Electronic device, control method, and program

Abstract

To use a plurality of types of batteries mounted on an electronic apparatus to the maximum.SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus includes a control unit configured to switch a battery that supplies power to the electronic apparatus based on information indicating a power supply state of the plurality of batteries, and perform shutdown processing of the electronic apparatus when the information is predetermined for the plurality of batteries, wherein the control unit obtains the information by different methods depending on whether types of the plurality of batteries are the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device that can accommodate a plurality of types of batteries and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] High-power batteries have been developed to cope with the increasing power consumption that accompanies the increasing performance of electronic devices such as digital cameras, and it is anticipated that a use case will arise in which a conventional non-high-power battery and a high-power battery will be attached to an electronic device and used.

[0003] Because the output power of a battery decreases as the remaining capacity decreases, when using a non-high-power battery, it is possible that the battery's power supply will be lower than the power consumed by the electronic device. In such cases, to prevent a momentary power outage, the electronic device must be shut down even if the battery still has remaining capacity, shortening the operating time of the electronic device. On the other hand, a high-power battery always supplies more power than the power consumed by the electronic device, so it can be used until it runs out of capacity, i.e., until it has discharged its rated capacity.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for operating an electronic device for a long period of time by changing the voltage at which the electronic device is shut down depending on the type of battery attached to the electronic device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 02-299428 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, conventionally, it has not been assumed that multiple types of batteries will be attached to and used in electronic devices, and it is desirable to be able to use multiple types of batteries to the maximum extent possible.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to realize a technology that enables the maximum use of multiple types of batteries attached to an electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an electronic device that can accommodate multiple batteries, which has a control means that switches the battery that supplies power to the electronic device based on information indicating the power supply status of the multiple batteries, and performs a shutdown process for the electronic device when the information for the multiple batteries is specified, and the control means obtains the information in different ways depending on whether the multiple batteries are of the same type or different types. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to maximize the use of multiple types of batteries attached to an electronic device, thereby extending the operational time of the electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are external views of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a battery that can be attached to the electronic device. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view of a battery grip that can be attached to the electronic device of the present embodiment and a battery that can be attached to the battery grip. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an electronic device and a battery that can be attached to the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an electronic device and a battery grip attachable to the electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply switching unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the on and off states of the switches of the power supply switching unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an electronic device and a battery grip attachable to the electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply switching unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the on and off states of the switches of the power supply switching unit according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, 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.

[0012] In the following, an example will be described in which the electronic device of the present invention is applied to an imaging device such as a single-lens reflex digital camera capable of taking moving images and still images.

[0013] The electronic device of this embodiment is not limited to an imaging device, but may also be a portable communication terminal or information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0014] In this embodiment, the digital camera can be fitted with multiple types of batteries, and the battery that supplies power to the digital camera is switched based on information indicating the power supply status of the multiple batteries (operable time, voltage, remaining capacity, etc.), and the digital camera performs a shutdown process when the above information for the multiple batteries is specified (when the operable time reaches zero, or when the voltage or remaining capacity falls below a threshold).

[0015] [Embodiment 1] The first embodiment will be described below.

[0016] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the appearance and connection form of the digital camera of this embodiment and the battery that can be attached to the digital camera will be described.

[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating the appearance and connection of a camera body with a lens unit removed from the digital camera of this embodiment and a battery that can be attached to the camera body.

[0018] FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing an example of a connection between the camera body and the battery, with a portion of the battery mounting portion of the camera body of this embodiment cut away.

[0019] In the digital camera of this embodiment, a lens unit (interchangeable lens) (not shown) can be attached to and detached from the camera body 100. The camera body 100 is provided with a battery storage section 160 for attaching a battery 300. The battery storage section 160 is provided inside the grip section that the user holds with their right hand when holding the camera body 100. The battery storage section 160 mechanically and electrically connects the battery 300 to the camera body 100.

[0020] When battery 300 is housed in camera body 100, contacts 370a to 370d provided on battery 300 come into contact with contacts 170a to 170d provided on camera body 100, and battery 300 and camera body 100 are electrically connected.

[0021] Contact 370a is the positive terminal of battery 300, and contact 370d is the negative terminal of battery 300. Contact 170a is the positive terminal of camera body 100, and contact 170d is the negative terminal of camera body 100. When battery 300 is attached to battery storage section 160, contacts 370a and 370d of battery 300 are electrically connected to contacts 170a and 170d of camera body 100, and power is supplied from battery 300 to camera body 100. In addition, contact 370b is a communication terminal of battery 300, and contact 370c is a temperature output terminal of battery 300. When the battery 300 is attached to the battery storage section 160, the contacts 370b and 370c of the battery 300 are electrically connected to the contacts 170b and 170c of the camera body 100, and various information relating to the battery 300 and the digital camera is exchanged between the battery 300 and the camera body 100.

[0022] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the appearance and connection form of a battery grip that can be attached to the electronic device of this embodiment and a battery that can be attached to the battery grip will be described.

