Peripherals

Abstract

We provide peripheral devices that support power saving. [Solution] The system includes a connection unit 11 that can be connected to a mobile terminal 2, a power supply unit 20 that supplies power to the mobile terminal 2, and a selection unit 21 that can select control modes for the activation and deactivation of multiple devices. The control modes include a first mode in which multiple devices are activated according to the state in which they are receiving power from the power supply unit 20, a second mode in which multiple devices are activated by receiving power from the mobile terminal 2 via the connection unit 11 according to the state in which the power supply from the power supply unit 20 is cut off, and a third mode in which a limited device, which is at least one of the multiple devices, is activated by receiving power from the mobile terminal 2 via the connection unit 11 according to the state in which the power supply from the power supply unit 20 is cut off.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a peripheral device used in a state of being connected to a mobile terminal. [[Background Art]]

[0002] As exemplified in Patent Document 1, for example, when a peripheral device (a "docking station" in the document) is connected to a mobile terminal (a "terminal device" in the document), the functions of the mobile terminal are expanded. The peripheral device includes a connection portion connectable to the mobile terminal (a "Type-C connector" in the document) and a power supply portion that supplies power to the mobile terminal (an "AC connector" in the document). [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-068041 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] By the way, when the peripheral device and the mobile terminal are electrically connected and the peripheral device operates with the power of the mobile terminal, the power consumption of the mobile terminal increases. In particular, when the peripheral device and the mobile terminal are used in a place where a charging environment is not prepared, the power of the mobile terminal is consumed by an amount corresponding to the peripheral device. As a result, although the user wants to save the power of the mobile terminal, the operating time of the mobile terminal is limited to a shorter time than the original, and there is a possibility that the original convenience of the peripheral device cannot be fully utilized.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral device compatible with power saving. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] The present invention relates to a peripheral device having a plurality of devices used in connection with a mobile terminal, comprising: a connection unit that can connect to the mobile terminal; a power supply unit that supplies power to the mobile terminal; and a selection unit that can select control modes for activation and deactivation of the plurality of devices, wherein the control modes include a first mode in which the plurality of devices are activated according to the state in which they are receiving power from the power supply unit, and a second mode in which the mobile terminal is activated via the connection unit according to the state in which the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted. end Multiple devices receive the aforementioned power supply. to A The system includes a second mode for activation, and a third mode in which, depending on the state in which the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted, the system receives power from the mobile terminal via the connection unit to activate at least one of the multiple devices as a limited device, and deactivates the other devices among the multiple devices excluding the limited device. Furthermore, the system is equipped with a detection unit capable of detecting whether or not power is supplied from the power supply unit, and the selection unit is configured to select the first mode according to the state in which the power supply is detected by the detection unit, and to select the second mode or the third mode according to the state in which the power supply is not detected by the detection unit. .

[0007] According to the present invention, the control mode of the peripheral device selection unit is configured to be switchable between a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. When the third mode is selected, a limited device is activated, and all other devices are deactivated. This reduces the power consumption of the mobile terminal compared to a configuration in which all peripheral devices are activated. In this configuration, the detection unit detects whether or not power is being supplied from the power supply unit. Depending on whether or not power is being supplied from the power supply unit, the peripheral device selection unit can choose between a second mode, which activates all devices, and a third mode, which activates only limited devices. When the third mode is selected, the devices that can be activated are limited to the specified devices, which helps to reduce the power consumption of the mobile terminal.

[0008] This invention In this case, the second mode is Depending on the state in which the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted, the mobile terminal is connected via the connection unit. Internal power supply Multiple devices receive the aforementioned power supply from Similar to the first mode described above. Activate This mode is preferable. .

[0009] According to the present invention, the control mode of the peripheral device selection unit is configured to be switchable between a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. When the third mode is selected, the limited device is activated, and all other devices are deactivated. This reduces the power consumption of the mobile terminal compared to a configuration in which all peripheral devices are activated. In this configuration, the presence or absence of power supply from the power supply unit is detected by the detection unit. Depending on whether or not there is no power supply from the power supply unit, the peripheral device selection unit can select between a second mode in which each device is activated, and a third mode in which only the limited device is activated. When the third mode is selected, the devices to be activated are limited to the limited device, and the power consumption of the mobile terminal can be reduced.

