Power supply device, power supply system, power supply control method, and power supply control program

Abstract

To allow a user of a power receiving apparatus to recognize a state of power supply by a power supply apparatus if power is supplied from the power supply apparatus to the power receiving apparatus via a cable including a power supply line and a communication line.SOLUTION: A power supply apparatus 50 for supplying, via a power supply line 81, power to a power receiving apparatus 70 connected via a cable 80 including the power supply line 81 and a communication line 82, comprises: a selection unit 51 for selecting an input from an external power source 60 or an output from a built-in battery 500 as a supply source of power for the power receiving apparatus 70 according to a state of the input from the external power source 60; a detection unit 52 for detecting a supply state 520 of power by the supply source; and a presentation unit 53 for transmitting information representing the supply state 520 to the power receiving apparatus 70 via the communication line 82 and presenting the information representing the supply state 520 to a user of the power receiving apparatus 70 via the power receiving apparatus 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device, a power supply system, a power supply control method, and a power supply control program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) (registered trademark) standard is one of the communication interface standards composed of a power bus (VBUS line and GND line) and differential serial signals, and is widely used in today's computers and electronic devices. Among the USB standards, Type-C (registered trademark) is also used as a power supply means by implementing the extended standard USB Power Delivery. Here, USB Power Delivery is a standard for expanding the power supply capability by USB. In the implementation of Type-C, the maximum power available on the power supply (power transmission) side and the power receiving side is determined through the CC (Configuration Channel) communication line existing in the Type-C port, and the output (voltage / current) of VBUS is dynamically changed according to the power. USB Power Delivery can supply up to 240W (watts) of power to the device (power receiving device) to which power is supplied, including the Extended Power Range standard. Power supply devices corresponding to the USB Power Delivery standard are commercially available, and some of them are devices in which an AC (Alternating Current) adapter and an internal battery are integrated.

[0003] On the other hand, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a power supply device that enables an electronic device without an internal battery to maintain a powered-on state even during a power outage and to safely transition to a powered-off state when the power outage continues. The UPS includes a battery, an AC outlet for connecting to the power receiving device, and a LAN (Local Area Network) interface for notifying the power receiving device of the operating state of the UPS.

[0004] There is a demand for using inexpensive power supply devices compatible with USB Power Delivery, which integrate the AC adapter and internal battery as described above, as a substitute for the expensive UPS devices described above. In this case, the functions of a UPS need to be implemented in the USB Power Delivery compatible power supply device. Typical USB Power Delivery compatible power supply devices do not notify the power receiving device of status information, such as whether it is being powered by an external power source (AC adapter) or an internal battery. There is a need for technology to implement a function in USB Power Delivery compatible power supply devices that notifies the power receiving device of such status information.

[0005] In relation to the above-mentioned technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a system comprising a first device that acts as a power supply and a second device that acts as a power receiver, connected via a cable capable of transmitting data and supplying power. In this system, the first device comprises a transmitting unit, which transmits status information indicating the power status of the first device to the second device via the cable. The second device comprises a receiving unit and a control unit, which receives the status information from the first device via the cable. Based on the power status of the first device indicated by the status information received by the receiving unit, the control unit controls the charging of a battery mounted on the second device using power supplied from the first device via the cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-161897 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] By using the technology described in Patent Document 1, for example, in a power supply system compatible with USB Power Delivery, when power is supplied from a power supply device to a power receiving device via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines, information representing the power supply status of the power supply device can be notified to the power receiving device. However, in Patent Document 1, the information representing the power supply status of the power supply device notified to the power receiving device is used for the internal control of charging the battery installed in the power receiving device, so for example, the user of the power receiving device cannot recognize the power supply status of the power supply device. Therefore, especially when the power receiving device does not have an internal battery, a user who cannot recognize the power supply status of the power supply device may continue to use the power receiving device even though the power supply device is supplying power to the power receiving device by its internal battery due to a power outage or the like. In this case, as the remaining charge of the internal battery of the power supply device decreases, the power supply from the power supply device may suddenly stop while the user is using the power receiving device, which may have a significant impact on the user's work using the power receiving device.

[0008] The main objective of the present invention is to enable the user of a power receiving device to recognize the power supply status from a power supply device when power is supplied from a power supply device to a power receiving device via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A power supply device according to one aspect of the present invention is a power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device connected via a cable including a power supply line and a communication line, via the power supply line, and comprises: a selection means for selecting an input from an external power source or an output from a built-in battery as a power supply source to the power receiving device according to the state of the input from the external power source; a detection means for detecting the power supply status by the power supply source; and a presentation means for transmitting information representing the supply status to the power receiving device via the communication line and presenting the information representing the supply status to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device.