[0023] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance and connection of a battery grip that can be attached to the digital camera of this embodiment and a battery that can be attached to the battery grip.

[0024] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing an example of a connection between the battery grip and the battery, with a portion of the battery grip attachable to the digital camera of this embodiment cut away.

[0025] The battery grip 200 is an external device that can be attached to the camera body 100 and is an accessory device that expands the functionality of the digital camera. Multiple batteries, two batteries 300 and 400 in this embodiment, can be attached to the battery grip 200. The battery grip 200 includes a magazine 240 that stores the multiple batteries 300 and 400, and a magazine storage section 245 that stores the magazine 240. The magazine 240 is provided with a slot that stores the first battery 300 and a slot that stores the second battery 400. The magazine storage section 245 is provided with contacts 250a-250d and contacts 260a-260d that come into contact with the contacts of the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 when the magazine 240 is attached.

[0026] The first battery 300 and the second battery 400 may be of the same or different types. The type of battery may be, for example, rated current, but is not limited to this, or rated power.

[0027] Battery grip 200 is also provided with a magazine connector 280 that has a shape similar to the external shape of batteries 300, 400 and can be attached to battery storage section 160 of camera body 100. Magazine connector 280 has a shape that protrudes from magazine storage section 245. Magazine connector 280 is provided with contacts 270a-270d that come into contact with contacts 170a-170d of battery storage section 160 when magazine connector 280 is attached to battery storage section 160 of camera body 100.

[0028] When battery 300 is stored in magazine 240, contact 250a is electrically connected to contact 370a, which is the positive terminal of battery 300, and contact 250d is electrically connected to contact 370db, which is the negative terminal of battery 300. Furthermore, when battery 300 is stored in magazine 240, contact 250b is electrically connected to contact 370b, which is the communication terminal of battery 300, and contact 250c is electrically connected to contact 370c, which is the temperature output terminal of battery 300.

[0029] The connection relationship between the contacts of the battery 400 and the contacts 260a to 260d of the magazine housing section 245 is similar to the connection relationship between the contacts of the battery 300 and the contacts 250a to 260d of the magazine housing section 245.

[0030] Furthermore, when the battery grip 200 is stored in the battery storage section 160 of the camera body 100, the contact 270a is electrically connected to the contact 170a which is the positive terminal of the battery storage section 160, and the contact 270d is electrically connected to the contact 170db which is the negative terminal of the battery storage section 160. Furthermore, when the battery grip 200 is stored in the battery storage section 160 of the camera body 100, the contact 270b is electrically connected to the contact 170b which is the communication terminal of the battery storage section 160, and the contact 270c is electrically connected to the contact 170c which is the temperature output terminal of the battery storage section 160.

[0031] When the magazine 240 containing the batteries 300, 400 is stored in the magazine storage section 245, the battery grip 200 is attached to the camera body 100, and the magazine connection section 280 is stored in the battery storage section 160, the contacts of the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are electrically connected to the contacts of the battery storage section 160.

[0032] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the internal configuration of the camera body 100 and the battery 300, which are electrically connected when the battery 300 of this embodiment is housed in the camera body 100, will be described.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the digital camera of the first embodiment and a battery that can be attached to the digital camera.

[0034] The battery 300 includes a cell 310 , a protection IC 320 , a voltage detection unit 330 , a current detection unit 340 , a temperature sensor 350 , and a battery controller 360 .

[0035] The cell 310 generates an electromotive force. The protection IC 320 has a function of protecting the cell 310 during charging and discharging. The voltage detection unit 330 detects the battery voltage, which is the output voltage of the cell 310. The current detection unit 340 uses a resistor and detects the battery current, which is the output current of the cell 310. The temperature sensor 350 uses a thermistor or thermocouple and detects the internal temperature of the battery 300. The detection information of the voltage detection unit 330, the current detection unit 340, and the temperature sensor 350 is output to the battery controller 360. The battery controller 360 also includes an information processing unit 365. The information processing unit 365 performs A / D conversion of the detection information of the voltage detection unit 330, the current detection unit 340, and the temperature sensor 350, and performs current integration.

[0036] The battery controller (hereinafter referred to as battery microcomputer) 360 includes a processor (CPU) that performs control processing of the battery 300, a nonvolatile memory (ROM) that stores programs executed by the processor, and a work memory (RAM) into which programs read from the nonvolatile memory and constants and variables for executing the programs are loaded. The battery microcomputer 360 controls each component of the battery 300 by loading the programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing them.

[0037] The camera body 100 includes a camera controller 110 , a power supply circuit 120 , a display unit 130 , and an operation unit 140 .

[0038] The battery 300 and the camera body 100 are connected by contacts 370a and 370d and contacts 170a and 170d, and power is supplied from the battery 300 to the camera body 100.

[0039] Camera controller (hereinafter referred to as camera microcomputer) 110 includes a processor (CPU) that performs control processing for camera body 100, nonvolatile memory (ROM) that stores programs executed by the processor, and work memory (RAM) into which programs read from the nonvolatile memory and constants and variables for executing the programs are loaded. Camera microcomputer 110 controls each component of camera body 100 by loading programs stored in ROM into RAM and executing them.

