103 proceeds to step S517 for processing so as not to increase the supply voltage any further because an instantaneous power failure will occur as before if the supply voltage is increased. Also, when the "maximum boost value" is higher than the "target voltage", since there is a past record of raising the supply voltage to the "maximum boost value", the processor 103 proceeds to step S516 to increase the "target voltage" without going through step S515 for updating the "maximum boost value". The following describes these matters in the case of "maximum boost value" ≥ "target voltage" with reference to FIG. 5.

[0054] In S514, when the processor 103 determines that the "maximum boost value" is the same as the "target voltage", if the supply voltage is increased further, an instantaneous power failure will occur again, just like the supply voltage at which the previous instantaneous power failure occurred. Therefore, the processor 103 proceeds to step S517 so as not to increase the supply voltage any further.

[0055] Also, in S514, when the processor 103 determines that the "maximum boost value" is higher than the "target voltage", it executes the following processing. That is, since the processor 103 has a past record of increasing the supply voltage up to the maximum boost value, it skips step S515 for updating the maximum boost value (increasing the maximum boost value) and proceeds to step S516 to increase the "target voltage" of the power supply device 200.

[0056] In step S515, since the "maximum boost value" is lower than the "target voltage", the processor 103 updates (replaces) the "maximum boost value" with the "target voltage" and proceeds to step S516. In step S516, the processor 103 communicates with the processor 213 of the power supply device 200 using the communication interface 206 and the communication interface 212, changes the supply voltage of the power supply circuit 211 to the target voltage, and returns the processing to step S505. Then, in step S517, the processor 103 initializes the maximum boost value to end a series of processing. This initialization is performed, for example, by updating the maximum boost value to a predetermined value (for example, "0 (V)").

[0057] As described above, even when the supply voltage from the power supply device 200 is temporarily decreased in order to switch the power supply on the power supply device 200 side, Supply after switching to the power supply from the electrical device 200, the control of the maximum boost value in steps S513 to S516 is performed. As a result, it becomes possible to change the supply voltage from the power supply device 200. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an instantaneous power failure caused by an inrush current at the time of power supply switching and to operate the imaging device 100 at a high supply voltage.

[0058] <Supplementary Note> The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) A first power supply unit that supplies power, A second power supply unit that supplies power at a supply voltage corresponding to a target voltage at a higher voltage than the first power supply unit, A voltage detection unit that detects the voltage value supplied from the second power supply unit, A determination unit that determines whether an instantaneous power interruption has occurred in the power supply from the second power supply unit based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit, A power supply switching unit that switches the power supply between the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit, A voltage reduction unit that reduces the target voltage so that an instantaneous power interruption does not occur when the determination unit determines that an instantaneous power interruption has occurred, and is provided with, An electronic device characterized in that the power supply switching unit enables switching of the power supply from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit. (Configuration 2) A second determination unit that determines whether it is possible to supply power that satisfies the power consumption required by the second power supply unit, The electronic device according to Configuration 1, further comprising a supply stop unit that stops the power supply from the second power supply unit when the second determination unit determines that it is not possible to supply power that satisfies the required power consumption. (Configuration 3) The supply stop unit, The electronic device according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the power supply switching unit forcibly switches the power supply from the second power supply unit to the first power supply unit. (Configuration 4) After the power supply is switched from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the power supply switching unit, when the determination unit determines that no instantaneous power interruption has occurred, a change unit that changes the target voltage to change the supply voltage supplied from the second power supply unit is further provided. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. (Configuration 5) The change unit further, The electronic device according to configuration 4, wherein after the power supply is switched from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the power supply switching unit, when it is determined by the determination unit that no momentary interruption has occurred and the supply voltage supplied from the second power supply unit is not the maximum value of the target voltage, the target voltage is increased. (Configuration 6) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the voltage reduction unit sequentially reduces the target voltage in a preset reduction mode. (Configuration 7) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the power supply device including the second power supply unit and the own device are connected by a USB cable. (Configuration 8) The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the own device is a device including an imaging unit that performs imaging, and the first power supply unit is a battery that is detachable from the own device. (Method 1) A control method for an electronic device including a first power supply unit that supplies power and a second power supply unit that supplies power at a supply voltage corresponding to a target voltage at a higher voltage than the first power supply unit, a voltage detection step of detecting a voltage value supplied from the second power supply unit; a determination step of determining whether a momentary interruption has occurred in the power supply from the second power supply unit based on the voltage value detected in the voltage detection step; a power supply switching step of switching the power supply between the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit; a voltage reduction step of reducing the target voltage so that no momentary interruption occurs when it is determined in the determination step that a momentary interruption has occurred, and having a control method for an electronic device, characterized in that the power supply can be switched from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the power supply switching step. (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an electronic device including a first power supply unit that supplies power and a second power supply unit that supplies power at a supply voltage corresponding to a target voltage at a higher voltage than the first power supply unit, The control method is a voltage detection step of detecting a voltage value supplied from the second power supply unit; A determination step of determining whether or not an instantaneous power failure has occurred in the power supply from the second power supply unit based on the voltage value detected in the voltage detection step; A power supply switching step of switching the power supply to either the first power supply unit or the second power supply unit; When it is determined in the determination step that an instantaneous power failure has occurred, a voltage reduction step of reducing the target voltage so that an instantaneous power failure does not occur. A program characterized in that switching of the power supply from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the power supply switching step is enabled.