[0010] In the present invention, it is preferable that the device is equipped with a switching unit that allows selection of either a first setting, which causes the selection unit to select the second mode when the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted, or a second setting, which causes the selection unit to select the third mode when the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted.

[0011] In this configuration, when the power supply for charging is interrupted, either the second mode or the third mode can be selected at the switching unit.

[0012] In the present invention, the limited device preferably includes a keyboard for operating the mobile terminal, and the device excluding the limited device preferably includes at least one of an interface port for transmitting at least one of video and audio output from the mobile terminal to the outside via the connection part, and a slot into which a storage medium accessible from the mobile terminal via the connection part can be installed.

[0013] In this configuration, in the third mode, the mobile device can be operated using the peripheral device's keyboard. The peripheral device is also configured to have an interface port for transmitting at least one of the video and audio output from the mobile device to an external source, and a slot for inserting a storage medium accessible from the mobile device. This allows, for example, devices that are not used frequently or are unnecessary to be turned off in places where a charging environment for the mobile device is not available, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, in the present invention, a protective cover is provided that secures the mobile terminal to a peripheral device by covering the edge portion of the mobile terminal, and it is preferable that the connecting portion protrudes inward from the inner circumference portion of the protective cover that covers the edge portion of the mobile terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the entire mobile device and its peripherals. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing peripheral equipment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the switching of the controller's control mode. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the power supply and communication during the first mode. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the power supply and communication during the second mode. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the power supply and communication during the third mode. [Figure 7] This is a circuit diagram showing a circuit for detecting power delivery. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] [Basic configuration of peripheral devices] The peripheral device of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a docking station 1 is shown as an example of a peripheral device. As shown in FIG. 1, the docking station 1 is configured to be connectable to a tablet computer 2 via USB (Universal Serial Bus, registered trademark). The docking station 1 further includes a protective cover for fixing the tablet computer 2, and is configured such that when the tablet computer 2 is fixed to the docking station 1, the edge portion thereof is covered by the protective cover, thereby fixing the tablet computer 2. Therefore, the tablet computer 2 connected to the docking station 1 can also function as a notebook personal computer (a so-called 2-in-1 personal computer). The tablet computer 2 is an example of a "mobile terminal", and has a battery (not shown) built-in as an internal power source. Further, the docking station 1 is connectable to an external power supply unit 3 via the second port 20.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the docking station 1 includes a first port 11, a keyboard 12, a touch pad 13, an audio jack 14, expansion ports 15 and 16, card slots 17 and 18, an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface, registered trademark) port 19, a second port 20, a controller 21, and a power saving switch 22. The first port 11 is an example of the "connecting portion". The second port 20 is an example of the "power supply portion". The controller 21 is an example of the "selecting portion".

[0017] The first port 11 is a USB port compliant with the USB Type-C specification. When the docking station 1 and the tablet computer 2 are connected via the first port 11, the keyboard 12, the touchpad 13, the audio jack 14, the expansion ports 15 and 16, the card slots 17 and 18, and the HDMI port 19 can each be used as expansion devices for the tablet computer 2. The first port 11 is further configured to receive power from the internal power supply of the tablet computer 2, relay charging power to the internal power supply of the tablet computer 2, and transmit and receive various types of information to and from the tablet computer 2.

[0018] The keyboard 12 is an interface for mainly performing character input, and performing shortcut input and command input for executing specific functions in the tablet computer 2.

[0019] The touchpad 13 is an interface for operating a mouse pointer displayed on the tablet computer 2, and scrolling, zooming in, and zooming out displayed documents, images, and the like.