[0040] The power supply circuit 120 uses a DC / DC converter and a linear regulator, and generates a voltage based on the power supplied from the battery 300 that allows each component of the camera body 100 to operate.

[0041] The display unit 130 uses a liquid crystal panel or the like, and displays images captured by the digital camera, a GUI for setting the digital camera, setting information, and the like.

[0042] Operation unit 140 includes switches, buttons, dials, a touch panel, and the like that receive user operations and notifies camera microcomputer 110 of information input by user operations. When camera microcomputer 110 transmits a request command to battery microcomputer 360 via contacts 170b and 370b, various information about battery 300, such as its remaining capacity, voltage, discharge current, temperature, type, and serial number (hereinafter, battery information), is returned from battery 300. Camera microcomputer 110 calculates the remaining operating time of the digital camera including the lens unit (hereinafter, the entire camera) based on the battery information, and displays the calculated remaining operating time on display unit 130, such as an LCD panel. At low temperatures, battery 300's internal resistance increases, causing a large voltage drop during discharge, reducing the available output capacity. Therefore, the remaining operating time is corrected based on temperature information about battery 300 acquired via communication or contacts 370c and 170c. Furthermore, the temperature information about battery 300 is used to maintain the battery's operating temperature range.

[0043] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the internal configuration of the camera body 100 and the battery grip 200 that are electrically connected when the battery grip 200 of the first embodiment is housed in the camera body 100 will be described.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the digital camera and a battery grip that can be attached to the digital camera according to the first embodiment.

[0045] A first battery 300 and a second battery 400 are attached to the battery grip 200. Because the camera body 100 can connect to only a single battery via contacts 170a-170d and contacts 270a-270d of the battery grip 200, the battery grip 200 has a switching unit for switching the battery connected to the contacts 270a-270d.

[0046] The switching unit includes a power supply switching unit 210, a communication switching unit 220, and a temperature sensor switching unit 230.

[0047] The power supply switching unit 210 switches the connection of the power supply contact (positive terminal of the battery). The communication switching unit 220 switches the connection of the communication contact (communication terminal of the battery). The temperature sensor switching unit 230 switches the connection of the temperature output contact (temperature output terminal of the battery). Note that a switching unit is not required because the negative terminals of the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are both connected to the reference potential of the electric circuit. Furthermore, if the communication method between the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 and the camera body 100 is a format in which multiple devices share a communication bus such as I2C, the communication switching unit 220 is not required.

[0048] The switching control of these switching units may be performed by a power supply switching signal and a communication switching signal of the camera microcomputer 110, or may be performed by a microcomputer (not shown) in the battery grip 200. The switching signals input to the power supply switching unit 210, the communication switching unit 220, and the temperature sensor switching unit 230 may be the same signal branched off and input, or may all be different signals. As in the example of FIG. 4, when the switching signals input to the power supply switching unit 210 and the temperature sensor switching unit 230 are different from the switching signal input to the communication switching unit 220, communication with any battery can be performed at any timing. On the other hand, when the same signal branched off and input, communication is possible only with the battery supplying power to the power supply circuit 120.

[0049] Here, the operation of the power supply switching unit 210 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of the power supply switching unit 210 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] The power supply switching unit 210 has a plurality of switches 211 to 214 and a switch control unit 215 that controls the opening and closing of these switches. The plurality of switches 211 to 214 are each composed of a P-channel MOSFET and a resistor.

[0052] The source (S) of the MOSFET of switch 211 is connected to the positive terminal of first battery 300. The source (S) of the MOSFET of switch 212 is connected to the positive terminal of second battery 400. The drain (D) of the MOSFET of switch 211 is connected to the drain (D) of the MOSFET of switch 213. The drain (D) of the MOSFET of switch 212 is connected to the drain (D) of the MOSFET of switch 214. The sources (S) of the MOSFETs of switches 213 and 214 are both connected to power supply circuit 120. The gates (G) of the MOSFETs of switches 211 to 214 are all connected to switch control unit 215 and are voltage-driven.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating combinations of the on and off states of the switches 211 to 214 in FIG.

[0054] When no battery is attached, each switch is in switch state 1. When a battery is attached, the switch is in switch state 2. When the first battery 300 is connected to the power supply circuit 120, the switch is in switch state 3. However, if the battery voltage of the second battery 400 is higher than that of the first battery 300 and the difference in battery voltage is 0.7 V or more, which corresponds to the forward voltage of a diode, there is a possibility that current will flow back from the second battery 400 to the first battery 300 via the body diode of the MOSFET of the switch 214. To prevent this, the switch is in switch state 4. Similarly, when the second battery 400 is connected to the power supply circuit 120, the switch is in switch state 5, but to prevent backflow from the first battery 300 to the second battery 400, the switch is in switch state 6.

