Relay device and control method of relay device

Abstract

To provide a relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, and operates more appropriately even when power supply from the power supply device is changed to a non-supply state.SOLUTION: The relay apparatus includes a conversion unit configured to convert a voltage of first power supplied from the power supply apparatus via the first connection unit to generate second power to be output from the second connection unit, a first holding unit configured to store power using the second power, and a control unit. When the power supply apparatus and the relay apparatus are electrically connected and before the conversion means generates the second power, power using the first power supplied from the power supply apparatus is supplied to the control means. When the electrical connection between the power supply apparatus and the relay apparatus is disconnected, power using the power held by the first holding means is supplied to the control means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device and a method for controlling the relay device. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic devices such as cameras generally use removable batteries as their power source. DC couplers that supply power to cameras are also known. DC couplers have the same shape as batteries and supply power to cameras from an external power source such as an AC adapter. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for supplying power to a camera using a DC coupler.

[0003] In recent years, power supply devices compliant with the USB Power Delivery (hereinafter referred to as "USB PD") standard have also appeared. Electronic devices receiving power from a power supply device compliant with the USB PD standard can request the required power from the power supply device by specifying a power profile in accordance with the standard. For example, if an electronic device requires 45 W of power, it can request 15 V / 3 A from the power supply device. If an electronic device requires 60 W of power, it can request 20 V / 3 A from the power supply device.

[0004] When an electronic device receives power from a power supply device, such as a USB PD-compliant AC adapter, the input terminal must lower the voltage in preparation for the next connection if the power supply device is disconnected. Meanwhile, when a DC coupler detects a power outage on the input side, it is desirable for the DC coupler to maintain power supply to the electronic device from the start until the electronic device has completed the process to safely shut down. For example, if a large-capacity capacitor is installed on the output side of the DC coupler, when the power supply device is disconnected, the DC coupler can supply power from this capacitor to the electronic device, allowing the electronic device to perform the shutdown process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-69727 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] On the other hand, if a DC coupler receives power from an AC adapter that complies with the USB PD standard and the AC adapter is disconnected from the DC coupler, discharging from the input side of the DC coupler in preparation for the next connection will also cause the capacitor on the output side to lose charge. As a result, electronic devices that were receiving power from the DC coupler before the AC adapter was disconnected from the DC coupler will no longer be able to operate. This means that the electronic devices may not be able to complete their shutdown process and may not be able to save captured data, etc.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, and that operates more appropriately even when a state changes to one in which power is no longer being supplied from the power supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary arthritis. A relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, a first connection means electrically connectable to the power supply device; a second connecting means capable of connecting a battery to a detachable connecting terminal in the electronic device; a conversion means for converting a voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means to generate a second power to be output from the second connection means; a first storage means for storing power using the second power generated by the conversion means; a control means; and When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, before the conversion unit generates the second power, power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control unit; When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is cut off, power is supplied to the control means using the power held by the first holding means. The relay device is characterized by the above.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a medicament for the treatment of a pulmonary arthritis. A method for controlling a relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, the relay device having a first connection means that can be electrically connected to the power supply device, a second connection means that can be connected to a connection terminal in the electronic device to which a battery can be attached or detached, a first holding means, and a control means, a conversion step of converting a voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means to generate a second power output from the second connection means; a storage control step of controlling the storage of power in the first storage means by using the second power generated in the conversion step; a control step of controlling the relay device by the control means; and In the control step, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, before the second power is generated in the conversion step, control is performed so that power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control means; When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is cut off, control is performed so that power using the power held by the first holding means is supplied to the control means. The present invention relates to a method for controlling a relay device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, and that operates more appropriately even when a state changes to one in which power is no longer being supplied from the power supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a relay device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a power supply device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electronic device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a relay device when connected to a power supply device. [Figure 6A] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of the relay device when connected to the electronic device. [Figure 6B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the electronic device when connected to the relay device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a relay device when a power outage or the like occurs. [Figure 8] 6 is a timing chart of the process corresponding to FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 6C is a timing chart of the process corresponding to FIGS. 6A and 6B. [Figure 10] 6C is a timing chart of the process corresponding to FIGS. 6A and 6B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0013] Furthermore, below, when describing voltage and current values, we will use assumed representative values ​​that ignore errors, efficiency, losses, or fluctuations due to load. Furthermore, power with a voltage of xV (volts) will be simply referred to as "power at xV." Power with a current of xA (amperes) will be simply referred to as "power at xA." Power with a voltage of xV and a current of xA will be simply referred to as "power at xV / xA."

[0014] The components of the power supply system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The power supply system includes a relay device 100, a power supply apparatus 200, an electronic device 300, and a battery 400.

[0015] The relay device 100 receives power (voltage and current) from the power supply device 200. The relay device 100 operates as a power acquisition device (electronic device) that complies with the USB PD standard (USB Power Delivery standard). The relay device 100 receives power from the power supply device 200 and converts the voltage of the power. The relay device 100 outputs the converted power to the electronic device 300.

[0016] The power supply device 200 is an electronic device that complies with the USB PD standard. For example, the power supply device 200 is an AC adapter, a mobile battery, an output port of a PC (personal computer), or a power port installed in a wall. In terms of power supply, the power supply device 200 is a source device that complies with the USB PD standard. The relay device 100 is a sink device that complies with the USB PD standard.

[0017] The electronic device 300 is, for example, an electronic device such as a camera (digital camera; imaging device). The electronic device 300 can operate using a removable battery as a power source. The electronic device 300 also has a battery storage section 301 for mounting a battery 400 as a removable battery.

[0018] It is also possible to mount the relay device 100 in the battery compartment 301 instead of the battery 400. The relay device 100 has a shape that allows it to be mounted in the battery compartment 301. In this case, the relay device 100 functions as a DC coupler for the electronic device 300. When the relay device 100 is mounted in the battery compartment 301, the battery compartment lid 311 can be closed with the acquisition unit 101 of the relay device 100 protruding from between the electronic device 300 body and the battery compartment lid 311 and outside the battery compartment 301.

[0019] The battery 400 supplies the electronic device 300 with the power required to operate the electronic device 300. The battery 400 is, for example, "a battery pack configured with two lithium ion battery cells connected in series and a board having protection and communication functions." When the battery 400 is a battery pack, it can output power of approximately 5V to 8.4V from a battery output unit 401. The battery 400 has a CPU that performs authentication processing, as well as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) internally. The battery 400 realizes authentication processing between the battery 400 and the electronic device 300.

[0020] The battery 400 is detachable from the battery storage section 301 of the electronic device 300. When the battery 400 is attached to the battery storage section 301, the battery connection section 302 and the battery output section 401 are connected. In this state, the battery storage lid 311 can be opened and closed.

[0021] In this embodiment, when power supply device 200 is connected to relay device 100, relay device 100 initially outputs power of 7.5V / 6A. After outputting power of 7.5V / 6A, relay device 100 changes the output power to 10V / 6A when instructed by electronic device 300 to change the power voltage. Electronic device 300 also operates various components including an imaging unit (camera). Therefore, electronic device 300 is a device that requires power greater than 45W and less than or equal to 60W to perform a power-consuming imaging function. Electronic device 300 is designed with a circuit that does not impair its function even when 10V power is input.

[0022] (Regarding the configuration of repeater equipment) 2, the components of the relay device 100 will be described. The relay device 100 includes an acquisition unit 101, a connection unit 102, a relay device control unit 103, an acquisition control unit 104, a voltage conversion unit 105, an input voltage detection unit 106, an output voltage detection unit 107, an input voltage conversion unit 108, and an output voltage conversion unit 109. The relay device 100 also includes a discharge unit 110, an output charge holding unit 111, an input switch 112, an output switch 113, and an input charge holding unit 114.

[0023] In the following, the power input (supplied) from the power supply device 200 to the relay device 100 is referred to as "input power," the voltage of the input power is referred to as "input voltage," and the current of the input power is referred to as "input current." The power output from the relay device 100 to the electronic device 300 is referred to as "output power," the voltage of the output power is referred to as "output voltage," and the current of the output power is referred to as "output current."

[0024] The acquisition unit 101 is a connection unit that can be electrically connected to the power supply device 200. The acquisition unit 101 acquires input power from the power supply device 200. The acquisition unit 101 is a connector that complies with USB Type-C. The acquisition unit 101 has at least a VBUS terminal for acquiring input power, a CC terminal for CC (Configuration Channel) communication, and a common GND (ground) terminal. The VBUS terminal is connected to the input voltage detection unit 106, the input voltage conversion unit 108, the discharge unit 110, the input switch 112, and the input charge holding unit 114. The CC terminal is connected to the acquisition control unit 104.

[0025] The connection unit 102 is connectable to the battery connection unit 302 (a connection terminal in the battery connection unit 302 for connecting to the battery 400) of the electronic device 300. The connection unit 102 has at least a terminal for supplying output power, a terminal for communication, and a common GND terminal.

[0026] Interconnect controller 103 executes a control program to control each component of interconnect device 100. Instead of interconnect device controller 103 controlling the entire interconnect device 100, multiple pieces of hardware may share the processing to control the entire interconnect device 100.

[0027] The relay device control unit 103 includes a memory (not shown) storing a control program, a voltage conversion control unit 1031 , a relay communication unit 1032 , and a relay error detection unit 1033 .

[0028] The voltage conversion control unit 1031 is a control unit that controls the voltage conversion unit 105. The voltage conversion control unit 1031 can change the settings of the voltage conversion unit 105 by communicating with the voltage conversion unit 105. By changing the settings of the voltage conversion unit 105, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 can control the start and stop of the operation of the voltage conversion unit 105 and the operation mode of the voltage conversion unit 105. Furthermore, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 can detect the state of the voltage conversion unit 105 through communication from the voltage conversion unit 105.

[0029] The relay communication unit 1032 communicates with the electronic device 300. The relay communication unit 1032 is a status notification unit that notifies the electronic device 300 connected to the connection unit 102 of the status of the relay device 100. The status of the relay device 100 may include, for example, the model name of the relay device 100, the output voltage, the type of power supply (information called DC coupler), and whether the output voltage can be changed. The relay communication unit 1032 may also communicate to acquire information about the electronic device 300.