[0010] In order to achieve the above objective, a power supply control method according to one aspect of the present invention provides a power supply control method to a power receiving device connected via a cable including a power supply line and a communication line. The power supply device, by supplying power via the power supply line, selects an input from an external power source or an output from a built-in battery as the power source for the power receiving device, depending on the state of the input from the external power source. The power supply status by the power source is detected. Information representing the supply status is transmitted to the power receiving device via the communication line. The information representing the supply status is presented to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objectives, a power supply control program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer included in a power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device connected via a cable including a power supply line and a communication line to perform a selection process in which it selects an input from an external power source or an output from a built-in battery as the power supply source to the power receiving device, according to the state of the input from the external power source; a detection process in which it detects the power supply status by the power supply source; and a presentation process in which it transmits information representing the supply status to the power receiving device via the communication line and presents the information representing the supply status to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized using a computer-readable, non-volatile recording medium on which the power supply control program (computer program) is stored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention makes it possible for the user of a power receiving device to recognize the power supply status from a power supply device to a power receiving device when power is supplied from a power supply device to a power receiving device via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply system 1 related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the operation in which the power supply device 10 starts supplying power to the power receiving device 20 in the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the operation in which, in the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure, the power supply device 10 switches the power supply source to the power receiving device 20 from the external power supply to the battery 171 in the event of a power outage at the external power supply. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the operation in which, in the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure, when the power supply device 10 is supplying power to the power receiving device 20 by the battery 171, the power supply by the battery 171 is stopped due to a decrease in the remaining charge of the battery 171. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the operation in which, in the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure, a power outage is restored while the power supply device 10 is supplying power to the power receiving device 20 by battery 171, and the power supply source to the power receiving device 20 is switched from battery 171 to an external power source. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply system 1A related to this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device 50 related to this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the power supply device 50 related to this disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 900 that can realize a power supply device or power receiving device according to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0016] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system 1 according to the present disclosure. The power supply system 1 generally includes a power supply device 10, a power receiving device 20, and a display device 40. The power supply device 10 includes a Type-C connector 100 described later, the power receiving device 20 includes a Type-C connector 200 described later, and the Type-C connector 100 and the Type-C connector 200 are communicably connected by a Type-C cable 30. The power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 20 are compatible with USB Power Delivery, and the power supply device 10 supplies power to the power receiving device 20 via the Type-C cable 30. The Type-C cable 30 includes a VBUS line (power supply line) and a CC communication line (communication line).

[0017] The power supply device 10 includes a Type-C connector 100, a selection unit 11, a detection unit 12, a Type-C controller 13, an acquisition unit 14, an external power input unit 151, an AC-DC conversion unit 152, a voltage conversion unit 160, a battery 171, a battery charging unit 172, a FET (Field Effect Transistor) 181, and a FET 182. The detection unit 12 includes an external power state detection unit 121 and a battery state detection unit 122. The Type-C controller 13 includes a presentation unit 130. The selection unit 11, the detection unit 12, the presentation unit 130, and the acquisition unit 14 are examples of selection means, detection means, presentation means, and acquisition means, respectively, in that order.

[0018] The external power input unit 151 is an AC plug or an inlet or the like connected to an external power source (such as an outlet) not shown. The voltage of the power input from the external power input unit 151 is converted from an AC voltage to a DC voltage by the AC-DC conversion unit 152.

[0019] The external power supply status detection unit 121 included in the detection unit 12 continuously detects the status of the external power supply input from the external power supply input unit 151. More specifically, the external power supply status detection unit 121 acquires the output voltage from the AC-DC conversion unit 152 and determines whether the acquired output voltage is below a given threshold, which is the criterion for determining whether the external power supply is in an abnormal state. If the output voltage is below the threshold, there is a high possibility that the external power supply is in an abnormal state, and in particular, if the output voltage is almost zero, it is assumed that a power outage has occurred. The external power supply status detection unit 121 generates or updates power supply status information 120, which includes the detection results regarding the status of the external power supply, and inputs the power supply status information 120 to the selection unit 11, which will be described later.

[0020] The battery state detection unit 122 included in the detection unit 12 continuously detects the state of the battery 171. More specifically, the battery state detection unit 122 acquires the output voltage from the battery 171 and detects the remaining charge of the battery 171 from the output voltage. The battery state detection unit 122 generates or updates power supply status information 120, which includes the detection results regarding the state of the battery 171, and inputs the power supply status information 120 to the selection unit 11, which will be described later.

[0021] Based on the power supply status information 120 input from the detection unit 12, which includes the external power supply status detection unit 121 and the battery status detection unit 122, as described above, the selection unit 11 selects either the input from the external power input unit 151 or the output from the battery 171 as the power source for the power receiving device 20. More specifically, if the power supply status information 120 indicates that the external power supply is in a normal state, the selection unit 11 selects the input from the external power input unit 151 as the power source for the power receiving device 20. If the power supply status information 120 indicates that the external power supply is in an abnormal state (for example, a power outage has occurred), the selection unit 11 selects the output from the battery 171 as the power source for the power receiving device 20.

[0022] When the selection unit 11 selects the input from the external power input unit 151 as the power source for the power receiving device 20, it sets FET 181 to the ON (energized) state and FET 182 to the OFF (cutoff) state. In this case, the battery charging unit 172 charges the battery 171 using the external power supply.

[0023] When the selection unit 11 selects the output from the battery 171 as the power source for the power receiving device 20, it sets the FET 181 to the off (cutoff) state and the FET 182 to the on (energized) state. In this case, the charging operation of the battery 171 by the battery charging unit 172 is stopped.

[0024] The selection unit 11 may also include the selection result regarding the power supply source for the power receiving device 20 described above in the power supply status information 120.

[0025] Furthermore, the configuration controlled by the selection operation described above by the selection unit 11 is not limited to FETs such as FET181 and FET182. The power supply device 10 may also include a circuit (configuration) different from the FETs that has the same function as FET181 and FET182.