[0055] These switch states are switched by a power supply switching signal input to switch control unit 215, but for example, switch state 3 or switch state 4 may be continued and the power of first battery 300 may be used up before switching to switch state 5. Alternatively, switch state 3 and switch state 5 may be switched in a short period of time in order to alternately use the power of first battery 300 and the power of second battery 400 little by little. This can be selected depending on the operating mode of camera body 100.

[0056] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 5, when a battery is attached, the switch control unit 215 switches the switches 211 to 214 to switch state 1. Thereafter, the switches 211 to 214 are switched to the on state or the off state according to the power supply switching signal. In the first embodiment, since there are a maximum of six switch states, the power supply switching signal is configured as a binary 3-bit parallel signal line, a ternary 2-bit parallel signal line, or a serial communication line.

[0057] Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the camera microcomputer 110 includes a communication unit 111, a battery determination unit 112, and a power supply control unit 113.

[0058] The communication unit 111 is connected to the communication switching unit 220 of the battery grip 200 via contact 170b and contact 270b of the battery grip 200, and is connected to the temperature sensor switching unit 230 of the battery grip 200 via contact 170c and contact 270c of the battery grip 200.

[0059] The camera body 100 acquires information about the remaining capacity, voltage, discharge current, temperature, and type of the battery attached to the battery grip 200 via the communication unit 111 of the camera microcomputer 110. The battery type is sent from the communication unit 111 to the battery discrimination unit 112. Based on the battery type, the battery discrimination unit 112 determines whether the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 attached to the battery grip 200 are high-power compatible and outputs the determination result to the power supply control unit 113. Note that a high-power compatible battery has a higher rated output than a non-high-power compatible battery, the battery's supply power always exceeds the overall power consumption of the camera, and the battery's rated current does not exceed the battery's rated current even when the battery voltage drops. On the other hand, a non-high-power compatible battery has a lower rated output than a high-power compatible battery and may exceed the battery's rated current as the battery voltage drops.

[0060] The battery type may be an ID assigned to each type of battery, or may be information about the power supply of the battery. When the battery type information is an ID, it is possible to determine whether the battery is high-power compatible by referencing battery power supply information stored in advance in the battery discrimination unit 112 using the ID and comparing the power consumption of the entire camera stored in advance with the power supply of the battery. Alternatively, information indicating whether various batteries are high-power compatible may be stored in the battery discrimination unit 112, and the information may be referenced using the ID to determine whether the battery is high-power compatible. On the other hand, when the battery type is power supply information, it is sufficient for the battery discrimination unit 112 to determine whether the battery is high-power compatible by comparing the power consumption of the entire camera stored in advance with the power supply of the battery.

[0061] Information such as the remaining capacity, voltage, discharge current, and temperature of the battery is sent from the communication unit 111 to the power supply control unit 113. The power supply control unit 113 calculates the remaining operational time of the entire camera based on the remaining capacity, voltage, discharge current, temperature, and type of the battery. The power supply control unit 113 executes a shutdown process to turn off the power when the remaining operational time of the entire camera reaches 0, and controls the power supply circuit 120 to stop. Alternatively, the power supply control unit 113 may execute a shutdown process to stop the power supply circuit 120 when each battery reaches a predetermined remaining capacity or voltage. The power supply control unit 113 also controls the power supply switching unit 210 using a power supply switching signal based on the type of battery and the remaining operational time of the entire camera.

[0062] For example, the operable time T [minutes] when the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are installed can be calculated using the following equation 1, where C1 [mAh] is the remaining capacity of the first battery 300, CO1 [mAh] is the correction capacity, I1 [mA] is the discharge current, and k1 is the correction coefficient, and C2 [mAh] is the remaining capacity, CO2 [mAh] is the correction capacity, I2 [mA] is the discharge current, and k2 is the correction coefficient. (Formula 1) T=[{(C1-CO1)×k1+(C2-CO2)×k2} / {(I1+I2)}]×60 In the above formula 1, the correction coefficients k1 and k2 are values ​​used to adjust the remaining battery time T to zero according to the battery voltage at which the digital camera is shut down. Furthermore, the correction capacities CO1 and CO2 are values ​​used to adjust the battery voltage at which the digital camera is shut down. These values ​​are set according to the types of the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 and the overall power consumption of the camera. When the remaining capacity of one battery reaches the correction capacity, the power supply control unit 113 switches the connection to the other battery. Note that, in the case where the camera is designed to shut down according to the remaining battery capacity or voltage rather than the remaining battery time T, the battery connection is switched when the remaining capacity or voltage falls below a threshold.

[0063] Here, a method for calculating the operable time T for each combination of battery types will be described.

[0064] As a first example, consider a case where the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are the same type of battery, but both are not high-power compatible. With a battery that is not high-power compatible, there is a possibility that the battery's power supply may fall below the overall power consumption of the camera. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the correction capacities CO1 and CO2 to shut down the digital camera before the battery's power supply falls below the overall power consumption of the camera. Assume that the remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 mAh, the correction coefficients k1 and k2 are 1, I1 is 2000 mA, and I2 is 0 mA. Furthermore, assume that the correction capacities CO1 and CO2 are 1000 mAh. In this case, the operating time T is 60 minutes.