[0030] The relay error detection unit 1033 detects an error state (abnormal state) of each component of the relay device 100. For example, the relay error detection unit 1033 controls the input voltage detection unit 106 to determine whether the input voltage is a normal voltage. The relay error detection unit 1033 controls the output voltage detection unit 107 to determine whether the voltage of the power output by the voltage conversion unit 105 is a normal voltage. When the relay error detection unit 1033 receives an error notification from the acquisition control unit 104 or the voltage conversion unit 105, it detects an error in the component that issued the error notification.

[0031] The acquisition control unit 104 is an acquisition control unit that controls acquisition of input power from the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101. The acquisition control unit 104 executes a control program to communicate with the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101 and to control each component of the relay device 100.

[0032] The acquisition control unit 104 is connected to the CC terminal of the acquisition unit 101. Based on the voltage at the CC terminal, the acquisition control unit 104 can detect whether the power supply device 200 is electrically connected to the acquisition unit 101. Based on the voltage at the CC terminal, the acquisition control unit 104 can detect the power supply capability of the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101. Furthermore, the acquisition control unit 104 can negotiate the power supply with the power supply device 200 through communication using the CC terminal.

[0033] The acquisition control unit 104 communicates with the relay device control unit 103. The acquisition control unit 104 transmits to the relay device control unit 103, for example, information on whether or not the power supply device 200 is connected to the acquisition unit 101, and information on the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101 (information on power supply capacity, type, output state, etc.).

[0034] The acquisition control unit 104 can control the input voltage detection unit 106 to detect the value of the voltage of the input power (input voltage) acquired by the acquisition unit 101. The acquisition control unit 104 may determine whether the power supply device 200 is electrically connected to the acquisition unit 101 based on the value of the input voltage.

[0035] The acquisition control unit 104 is supplied with power (power supply) from the input voltage conversion unit 108 or the output voltage conversion unit 109. The acquisition control unit 104 controls the discharge unit 110 to control whether or not to discharge the charge at the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101. For example, when the acquisition control unit 104 detects that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected from the acquisition unit 101, the acquisition control unit 104 changes the input switch 112 to the OFF state and then controls the discharge unit 110 to discharge the charge at the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101.

[0036] The acquisition control unit 104 changes the state (such as an ON state or an OFF state) of the input switch 112. For example, when the acquisition control unit 104 determines through communication using the CC terminal that the power supply device 200 is supplying a predetermined amount of power, the acquisition control unit 104 changes the input switch 112 to the ON state. For example, when the acquisition control unit 104 determines through communication using the CC terminal that the power supply device 200 is changing its output state, the acquisition control unit 104 changes the input switch 112 to the OFF state. Note that all or part of the functions of acquisition control unit 104 may be performed by relay device control unit 103 .

[0037] The acquisition control unit 104 includes a memory (not shown) that stores a control program, a connection detection unit 1041, and a power supply error detection unit 1042.

[0038] The connection detection unit 1041 detects whether the power supply device 200 is electrically connected to the acquisition unit 101 by monitoring the voltage of the CC terminal or the voltage of VBUS.

[0039] When the power supply error detection unit 1042 receives error information from the power supply device 200 connected to the acquisition unit 101, it notifies the relay device control unit 103. The error information is, for example, information about hard resetting the power supply device 200.

[0040] The voltage conversion unit 105 is a main power supply unit that supplies power (power supply) to the connection unit 102. The voltage conversion unit 105 is a DC-DC converter that outputs power of a predetermined voltage obtained by converting an input voltage. The voltage conversion unit 105 may have any configuration as long as it can output power of a predetermined voltage obtained by converting an input voltage. In the following, it is assumed that the voltage conversion unit 105 is a switched capacitor type DC-DC converter.

[0041] The input of the voltage conversion unit 105 is connected to the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 via an input switch 112. The output of the voltage conversion unit 105 is connected to the connection unit 102 via an output switch 113. The output of the voltage conversion unit 105 is connected to an output voltage detection unit 107, an output voltage conversion unit 109, and an output charge holding unit 111.

[0042] Voltage conversion unit 105 generates output power by converting input power. Hereinafter, the power generated by voltage conversion unit 105 will be referred to as "generated power," and the voltage of the "generated power" will be referred to as "generated voltage." Note that the generated voltage is equal to the output voltage unless circumstances exist, such as when voltage conversion unit 105 stops outputting the generated power or when output switch 113 is turned off. Therefore, relay device 100 can change the output voltage by changing the generated voltage.

[0043] For example, when the voltage conversion magnification is set to 1 / 2, voltage conversion unit 105 halves the input voltage and doubles the input current to generate power. For example, when voltage conversion unit 105 receives input power of 15V / 3A (=45W power) from power supply device 200, it can output generated power of 7.5V / 6A. For example, when voltage conversion unit 105 receives input power of 20V / 3A (=60W power) from power supply device 200, it can output generated power of 10V / 6A. When voltage conversion unit 105 obtains input power of 45W or 60W from power supply device 200 and converts the input voltage to 1 / 2, it can generate a generated voltage (a voltage of 7.5V or 10V) close to 8.4V, the maximum output voltage of battery 400.

[0044] If the voltage conversion magnification setting is set to 1x (pass-through mode), the voltage conversion unit 105 may output the input power (input voltage and input current) as the generated power.

[0045] The input voltage detection unit 106 detects the input voltage value of the input power acquired from the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101, and notifies the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 of the input voltage value. The input voltage detection unit 106 is configured, for example, by a resistor voltage divider circuit. The input voltage detection unit 106 is connected to the AD conversion port of the relay device control unit 103 and the AD conversion port of the acquisition control unit 104.

[0046] The output voltage detector 107 detects the value of the voltage generated by the power generated by the voltage converter 105 and notifies the detected value of the generated voltage as the output voltage value to the repeater control unit 103. The output voltage detector 107 is configured, for example, by a resistor voltage divider circuit. The output voltage detector 107 is connected to an AD conversion port of the repeater control unit 103.

[0047] Input voltage conversion unit 108 is a first control power supply unit. Input voltage conversion unit 108 converts the input voltage acquired from acquisition unit 101 into a power supply voltage for relay device control unit 103 and acquisition control unit 104. In the following, input voltage conversion unit 108 is assumed to be a linear regulator that outputs 3.0 V power.

[0048] The output voltage conversion unit 109 is a second control power supply unit. The output voltage conversion unit 109 converts the voltage of the output charge holding unit 111 into a power supply voltage for the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104. In the following, the output voltage conversion unit 109 is assumed to be a linear regulator that outputs 3.3V power. The output voltage conversion unit 109 can continue to output 3.3V power as long as the voltage of the output charge holding unit 111 is 3.3V or higher.

[0049] In addition, the input voltage conversion unit 108 and the output voltage conversion unit 109 have a "backflow prevention and output tolerant function" that prevents current from flowing back from the output side to the input side when the input voltage is 0 V or smaller than the voltage applied to the output side.

[0050] The discharge unit 110 can discharge the charge of the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 in response to an instruction from the acquisition control unit 104. The discharge unit 110 has a circuit configuration in which the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 is connected to GND via a transistor and a resistor, for example. The acquisition control unit 104 controls the transistor and connects the acquisition unit 101 to GND via the resistor, thereby discharging the charge accumulated in the path connected to the acquisition unit 101.

[0051] The output charge holding unit 111 stores power using the power generated by the voltage conversion unit 105. The output charge holding unit 111 is charged by the power generated by the voltage conversion unit 105. The output charge holding unit 111 is a backup circuit that supplies output voltage by discharging when the output of the generated power from the voltage conversion unit 105 stops or when the generated voltage drops.

[0052] In the following description, it is assumed that the output charge holding unit 111 is primarily composed of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor. A current-limiting resistor that limits the charging current may be present in the path from the voltage conversion unit 105 to the aluminum electrolytic capacitor. If a current-limiting resistor is present, a diode may be connected in parallel with the current-limiting resistor in the direction of discharge. By configuring the output charge holding unit 111 as described above, the current-limiting resistor applies a current limit when the output charge holding unit 111 is charging, but does not apply a current limit when the output charge holding unit 111 is discharging. Applying a limit when the output charge holding unit 111 is charging reduces the current that instantaneously flows through the voltage conversion unit 105 when the voltage conversion unit 105 starts outputting. The above control ensures that the output current limit of the power supply device 200 and the rated current of the voltage conversion unit 105 are maintained.

[0053] In the following description, the capacity of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor of the output charge holding unit 111 is a capacity that can store "the power consumed by the electronic device 300 from the start of the emergency shutdown process until the completion of the process." Furthermore, the capacity of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor is a capacity that can store "the power that allows the relay communication unit 1032 of the relay device 100 to continue operating from the start of the emergency shutdown process until the completion of the process." In addition, to satisfy the above, the threshold value for detecting a power interruption, which will be described later, is preferably set to a voltage value that allows the electronic device 300 to start the emergency shutdown process. A power interruption refers to a power interruption that occurs when the relay device 100 or the electronic device 300 This indicates that the power supply to the relay device 100 is to be cut off. Possible causes of the power cutoff include the electrical connection between the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 being cut off, the power supply device 200 being unplugged from the commercial power outlet, or an error related to the safety of the relay device 100 causing the output of the relay device 100 to be stopped.

[0054] A method for calculating the capacitance required for the aluminum electrolytic capacitor of output charge holding unit 111 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the maximum current consumption of electronic device 300 from the start of emergency shutdown processing to its completion is 300 mA, and the required time is 50 msec. Also, it is assumed that the total current consumption of relay device control unit 103 and acquisition control unit 104 is 20 mA at most.

[0055] The total charge consumption capacity of electronic device 300 and relay device 100 is 16 mC, since a current of 320 mA must be passed for 50 msec. Assume that the minimum voltage at which electronic device 300 can operate is 4.4 V, and that relay device 100 is set to issue a power-off notification when its output voltage is 6.0 V. Since the voltage difference between the aluminum electrolytic capacitor's voltages of 6.0 V and 4.4 V is 1.6 V, the required capacitance of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor is 10 mF, calculated as "charge consumption capacity 16 mC ÷ potential difference 1.6 V."