[0026] The Type-C controller 13 communicates with the power receiving device 20 via USB Power Delivery using Type-C CC communication. The display unit 130 included in the Type-C controller 13 acquires power supply status information 120 from the detection unit 12, which includes the selection result regarding the power source for the power receiving device 20 by the selection unit 11. The display unit 130 transmits the acquired power supply status information 120 to the power receiving device 20 via Type-C CC communication and controls the control unit 22 in the power receiving device 20 to output the transmitted power supply status information 120 to the display device 40. The display device 40 is, for example, a terminal device equipped with a display screen, and the power supply status information 120 is presented to the user of the power receiving device 20 via the display screen.

[0027] The acquisition unit 14 acquires power usage status information 140, which represents the power usage status of the control unit 22 in the power receiving device 20 (described later), via Type-C CC communication by the Type-C controller 13.

[0028] Furthermore, since the current USB standard does not specify communication protocols other than Power Delivery and Alternate Mode communication, the aforementioned CC communication by the Type-C controller 13 can be implemented using any protocol that does not affect other communication protocols, including Power Delivery and Alternate Mode communication.

[0029] The voltage conversion unit 160 receives control according to the results of Power Delivery communication by the Type-C controller 13, converts the output voltage from FET 181 or FET 182 to a voltage appropriate for the power receiving device 20, and outputs the converted voltage to VBUS. The voltage output from the voltage conversion unit 160 is input to the VBUS of the power receiving device 20 via the Type-C cable 30.

[0030] The detection unit 12 may also calculate the remaining time during which the battery 171 can supply power to the power receiving device 20 based on the remaining charge of the battery 171 included in the power supply status information 120 and the power usage status information 140 acquired by the acquisition unit 14. The presentation unit 130 may then transmit the power supply status information 120, including the remaining time calculated by the detection unit 12, to the power receiving device 20 via Type-C CC communication, and control the control unit 22 in the power receiving device 20 to output the transmitted power supply status information 120, including the remaining time, to the display device 40.

[0031] The detection unit 12 may further determine whether the remaining time for which the battery 171 can supply power to the power receiving device 20, as calculated above, is below a predetermined threshold. The display unit 130 may then, if the calculated remaining time is below the predetermined threshold, transmit power supply status information 120 to the power receiving device 20, including a warning indicating that the power supply will be stopped, and control the control unit 22 to output the transmitted power supply status information 120, including the warning, to the display device 40. In this case, the predetermined threshold for the remaining time may be, for example, the time required to stop the operation of the power receiving device 20 and turn off its power, and more specifically, the time required to complete the shutdown process by the control unit 22.

[0032] The power receiving device 20 includes a Type-C connector 200, a Type-C controller 21, a control unit 22, and a voltage conversion unit 23. The Type-C controller 21 includes a notification unit 210. The notification unit 210 and the control unit 22 are, respectively, examples of notification means and control means.

[0033] The voltage conversion unit 23 converts the voltage input to VBUS from the power supply device 10 as described above into a voltage usable by the control unit 22, which will be described later, and inputs the converted voltage to the control unit 22.

[0034] The Type-C controller 21 communicates with the Type-C controller 13 of the power supply device 10 via Type-C CC communication. The Type-C controller 21 inputs the power supply status information 120 transmitted from the display unit 130 to the control unit 22. The notification unit 210 included in the Type-C controller 21 acquires power usage status information 140 representing the usage status of the power supplied to the control unit 22 and notifies the power supply device 10 via Type-C CC communication.

[0035] The control unit 22 performs various information processing, such as application processing, according to instructions from the user of the power receiving device 20. The control unit 22 outputs the power supply status information 120, which is input from the Type-C controller 21 and transmitted from the display unit 130, to the display device 40 according to the control of the display unit 130. Furthermore, the user of the power receiving device 20 can arbitrarily turn the power supplied to the control unit 22 on or off.

[0036] The control unit 22 also includes the power supply status information 120 transmitted from the presentation unit 130, The system may be configured to automatically perform a shutdown process to terminate the currently running process if the remaining time for which the battery 171 can supply power to the power receiving device 20 falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0037] Next, the operation (processing) of the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 2 to 5.

[0038] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation in which the power supply device 10 starts supplying power to the power receiving device 20 in the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure.

[0039] The user connects an external power supply to the external power input section 151 of the power supply device 10, and the output voltage from the external power input section 151 is input to the AC-DC conversion section 152 (step S101). The external power supply status detection section 121 of the detection section 12 detects from the output voltage of the AC-DC conversion section 152 that power is being supplied from an external power supply, and notifies the selection section 11 of the detection result (step S102). The selection section 11 sets the FET 181 to the ON (powered) state and the FET 182 to the OFF (cutoff) state according to the detection result from the external power supply status detection section 121, and generates or updates power supply status information 120 including these setting results (step S103).

[0040] The user connects the Type-C connector 100 and the Type-C connector 200 via the Type-C cable 30 (step S104). The Type-C controller 13 of the power supply device 10 and the Type-C controller 21 of the power receiving device 20 perform Power Delivery communication via the CC communication line (step S105). The voltage conversion unit 160 generates the voltage determined by the Power Delivery communication and supplies power to the power receiving device 20 via the VBUS line (step S106).