[0065] The reason why I2 is 0 [mA] is because the first battery 300 is connected to the power supply circuit 120 by the power supply switching unit 210. The calculated operable time T is the value at the time when the remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 [mAh], so if the remaining capacities C1 and C2 decrease as the digital camera is operated, the operable time T will become shorter accordingly.

[0066] As a second example, consider a case where the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are the same type of battery and both are high-power compatible batteries. The remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 mAh, the correction coefficients k1 and k2 are 1, I1 is 1000 mA, and I2 is 0 mA. Furthermore, since a high-power compatible battery can be used until its remaining capacity reaches 0 mAh, the correction capacities CO1 and CO2 are set to 0 mAh. In this case, the remaining operational time T is 120 minutes. By adjusting the correction capacities according to the battery type in this way, the remaining operational time T can be extended by 60 minutes compared to when the correction capacities are not adjusted according to the battery type and the correction capacities are set to 1000 mAh as in the first example.

[0067] As a third example, consider a case where the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are different types of batteries, with the first battery 300 being a high-power compatible battery and the second battery 400 being a non-high-power compatible battery. Assume that the remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 mAh, the correction coefficients k1 and k2 are 1, I1 is 2000 mAh, and I2 is 0 mAh. Furthermore, the correction capacities CO1 and CO2 are 0 mAh and 1000 mAh, respectively. In this case, the remaining operational time T is 90 minutes. By adjusting the correction capacities according to the battery type, the remaining operational time T can be extended by 30 minutes compared to when the correction capacities are not adjusted according to the battery type and the correction capacities are set to 1000 mAh, as in the first example.

[0068] In the first embodiment, when a non-high-power battery is used, the camera must be stopped before its power supply falls below the overall power consumption of the camera. Therefore, the correction capacity is set to 1000 mAh instead of 0 mAh. The correction capacity must be set to a safe value that prevents momentary power interruptions in the electronic device, taking into account the tolerances, temperature characteristics, and aging of the electronic components that make up the electronic device. When one battery is high-power compatible, as in the third example, the non-high-power battery is used first, allowing the camera to switch to the high-power battery when the remaining capacity of the non-high-power battery reaches the correction capacity, preventing momentary power interruptions in the digital camera. In such a case, the correction capacity of the non-high-power battery can be reduced to extend the available operating time T. When shutting down the camera based on the remaining capacity or voltage of the battery, the shutdown thresholds for the remaining capacity and voltage of the non-high-power battery can be lowered, thereby extending the available operating time T.

[0069] In the following, a method for adjusting the correction capacity of the non-high-power compatible battery and a method for controlling the power supply switching unit 210 when a high-power compatible battery and a non-high-power compatible battery are used in combination will be described.

[0070] For example, consider a case where first battery 300 is a high-power compatible battery and second battery 400 is a non-high-power compatible battery. Assume that remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 [mAh], correction coefficients k1 and k2 are 1, I1 is 2000 [mA], and I2 is 0 [mA]. ​​Furthermore, assume that correction capacity CO1 is 0 [mAh] and CO2 is reduced from 1000 [mAh] to 500 [mAh]. In this case, the remaining operating time T is 105 [minutes], which is 15 [minutes] longer than when correction capacity CO2 is 1000 [mAh].

[0071] The correction capacity CO2 can be determined by ignoring, for example, the tolerances, temperature characteristics, and aging of the electronic components that make up the electronic device. Note that the battery is equipped with an overcurrent protection function to prevent battery failure when a current exceeding the rated current flows. Therefore, it is possible to set the correction capacity CO2 to 0 [mAh] and use the battery until the overcurrent protection function activates and the battery stops outputting. In this case, since it is not known how long it will take for the battery to stop outputting, it is not possible to accurately calculate the remaining operating time T and display it on the display unit 130.

[0072] In order to switch the digital camera's power supply from a non-high-power battery to a high-power battery without momentary interruption, the state of each switch must be set to switch state 5. That is, a state must be maintained in which current can be supplied via the body diode of the MOSFET that constitutes switch 213, so switch state 6 must be avoided. Therefore, even in switch state 5, it is necessary to prevent current from flowing from first battery 300 to second battery 400, and the voltage difference between first battery 300 and second battery 400 must always be kept below 0.7 V. To achieve this, the first battery 300 and second battery 400 may be controlled to be used alternately, or an additional switch having the same configuration as switch 213 may be provided in series with switch 213 to prevent current from flowing when the voltage difference is 0.7 V.

[0073] Similarly, if the first battery 300 is a battery that does not support high power output and the second battery 400 is a battery that supports high power output, the state of each switch must be switch state 3, and switch state 4 must be avoided.

[0074] In this embodiment, a battery whose supply power always exceeds the overall power consumption of the camera has been described as a high-power battery, but this is not limited to this example. For example, if the supply power of different types of batteries attached to the camera is all less than the overall power consumption of the camera, the battery with the relatively higher supply power may be used as the high-power battery in the first embodiment. In this case, the correction capacity of the high-power battery is not 0 [mAh], but is, for example, 500 [mAh].