[0056] Here, when the electronic device 300 completes the emergency shutdown process, the voltage of the output charge holding unit 111 is 4.4 V. Therefore, the output voltage conversion unit 109 can maintain the output of 3.3 V of power while the electronic device 300 is performing the emergency shutdown process and immediately after the emergency shutdown process is completed. This allows the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 to continue operating while the electronic device 300 is performing the emergency shutdown process and immediately after the emergency shutdown process is completed. In this embodiment, the capacitance of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor of the output charge holding unit 111 is 10 mF.

[0057] The input switch 112 switches between connection and disconnection between the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 and the input side of the voltage conversion unit 105 under the control of the relay device control unit 103 or the acquisition control unit 104. Therefore, the input switch 112 can electrically disconnect the input side and the output side of the relay device 100.

[0058] In the following description, it is assumed that the input switch 112 has two identical MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) connected in series with their sources and drains facing in opposite directions. When the input switch 112 transitions to the ON state, both of the two MOSFETs transition to the ON state, connecting the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 to the input side of the voltage conversion unit 105. When the input switch 112 transitions to the OFF state, both of the two MOSFETs transition to the OFF state, disconnecting the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101 from the input side of the voltage conversion unit 105. If the input switch 112 is in the OFF state, when the discharge unit 110 releases the charge at the VBUS terminal of the acquisition unit 101, it is possible to prevent the charge stored in the output charge holding unit 111 from being drawn out.

[0059] Furthermore, in order to reduce the inrush current when the input switch 112 is controlled to be in the ON state, the input switch 112 may be configured with a circuit for slow starting the MOSFET.

[0060] The output switch 113 switches between connection and disconnection between the output side of the voltage conversion unit 105 and the connection unit 102 under the control of the relay device control unit 103. When the output switch 113 is in the ON state, the output side of the voltage conversion unit 105 is connected to the connection unit 102. When the output switch 113 is in the OFF state, a current is supplied from the output side of the voltage conversion unit 105 to the connection unit 102. is not flowing.

[0061] In the following description, it is assumed that output switch 113 is a single MOSFET. The source and drain of the MOSFET are oriented in a direction such that no current flows from the output side of voltage conversion unit 105 to connection unit 102 when the MOSFET is in the OFF state.

[0062] When input switch 112 is in the OFF state, voltage conversion control unit 1031 starts outputting generated power from voltage conversion unit 105. By performing the control as described above, it is possible to prevent an inrush current from flowing from relay device 100 to electronic device 300. The control as described above can achieve compliance with the output current limit of power supply device 200 and compliance with the current rating of voltage conversion unit 105.

[0063] Furthermore, in order to reduce the inrush current when the output switch 113 is controlled to be in the ON state, the output switch 113 may be configured with a MOSFET slow start circuit.

[0064] The input charge holding unit 114 stores power (charge) from the input power output by the power supply device 200. The input charge holding unit 114 is a circuit that is charged with the input power from the power supply device 200 and suppresses fluctuations in the output of the power supply device 200. In this embodiment, the input charge holding unit 114 is a capacitor having a capacitance of 2.2 μF.

[0065] (Configuration of power supply device) 3, the components of power supply device 200 will be described. Power supply device 200 includes power supply device control section 201, power supply section 202, power supply control section 203, connection section 204, power supply control section 205, and output control switch 206.

[0066] The power supply device control unit 201 includes a processor that controls the components of the power supply device 200, and a memory.

[0067] Power supply unit 202 is a connector compliant with USB Type-C. Power supply unit 202 has at least a VBUS terminal for obtaining power, a CC terminal for CC communication, and a common GND terminal. The VBUS terminal is connected to output control switch 206. The CC terminal is connected to power supply control unit 203. Power supply device 200 is connected to a power supply destination via power supply unit 202. Power supply device 200 is connected to, for example, relay device 100 via power supply unit 202 to supply power.

[0068] Power supply control unit 203 operates as a communication control unit of power supply device 200. Power supply control unit 203 can notify a connected device of the power supply capability of power supply device 200 using the voltage of the CC terminal. Furthermore, power supply control unit 203 can provide information on the power that can be supplied through communication using the CC terminal, and can negotiate the required power with connected relay device 100. Communication using the CC terminal complies with the USB PD standard.

[0069] The connection unit 204 is connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source. In Fig. 1, it is assumed that the power supply device 200 is an AC adapter, and the connection unit 204 is illustrated as an outlet plug for connecting to a commercial power source.

[0070] The power supply control unit 205 switches the power obtained from the connection unit 204 to power that can be supplied to the relay device 100. For example, when the connection unit 204 is connected to a household power supply (100V / 50Hz AC power supply) and a power of 15V / 3A is to be supplied to the relay device 100, Power supply control unit 205 performs AC / DC conversion to enable output of 15V power. The voltage output from power supply control unit 205 is changed under control of power supply device control unit 201, with reference to the power supply capacity obtained by power supply control unit 203. The voltage and current that can be output by power supply control unit 205 is the power that can be supplied by power supply device 200 (=input voltage).

[0071] In the following description, it is assumed that power supply device 200 is compatible with the USB PD standard and can supply up to 60 W of power. Specifically, power supply device 200 is capable of supplying 5 V / 3 A power, 9 V / 3 A power, 15 V / 3 A power, and 20 V / 3 A power.

[0072] The output control switch 206 is connected to the VBUS terminal of the power supply unit 202. The output control switch 206 controls whether to supply or cut off the power supplied from the power supply control unit 205 to the external relay device 100. Furthermore, the output control switch 206 controls the timing of power supply from the power supply unit 202 in accordance with the control of the power supply control unit 203. When the output control switch 206 receives a stop command from the relay device 100, it performs processing to stop the power supply from the power supply unit 202.

[0073] (About the configuration of electronic devices) The components of electronic device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Electronic device 300 has battery connector 302, main controller 303, imaging unit 304, recording medium 305, operation unit 306, display unit 307, memory 308, sub-controller 309, and power controller 310 in addition to battery compartment 301 described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0074] The battery connector 302 is a power connector that can be connected to an external device such as a removable battery. The battery connector 302 includes a terminal (connection terminal) for detachably connecting the battery 400. The connection terminal can also be connected to the relay device 100. Specifically, the battery connector 302 includes at least a terminal for obtaining power, a terminal for communication, and a common GND terminal.

[0075] The main control unit 303 executes a program to control each component of the electronic device 300. Instead of the main control unit 303 controlling the entire electronic device 300, the entire electronic device 300 may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

[0076] The imaging unit 304 converts the subject light imaged by the lens included in the imaging unit 304 into an electrical signal and performs noise reduction processing and the like. In this way, the imaging unit 304 acquires digital data representing the subject image. The imaging unit 304 outputs the digital data after noise reduction processing as image data. After the image data is stored in a buffer memory, the main control unit 303 performs a predetermined calculation on the image data and stores it in the recording medium 305.

[0077] The recording medium 305 stores the image data output from the imaging unit 304. The recording medium 305 may be detachable from the electronic device 300, or may be built into the electronic device 300. Therefore, it is sufficient for the electronic device 300 to have at least a component that can access the recording medium 305.

[0078] The operation unit 306 is used to receive instructions (operations) from the user for the electronic device 300. The operation unit 306 notifies the main control unit 303 of a signal corresponding to the instruction from the user. The operation unit 306 includes, for example, a power button with which the user turns the power of the electronic device 300 on or off. The operation unit 306 also includes, for example, operation members such as a release switch for issuing an instruction to take a photograph and a zoom lever for issuing an instruction to perform a zoom operation. The operation unit 306 also includes a playback button for issuing an instruction to play back image data, a button for pressing ... The display unit 307 includes a mode dial for specifying the startup mode of 0, and a touch panel formed on the display unit 307.

[0079] The release switch includes a switch SW1 and a switch SW2. When the release switch is pressed halfway, switch SW1 is turned on. This allows the main control unit 303 to receive instructions for preparations for shooting (such as autofocus processing, auto exposure processing, auto white balance processing, and flash pre-flash processing). When the release switch is pressed fully, switch SW2 is turned on. This allows the main control unit 303 to receive instructions for shooting.

[0080] The display unit 307 displays a viewfinder image during shooting, displays information according to the captured image data, and displays text for interactive operation. The display unit 307 does not necessarily have to be built into the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 can be connected to an external display unit 307 and may control the display of the display unit 307.

[0081] The memory 308 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily stores image data acquired by the operation unit 306. The memory 308 includes a non-volatile memory, and stores programs executed by the main control unit 303, etc.

[0082] The sub-control unit 309 executes a control program to control each component of the electronic device 300. Instead of the sub-control unit 309 controlling the entire electronic device 300, the entire electronic device 300 may be controlled by a plurality of hardware components sharing the processing.

[0083] The sub-control unit 309 can operate with lower power consumption than the main control unit 303 and can operate even when the electronic device 300 is not activated. The sub-control unit 309 controls the activation of the electronic device 300. "Activation" refers to a state in which power is supplied to each component of the electronic device 300. In this embodiment, "activation" refers to a state in which power is supplied to each component for performing the imaging function of the electronic device 300, and the electronic device 300 is activated to capture images (operate). The sub-control unit 309 operates as a power control unit that controls the power supply control unit 310 and is capable of data communication with the main control unit 303. The sub-control unit 309 also determines the type of power source of an external device connected to the battery connection unit 302 by communicating with the external device.

[0084] The sub-control unit 309 includes a memory (not shown) that stores a control program, a communication unit 3091, and a power interruption determination unit 3092.

[0085] The communication unit 3091 communicates with the relay device 100 or the battery 400 connected to the battery connection unit 302. The communication unit 3091 acquires, for example, the model name, state, output voltage, type of power source (information on whether it is a DC coupler or a battery), and information on whether the output voltage is changeable of the device connected to the battery connection unit 302. The communication unit 3091 can also perform authentication processing with the battery 400.