[0020] The audio jack 14 allows insertion of, for example, a three-pole terminal with a diameter of 3.5 mm. For example, headphones (not shown), earphones (not shown), and the like can be connected to the docking station 1 via the audio jack 14.

[0021] The expansion port 15 is a USB port compliant with the USB Type-C specification. The expansion port 16 is a USB port compliant with the USB Type-A specification. Each of the expansion ports 15 and 16 is configured to be connectable to, for example, an external storage medium, an optical disc drive, a magnetic tape drive, a mouse, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a TV tuner, a gamepad, a cashless payment terminal, a dongle, and the like.

[0022] Card slot 17 is a slot into which a MicroSD® card (may include MicroSDHC and MicroSDXC, both registered trademarks) can be inserted. Card slot 18 is a slot into which an SD® card (may include SDHC and SDXC, both registered trademarks) can be inserted. In other words, card slots 17 and 18 can accommodate storage media that can be accessed by the tablet computer 2 via the first port 11. Card slots 17 and 18 are examples of 'slots'.

[0023] HDMI port 19 can be connected to an external display (not shown) or projector (not shown). HDMI port 19 is configured to output, for example, a mirrored image or presentation image from the tablet computer 2's display to an external display or projector. Note that HDMI port 19 is an example of an "interface port".

[0024] The second port 20 is a USB port compliant with the USB Type-C standard and is compatible with the USB Power Delivery standard. It is configured to receive power from the external power supply unit 3 and to send and receive various information to and from the external power supply unit 3. The external power supply unit 3 is, for example, a USB Power Delivery compatible AC adapter or a USB Power Delivery compatible mobile battery.

[0025] The controller 21 includes a non-volatile memory (not shown) for storing firmware and a microprocessor (not shown) for executing the firmware, and is capable of performing various controls according to the firmware program. When the firmware is executed by the microprocessor, various functions of the keyboard 12, touchpad 13, audio jack 14, expansion ports 15, 16, card slots 17, 18, and HDMI port 19 become operational. As will be described in detail later, the controller 21 of this embodiment is equipped with a main controller 21A and a sub-controller 21B.

[0026] The main controller 21A is configured to control the keyboard 12, touchpad 13, audio jack 14, expansion ports 15 and 16, card slots 17 and 18, and HDMI port 19, respectively, once the firmware is executed.

[0027] The sub-controller 21B can detect the presence or absence of a connected object (including the external power supply unit 3) connected via the second port 20, and whether or not the connected object supports USB Power Delivery. The connected object is the destination device connected via the USB Type-C terminal inserted into the second port 20. The sub-controller 21B also doubles as an example of a "detection unit".

[0028] The power saving switch 22 is an example of a "switching unit". The power saving switch 22 accepts manual operation by the user to select either the "first setting" or the "second setting". The first setting causes the controller 21 to select the second mode, described later, when the power supply for charging from the external power supply unit 3 is interrupted. The second setting causes the controller 21 to select the third mode, described later, when the power supply for charging from the external power supply unit 3 is interrupted. In other words, the power saving setting of the docking station 1 is turned OFF in the first setting, and the power saving setting of the docking station 1 is turned ON in the second setting. The power saving switch 22 is a slide switch, but it may also be a seesaw switch, a rotary switch, or a latching push button.

[0029] The operation of the docking station 1 in its first mode, configured in this way, will now be described. When the tablet computer 2 is connected to the first port 11 and the external power supply unit 3 is connected to the second port 20, power is supplied from the external power supply unit 3 to both the docking station 1 and the tablet computer 2, as shown in Figure 4. At this time, a negotiation function is performed between the controller 21 and the external power supply unit 3 via the USB connection CC (Configuration Channel) line. Specifically, the controller 21 sends a power supply request signal to the external power supply unit 3, and the external power supply unit 3 sends power to the docking station 1 in response to receiving the power supply request signal.