[0075] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to make maximum use of the multiple types of batteries attached to the camera body 100. Specifically, by adjusting information such as the battery correction capacity according to the battery type, it is possible to extend the available operating time T compared to when no adjustment is made. Furthermore, when using a combination of a high-power compatible battery and a non-high-power compatible battery, it is possible to further extend the available operating time T by further reducing the correction capacity of the non-high-power compatible battery.

[0076] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0077] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the operable time T is extended when information such as the correction capacity cannot be adjusted for each battery.

[0078] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the power supply control unit 113a of the camera microcomputer 110a does not output a power supply switching signal or a communication switching signal, and the power supply switching unit 210a of the battery grip 200a outputs a communication switching signal and a temperature sensor switching signal. Other components that are the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a digital camera and a battery that can be attached to the digital camera according to the second embodiment.

[0080] The power supply switching unit 210a of the battery grip 200a not only controls the switching of the connection of the battery for power supply, but also outputs a communication switching signal and a temperature sensor switching signal for controlling the switching of the communication switching unit 220 and the temperature sensor switching unit 230. The switching control of the communication switching unit 220 and the temperature sensor switching unit 230 may be performed by a microcomputer (not shown) of the battery grip 200a.

[0081] The operation of the power supply switching unit 210a of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply switching unit 210a according to the second embodiment.

[0083] The power supply switching unit 210a has a plurality of switches 211 to 214 and a switch control unit 215a that controls the opening and closing of these switches. The configuration of the plurality of switches 211 to 214 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0084] The switch control unit 215a compares the voltages of the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 and controls the switches 213 and 214 to connect the battery with the higher voltage to the power supply circuit 120. In other words, because the configuration always connects the battery with the higher voltage to the power supply circuit 120, switching control by the power supply control unit 113a is unnecessary, thereby simplifying the system configuration. However, because the power supply switching unit 210a selects the battery to connect to the power supply circuit 120 based on the result of comparing the battery voltages, it is not possible to disconnect the high-voltage battery from the power supply circuit 120 and connect the low-voltage battery to the power supply circuit 120. Therefore, when using a combination of different types of batteries, when the remaining capacity of the non-high-power compatible battery reaches the correction capacity, it is necessary to execute a shutdown process and stop the power supply circuit, even if the remaining capacity of the high-power compatible battery has not yet reached the correction capacity.

[0085] As a first example, consider a case where the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are the same type of battery, but both are not high-power compatible. Assume that the remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 [mAh], the correction coefficients k1 and k2 are 1, I1 is 2000 [mA], and I2 is 0 [mA]. ​​Furthermore, the correction capacities CO1 and CO2 are 1000 [mAh]. In this case, the operable time T is 60 [minutes], as in the first embodiment.

[0086] As a second example, consider a case where the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are the same type of battery and both are high-power compatible batteries. In the second embodiment, when high-power compatible batteries are installed as the same type of battery, adjusting the correction capacity, etc., as in the first embodiment, makes it possible to extend the operable time T compared to when the correction capacity is not adjusted according to the battery type. For example, assume that the remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 [mAh], the correction coefficients k1 and k2 are 1, I1 is 1000 [mA], and I2 is 0 [mA]. ​​Furthermore, since the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are high-power compatible batteries and do not exceed the rated current, they can be used until the remaining capacity reaches 0 [mAh], so the correction capacities CO1 and CO2 are set to 0 [mAh]. In this case, the operable time T is 120 [minutes].

[0087] As a third example, consider a case where the first battery 300 and the second battery 400 are different types of batteries, with the first battery 300 being a high-power compatible battery and the second battery 400 being a non-high-power compatible battery. Assume that the remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 [mAh], the correction coefficients k1 and k2 are 1, I1 is 2000 [mA], and I2 is 0 [mA]. ​​Since the first battery 300 is a high-power compatible battery and can be used until its remaining capacity reaches 0 [mAh], the correction capacity CO1 can be set to 0 [mAh]. However, in the second embodiment, when the remaining capacity of the non-high-power compatible battery reaches the correction capacity, a shutdown process must be performed even if the remaining capacity of the high-power compatible battery has not yet reached the correction capacity. Therefore, the correction capacity CO1 must be set to 1000 [mAh], the same as the correction capacity CO2. Therefore, the available operating time T in this case is 60 [minutes], and changing one battery to a high-power compatible battery does not extend the available operating time T.

[0088] However, as in embodiment 1, when a high-power compatible battery and a high-power non-compatible battery are used in combination, the correction capacity of the high-power non-compatible battery may be adjusted so that the operating time T is longer, and accordingly the correction capacity of the high-power compatible battery may also be adjusted so that the operating time T is longer.