[0086] The power cutoff determination unit 3092 is a detection unit (power determination unit) that detects power cutoff of an external device by receiving a power cutoff notification from the external device connected to the battery connection unit 302. In this embodiment, the power cutoff determination unit 3092 monitors the voltage of the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 that the communication unit 3091 uses for communication. When the power cutoff determination unit 3092 detects that the voltage of the communication terminal is lower than a specific value for a predetermined period of time or more, it determines that the external device is in a power cut state. In this way, by using the same terminal to communicate with the external device and to detect (notify) power cutoff, the area of ​​the battery connection unit 302 can be reduced.

[0087] The power supply control unit 310 is a power receiving unit that receives power from an external device via the battery connection unit 302. The power supply control unit 310 controls the supply and cut-off of power from the battery connection unit 302 to each component according to the state of the electronic device 300. The power supply control unit 310 is controlled by the main control unit 303 or the sub-control unit 309.

[0088] (Processing of relay devices when they are connected to a power supply device) 5, a process of the relay device 100 performed when the relay device 100 is connected to the power supply device 200 will be described. The process of the flowchart of FIG. 5 starts when the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 are connected.

[0089] In step S1001, the acquiring unit 101 acquires 5V input power from the power supply device 200. At this time, the power supply control unit 203 determines that the relay device 100 is a sink device. Therefore, the power supply device 200 operates as a source device. When the power supply control unit 203 detects that the relay device 100 is a sink device, it supplies 5V power from the VBUS terminal.

[0090] In step S1002, when 5V power is supplied from power supply device 200, input voltage conversion unit 108 acquires the 5V input power input to acquisition unit 101 and outputs 3.0V power.

[0091] In step S1003, relay device control unit 103 and acquisition control unit 104 are activated by the 3.0 V power output by input voltage conversion unit 108. Acquisition control unit 104 receives a list of available power supplies (Source Capabilities) from power supply device 200 via CC communication. If power supply device 200 is capable of supplying 60 W, the available power supply list presents supply capabilities of "5 V / 3 A," "9 V / 3 A," "15 V / 3 A," and "20 V / 3 A" in list format.

[0092] In step S1004, the acquisition control unit 104 requests power of 15V / 3A from the power supply device 200. At this time, when power of 15V / 3A is requested, the power supply device 200 changes the input setting to "setting to output power of 15V / 3A." In response to the power request from the relay device 100, the power supply device 200 changes the voltage (input voltage) of the power to be output from 5V to 15V by the power supply device control unit 201 and the power supply control unit 205.

[0093] In step S1005, the acquisition control unit 104 continues to wait until it receives an output change completion notification (PS_RDY) from the power supply control unit 203, indicating that the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has been changed. If it is determined that PS_RDY has been received (the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has been changed), the process proceeds to step S1006. Upon receiving PS_RDY, the acquisition control unit 104 notifies the relay device control unit 103 that the input setting has been changed to a setting for outputting power of 15V / 3A. If it is determined that PS_RDY has not been received (the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has not been changed), the process of step S1005 is repeated.

[0094] In step S1006, the relay device control unit 103 determines the value of the input voltage acquired from the power supply device 200 by the input voltage detection unit .

[0095] In step S1007, the relay device control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage acquired from the power supply device 200 is within the range R1. If the input voltage is within the range R1, the relay device control unit 103 determines that the input voltage is a normal voltage. For example, here, the range R1 is defined as a range of ±2V from 15V, which is the input voltage requested of the power supply device. The relay device control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is equal to or greater than 15V-2V (=13V) and equal to or less than 15V+2V (=17V), thereby determining whether the voltage acquired from the power supply device 200 is normal. If it is determined that the input voltage is within the range R1, the process proceeds to step S1008. If it is determined that the input voltage is not within the range R1, the process of this flowchart ends, with the relay device 100 remaining in a state of not outputting power.

[0096] In step S1008, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the input switch 112 to the ON state. As a result, the input power acquired from the power supply device 200 is output to the voltage conversion unit 105.

[0097] In step S1009, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 sets the voltage conversion magnification of the voltage conversion unit 105 to 1 / 2 and starts outputting the generated power. In the initial state, the voltage conversion control unit 1031 outputs a generated power of 7.5V because the setting (output setting) of the output power to be supplied to the electronic device 300 is set to "setting to output power of 7.5V / 6A." The voltage conversion unit 105 generates a generated power of 7.5V (generated power of 7.5V / 6A) from an input power of 15V. The generated power is used to charge the output charge holding unit 111. The generated power is also input to the output voltage conversion unit 109.

[0098] In step S1010, the output voltage conversion unit 109 outputs 3.3V of power. The voltage of the power output from the output voltage conversion unit 109, 3.3V, is higher than the voltage of the power from the input voltage conversion unit 108, 3.0V. Therefore, the power supply voltage of the repeater control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 changes to 3.3V because the repeater control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 use the power output from the output voltage conversion unit 109. Rather than directly converting the input voltage from the power supply device 200 to the power supply voltage of the repeater control unit 103, having the voltage conversion unit 105 step down the input voltage to half and then convert it to the power supply voltage of the repeater control unit 103 results in less loss because the input / output voltage difference is smaller. If the voltage output from the output voltage conversion unit 109 (=3.3V) is set slightly higher than the voltage output from the input voltage conversion unit 108 (=3.0V), the loss can be reduced as described above. Although not shown, relay device control unit 103 may be able to control whether output voltage conversion unit 109 starts to output power.

[0099] In step S1011 , the relay device control unit 103 controls the output voltage detection unit 107 to determine the value of the voltage generated by the voltage conversion unit 105 .

[0100] In step S1012, the interconnecting device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is within range R2. Here, range R2 is defined as a range of plus or minus 1.5V around the output voltage of 7.5V. The interconnecting device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is normal by determining whether the generated voltage is equal to or greater than 7.5V-1.5V (=6V) and equal to or less than 7.5V+1.5V (=9V). If the generated voltage is determined to be within range R2, the generated voltage is determined to be normal, and the process proceeds to step S1013. If the generated voltage is determined not to be within range R2, the interconnecting device 100 does not output power, and the process of this flowchart ends.

[0101] In step S1013, relay device control unit 103 controls output switch 113 to the ON state. As a result, a voltage of 7.5 V is output to connection unit 102. Note that if electronic device 300 is not connected to connection unit 102, no current is output from connection unit 102.

[0102] (What to do when a relay device is connected to an electronic device) 6A and 6B, the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 The process performed when interconnecting device 100 is further connected to electronic device 300 in the connected state (after the process of the flowchart in FIG. 5 is completed) will be described.

[0103] (Processing of relay devices) The process performed by interconnecting device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6A.

[0104] In step S2001, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether or not connection of the electronic device 300 has been detected. For example, the relay communication unit 1032 continues to monitor the voltage of the communication terminal of the connection unit 102, and when it detects that the voltage has changed from 0V to a predetermined voltage or higher, it detects that the electronic device 300 has been connected. If it is determined that connection of the electronic device 300 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S2002. If it is determined that connection of the electronic device 300 has not been detected, the process of step S2001 is repeated.

[0105] In step S2002, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether a type information request for requesting transmission of type information has been received from the electronic device 300. The type information includes, for example, information indicating whether the device connected to the electronic device 300 (connected device) is a DC coupler or a battery 400. The type information also includes information such as the model name of the connected device, information on the output voltage, information on which output voltage change is supported, and information on whether the output voltage change has been completed. These pieces of information may be combined into one command and transmitted and received as type information. Alternatively, a separate command may be set for each piece of information, and processing may be performed for each piece of information.

[0106] For sending and receiving the category information request, for example, Universal Asynchronous A receiver / transmitter (UART) may be used. For example, the meanings of commands and data may be determined in advance between the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300, and the electronic device 300 may transmit the command and reply to it. With this method, the "contact point between the connection unit 102 and the battery connection unit 302" for communication between the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 can be realized with a total of two terminals (a terminal for communication and a GND terminal as a reference). If it is determined that the type information request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2003. If it is determined that the type information request has not been received, the process of step S2002 is repeated.

[0107] In step S2003, relay device control unit 103 reads from memory the type information of relay device 100. Relay communication unit 1032 transmits the type information to electronic device 300.

[0108] In step S2004, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether or not a 10V output request requesting the supply of 10V power (10V / 6A power) has been received from the electronic device 300. If it is determined that a 10V output request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2005. If it is determined that a 10V output request has not been received, the process proceeds to step S2016. For example, if the electronic device 300 is an appliance that requires only 45W or less of power, unlike the present embodiment, 10V output power is not requested. In this case, the determination in step S2004 is No, and the process proceeds to S2016.

[0109] In step S2005, the relay device control unit 103 changes the setting (output setting) of the power generated by the voltage conversion unit 105 to "setting to generate (output) power of 10V / 6A." The relay device control unit 103 also checks the voltage conversion ratio set in the voltage conversion unit 105. If the process of the flowchart in FIG. 5 has been performed, the voltage conversion ratio is set to 1 / 2. Therefore, the relay device control unit 103 requests the power supply device 200 via the acquisition control unit 104 to output power of 20V / 3A, which is twice the voltage of 10V. In response to the request from the relay device 100, the power supply device 200 reduces the power to be output to the relay device 100 by 20V / 3A. The process to change to 0V / 3A is performed.

[0110] In step S2006, the acquisition control unit 104 determines whether the change in the input voltage (input setting) of the power supply device 200 has been completed. Specifically, when the acquisition control unit 104 receives PS_RDY (an output change completion notification indicating that the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has been changed) from the power supply control unit 203, the acquisition control unit 104 determines that the change in the input voltage of the power supply device 200 has been completed. If it is determined that the change in the input voltage of the power supply device 200 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S2007. If it is determined that the change in the input voltage of the power supply device 200 has not been completed, the acquisition control unit 104 continues to wait for reception of PS_RDY from the power supply control unit 203.

[0111] In step S2007, the acquisition control unit 104 notifies the interconnecting device control unit 103 that the input power has been changed to 20V / 3A (change of input setting) has been completed. Then, the interconnecting device control unit 103 controls the input voltage detection unit 106 to determine the value of the input voltage of the input power acquired from the power supply device 200.