[0030] At this time, the docking station 1 supplies power for charging to the tablet computer 2 via the first port 11. The controller 21 activates the keyboard 12, touchpad 13, audio jack 14, expansion ports 15 and 16, card slots 17 and 18, and HDMI port 19, respectively, in response to power received from the external power supply unit 3. This makes the various devices of the docking station 1 available for use as expansion devices for the tablet computer 2. The control mode of the controller 21 at this time is called the "first mode" (see Figure 3). In other words, the first mode is a control mode in which multiple devices are activated by receiving power for charging via the second port 20.

[0031] Next, we will explain the operation of docking station 1 in its second mode. The second mode is a control mode in which, in response to the interruption of the power supply for charging from the external power supply unit 3, the device receives power from the internal power supply via the first port 11 to activate multiple devices.

[0032] Next, we will explain the operation of docking station 1 in its third mode. The third mode is a control mode in which, in response to the interruption of the power supply for charging from the external power supply unit 3, power is supplied from the internal power supply via the first port 11 to activate some of the multiple devices (limited devices) and deactivate the other devices among the multiple devices. In this embodiment, in the third mode, the controller 21 activates only the keyboard 12 and the touchpad 13 and deactivates the other devices. Therefore, the limited devices in this embodiment are the keyboard 12 and the touchpad 13.

[0033] In the above state, in this embodiment, the controller 21 is configured to switch the control mode to one of the above-mentioned "first mode," "second mode," or "third mode" (see Figure 3). Also, as shown in Figure 1, the docking station 1 is equipped with a power-saving switch 22 for selecting the second mode or the third mode. Furthermore, the controller 21 built into the docking station 1 is equipped with a main controller 21A and a sub-controller 21B.

[0034] As will be explained in more detail later, the power supply to the main controller 21A is cut off in the third mode. Therefore, switching from the third mode to the first mode, and switching from the third mode to the second mode, is performed by the sub-controller 21B. Also, switching from the first mode to the third mode, and switching from the second mode to the third mode, is performed by the sub-controller 21B. Alternatively, switching from the first mode to the third mode, and switching from the second mode to the third mode, may be performed by the main controller 21A, and the power supply to the main controller 21A may be cut off after the control mode is switched by the main controller 21A. Switching from the first mode to the second mode, and switching from the second mode to the first mode, may be performed by the main controller 21A or by the sub-controller 21B.

[0035] The main controller 21A activates all the devices on the docking station 1 (keyboard 12, touchpad 13, audio jack 14, expansion ports 15, 16, card slots 17, 18, HDMI port 19). The main controller 21A is configured to receive power in the first and second modes, respectively, but not in the third mode.

[0036] The sub-controller 21B activates a limited set of devices (keyboard 12 and touchpad 13) among the various devices in the docking station 1. Furthermore, the sub-controller 21B is configured to receive power in the first, second, and third modes, respectively. In addition, the sub-controller 21B is configured to be more power-efficient than the main controller 21A.

[0037] In other words, when the control mode of controller 21 is set to the third mode, only the sub-controller 21B, which is more power-efficient than the main controller 21A, operates, and the main controller 21A is shut down by the power cut off. Then, among the multiple devices in the docking station 1, only the keyboard 12 and touchpad 13, which are limited devices, are activated. As a result, the power consumption of the tablet computer 2's internal power supply is reduced compared to a configuration in which all the various devices of the docking station 1 are activated. This configuration is useful, for example, when the user only uses the keyboard 12. Thus, the controller 21 (selection unit) is configured to allow selection of control modes related to the activation and deactivation of multiple devices.

[0038] The selection setting of the control mode of the controller 21 will be explained based on the flowchart shown in Figure 3. First, it is determined whether or not the connection target of the second port 20 has been detected by the sub-controller 21B (step #01). For example, the hot-plug detection function of the second port 20 is used for the determination in step #01. If the connection target of the second port 20 has been detected by the sub-controller 21B (step #01: Yes), it is determined whether or not the detected connection target supports USB power delivery (step #02). For the determination in step #02, the negotiation function via the CC line of the USB connection is used. If the detected connection target supports USB power delivery (step #02: Yes), the control mode of the controller 21 is set to the first mode shown in Figure 4 (step #03).