[0041] The user turns on the power to the control unit 22 of the power receiving device 20 (step S107). The notification unit 210 of the Type-C controller 21 transmits power usage status information 140 to the power supply device 10 via the CC communication line (step S108). The acquisition unit 14 of the power supply device 10 receives the power usage status information 140 from the notification unit 210 of the power receiving device 20 via the CC communication line (step S109), and the entire process is completed.

[0042] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation in which, in the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure, the power supply device 10 switches the power supply source to the power receiving device 20 from the external power supply to the battery 171 in the event of a power outage at the external power supply.

[0043] The display unit 130 of the power supply device 10 transmits power supply status information 120 to the power receiving device 20 via the CC communication line as needed, and the acquisition unit 14 receives power usage status information 140 from the power receiving device 20 via the CC communication line as needed (step S201). The control unit 22 of the power receiving device 20 displays the power supply status information 120 received from the power supply device 10 on the display device 40 in accordance with the control by the display unit 130 (step S202). The external power supply status detection unit 121 of the detection unit 12 checks whether the output voltage of the AC-DC conversion unit 152 indicates a power outage in the external power supply (step S203).

[0044] If the output voltage of the AC-DC converter 152 does not indicate that a power outage has occurred (No in step S204), the process returns to step S201. If the output voltage of the AC-DC converter 152 indicates that a power outage has occurred (Yes in step S204), the selection unit 11 sets the FET 181 to the off (cutoff) state and stops charging the battery 171 from the battery charging unit 172 (step S205). The selection unit 11 checks whether the power usage status information 140 indicates that the power to the control unit 22 is on, and whether the power supply status information 120 indicates that power can be supplied to the power receiving device 20 by the battery 171 (step S206).

[0045] If the power usage status information 140 indicates that the power to the control unit 22 is off, or if the power supply status information 120 indicates that power supply by the battery 171 is not possible (No in step S207), the selection unit 11 sets the FET 182 to the off (cutoff) state (step S208), and the entire process ends. If the power usage status information 140 indicates that the power to the control unit 22 is on, and the power supply status information 120 indicates that power supply by the battery 171 is possible (Yes in step S207), the selection unit 11 sets the FET 182 to the on (energized) state (step S209). The Type-C controller's display unit 130 transmits power supply status information 120 to the power receiving device 20, indicating that power is supplied by the battery 171. The control unit 22 then controls the display device 40 to display the power supply status information 120. The voltage conversion unit 160 supplies power from the battery 171 to the power receiving device 20 via the VBUS line (step S210), and the entire process is completed.

[0046] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation in which, in the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure, when the power supply device 10 is supplying power to the power receiving device 20 by the battery 171, the power supply by the battery 171 is stopped due to a decrease in the remaining charge of the battery 171.

[0047] The detection unit 12 of the power supply device 10 calculates the remaining time during which power can be supplied to the power receiving device 20 by the battery 171, based on the remaining charge of the battery 171 indicated by the power supply status information 120 and the power usage status information 140 (step S301). The detection unit 12 determines whether the calculated remaining time is below a predetermined threshold (step S302).

[0048] If the calculated remaining time is greater than a predetermined threshold (No in step S303), the process returns to step S301. If the calculated remaining time is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (Yes in step S303), the presentation unit 130 of the Type-C controller 13 transmits power supply status information 120 to the power receiving device 20, including a warning indicating that the power supply to the power receiving device 20 will be stopped (step S304).

[0049] The control unit 22 of the power receiving device 20 displays the power supply status information 120, including warnings, received from the power supply device 10, on the display device 40 in accordance with the control of the presentation unit 130 (step S305). The control unit 22 executes a shutdown process to terminate the processes being performed in the power receiving device 20 (step S306). The selection unit 11 stops supplying power to the power receiving device 20 by setting the FET 182 to an off (cutoff) state (step S307), and the entire process ends.

[0050] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in the power supply system 1 according to this disclosure, where a power outage is restored while the power supply device 10 is supplying power to the power receiving device 20 via the battery 171, and the power supply source to the power receiving device 20 is switched from the battery 171 to an external power source.

[0051] The external power supply status detection unit 121 of the detection unit 12 checks whether the power outage has been resolved (power is being supplied from an external power source) based on the output voltage of the AC-DC conversion unit 152 (step S401). If the output voltage of the AC-DC conversion unit 152 indicates that the power outage has not been resolved (No in step S402), the process returns to step S401. If the output voltage of the AC-DC conversion unit 152 indicates that the power outage has been resolved (Yes in step S402), the selection unit 11 switches the power supply source to the power receiving device 20 from the battery 171 to the external power source by setting the FET 181 to the ON (energized) state and the FET 182 to the OFF (cutoff) state, and the battery charging unit 172 resumes charging the battery 171 (step S403).

[0052] The display unit 130 of the Type-C controller 13 transmits power supply status information 120 to the power receiving device 20, indicating that the power supply source to the power receiving device 20 has been switched from the battery 171 to an external power source, and controls the control unit 22 to display the power supply status information 120 on the display device 40 (step S404). Following the control by the display unit 130, the control unit 22 displays the power supply status information 120 received from the power supply device 10 on the display device 40 (step S405), and the entire process is completed.