[0112] In step S2008, the relay device control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is within range R3. Range R3 is, for example, a range of plus or minus 3V of 20V, which is the voltage requested of the power supply device 200. Therefore, here, the relay device control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is equal to or greater than 20V-3V (=17V) and equal to or less than 20V+3V (=23V). If it is determined that the input voltage is within range R3, the input voltage is determined to be a normal voltage, and the process proceeds to step S2009. If it is determined that the input voltage is not within range R3, the process proceeds to step S2019.

[0113] In step S2009, relay device control unit 103 controls output voltage detection unit 107 to determine the value of the voltage generated by voltage conversion unit 105 (=output voltage value).

[0114] In step S2010, the interconnecting device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is within range R4. Range R4 is, for example, a range of plus or minus 1.5 V around the output voltage of 10 V. Here, the interconnecting device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is equal to or greater than 10 V - 1.5 V (= 8.5 V) and equal to or less than 10 V + 1.5 V (= 11.5 V). If it is determined that the generated voltage is within range R4, the generated voltage is determined to be a normal voltage, and the process proceeds to step S2011. If it is determined that the generated voltage is not within range R4, the process proceeds to step S2019.

[0115] In step S2011, interconnecting device control unit 103 changes the information in memory indicating the output state of interconnecting device 100 to information indicating that the change to the output power of 10V has been completed.

[0116] In step S2012, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether a completion confirmation request has been received from the electronic device 300. The completion confirmation request is information requesting notification of whether the change in output voltage has been completed. If it is determined that the completion confirmation request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2013. If it is determined that the completion confirmation request has not been received, the process of step S2012 is repeated.

[0117] In step S2013, the relay communication unit 1032 generates voltage change information indicating whether the output voltage has been changed based on the information on the output state of the relay device 100 stored in the memory. Then, the relay communication unit 1032 transmits the voltage change information to the electronic device 300. Specifically, if the output voltage has been changed, the relay communication unit 1032 transmits voltage change information indicating that the output voltage has been changed to the electronic device 300. After requesting an output voltage of 10 V from the relay device 100, the electronic device 300 does not request a completion confirmation until it receives a notification that the change has been completed. As described above, from the time when the relay communication unit 1032 receives the request to change to 10V in step S1008 until the change to the output voltage of 10V is completed in step S2011, the relay communication unit 1032 notifies the electronic device 300 that the change is not yet completed in response to the completion confirmation request from the electronic device 300. After the change is completed in step S2011, when the relay communication unit 1032 receives a completion confirmation request from the electronic device 300, the relay communication unit 1032 transmits voltage change information to the electronic device 300 indicating that the output voltage has been changed.

[0118] In step S2014, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether a voltage information request has been received from the electronic device 300. The voltage information request is information requesting transmission of output voltage information. If it is determined that the voltage information request has been received, the process proceeds to step S2015. If it is determined that the voltage information request has not been received, the process of step S2014 is repeated.

[0119] In step S2015, the relay communication unit 1032 transmits output voltage information indicating the generated voltage (output voltage) determined by the relay device control unit 103 in step S2009 to the electronic device 300. Note that when the relay communication unit 1032 receives the voltage information request in step S2014, the relay device control unit 103 may determine the value of the generated voltage (output voltage) again.

[0120] In step S2016, the relay communication unit 1032 determines whether detection threshold information (detection threshold information) has been received from the electronic device 300. The detection threshold is a threshold used by the relay device 100 to determine that the power supply has been cut off. When the relay device 100 detects that the input voltage or the generated voltage (output voltage) is lower than the detection threshold, the relay device 100 determines that the power supply from the power supply apparatus 200 has been cut off (power down). The detection threshold is a value set for each type of electronic device 300. Specifically, the detection threshold indicates a voltage value that does not fall below the threshold voltage even when the electronic device 300 is operating at its maximum power consumption, and is a value that allows for quick detection of a power down. Among the detection thresholds, a threshold used for comparison with the input voltage is defined as the input threshold. When the input voltage drops below the input threshold, a power down is determined. Among the detection thresholds, a threshold used for comparison with the generated voltage (output voltage) is defined as the output threshold. When the generated voltage drops below the output threshold, a power down is determined. If it is determined that the detection threshold information has been received, the process proceeds to step S2017. If it is determined that the detection threshold information has not been received, the process of step S2016 is repeated.

[0121] In step S2017, the interconnecting device control unit 103 sets the detection thresholds (input threshold and output threshold) according to the detection threshold information. For example, if the interconnecting device control unit 103 receives detection threshold information indicating that the output threshold of the interconnecting device 100 is 8V, the interconnecting device control unit 103 sets the output threshold to 8V.

[0122] In step S2018, interconnecting device control unit 103 enables the power-off notification. When the power-off notification is enabled, interconnecting device control unit 103 notifies electronic device 300 of the power-off when it detects that interconnecting device 100 has been powered off. The power-off notification will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0123] In step S2019, relay communication unit 1032 notifies electronic device 300 of the error. The error notification may be performed in the same manner as the power-off detection notification in step S4008 of the flowchart in Fig. 7, which will be described later. Electronic device 300 may execute emergency shutdown processing even if it cannot distinguish whether the notification received from relay device 100 is an error notification or a power-off notification.

[0124] (Electronic device processing) The process performed by the electronic device 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart will be described on the assumption that any connectable device, not limited to relay device 100, may be connected to electronic device 300. When a device such as relay device 100 or battery 400 is connected to electronic device 300, the process of FIG. 6B starts.

[0125] In step S3001, electronic device 300 obtains power (for example, 7.5V power) from a device (hereinafter referred to as a “connected device”) connected to battery connector 302. The connected device may be relay device 100 or battery 400.

[0126] In step S3002, the power supply control unit 310 generates a power supply voltage using power from the connected device, and supplies the power supply voltage to the sub-control unit 309. In this way, the power supply control unit 310 starts up the sub-control unit 309.

[0127] In step S3003, the electronic device 300 notifies the connected device that the electronic device 300 has been connected to the connected device, using the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302. As a method of notification, for example, the electronic device 300 pulls up the voltage of the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 to a predetermined power supply voltage.

[0128] In step S3004, the communication unit 3091 transmits a type information request to the connected device, requesting transmission of type information. In this embodiment, the electronic device 300 transmits a command, and the connected device replies to it. Alternatively, the connected device may transmit a command, and the electronic device 300 may replies to it.

[0129] In steps S3003 and S3004, the communication unit 3091 may perform communication settings with the connected device, such as setting the baud rate for communication.

[0130] In step S3005, the communication unit 3091 determines whether type information has been received from the connected device. If it is determined that type information has been received, the process proceeds to step S3006. If it is determined that type information has not been received, the process of step S3005 is repeated.

[0131] In step S3006, the sub-control unit 309 determines, based on the type information, whether the connected device is a device (hereinafter referred to as a "compatible device") whose output voltage (output power; output setting) can be changed in response to a request from the electronic device 300. Specifically, based on information included in the type information received by the communication unit 3091 (such as information on whether the connected device is a DC coupler or a battery 400, and information on the model name of the device), it is determined whether the connected device is a compatible device. If it is determined that the connected device is a compatible device, the process proceeds to step S3007. If it is determined that the connected device is not a compatible device, the process of this flowchart ends. Note that, if it is determined that the connected device is not a compatible device, the electronic device 300 may display on the display unit 307 that the connected device is not a compatible device.

[0132] In step S3007, sub-control unit 309 determines whether it is necessary to request the connected device to change the output voltage based on the type information. If it is determined that it is necessary to request the connected device to change the output voltage, the process proceeds to step S3008. If it is determined that it is not necessary to request the connected device to change the output voltage, the process proceeds to step S3015. A case in which it is necessary to request the connected device to change the output voltage occurs when "the current output power is 7.5V / 6A, which is less than the maximum power required by electronic device 300." Note that the 10V / 6A power that relay device 100 is requested to supply in the subsequent step (step S3008) is equal to or greater than the maximum power required by electronic device 300.

[0133] If the connected device is the repeater 100, the repeater 100 maintains the output voltage at 7.5V until receiving an instruction from the electronic device 300. Thereafter, the repeater 100 changes the output voltage to 10V in response to the instruction from the electronic device 300. This prevents the repeater 100 from damaging a specific electronic device (electronic device with low withstand voltage) that has a withstand voltage of 7.5V or higher but less than 10V when connected to the repeater 100. Furthermore, if the maximum power of the specific electronic device (the maximum power required by the specific electronic device) is less than 45W, the specific electronic device can start up (operate) with the output voltage of the repeater 100 remaining at 7.5V.

[0134] If the connected device is a device that outputs 10V output power from the beginning, it is determined in step S3007 that there is no need to request a change in the output voltage.

[0135] In step S3008, the communication unit 3091 transmits a 10V output request to the connected device.

[0136] In step S3009, the communication unit 3091 transmits a completion confirmation request to the connected device.

[0137] In step S3010, the communication unit 3091 determines whether or not voltage change information has been received from the connected device. If it is determined that voltage change information has been received, the process proceeds to step S3011. If it is determined that voltage change information has not been received, the process of step S3010 is repeated.

[0138] In step S3011, the sub-control unit 309 determines whether the change in the output voltage of the connected device has been completed based on the voltage change information received in step S3010. If it is determined that the change in the output voltage of the connected device has been completed, the process proceeds to step S3012. If it is determined that the change in the output voltage of the connected device has not been completed, the process returns to step S3009. Note that if the operation of returning from step S3011 to step S3009 is repeated a predetermined number of times, it may be determined that an abnormal state exists in which the voltage change process has not been completed, and the process of this flowchart may be completed.

[0139] In step S3012, the communication unit 3091 transmits a voltage information request to the connected device.

[0140] In step S3013, relay communication unit 1032 determines whether output voltage information has been received from the connected device. If it is determined that output voltage information has been received, the process proceeds to step S3014. If it is determined that output voltage information has not been received, the process of step S3013 is repeated. Note that instead of the processes of steps S3012 to S3013, electronic device 300 may detect the voltage value of the output power input to battery connection unit 302.