[0039] If the target of connection to the second port 20 is not detected by the sub-controller 21B (Step #01: No), or if the target of connection to the second port 20 is detected by the sub-controller 21B but the target does not support USB Power Delivery (Step #02: No), it is determined whether the setting state of the power saving switch 22 is set to the first setting or the second setting (Step #04). If the setting state of the power saving switch 22 is the first setting (Step #04: First setting), the control mode of the controller 21 is set to the second mode (Step #05). If the setting state of the power saving switch 22 is the second setting (Step #04: Second setting), the control mode of the controller 21 is set to the third mode (Step #06).

[0040] Next, the operation of the docking station 1 in its second mode will be described based on Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the power supply to the docking station 1 in the second mode. In the second mode, power is supplied to the docking station 1 from the internal power supply of the tablet computer 2. At this time, a negotiation function is performed between the main controller 21A of the controller 21 and the tablet computer 2 via the USB CC line. Specifically, the main controller 21A sends a power supply request signal to the tablet computer 2, and the tablet computer 2 sends power to the docking station 1 in response to receiving the power supply request signal. Then, in response to receiving power from the tablet computer 2, the main controller 21A activates the keyboard 12, touchpad 13, audio jack 14, expansion ports 15, 16, card slots 17, 18, and HDMI port 19, respectively. As a result, the various devices of the docking station 1 can be used as expansion devices for the tablet computer 2.

[0041] Next, the operation of the docking station 1 in its third mode will be described based on Figure 6. Figure 6 shows the power supply to the docking station 1 in the third mode. In the third mode, power is supplied to the docking station 1 from the internal power supply of the tablet computer 2. At this time, the power to the main controller 21A of the controller 21 is cut off and shut down, and a negotiation function is performed between the sub-controller 21B and the tablet computer 2 via the USB CC line. Specifically, the sub-controller 21B sends a power supply request signal to the tablet computer 2, and the tablet computer 2 sends power to the docking station 1 in response to receiving the power supply request signal. Then, in response to receiving power from the tablet computer 2, the sub-controller 21B activates only the keyboard 12 and touchpad 13 and deactivates the other devices. As a result, only the keyboard 12 and touchpad 13 become usable. Therefore, the power consumption of the internal power supply of the tablet computer 2 is reduced compared to the second mode.

[0042] Furthermore, when the controller 21 is in the third control mode, if the external power supply unit 3 is connected to the second port 20, the sub-controller 21B detects the external power supply compatible with USB Power Delivery based on the determinations in steps #01 and #02 of Figure 3, and switches the controller 21's control mode to the first mode (step #04). Then, power is restored to the main controller 21A, and the main controller 21A restarts. At this time, the main controller 21A's processing starts from the reset process. As a result, the activation process of the main controller 21A for the audio jack 14, expansion ports 15, 16, card slots 17, 18, and HDMI port 19 is executed normally. This avoids the possibility that data communication with devices connected to the expansion ports 15, 16 and card slots 17, 18 may not function properly immediately after switching to the first mode, and that video output and audio output from the audio jack 14 and HDMI port 19 may not function properly.

[0043] Furthermore, when the controller 21 is in the third control mode, if the power saving switch 22 is switched to the first setting, the sub-controller 21B detects that the power saving switch 22 is in the first setting based on the determinations in steps #01 and #04 of Figure 3, and switches the controller 21's control mode to the second mode (step #05). Then, as described above, power is restored to the main controller 21A, and the main controller 21A restarts.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a circuit for controlling the power supply to the main controller 21A. This circuit incorporates a logical OR circuit as part of the sub-controller 21B. The logical OR circuit is composed of, for example, a transistor circuit (such as a bipolar transistor or a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor). The signal line from the power saving switch 22, the power line (VBUS) from the second port 20, the CC[1] line from the second port 20, and the CC[2] line from the second port 20 are connected to the logical OR circuit. CC[1] is one of the two CC lines in USB Type-C. CC[2] is the other of the two CC lines in USB Type-C.