[0053] The power supply device 10 according to this disclosure can enable the user of the power receiving device to recognize the power supply status from the power supply device when supplying power from the power supply device to the power receiving device via a cable including a power supply line and a communication line. This is because the power supply device 10 transmits power supply status information 120 to the power receiving device 20 via a Type-C cable 30 and controls the power receiving device 20 to present the transmitted power supply status information 120 to the user by displaying it on a display device 40.

[0054] The effects realized by the power supply device 10 related to this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0055] For example, in power supply systems that support USB Power Delivery, where power is supplied from a power supply device to a power receiving device via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines, there are systems that notify the power receiving device of information indicating the power supply status of the power supply device. However, in such systems, the information indicating the power supply status of the power supply device notified to the power receiving device is usually used for internal control within the system, so, for example, the user of the power receiving device cannot recognize the power supply status of the power supply device. Therefore, especially when the power receiving device does not have an internal battery, a user who cannot recognize the power supply status of the power supply device may continue to use the power receiving device even though the power supply device is supplying power to the power receiving device by its internal battery due to a power outage or the like. In this case, as the remaining charge of the internal battery of the power supply device decreases, the power supply from the power supply device may suddenly stop while the user is using the power receiving device, which may have a significant impact on the user's work using the power receiving device.

[0056] To address these issues, the power supply device 10 according to this disclosure supplies power to the power receiving device 20, which is connected via a Type-C cable 30 including a VBUS line (power supply line) and a CC communication line (communication line), via the VBUS line. The power supply device 10 selects the input to the external power input unit 151 or the output from the built-in battery 171 as the power source for the power receiving device 20, depending on the state of the input from the external power source. The power supply device 10 detects the power supply status from the said source. The power supply device 10 then transmits power supply status information 120 to the power receiving device 20 via the CC communication line and presents the power supply status information 120 to the user of the power receiving device 20 via the power receiving device 20. In other words, since the power supply device 10 presents the power supply status information 120 to the user of the power receiving device 20, the user of the power receiving device 20 can recognize the power supply status from the power supply device 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the power supply device 10 according to this disclosure acquires power usage status information 140 representing the power usage status of the power receiving device 20. The power supply device 10 detects the power supply status, including the remaining charge of the battery 171, and calculates the remaining time that the battery 171 can supply power to the power receiving device 20 based on the power supply status information 120, including the remaining charge of the battery 171, and the power usage status information 140. The power supply device 10 presents the power supply status information 120, including the calculated remaining time, to the user of the power receiving device 20. In addition, the power supply device 10 determines whether the calculated remaining time is below a predetermined threshold, and if the remaining time is below the predetermined threshold, it presents the power supply status information 120 to the user of the power receiving device 20, including a warning that the power supply will be stopped. This allows the power supply device 10 to help the user of the power receiving device 20 to finish their work using the power receiving device 20 before it becomes impossible to supply power to the power receiving device 20.

[0058] Furthermore, the power receiving device 20 according to this disclosure controls the device to terminate any processing being performed when the remaining time for which the battery 171 can supply power to the power receiving device 20 falls below a predetermined threshold. This allows the power receiving device 20 to more reliably assist users in completing their work using the power receiving device 20 before power is lost.

[0059] Furthermore, in the power supply system 1, the cable connecting the power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 20 is not limited to the Type-C cable 30. The power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 20 may be connected by a cable of a different standard than USB Type-C, including power supply lines and communication lines. However, in this case, the power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 20 shall be equipped with connectors conforming to the standard of the cable connecting the power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 20, instead of the Type-C connectors 100 and 200.

[0060] <Modified form of the first embodiment> Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply system 1A according to this disclosure. Note that for components included in the power supply system 1A whose functions are equivalent to those of the components included in the power supply system 1 described above, the same number as the components included in the power supply system 1 will be assigned, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0061] The power supply device 10A included in the power supply system 1A includes an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 19 in addition to the components of the power supply device 10 related to the power supply system 1 described above. Similarly, the power receiving device 20A included in the power supply system 1A includes an MCU 24 in addition to the components of the power receiving device 20 related to the power supply system 1 described above. Furthermore, the power supply device 10A includes a Type-C controller 13A, and the power receiving device 20 includes a Type-C controller 21A.

[0062] In power supply system 1, the display unit 130 is included in the Type-C controller 13, whereas in power supply system 1A, the display unit 130 is included in the MCU 19, and the Type-C controller 13A does not include the display unit 130. Similarly, in power supply system 1, the notification unit 210 is included in the Type-C controller 21, whereas in power supply system 1A, the notification unit 210 is included in the MCU 24, and the Type-C controller 21A does not include the notification unit 210.

[0063] MCU19 and MCU24 are capable of communicating through Type-C connectors 100 and 200 and any communication lines in the Type-C cable 30. The USB Type-C interface has built-in high-speed signal transmission lines and associated sideband signal communication lines in addition to, for example, USB 2.0 and CC communication lines, so MCU19 and MCU24 can utilize these communication lines. In other words, in the power supply system 1A, CC communication other than the Power Delivery communication that takes place between the power supply system 1 and the Type-C controllers 13 and 21 is conducted between the MCU19 and MCU24.

[0064] The power supply device 10A relating to this disclosure can enable the user of the power receiving device to recognize the power supply status from the power supply device when supplying power from the power supply device to the power receiving device via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines. The reason for this is as described above with respect to the power supply device 10.