[0141] In step S3014, the sub-control unit 309 determines whether the output voltage is within range R5. For example, range R5 is a range of plus or minus 1.5 V of 10 V, which is the output voltage requested of the relay device 100. In this example, the sub-control unit 309 determines whether the output voltage of the output power output by the relay device 100 is a normal voltage by determining whether the output voltage is equal to or greater than 10 V - 1.5 V (= 8.5 V) and equal to or less than 10 V + 1.5 V (= 11.5 V). If the output voltage is determined to be within range R5, the output voltage is determined to be a normal voltage, and the process proceeds to step S3015. If the output voltage is determined not to be within range R5, the process of this flowchart ends.

[0142] In step S3015, the communication unit 3091 transmits the detection threshold information.

[0143] In step S3016, the communication unit 3091 starts monitoring for a power-off notification.

[0144] In step S3017, the sub-control unit 309 permits a startup instruction to the operation unit 306. For example, if the user presses the power button of the operation unit 306 after step S3017, the sub-control unit 309 controls the power control unit 310 to supply power (power) to each component including the imaging unit 304. This puts the electronic device 300 into a state where it can capture images. Therefore, during the period until the output setting is changed from "setting to output power of 7.5 V / 6 A" to "setting to output power of 10 V / 6 A," the electronic device 300 will not start up even if the user operates the power button of the operation unit 306 to input a power-on instruction. Note that during this period, rather than not starting up the electronic device 300, for example, the sub-control unit 309 may control the operation of each component of the electronic device 300 so that the power consumption of the electronic device 300 is less than a specific amount. For this reason, during this period, the sub-control unit 309 may limit the power consumption of the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 so that the current that the relay device 100 receives from the power supply apparatus 200 is 500 mA (milliamperes) or less.

[0145] (Power outage detection process) Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 7, a process in which interconnecting device 100 detects a power outage and notifies electronic device 300 of the power outage will be described.

[0146] In step S4001, the interconnecting device control unit 103 (connection detection unit 1041) determines whether the acquisition control unit 104 has detected that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected (that the electrical connection between the interconnecting device 100 and the power supply device 200 has been cut off). The acquisition control unit 104 detects that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected from the interconnecting device 100, for example, when it detects that the voltage of the CC communication has dropped or that the voltage of the VBUS has dropped to a predetermined value or lower. If it detects that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected, the process proceeds to step S4002. If it does not detect that the power supply device 200 has been disconnected, the process proceeds to step S4004.

[0147] In step S4002, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the input switch 112 to the OFF state. When the input switch 112 is turned OFF, the charge stored in the output charge holding unit 111 does not flow back to the acquisition unit 101. Note that the relay device control unit 103 may control the state of the input switch 112.

[0148] In step S4003, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the discharging unit 110 to discharge the charge on the path from the acquisition unit 101 to the input switch 112. At this time, the discharging unit 110 also discharges the charge (power) accumulated in the input charge holding unit 114. With this control, when the power supply device 200 is not connected to the acquisition unit 101, it is possible to prevent the relay device 100 from outputting a voltage due to a residual charge or the like to the acquisition unit 101. By setting the voltage of the acquisition unit 101 to less than 5V, it is possible to prevent a voltage of 5V or more from being applied to the power supply device 200 when the power supply device 200 is next connected to the acquisition unit 101. This makes it possible to prevent a breakdown of the power supply device 200.

[0149] In step S4004 , the relay device control unit 103 controls the input voltage detection unit 106 to determine the value of the input voltage of the input power acquired from the power supply device 200 .

[0150] In step S4005, the interconnecting device control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is equal to or greater than the input threshold. For example, if the input setting (output profile) of the power supply device 200 indicates 20V / 3A, the interconnecting device control unit 103 determines whether the input voltage is equal to or greater than 17V. If it is determined that the input voltage is equal to or greater than the input threshold, the process proceeds to step S4006. If it is determined that the input voltage is less than the input threshold, the process proceeds to step S4008.

[0151] In step S4006 , the relay device control unit 103 controls the output voltage detection unit 107 to determine the value of the generated voltage of the power output from the voltage conversion unit 105 .

[0152] In step S4007, the interconnecting device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is equal to or greater than the output threshold. For example, the interconnecting device control unit 103 determines whether the generated voltage is equal to or greater than the output threshold (the detection threshold on the output side of the interconnecting device 100 set in step S2017), which is 8V. If it is determined that the generated voltage is equal to or greater than the output threshold, it is determined that a power outage has not occurred, and the process returns to step S4001. If it is determined that the generated voltage is less than the output threshold, the process proceeds to step S4008.

[0153] In step S4008, relay communication unit 1032 notifies electronic device 300 of the detection of the power outage. That is, relay communication unit 1032 notifies electronic device 300 that an abnormality has occurred in relay device 100 (that is, that the power requested by electronic device 300 cannot be continuously supplied to electronic device 300).

[0154] To notify the detection of a power outage, for example, the relay communication unit 1032 outputs a Low signal (a Low-level signal) to the electronic device 300. When the communication unit 3091 detects the Low signal for a predetermined period of time, it determines that a power outage has occurred and performs emergency shutdown processing of the electronic device 300. As described below, when a power outage is detected, power is supplied from the output charge holding unit 111 to the electronic device 300. Because the amount of charge accumulated in the output charge holding unit 111 is finite, the output voltage from the output charge holding unit 111 to the electronic device 300 decreases over time. The emergency shutdown processing is thus a process for safely shutting down the electronic device 300 using power from the output charge holding unit 111. Specifically, the emergency shutdown processing is a process for stopping functions such as the imaging function and mechanical operation of the electronic device 300 and saving captured data, setting data, and the like in the memory 308 and the recording medium 305 while reducing power consumption. This allows the captured data of the electronic device 300 to be saved, increasing the likelihood that the electronic device 300 itself will not be damaged, even in the event of an unexpected power outage.

[0155] When it is detected in step S4001 that power supply device 200 has been disconnected, relay device control unit 103 may execute the process of step S4008 simultaneously with or before the processes of steps S4002 and S4003. When relay device 100 detects a power interruption, transmitting a power interruption notice to electronic device 300 as soon as possible increases the possibility that electronic device 300 can be safely shut down.

[0156] In step S4009, the relay device control unit 103 stops the output (generation) of the generated power from the voltage conversion unit 105. Then, the relay device control unit 103 supplies the power accumulated in the output charge holding unit 111 to the electronic device 300 as output power, instead of the generated power from the voltage conversion unit 105.

[0157] In step S4010, relay device control unit 103 controls input switch 112 to the OFF state.

[0158] In addition to a power outage, there are other factors that can be used to infer that "the relay device 100 is in a state where it cannot output power normally." For example, if the input voltage detector 106 or the output voltage detector 107 detects an overvoltage, or if an error is detected in any of the devices that make up the relay device 100, it can be inferred that the relay device 100 is in a state where it cannot output power normally.

[0159] 2, if the interconnecting device 100 has a temperature detector (such as a thermistor), the interconnecting device control unit 103 can detect the temperature of each device constituting the interconnecting device 100. Here, when the interconnecting device control unit 103 detects that the temperature of any of the devices has reached a high temperature close to the rated temperature, it is necessary to stop the operation of the interconnecting device 100.

[0160] In this way, the processes of steps S4008 to S4010 may be executed when it is estimated that relay device 100 is in a state where it cannot normally output power, or when it is detected that the operation of relay device 100 needs to be stopped. That is, when a specific abnormality in relay device 100 is detected (when an abnormality is detected), the processes of steps S4008 to S4010 (notifying that a specific abnormality has occurred in relay device 100, stopping the output of power from relay device 100, etc.) may be executed.

[0161] For example, to determine whether an overvoltage exists, step S4005 may determine whether the input voltage is 22 V or less. Also, step S4007 may determine whether the generated voltage is 11.5 V or less. Therefore, instead of steps S4004 to S4007, if the input voltage is not within a first range (e.g., 18 V to 22 V) or the generated voltage (output voltage) is not within a second range (e.g., 8.5 V to 11.5 V), the process may proceed to step S4008. Furthermore, after it is determined in step S4007 that the generated voltage is equal to or greater than the output threshold, the temperature of each device may be detected before returning to step S4001. Then, if it is determined that the temperature of any device is higher than a predetermined value, the process may proceed to step S4008.

[0162] (Timing chart explaining the flow of the flowchart in Figure 5) 8, a process performed when relay device 100 is connected to power supply device 200 will be described. The process shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0163] 8 shows an image of CC communication of USB PD. These lines show the content of exchanges in CC communication between the acquisition control unit 104 of the relay device 100 and the power supply control unit 203 of the power supply device 200.

[0164] The line in the range 802 in FIG. 8 indicates the voltage value or control state of the circuit of the relay device 100.

[0165] 8, the power supply device 200 is not connected to the relay device 100, and the output charge holding unit 111 is not charged. That is, the input voltage conversion unit 108 and the output voltage conversion unit 109 are not outputting power, and the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 are not running because they do not have a power source.

[0166] At time T1101, the user connects the power supply device 200 to the relay device 100. The power supply control unit 203 determines that the relay device 100 is a sink device. The power supply device 200 outputs 5V input power as a source device. The relay device 100 acquires the 5V input power from the power supply device 200 via the acquisition unit 101. When the input power from the power supply device 200 is input to the input voltage conversion unit 108, the input voltage conversion unit 108 starts to output 3.0V power. As a result, the power supply voltage of the relay device control unit 103 starts to rise to 3.0V at the same time.

[0167] At time T1102, when the voltage of the power output by the input voltage conversion unit 108 rises to the power supply voltage required to start up the interconnecting device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104, the interconnecting device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 start up. 4 receives a power list (Source Cap) from the power supply control unit 203. If the power supply device 200 is capable of supplying 60 W, the power list presents power supply capacities of 5 V / 3 A, 9 V / 3 A, 15 V / 3 A, and 20 V / 3 A.

[0168] At time T1103, the acquisition control unit 104 transmits a request for power required by the interconnecting device 100 to the power supply control unit 203. The request for power required by the interconnecting device 100 is 15V / 3A.

[0169] At time T1104, the acquisition control unit 104 receives from the power supply control unit 203 an acceptance of the request (notification of the determination of the voltage and current; Accept).