[0089] As a fourth example, consider a case where the first battery 300 is a high-power compatible battery and the second battery 400 is a non-high-power compatible battery. Assume that the remaining capacities C1 and C2 are 2000 mAh, the correction coefficients k1 and k2 are 1, I1 is 2000 mAh, and I2 is 0 mAh. Furthermore, assume that the correction capacity CO2 is reduced from 1000 mAh to 500 mAh. While the correction capacity CO1 can be set to 0 mAh, in the second embodiment, it must be set to 500 mAh, the same as the correction capacity CO2, for the reasons described above. In this case, the remaining operational time T is 90 minutes, which is 30 minutes longer than when the correction capacities CO1 and CO2 are 1000 mAh.

[0090] Note that an appropriate hysteresis voltage may be applied when comparing voltages to prevent switch control unit 215a from switching switches 213 and 214 at high speed. The hysteresis voltage Vh [V] can be calculated using the following equation 2 from the minimum switch switching period Ts [minutes] and the voltage drop ΔV [V / minute] per unit time determined from the power consumption of the entire camera and the battery discharge curve. (Formula 2) Vh=Ts×ΔV In the above formula 2, for example, if the minimum switching period is 1 [minute] and the voltage drop ΔV per unit time is 0.04 [V / minute], the hysteresis voltage may be set to 0.4 V or higher.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating combinations of the on and off states of the switches 211 to 214 in FIG.

[0092] When no battery is attached, each switch is in switch state 1. When a battery is attached, the switch is in switch state 2. When the voltage of the first battery 300 is higher than the voltage of the second battery 400, the switch is in switch state 3. When the voltage of the second battery 400 is higher than the voltage of the first battery 300, the switch is in switch state 5. In the second embodiment, a diode is always placed in the opposite direction between the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery, so no current flows into the battery. Therefore, the switch is not in switch state 4 or switch state 6.

[0093] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a battery whose supply power always exceeds the power consumption of the entire camera is described as a high-power battery, but this is not limited to this example. For example, if the supply power of different types of batteries attached to camera body 100 is all less than the power consumption of the entire camera, the battery with the relatively higher supply power may be considered as the high-power battery in the second embodiment.

[0094] According to the second embodiment, it is possible to make maximum use of multiple types of batteries attached to the camera body 100. More specifically, even if it is not possible to adjust information such as the correction capacity for each battery attached to the camera body 100, if batteries of the same type are attached, adjustment can be made according to the type, thereby making it possible to extend the operable time T compared to when no adjustment is made. Furthermore, when a high-power battery and a non-high-power battery are used in combination, the correction capacity of the non-high-power battery can be adjusted to be even smaller, and the correction capacity of the high-power battery can also be adjusted to be smaller accordingly, thereby making it possible to further extend the operable time T.

[0095] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0096] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

[0097] The disclosure of this specification includes the following electronic device, control method, and program. [Configuration 1] An electronic device capable of mounting a plurality of batteries, a control means for switching a battery that supplies power to the electronic device based on information indicating the power supply status of the plurality of batteries, and for performing a shutdown process of the electronic device when the information regarding the plurality of batteries is predetermined; The electronic device is characterized in that the control means obtains the information in different ways depending on whether the types of the plurality of batteries are the same or different. [Configuration 2] a connection means for connecting the plurality of batteries; a discrimination means for discriminating the types of the plurality of batteries; 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1, further comprising: a calculation means for calculating the information. [Configuration 3] The calculation means If the plurality of batteries are of the same type, the information is calculated for the plurality of batteries using the same calculation method; The electronic device described in configuration 2 is characterized in that, when the types of the plurality of batteries are different, the method of calculating the information is changed so that the operational time of the electronic device is extended for the battery with the smaller rated output among the plurality of batteries. [Configuration 4] 4. The electronic device according to configuration 3, wherein the control means controls the plurality of batteries so that the power of the battery having the smallest rated output is consumed first. [Configuration 5] The calculation means If the plurality of batteries are of the same type, the information is calculated for the plurality of batteries using the same calculation method; The electronic device according to configuration 2, characterized in that, when the types of the plurality of batteries are different, a method of calculating the information of the other batteries is changed to match a battery among the plurality of batteries with a smaller rated output. [Configuration 6] the connecting means is capable of connecting an external device to which the plurality of batteries are attached; 3. The electronic device according to configuration 2, wherein the external device has a switching means for switching a battery that supplies power to the electronic device. [Configuration 7] the switching means has a plurality of switches for switching between batteries that supply power to the electronic device; 7. The electronic device according to configuration 6, wherein the control means controls the plurality of switches to an on state or an off state. [Configuration 8] 8. The electronic device according to configuration 7, wherein the control means controls the on or off states of the plurality of switches so that no current flows from a battery that does not supply power to the electronic device to a battery that supplies power to the electronic device. [Configuration 9] 7. The electronic device according to configuration 6, wherein the switching means has a plurality of switches for switching between batteries that supply power to the electronic device, and controls the plurality of switches to be in an on state or an off state. [Configuration 10] The electronic device according to configuration 9, wherein the switching means controls the on or off states of the plurality of switches so that power is supplied to the electronic device from one of the plurality of batteries that has a larger supply power. [Configuration 11] An electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that when the types of the multiple batteries are different, one of the multiple batteries is a high-power compatible battery whose supply power exceeds the power consumption of the electronic device, and the other of the multiple batteries is a high-power non-compatible battery whose supply power is lower than the power consumption of the electronic device. [Configuration 12] An electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that when the multiple batteries are of the same type, all of the multiple batteries are high-power compatible batteries whose supply power exceeds the power consumption of the electronic device, or all of the multiple batteries are high-power non-compatible batteries whose supply power is lower than the power consumption of the electronic device. [Configuration 13] The electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the information is any one of the remaining operational time of the electronic device calculated based on the remaining capacity and discharge current of the plurality of batteries, the voltage of the plurality of batteries, and the remaining capacity of the plurality of batteries, and the predetermined case is when the remaining operational time becomes zero, or when the voltage or remaining capacity of the plurality of batteries falls below a threshold. [Configuration 14] 14. The electronic device according to configuration 13, wherein the operable time of the electronic device is corrected to zero in accordance with the voltage of the battery that performs the shutdown process. [Configuration 15] 15. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the electronic device is an imaging device. [Configuration 16] A control method for an electronic device that can accommodate multiple batteries, comprising: a first step of switching the battery that supplies power to the electronic device based on information indicating the power supply status of the plurality of batteries; a second step of performing a shutdown process of the electronic device when the information about the plurality of batteries is predetermined, A control method characterized in that in the first step, the information is obtained by different methods depending on whether the types of the plurality of batteries are the same or different. [Configuration 17] A program for causing a computer to function as an electronic device described in any one of configurations 1 to 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100... camera body, 110... camera controller, 113... power supply control unit, 200... battery grip, 300... first battery, 400... second battery