[0065] Furthermore, in the power supply system 1A related to this disclosure, the communication functions added to the existing USB Type-C interface are implemented in MCU19 and MCU24. Therefore, the existing Type-C controller can be used as is in the power supply device and power receiving device without requiring any design changes to the existing Type-C controller.

[0066] <Second Embodiment> Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device 50 according to this disclosure. The power supply device 50 is a power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device 70 connected via a cable 80 including a power supply line 81 and a communication line 82, via the power supply line 81. The cable 80 is, for example, a cable similar to the Type-C cable 30 related to the power supply system 1. The power supply line 81 is, for example, a power supply line similar to the VBUS line related to the power supply system 1. The communication line 82 is, for example, a communication line similar to the CC communication line related to the power supply system 1. The power receiving device 70 is, for example, a device similar to the power receiving device 20 related to the power supply system 1.

[0067] The power supply device 50 includes a selection unit 51, a detection unit 52, and a presentation unit 53. The selection unit 51, detection unit 52, and presentation unit 53 are examples of selection means, detection means, and presentation means, respectively.

[0068] The selection unit 51 selects either the input from the external power supply 60 or the output from the built-in battery 500 as the power source for the power receiving device 70, depending on the state of the input from the external power supply 60. The external power supply 60 is, for example, a power supply similar to the external power supply connected to the external power input unit 151 of the power supply system 1. The battery 500 is, for example, a battery similar to the battery 171 of the power supply system 1. The selection unit 51 operates, for example, in the same way as the selection unit 11 of the power supply system 1.

[0069] The detection unit 52 detects the power supply status 520 provided by the power source. The power supply status 520 is, for example, a state similar to that represented by the power supply status information 120 related to the power supply system 1. The detection unit 52 operates, for example, in the same way as the detection unit 12 related to the power supply system 1.

[0070] The display unit 53 transmits information representing the supply status 520 to the power receiving device 70 via the communication line 82, and displays the information representing the supply status 520 to the user of the power receiving device 70 via the power receiving device 70. The display unit 53 operates in the same manner as, for example, the display unit 130 related to the power supply system 1.

[0071] Next, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8, the operation (processing) of the power supply device 50 according to this disclosure will be explained in detail.

[0072] The selection unit 51 receives input from the external power supply 60 or output from the built-in battery 500. Depending on the state of the input from the external power supply 60, it is selected as the power supply source for the power receiving device 70 (step S501). The detection unit 52 detects the power supply status 520 by the power supply source (step S502). The presentation unit 53 transmits information representing the supply status 520 to the power receiving device 70 via the communication line 82, and presents the information representing the supply status 520 to the user of the power receiving device 70 via the power receiving device 70 (step S503), and the entire process is completed.

[0073] The power supply device 50 according to this disclosure can enable the user of the power receiving device to recognize the power supply status from the power supply device when supplying power from the power supply device to the power receiving device via a cable including a power supply line and a communication line. This is because the power supply device 50 transmits information representing the supply status 520 from the power source to the power receiving device 70 via a cable 80 including a power supply line 81 and a communication line 82, and controls the power receiving device 70 to present the transmitted information representing the supply status 520 to the user of the power receiving device 70.

[0074] <Example Hardware Configuration> In the embodiments described above, each part of the power supply system and power supply device shown in Figures 1, 6, and 7 can be realized by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). Furthermore, in Figures 1, 6, and 7, at least the following configuration can be considered as a functional (processing) unit (software module) of a software program that includes instructions executed by a processor. • Selection sections 11 and 51, • Detection units 12 and 52, • External power supply status detection unit 121, • Battery status detection unit 122, • Display sections 130 and 53, ·Acquisition part 14, ·Notification section 210 • Control unit 22.

[0075] However, the divisions of the parts shown in these drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and various configurations are possible during implementation. An example of such a hardware environment will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0076] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an information processing device 900 (computer) capable of realizing the power supply device or power receiving device according to this disclosure. Specifically, Figure 9 is a configuration of a computer (information processing device) capable of realizing the power supply device or power receiving device shown in Figures 1, 6, and 7, and represents a hardware environment capable of realizing each function in the above-described embodiment. However, each part of the power supply device or power receiving device described above may be distributed and provided on multiple information processing devices 900, or at least some of its functions may be provided on a server or the like that constitutes a cloud computing environment.

[0077] The information processing device 900 shown in Figure 9 comprises the following components: ·CPU(Central_Processing_Unit)901, ROM (Read-Only Memory) 902, ·RAM(Random_Access_Memory)903, • Hard disk (storage device) 904, • Communication interface 905, Bus 906 (communication line), A reader / writer 908 capable of reading and writing data stored on a recording medium 907 such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory). • Input / output interface 909 for monitors, speakers, keyboards, etc.

[0078] In other words, the information processing device 900 having the above-mentioned components is a general-purpose computer in which these components are connected via a bus 906. The information processing device 900 may have multiple CPUs 901, or it may have a CPU 901 configured as a multi-core system. The information processing device 900 may also lack some of the above-mentioned components.

[0079] The present invention, as described using the above-described embodiment as an example, supplies a computer program capable of realizing the following functions to the information processing device 900 shown in Figure 9. These functions are those of the configuration described above in the block diagrams (Figures 1, 6, and 7) referenced in the description of the embodiment, or the functions of the flowcharts (Figures 2 to 5, and 8). The present invention is then achieved by reading, interpreting, and executing the computer program into the CPU 901 of the hardware. The computer program supplied to the device may be stored in a read / write volatile memory (RAM 903) or a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM 902 or a hard disk 904.