[0170] At time T1105, the input voltage (VBUS voltage) of the input power output from power supply device 200 is changed from 5V to 15V.

[0171] At time T1106, the acquisition control unit 104 receives PS_RDY (an output change completion notification indicating that the voltage of the power output by the power supply device 200 has been changed) from the power supply control unit 203.

[0172] At time T1107, the acquisition control unit 104 controls the input switch 112 to the ON state because the input voltage of the input power acquired by the acquisition unit 101 is within the voltage range R1.

[0173] At time T1108, the relay device control unit 103 sets the voltage conversion magnification of the voltage conversion unit 105 to 1 / 2 and starts outputting the generated power. The generated voltage of the generated power is 7.5V. The output charge holding unit 111 is controlled (held) so as to be charged with the generated power. When the generated power output by the voltage conversion unit 105 is input to the output voltage conversion unit 109, the output voltage conversion unit 109 outputs 3.3V of power. The voltage of the power output by the output voltage conversion unit 109, 3.3V, is higher than the voltage of the power output by the input voltage conversion unit 108, 3.0V. Therefore, the power supply voltage of the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 rises to 3.3V.

[0174] At time T1109, because the voltage generated by voltage converter 105 is within range R2, relay controller 103 controls output switch 113 to the ON state, causing connection unit 102 to output 7.5V of power.

[0175] (Timing chart explaining the flow of the flowcharts of FIGS. 6A and 6B) 9 and 10, a process will be described in which relay device 100 is connected to power supply apparatus 200 and then connected to electronic device 300. The process shown in these timing charts corresponds to the process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0176] Fig. 9 is a timing chart when electronic device 300 does not request 10V power from relay device 100. Fig. 10 is a timing chart when electronic device 300 requests 10V power from relay device 100. In Fig. 9, the process proceeds from step S3007 to step S3015 in the flowchart of Fig. 6B, so electronic device 300 starts up in a state where it has acquired 7.5V from relay device 100 and transitions to a state where it can capture images.

[0177] 9 and 10, a process will be described in which power supply device 200 is disconnected from relay device 100, relay device 100 detects a power outage, and notifies electronic device 300 of the power outage. This process corresponds to the process in the flowchart of FIG.

[0178] 9 and 10 show an image of CC communication of USB PD. The line in range 901 shows the content of the exchange by CC communication between the acquisition control unit 104 of the relay device 100 and the power supply control unit 203 of the power supply device 200.

[0179] 9 and 10, a line in a range 902 indicates the voltage value or control state of the circuit of the relay device 100. A line in a range 903 indicates the communication state between the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300. A line in a range 904 indicates the state of the electronic device 300.

[0180] 9 and 10, the relay device 100 is not connected to the electronic device 300, and the electronic device 300 is not operating because it is not receiving power. Here, the relay device 100 and the power supply device 200 are connected, and the process of the flowchart in Fig. 5 has been completed. Therefore, a voltage of 7.5V is output from the connection unit 102 of the relay device 100.

[0181] First, the processing will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

[0182] At time T2101, the user connects relay device 100 (relay device 100 connected to power supply apparatus 200) to electronic device 300. Electronic device 300 obtains 7.5V output power from relay device 100 via battery connection unit 302. Power supply control unit 310 generates a power supply voltage using the 7.5V output power and supplies the power supply voltage to sub-control unit 309. This activates sub-control unit 309. As sub-control unit 309 is activated, electronic device 300 becomes capable of communicating with relay device 100. Electronic device 300 pulls up the voltage of the communication terminal of battery connection unit 302 to the power supply voltage of sub-control unit 309. When the voltage of the communication terminal of battery connection unit 302 is pulled up, relay communication unit 1032 detects that the voltage of the communication terminal of connection unit 102 has risen to or exceeded a predetermined voltage, and relay device 100 detects connection with electronic device 300.

[0183] 9, from time T2101 to time T2102, the communication unit 3091 may perform communication settings with the interconnecting device 100. For example, the communication settings may include setting the baud rate of UART communication.

[0184] At time T2102, communication unit 3091 transmits a type information request to interconnecting device 100. Relay communication unit 1032 receives the type information request and returns the type information to electronic device 300.

[0185] At time T2103, communication unit 3091 transmits detection threshold information to interconnecting device 100. For example, the detection threshold indicates that interconnecting device 100's "threshold value on the output side (output threshold) is 6V." Interconnecting device control unit 103 sets the detection thresholds (output threshold and input threshold) based on the received detection threshold information.

[0186] At time T2104, the main control unit 303 allows the operation unit 306 to issue a start-up instruction.

[0187] At time T2105, the user presses the power button on the operation unit 306, and the sub-control unit 309 receives a startup instruction from the operation unit 306. The sub-control unit 309 controls the power control unit 310 to supply power (power supply) to each component including the imaging unit 304, and the electronic device 300 enters a state where it can capture an image.

[0188] At time T2106, the electrical connection between power supply unit 202 and acquisition unit 101 is disconnected. Relay device control unit 103 detects that power supply device 200 has been disconnected by detecting, for example, a drop in the voltage of CC communication via acquisition control unit 104. Then, acquisition control unit 104 controls input switch 112 to the OFF state. Thereafter, acquisition control unit 104 controls discharge unit 110 to discharge the charge in the path from acquisition unit 101 to input switch 112. Then, the voltage of the power input to input voltage conversion unit 108 drops, and the voltage of the power output by input voltage conversion unit 108 drops from 3.0 V.

[0189] Furthermore, relay device control unit 103 stops the output of power from voltage conversion unit 105. The power output from voltage conversion unit 105 stops, and the power stored in output charge holding unit 111 is released. As a result, the voltage on the output side of voltage conversion unit 105 gradually drops from 7.5V. The output voltage of the power output from connection unit 102 also gradually drops from 7.5V. At this time, relay communication unit 1032 notifies electronic device 300 that a power outage has been detected. When communication unit 3091 detects that the Low signal has continued for a predetermined time, it determines (considers) that a power outage has occurred, and performs emergency shutdown processing of electronic device 300.

[0190] At time T2107, the emergency shutdown process of the electronic device 300 is completed. In this state, for example, the electronic device 300 waits for the power interruption detection to be released. If the power supply device 200 is not reconnected to the relay device 100, the power stored in the output charge holding unit 111 is consumed by the relay device control unit 103, the electronic device 300, and the like, causing the voltage on the output side of the voltage conversion unit 105 to continue to drop. When the output voltage of the output power supplied to the electronic device 300 falls below the operating voltage of the electronic device 300, the electronic device 300 stops operating. When the output voltage of the voltage conversion unit 105 drops and the output voltage conversion unit 109 can no longer output power at the set voltage, the voltage of the power from the output voltage conversion unit 109 drops from 3.3V. When the power supply voltage of the relay device control unit 103 drops, the output switch 113 can no longer be kept ON, and the output switch 113 is turned OFF.

[0191] At time T2108, when the voltage of the power output from the output voltage conversion unit 109 falls below the power supply voltage required for the operation of the interconnecting device control unit 103, the interconnecting device control unit 103 stops operating.

[0192] 9 illustrates a case where the power supply device 200 is not reconnected to the relay device 100 after time T2107. On the other hand, when the power supply device 200 is reconnected to the relay device 100 after time T2107, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 5 is performed, and the output voltage of the power output from the relay device 100 returns to 7.5 V. At the end of the process of the flowchart of FIG. 5, the relay communication unit 1032 may stop outputting the Low signal to notify that the power interruption detection has been canceled. When the main control unit 303 is in a communicable state at time T2107, the communication unit 3091 may continue to monitor the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 and detect a change from the Low state to the pull-up state. When the communication unit 3091 detects that the communication terminal of the battery connection unit 302 has changed to the pull-up state, the state becomes the same as that at time T2101. In this case, the control for connecting relay device 100 and electronic device 300 can be started again from the beginning of the flowcharts of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0193] The process will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

[0194] Times T3101 and T3102 are the same as times T2101 and T2102, respectively.

[0195] At time T3103, main control unit 303 determines that "it is necessary to request relay device 100 connected to battery connection unit 302 to change the output voltage," and communication unit 3091 transmits a 10V output request to relay device 100. When relay communication unit 1032 receives the 10V output request, relay control unit 103 transmits a request for power required by relay device 100 to power supply control unit 203 via acquisition control unit 104. The power required by relay device 100 is 20V / 3A.

[0196] At time T3104, the acquisition control unit 104 receives an acceptance (Accept) for the request from the power supply control unit 203.

[0197] At time T3105, the input voltage (VBUS voltage) of the input power output from power supply device 200 is changed from 15 V to 20 V. Accordingly, the generated voltage of the generated power output by voltage conversion unit 105 changes from 7.5 V to 10 V.

[0198] At time T3106, the acquisition control unit 104 receives PS_RDY from the power supply control unit 203.

[0199] Times T3107 to T3112 are similar to times T2103 to T2108, so a description thereof will be omitted. Specifically, the difference is that "15V" is replaced with "20V" and "7.5V" is replaced with "10V". The value of the detection threshold information is also information for "10V" rather than "7.5V".

[0200] According to the configuration of the repeater device 100 of this embodiment, the repeater control unit 103 is supplied with power (power supply) from both the input side and the output side of the repeater device 100. When the power supply apparatus 200 is first connected to the input side of the repeater device 100, the input voltage conversion unit 108 supplies power to the repeater control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104, and the repeater control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 can be activated. That is, the repeater control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 are supplied with power according to the input power. After the voltage conversion unit 105 starts generating the generated power, the output voltage conversion unit 109 supplies the repeater control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 with power using the generated power.

[0201] Thereafter, when the power supply device 200 is disconnected from the relay device 100, the output voltage conversion unit 109 consumes the power of the output charge holding unit 111 to supply power to the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104. This allows the relay device control unit 103 and the acquisition control unit 104 to continue operating for a while. At this time, the input switch 112 electrically disconnects the input side and the output side of the relay device 100. As a result, when the input side of the relay device 100 is discharged, the output charge holding unit 111 on the output side of the relay device 100 is not discharged. Therefore, while the charge in the output charge holding unit 111 is maintained, the charge on the input side of the relay device 100 can be discharged by the discharging unit 110 in preparation for the connection of the next power supply device 200.