Claims

1. An electronic device capable of mounting a plurality of batteries, a control means for switching a battery that supplies power to the electronic device based on information indicating the power supply status of the plurality of batteries, and for performing a shutdown process of the electronic device when the information regarding the plurality of batteries is predetermined; The electronic device is characterized in that the control means obtains the information in different ways depending on whether the types of the plurality of batteries are the same or different.

2. a connection means for connecting the plurality of batteries; a discrimination means for discriminating the types of the plurality of batteries; 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the information.

3. The calculation means If the plurality of batteries are of the same type, the information is calculated for the plurality of batteries using the same calculation method; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein when the types of the plurality of batteries are different, the method of calculating the information is changed so that the operational time of the electronic device is extended for the battery with the smaller rated output among the plurality of batteries.

4. 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the control means controls the plurality of batteries so that the battery with the lowest rated output is consumed first.

5. The calculation means If the plurality of batteries are of the same type, the information is calculated for the plurality of batteries using the same calculation method; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, when the plurality of batteries are different in type, a method of calculating the information of the other batteries is changed to match a battery having a smaller rated output among the plurality of batteries.

6. the connecting means is capable of connecting an external device to which the plurality of batteries are attached; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the external device has a switching unit for switching a battery that supplies power to the electronic device.

7. the switching means has a plurality of switches for switching between batteries that supply power to the electronic device; 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the control means controls the plurality of switches to an on state or an off state.

8. 8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the control means controls the on or off states of the plurality of switches so that no current flows from a battery that does not supply power to the electronic device to a battery that supplies power to the electronic device.

9. 7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the switching means has a plurality of switches for switching between batteries that supply power to the electronic device, and controls the plurality of switches to be in an on state or an off state.

10. 10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the switching means controls the on or off states of the plurality of switches so that power is supplied to the electronic device from one of the plurality of batteries that has a larger supply power.

11. The electronic device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the types of the multiple batteries are different, one of the multiple batteries is a high-power compatible battery whose supply power exceeds the power consumption of the electronic device, and the other of the multiple batteries is a high-power non-compatible battery whose supply power is lower than the power consumption of the electronic device.

12. The electronic device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the multiple batteries are of the same type, all of the multiple batteries are high-power compatible batteries whose supply power exceeds the power consumption of the electronic device, or all of the multiple batteries are high-power non-compatible batteries whose supply power is lower than the power consumption of the electronic device.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the information is one of the remaining operational time of the electronic device calculated based on the remaining capacity and discharge current of the plurality of batteries, the voltage of the plurality of batteries, or the remaining capacity of the plurality of batteries, and the predetermined case is when the remaining operational time becomes zero, or when the voltage or remaining capacity of the plurality of batteries falls below a threshold value.

14. 14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the operable time of the electronic device is corrected to zero in accordance with the voltage of the battery that performs the shutdown process.

15. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an imaging device.

16. A control method for an electronic device that can accommodate multiple batteries, comprising: a first step of switching the battery that supplies power to the electronic device based on information indicating the power supply states of the plurality of batteries; a second step of performing a shutdown process of the electronic device when the information about the plurality of batteries is predetermined, A control method characterized in that in the first step, the information is obtained by a different method depending on whether the types of the plurality of batteries are the same or different.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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