[0080] Furthermore, in the aforementioned case, the method for supplying the computer program to the hardware can employ currently common procedures. These procedures include, for example, installing the program into the device via various recording media 907 such as a CD-ROM, or downloading it from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet. In such a case, the present invention can be understood as consisting of the code constituting the computer program or the recording media 907 on which the code is stored.

[0081] The present invention has been described above using the embodiments described above as exemplary examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the present invention can be applied in various forms that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.

[0082] Furthermore, some or all of the embodiments described above may also be described as follows. However, the present invention, as illustrated by the embodiments described above, is not limited to the following.

[0083] (Note 1) A power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device connected via a cable including a power supply line and a communication line, via the power supply line, A selection means for selecting the power supply source for the power receiving device, depending on the state of the input from the external power supply or the output from the built-in battery, A detection means for detecting the power supply status by the aforementioned power source, Information representing the supply status is transmitted to the power receiving device via the communication line, and the information representing the supply status is presented to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device. A power supply device equipped with the following features.

[0084] (Note 2) The detection means detects the supply status, including the remaining battery charge. The power supply device described in Appendix 1.

[0085] (Note 3) The device further comprises an acquisition means for acquiring information representing the power usage status of the power supply by the power receiving device, The detection means calculates the remaining time during which the battery can supply power to the power receiving device based on the information representing the supply status and the information representing the usage status. The presentation means presents to the user of the power receiving device information representing the supply status, including the calculated remaining time. The power supply device described in Appendix 2.

[0086] (Note 4) The detection means determines whether the remaining time is below a predetermined threshold, The presentation means, when the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, presents to the user of the power receiving device information representing the supply status, including a warning indicating that the power supply will be stopped. The power supply device described in Appendix 3.

[0087] (Note 5) The detection means determines whether the input voltage from the external power supply is below a given threshold, The selection means selects the output from the battery as the power source when the input voltage is below a given threshold. A power supply device as described in any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 4.

[0088] (Note 6) The aforementioned cable is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C cable. The power supply device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0089] (Note 7) The aforementioned presentation means is included in either a Type-C controller or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The power supply device described in Appendix 6.

[0090] (Note 8) The power supply device described in Appendix 4 and the power receiving device connected via the cable, The power receiving device is A notification means for notifying the acquisition means of the information representing the usage status, A control means that controls the power receiving device to terminate the process being performed when the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, A power supply system equipped with the following features.

[0091] (Note 9) A power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device connected via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines, via the power supply line, The power supply source for the power receiving device is selected from an input from an external power source or an output from a built-in battery, depending on the state of the input from the external power source. The power supply status by the aforementioned supplier is detected, The information representing the supply status is transmitted to the power receiving device via the communication line, and the information representing the supply status is presented to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device. Power supply control method.

[0092] (Note 10) The supply state, including the remaining charge of the battery, is detected. The power supply control method described in Appendix 9.

[0093] (Note 11) The power receiving device acquires information representing the power usage status of the power supply, Based on the information representing the supply status and the information representing the usage status, the remaining time during which the battery can supply power to the power receiving device is calculated. Information representing the supply status, including the calculated remaining time, is presented to the user of the power receiving device. The power supply control method described in Appendix 10.

[0094] (Note 12) Determine whether the remaining time is below a predetermined threshold, If the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the information representing the supply status will include a warning indicating that the power supply will be stopped, and will be presented to the user of the power receiving device. The power supply control method described in Appendix 11.

[0095] (Note 13) Determine whether the input voltage from the external power supply is below a given threshold. If the input voltage is less than or equal to the given threshold, the output from the battery is selected as the power source. A power supply control method described in any one of the items 9 to 12 of the appendix.

[0096] (Note 14) The aforementioned cable is a USB Type-C cable. A power supply control method as described in any one of the items in Appendix 9 to Appendix 13.

[0097] (Note 15) The transmission of information representing the supply status to the power receiving device via the communication line, and the presentation of information representing the supply status to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device, are performed by a Type-C controller or MCU. The power supply control method described in Appendix 14.

[0098] (Note 16) The power supply device and the power receiving device connected via the cable, The information representing the usage status is notified to the power supply device. If the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, control is performed to terminate the processing being carried out in the power receiving device. The power supply control method described in Appendix 12.

[0099] (Note 17) A computer included in a power supply device that supplies power via a power supply line to a power receiving device connected via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines, A selection process that selects the input from an external power source or the output from a built-in battery as the power source for the power receiving device, depending on the state of the input from the external power source, A detection process for detecting the power supply status by the aforementioned power source, A presentation process that transmits the information representing the supply status to the power receiving device via the communication line, and presents the information representing the supply status to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device, A power supply control program to enable execution.

[0100] (Note 18) The detection process detects the supply status, including the remaining battery charge. The power supply control program described in Appendix 17.

[0101] (Note 19) The computer is further instructed to perform an acquisition process to acquire information representing the power usage status of the power supply by the power receiving device. The detection process calculates the remaining time during which the battery can supply power to the power receiving device, based on the information representing the supply status and the information representing the usage status. The aforementioned presentation process presents to the user of the power receiving device information representing the supply status, including the calculated remaining time. The power supply control program described in Appendix 18.