[0202] Furthermore, since the charge of the output charge holding unit 111 can be held, the relay communication unit 1032 can continue to operate for a while even after a power outage occurs, and therefore the power outage notification can be continued to the electronic device 300. When the electronic device 300 receives the power outage notification, it can execute the minimum processing to prevent the electronic device 300 and captured data from being damaged by consuming the power of the output charge holding unit 111. Here, the minimum operating voltage of the relay device control unit 103 is set lower than the minimum operating voltage of the electronic device 300. As a result, the relay device control unit 103 can continue to operate until the electronic device 300 completes the execution of the emergency shutdown process, and therefore the power outage notification can be continued. If the power supply device 200 is reconnected to the relay device 100 during the power outage notification, the relay device 100 resumes outputting output power and then cancels the power outage notification. The electronic device 300, after the power outage notification is canceled, Then, the startup process is performed again using the output power.

[0203] When the relay device 100 is connected to the power supply apparatus 200 but not to the electronic device 300, the output voltage of the relay device 100 is 7.5V. Therefore, even if the relay device 100 is connected to an electronic device whose power supply has a withstand voltage of 7.5V or more but less than 10V, the relay device 100 can prevent the electronic device from being damaged due to insufficient withstand voltage. For example, the maximum output voltage of a battery 400, which is composed of two lithium-ion batteries connected in series, is approximately 8.4V. Therefore, the relay device 100 of this embodiment can be connected to and used with an electronic device that is compatible with the battery 400 and has a maximum power (maximum required power) of 45W or less. Furthermore, the relay device 100 changes the output voltage to 10V in response to a request from the electronic device 300. As a result, the relay device 100 of this embodiment can also be connected to and used with an electronic device whose power supply has a withstand voltage of 10V or more but a maximum power of 60W or less.

[0204] In this embodiment, if the electronic device 300 does not obtain sufficient power, the electronic device 300 is controlled not to be powered on even if the operation unit 306 issues a power-on command. This reduces the possibility that the electronic device 300 will unexpectedly shut down due to a power shortage during operation. Furthermore, when the electronic device 300 commands the relay device 100 to change the output power (at step S3008), the sub-control unit 309 limits the power (power) supply to each component of the electronic device 300, so that the power consumption of the electronic device 300 is very low. Furthermore, while the power supply device 200 is changing the input setting (output profile), the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 are controlled so as not to draw a current exceeding the USB PD standard (500 mA). In other words, the power consumption of the relay device 100 and the electronic device 300 is limited so that the input current the relay device 100 receives from the power supply device 200 is 500 mA (milliamperes) or less.

[0205] Furthermore, in the above, "If A is greater than or equal to B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2" may be read as "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than or equal to B, proceed to step S2." Conversely, "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2" may be read as "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2." Therefore, unless a contradiction arises, "greater than or equal to A" may be read as "greater than (higher; longer; more) than A," and "less than or equal to A" may be read as "less than (lower; shorter; fewer) than A." Furthermore, "greater than (higher; longer; more) than A" may be read as "greater than or equal to A," and "less than (lower; shorter; fewer) than A" may be read as "less than or equal to A."

[0206] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). The entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) sharing the processing.

[0207] The processor is a processor in the broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors and dedicated processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Dedicated processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Programmable Gate Array (PGArray), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), etc.

[0208] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0209] <Other embodiments> 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 device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program, or by a circuit that realizes one or more functions.

[0210] The disclosure of the above embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, programs, and media. (Configuration 1) A relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, a first connection means electrically connectable to the power supply device; a second connecting means capable of connecting a battery to a detachable connecting terminal in the electronic device; a conversion means for converting a voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means to generate a second power to be output from the second connection means; a first storage means for storing power using the second power generated by the conversion means; a control means; and When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, before the conversion unit generates the second power, power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control unit; When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is cut off, power is supplied to the control means using the power held by the first holding means. A relay device characterized by: (Configuration 2) When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, after the conversion means generates the second power, power using the second power generated by the conversion means is supplied to the control means. 2. The relay device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) an input voltage conversion means for converting the voltage of the first power into a voltage for a power supply for the control means; an output voltage conversion means for converting a voltage of the second power or the power held by the first holding means into a voltage for a power supply for the control means; and When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, before the conversion means generates the second power, power from the input voltage conversion means is supplied to the control means; When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, after the conversion means generates the second power, the power from the output voltage conversion means is supplied to the control means; When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is cut off, the output voltage converter power from the converter means is supplied to the control means; 3. The relay device according to configuration 2. (Configuration 4) further comprising an abnormality detection means for determining whether a specific abnormality has occurred in the relay device; When it is determined that the specific abnormality has occurred, the control means controls the conversion means to stop generating the second electric power; the second connection means outputs the power output by the first holding means to the electronic device; 4. The relay device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) When it is determined that the specific abnormality has occurred, the control means notifies the electronic device of the occurrence of the specific abnormality. 5. The relay device according to configuration 4. (Configuration 6) the control means notifies the electronic device of the occurrence of the specific abnormality by outputting a signal of a specific level. 6. The relay device according to configuration 5. (Configuration 7) a second holding means for storing power using the first power; a discharge means capable of discharging the power stored in the second holding means; a cutoff means capable of cutting off a path from the first connection means to the conversion means; and When the specific abnormality occurs, The cutoff means cuts off a path from the first connection means to the conversion means, the discharge means discharges the power stored in the second holding means. 7. The relay device according to any one of configurations 4 to 6. (Configuration 8) The specific abnormality is that an electrical connection between the relay device and the power supply device is cut off. 8. The relay device according to any one of configurations 4 to 7. (Configuration 9) a first detection means for detecting a voltage of the first power; a second detection means for detecting a voltage of the second power; Furthermore, The specific abnormality is that the voltage detected by the first detection means is not within a first range, or that the voltage detected by the second detection means is not within a second range. 7. The relay device according to any one of configurations 4 to 6. (method) A method for controlling a relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, the relay device having a first connection means that can be electrically connected to the power supply device, a second connection means that can be connected to a connection terminal in the electronic device to which a battery can be attached or detached, a first holding means, and a control means, a conversion step of converting a voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means to generate a second power output from the second connection means; a storage control step of controlling the storage of power in the first storage means by using the second power generated in the conversion step; a control step of controlling the relay device by the control means; and In the control step, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, before the second power is generated in the conversion step, control is performed so that power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control means; When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is cut off, control is performed so that power using the power held by the first holding means is supplied to the control means. A method for controlling a relay device. (program) A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the above control method. (medium) A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 100: relay device, 200: power supply device, 300: electronic device, 101: Acquisition unit (connection unit), 102: Connection unit, 103: Relay device control unit, 105: Voltage conversion unit, 111: Output charge holding unit

Claims

1. A relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, a first connection means electrically connectable to the power supply device; a second connecting means for connecting a battery to a detachable connecting terminal of the electronic device; a conversion means for converting a voltage of a first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means to generate a second power output from the second connection means; a first storage means for storing power using the second power generated by the conversion means; a control means; and When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, before the conversion unit generates the second power, power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control unit, When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is cut off, power is supplied to the control means using the power held by the first holding means. A relay device characterized by:

2. When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, after the conversion means generates the second power, power using the second power generated by the conversion means is supplied to the control means.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the relay device is a relay device.

3. an input voltage conversion means for converting the voltage of the first power into a voltage for a power supply for the control means; an output voltage conversion means for converting a voltage of the second power or the power held by the first holding means into a voltage for a power supply for the control means; and When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, before the conversion unit generates the second power, power from the input voltage conversion unit is supplied to the control unit; When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, after the conversion means generates the second power, the power from the output voltage conversion means is supplied to the control means, When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is cut off, power is supplied from the output voltage conversion means to the control means.

3. The relay device according to claim 2.

4. further comprising an abnormality detection means for determining whether a specific abnormality has occurred in the relay device; When it is determined that the specific abnormality has occurred, the control means controls the conversion means to stop generating the second electric power; the second connection means outputs the power output by the first holding means to the electronic device; 4. The relay device according to claim 1, wherein the relay device is a relay device having a plurality of terminals.

5. When it is determined that the specific abnormality has occurred, the control means notifies the electronic device of the occurrence of the specific abnormality.

5. The relay device according to claim 4.

6. the control means notifies the electronic device of the occurrence of the specific abnormality by outputting a signal of a specific level.

6. The relay device according to claim 5,

7. a second holding means for storing power using the first power; a discharge means capable of discharging the power stored in the second holding means; a cutoff means capable of cutting off a path from the first connection means to the conversion means; and When the specific abnormality occurs, The cutoff means cuts off a path from the first connection means to the conversion means, the discharge means discharges the power stored in the second holding means.

5. The relay device according to claim 4.

8. The specific abnormality is that an electrical connection between the relay device and the power supply device is cut off.

5. The relay device according to claim 4.

9. a first detecting means for detecting a voltage of the first power; a second detecting means for detecting a voltage of the second power; Furthermore, The specific abnormality is that the voltage detected by the first detection means is not within a first range, or that the voltage detected by the second detection means is not within a second range.

5. The relay device according to claim 4.

10. A method for controlling a relay device that relays between a power supply device and an electronic device, the relay device having a first connection means that can be electrically connected to the power supply device, a second connection means that can be connected to a connection terminal in the electronic device to which a battery can be attached or detached, a first holding means, and a control means, a conversion step of converting a voltage of the first power supplied from the power supply device via the first connection means to generate a second power output from the second connection means; a storage control step of controlling the storage of power in the first storage means by using the second power generated in the conversion step; a control step of controlling the relay device by the control means; and In the control step, When the power supply device and the relay device are electrically connected, before the second power is generated in the conversion step, control is performed so that power using the first power supplied from the power supply device is supplied to the control means; When the electrical connection between the power supply device and the relay device is cut off, control is performed so that power using the power held by the first holding means is supplied to the control means. A method for controlling a relay device.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 10.

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