[0045] When the power saving switch 22 is set to the first setting, a signal of '1' is input to the OR circuit via the signal line from the power saving switch 22. When the power saving switch 22 is set to the second setting, a signal of '0' is input to the OR circuit via the signal line from the power saving switch 22.

[0046] When the second port 20 is receiving power, a '1' signal is input to the OR circuit from the power line (VBUS), and a '1' signal is input to the OR circuit from either the CC[1] line or the CC[2] line. When the second port 20 is receiving power, a '1' signal is output from the OR circuit regardless of the setting of the power saving switch 22, and the main controller 21A is powered on and starts operating. At this time, the control mode of the controller 21 is the first mode.

[0047] When the power supply to the second port 20 is interrupted, a '0' signal is input to the OR circuit from the power line (VBUS), and a '0' signal is input to the OR circuit from both the CC[1] line and the CC[2] line. On the other hand, when the power saving switch 22 is set to the first state, a '1' signal is input to the OR circuit from the power saving switch 22 via the signal line, and a '1' signal is output from the OR circuit, and the main controller 21A is powered on and starts operating. At this time, the control mode of the controller 21 becomes the second mode.

[0048] If the power supply to the second port 20 is cut off and the power saving switch 22 is set to the second state, no '1' signal is input to the input side of the OR circuit. As a result, a '0' signal is output from the OR circuit, and the main controller 21A is cut off and shut down. At this time, the control mode of the controller 21 becomes the third mode.

[0049] [Another embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the configurations exemplified in the embodiments described above, and other representative embodiments of the present invention are exemplified below.

[0050] (1) In the above-described embodiment, a tablet computer 2 was given as an example of a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may be, for example, a smartphone, a stick-type personal computer, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) terminal, an electronic organizer, a digital music player, or a portable navigation device.

[0051] (2) In the above embodiment, the docking station 1 is equipped with a protective cover for the tablet computer 2, and the edges of the tablet computer 2 are covered by the protective cover. The docking station 1 may also be configured without such protective cover.

[0052] (3) In the above embodiment, an HDMI port 19 was given as an example of an interface port. Instead of the HDMI port 19, a port conforming to the DisplayPort standard may be used as the interface port. The "interface port" only needs to transmit at least one of the video and audio output from a mobile terminal such as a tablet computer 2 to the outside via the first port 11. For this reason, the "interface port" may also include an audio jack 14. The interface port may or may not be included in the limited device.

[0053] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the docking station 1 is equipped with a keyboard 12 and a touchpad 13. The embodiment is not limited to this one, and the docking station 1 may be configured without a touchpad 13, or without a keyboard 12 and a touchpad 13. Furthermore, the mobile terminal to which the docking station 1 is connected may be a notebook computer.

[0054] (5) The docking station 1 may be equipped with an RJ45 modular jack for wired LAN connection. This modular jack may or may not be included in the limited device.

[0055] (6) In the above-described embodiment, card slot 17 is a slot into which a MicroSD card can be inserted, and card slot 18 is a slot into which an SD card can be inserted. The embodiment is not limited to this, and card slots 17 and 18 may be slots into which, for example, CompactFlash® or flash memory compliant with the UFS (Universal Flash Storage) standard can be inserted.

[0056] (7) The first port 11 (connection part) and the second port 20 (power supply part) are not limited to USB Type-C standard ports. The connection part is not limited to the first port 11, and may be a spring connector, for example. The power supply part is not limited to the second port 20, and may be a device that receives an external power supply other than Power Delivery, or a wireless power supply using an electromagnetic induction method or an electric field coupling method (for example, Qi standard). For example, the peripheral device of the present invention may be equipped with a power supply part capable of wireless power supply, and when a state in which wireless power supply is possible is detected, the device may receive power supply from the power supply part based on wireless power supply without receiving power from the second port 20. The power supply part may also have a built-in extended battery, and the extended battery may be charged by receiving power from the external power supply unit 3 or wireless power supply as described above. Even if the extended battery is not receiving power supply, if the extended battery has power above a predetermined remaining amount, the control mode of the controller 21 may be set to the first mode and power may be supplied to the tablet computer 2. In this case, the sub-controller 21B (detection unit) may be configured to detect whether or not there is an external power supply such as wireless power transfer, or it may be configured to detect whether or not there is a power supply from the extended battery.