[0102] (Note 20) The detection process determines whether the remaining time is below a predetermined threshold, The aforementioned presentation process, when the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, presents to the user of the power receiving device information representing the supply status, including a warning indicating that the power supply will be stopped. The power supply control program described in Appendix 19.

[0103] (Note 21) The detection process determines whether the input voltage from the external power supply is below a given threshold, The selection process selects the output from the battery as the power source if the input voltage is less than or equal to the given threshold. A power supply control program as described in any one of the items in Appendix 17 to Appendix 20.

[0104] (Note 22) The aforementioned cable is a USB Type-C cable. A power supply control program as described in any one of the items in Appendix 17 to Appendix 21.

[0105] (Note 23) The aforementioned presentation process is performed by a Type-C controller or MCU that operates as a computer. The power supply control program described in Appendix 22.

[0106] (Note 24) The power supply device and the power receiving device connected via the cable, which execute the power supply control program described in Appendix 20, A control process that controls the power receiving device to terminate the process being executed when the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold. A power supply control program to enable execution. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Power supply system 1A power supply system 10 Power supply device 10A power supply 100 Type-C connectors 11 Selection Section 12 Detection unit 120 Power supply status information 121 External power supply status detection unit 122 Battery status detection unit 13 Type-C Controllers 13A Type-C Controller 130 Presentation section 14 Acquisition Department 140 Power Usage Status Information 151 External power input section 152 AC-DC Conversion Section 160 Voltage conversion section 171 Battery 172 Battery charging section 181 FET 182 FET 19 MCU 20 Power receiving equipment 20A power receiving device 200 Type-C connectors 21 Type-C Controllers 21A Type-C Controller 210 Notification Department 22 Control Unit 23 Voltage conversion section 24 MCU 30 Type-C Cables 40 Display device 50 Power supply device 51 Selection Section 52 Detection unit 520 Supply Status 53 Presentation section 500 batteries 60 External power supply 70 Power receiving equipment 80 Cables 81 Power line 82 Communication lines 900 Information Processing Equipment 901 CPU 902 ROM 903 RAM 904 Hard disk (storage device) 905 Communication Interface 906 Bus 907 Recording media 908 Reader / Writer 909 Input / Output Interface

Claims

1. A power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device connected via a cable including a power supply line and a communication line, via the power supply line, A selection means for selecting an input from an external power source or an output from a built-in battery as the power source for the power receiving device, according to the state of the external power source based on the input voltage from the external power source, At a minimum, detection means for detecting the state of the external power supply and the power supply status by the power source, including whether the power source is an input from the external power supply or an output from the battery, The presenting means transmits, via the communication line, information representing the supply status, including at least the state of the external power supply and whether the power source is an input from the external power supply or an output from the battery, to the power receiving device, and presents the information representing the supply status to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device. A power supply device equipped with the following features.

2. The detection means detects the supply status, including the remaining battery charge. The power supply device according to claim 1.

3. The device further comprises an acquisition means for acquiring information representing the power usage status of the power supply by the power receiving device, The detection means calculates the remaining time during which the battery can supply power to the power receiving device based on the information representing the supply status and the information representing the usage status. The presentation means presents to the user of the power receiving device information representing the supply status, including the calculated remaining time. The power supply device according to claim 2.

4. The detection means determines whether the remaining time is below a predetermined threshold, The presentation means, when the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, presents to the user of the power receiving device information representing the supply status, including a warning indicating that the power supply will be stopped. The power supply device according to claim 3.

5. The detection means determines whether the input voltage from the external power supply is below a given threshold, The selection means selects the output from the battery as the power source when the input voltage is below a given threshold. A power supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The aforementioned cable is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C cable. A power supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The aforementioned presentation means is included in either a Type-C controller or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The power supply device according to claim 6.

8. A power supply device according to claim 4, and the power receiving device connected via the cable, Includes, The power receiving device is A notification means for notifying the acquisition means of the information representing the usage status, A control means that controls the power receiving device to terminate the process being performed when the remaining time is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, A power supply system equipped with the following features.

9. A power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device connected via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines, via the power supply line, The power supply source for the power receiving device is selected based on the state of the external power supply, which is determined by the input voltage from the external power supply, either from an external power supply or from an internal battery. At a minimum, the state of the external power supply and the power supply status by the power source, including whether the power source is an input from the external power supply or an output from the battery, are detected. The following are provided: at least the state of the external power supply and information representing the supply status, including whether the power source is an input from the external power supply or an output from the battery, are transmitted to the power receiving device via the communication line; and the information representing the supply status is presented to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device. Power supply control method.

10. A computer included in a power supply device that supplies power via a power supply line to a power receiving device connected via a cable including power supply lines and communication lines, The system selects the input from an external power source or the output from a built-in battery as the power source for the power receiving device, based on the state of the external power source according to the input voltage from the external power source. At a minimum, a detection process for detecting the state of the external power supply and the power supply status by the power source, including whether the power source is an input from the external power supply or an output from the battery, The process includes transmitting, via the communication line, information representing the supply status, including at least the state of the external power supply and whether the power source is an input from the external power supply or an output from the battery, to the power receiving device, and presenting the information representing the supply status to the user of the power receiving device via the power receiving device. A power supply control program to enable execution.

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