[0059] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof. For example, the present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or a recording medium, and a processor of a computer of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program. Further, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0060] 100 Imaging device 101 Lens unit 102 Image sensor 103 Processor 104 Memory 105 Storage medium 106 UI unit 107 Display panel 108 Power supply unit 109 USB unit 110 Power supply switching unit 111 Power supply circuit 112 Battery 113 Temperature sensor 200 Power supply device 202 USB cable 203 USB connector 204 Power receiving circuit 205 Voltage detection unit 206 Communication Interface 211 Power Supply Circuit 212 Communication Interface 213 Processor

Claims

1. A first power supply unit that supplies power; A second power supply unit that supplies power at a supply voltage corresponding to a target voltage at a higher voltage than the first power supply unit; A voltage detection unit that detects a voltage value supplied from the second power supply unit; A determination unit that determines whether an instantaneous power interruption has occurred in the power supply from the second power supply unit based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit; A power supply switching unit that switches the power supply between the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit; A voltage reduction unit that reduces the target voltage so that an instantaneous power interruption does not occur when it is determined by the determination unit that an instantaneous power interruption has occurred; and is provided with, An electronic device characterized in that the power supply switching unit enables switching of the power supply from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit.

2. A second determination unit that determines whether it is possible to supply power sufficient to satisfy the power consumption required by the second power supply unit; The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a supply stop unit that stops the power supply from the second power supply unit when it is determined by the second determination unit that it is not possible to supply power sufficient to satisfy the required power consumption.

3. The supply stop unit, The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that it forcibly switches the power supply from the second power supply unit to the first power supply unit by the power supply switching unit.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a change unit that changes the target voltage to change the supply voltage supplied from the second power supply unit when it is determined by the determination unit that no instantaneous power interruption has occurred after the power supply is switched from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the power supply switching unit.

5. The change unit further, The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that when it is determined by the determination unit that no instantaneous power interruption has occurred after the power supply is switched from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the power supply switching unit and the supply voltage supplied from the second power supply unit is not the maximum value of the target voltage, the target voltage is increased.

6. The voltage reduction unit, The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the target voltage is sequentially reduced in a preset reduction mode.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the power supply device including the second power supply unit and the own device are connected by a USB cable.

8. The own device is a device provided with an imaging unit that performs imaging, The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first power supply unit is a battery that is detachable from the device itself.

9. A control method for an electronic device including a first power supply unit that supplies power and a second power supply unit that supplies power at a supply voltage corresponding to a target voltage at a higher voltage than the first power supply unit, comprising: a voltage detection step of detecting a voltage value supplied from the second power supply unit; a determination step of determining whether or not an interruption has occurred in the power supply from the second power supply unit based on the voltage value detected in the voltage detection step; a power supply switching step of switching the power supply to either the first power supply unit or the second power supply unit; a voltage reduction step of reducing the target voltage so that an interruption does not occur when it is determined in the determination step that an interruption has occurred; and The control method for an electronic device is characterized in that switching of the power supply from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the power supply switching step is enabled.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for an electronic device including a first power supply unit that supplies power and a second power supply unit that supplies power at a supply voltage corresponding to a target voltage at a higher voltage than the first power supply unit, the control method comprising: the control method includes: a voltage detection step of detecting a voltage value supplied from the second power supply unit; a determination step of determining whether or not an interruption has occurred in the power supply from the second power supply unit based on the voltage value detected in the voltage detection step; a power supply switching step of switching the power supply to either the first power supply unit or the second power supply unit; a voltage reduction step of reducing the target voltage so that an interruption does not occur when it is determined in the determination step that an interruption has occurred; and The program is characterized in that switching of the power supply from the first power supply unit to the second power supply unit by the power supply switching step is enabled.

Citation Information

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