[0057] (8) The control modes of the controller 21 may include other control modes besides the first mode, second mode, and third mode. The control modes of the controller 21 may include, for example, a development mode or a debug mode.

[0058] (9) The sub-controller 21B may be configured as part of the main controller 21A.

[0059] (10) In the embodiments described above, the second and third modes are powered by the internal power supply of the tablet computer 2. The internal power supply of the tablet computer 2 is not limited to the power supply of the built-in battery of the tablet computer 2, but may also include another mobile battery or the like that is attached to the tablet computer 2 externally.

[0060] (11) In the above-described embodiment, the switching unit is a power-saving switch 22 that switches between the first setting and the second setting by manual operation. The embodiment is not limited to this one, and the switching unit may be a device (for example, a transistor circuit) that switches between the first setting and the second setting automatically.

[0061] (12) As described above, the docking station 1 is equipped with a protective cover for securing the tablet computer 2. This protective cover may be configured to secure the tablet computer 2 in a way that makes it impossible to remove (including cases where removal is nearly impossible or difficult). In this case, the first port 11 may be configured to be connected to the tablet computer 2 in a way that makes it impossible to remove (including cases where removal is nearly impossible or difficult).

[0062] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the object of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0063] This invention is applicable to peripheral devices used in conjunction with a mobile device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1: Docking station (peripheral device) 2: Tablet computer (mobile device) 11: First port (connection point) 12: Keyboard 14: Audio jack (interface port) 17: Card slot (slot) 18: Card slot (slot) 19: HDMI port (interface port) 20: Second port (power supply section) 21: Controller (Selection Section) 22: Power saving switch (switching part)

Claims

1. A peripheral device having multiple devices used while connected to a mobile terminal, A connection part that can connect to the aforementioned mobile terminal, A power supply unit that supplies power to the aforementioned mobile terminal, A selection unit capable of selecting control modes for the activation and deactivation of multiple such devices, It is equipped with, The control mode includes a first mode in which a plurality of devices are activated according to the state in which they are receiving power from the power supply unit, A second mode in which, depending on the state in which the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted, the device is activated by receiving power from the mobile terminal via the connection unit, A third mode in which, depending on the state in which the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted, power is received from the mobile terminal via the connection unit, and at least one of the multiple devices is activated as a limited device, and the other devices among the multiple devices, excluding the limited device, are deactivated. Includes, A peripheral device equipped with a switching unit that allows selection of either a first setting, which causes the selection unit to select the second mode when the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted, or a second setting, which causes the selection unit to select the third mode when the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted.

2. The peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the second mode is a mode in which the device receives power from the internal power supply of the mobile terminal via the connection part in response to the state in which the power supply from the power supply unit is interrupted, and activates a plurality of the devices in the same manner as the first mode.

3. The peripheral device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detection unit capable of detecting whether or not the power supply is provided from the power supply unit, wherein the selection unit is configured to select the first mode according to the state in which the power supply is detected by the detection unit, and to select the second mode or the third mode according to the state in which the power supply is not detected by the detection unit.

4. The aforementioned limited device includes a keyboard for operating the mobile terminal. The peripheral device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device, excluding the aforementioned limited device, includes at least one of the following: an interface port for transmitting at least one of video and audio output from the mobile terminal to the outside via the connection portion; and a slot into which a storage medium accessible from the mobile terminal via the connection portion can be mounted.

5. A protective cover is provided to secure the mobile device to the peripheral device by covering the edges of the mobile device. The peripheral device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting portion protrudes inward from the inner circumference portion of the protective cover that covers the edge portion of the mobile terminal.

Images