Device having communication function, power supply control method, and program

Abstract

This device having a communication function is provided with: connection units (2), (3) to which a plurality of paths (20), (30), each of which allows both power supply and data communication by one path, can be connected; a control means (53) that, when at least one path (20) has been additionally connected to a connection unit in a state in which at least one path (30) is connected to the connection unit, maintains the data communication through the already connected at least one path (30), and when an additionally connected second path (20) generates less heat than an already connected first path (30) through which power is being supplied, switches the power supply from the first path (30) to the second path (20); and a power supply maintaining means (44) that maintains the power supply at least until the power supply is switched from the first path (30) to the second path (20).

Description

Device with communication function, power supply control method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a device having a communication function, such as a measurement device, such as a colorimeter or luminance meter, that can communicate with an external information processing device, a power supply control method, and a program.

[0002] A device having the above-mentioned communication function may be connected to multiple cables capable of both power supply and data communication via a single cable. Also, there may be cases where a different type of cable is added to a device that is already connected to at least one cable and both communication and power supply are established via the already connected cable.

[0003] In this case, the additionally connected cable may be more desirable than the already connected cable in terms of heat generation during power supply, etc.

[0004] On the other hand, when multiple cables are connected, a cable that supplies power or transmits data may be removed. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the power supply or data transmission is not interrupted.

[0005] In this way, when the connection of a cable that can both supply power to a load and communicate data with a single cable to a device changes, it is necessary to establish an appropriate connection state while preventing the power supply or data communication from being interrupted.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply device that can prevent occurrence of a timing when power is not supplied when switching between two power sources.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-221011

[0008] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not use a cable capable of both power supply and data communication, and does not describe switching of data communication. Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the connection state of a cable capable of both power supply and data communication changes, it is not possible to ensure an appropriate connection state while preventing interruption of power supply or data communication.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a communication-capable device, a power supply control method, and a program that can ensure an appropriate connection state while preventing interruption of power supply or data communication when the connection state of a path such as a cable that can supply power to a load and communicate data via a single path changes.

[0010] The above object is achieved by the following means: (1) A device with communication capabilities, comprising: a connection unit capable of connecting a plurality of paths, each capable of both power supply and data communication via one path; control means, when at least one path is additionally connected to the connection unit after at least one of the paths is already connected to the connection unit, for maintaining data communication via the already connected path, while switching power supply from a first path to a second path if the additionally connected second path generates less heat than the already connected first path to which power was being supplied; and power supply maintenance means, maintaining the power supply at least until the power supply is switched from the first path to the second path. (2) The device with communication capabilities described in the preceding paragraph 1, in which the control means switches power supply from the first path to the second path by stopping power supply via the first path and starting power supply via the second path. (3) The device with communication capabilities described in the preceding paragraph 1, in which the control means maintains power supply via the first path if the first path generates less heat than the second path. (4) The device with communication capabilities described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the control means stops the power supply through the second path when the supply voltage through the second path exceeds a predetermined threshold. (5) The device with communication capabilities described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the path generating little heat is a USB-compatible path. (6) The device with communication capabilities described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the path generating a lot of heat is a PoE-compatible path. (7) A device with communication capabilities, comprising: a connection unit capable of connecting a plurality of the paths, each capable of both power supply and data communication via a single path; control means for switching data communication to one of the paths that remains connected when the path that was carrying data communication is removed from a state in which the plurality of paths are connected to the connection unit, and for switching power supply through one of the paths that remains connected when the path that was carrying power is removed; and power supply maintenance means for maintaining the power supply at least until the power supply path is switched. (8) The device with communication capabilities described in paragraphs 1 or 7, wherein the device with communication capabilities is a measurement device.(9) A power supply control method for a device with a communication function, including a connection unit capable of connecting multiple paths, each capable of both power supply and data communication via one path, which executes the following steps: when at least one path is additionally connected to the connection unit from a state in which at least one of the paths is connected to the connection unit, maintaining data communication via the already connected path, while switching power supply from a first path to a second path if the additionally connected second path generates less heat than the already connected first path to which power was being supplied; and a power supply maintenance step of maintaining the power supply at least until the power supply is switched from the first path to the second path. (10) The power supply control method according to the preceding paragraph 9, in which the control step switches power supply from the first path to the second path by stopping power supply via the first path and starting power supply via the second path. (11) The power supply control method according to the preceding paragraph 9, in which the control step maintains power supply via the first path if the first path generates less heat than the second path. (12) The power supply control method according to any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, wherein, in the control step, power supply through the second path is stopped when the supply voltage through the second path exceeds a predetermined threshold. (13) The power supply control method according to any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, wherein the path generating less heat is a USB-compatible path. (14) The power supply control method according to any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, wherein the path generating more heat is a PoE-compatible path. (15) A power supply control method for a device having a communication function, which is provided with a connection unit capable of connecting a plurality of the paths, each capable of both power supply and data communication via a single path, comprising: a control step of switching data communication to one of the paths that remains connected when a path that has been carrying data communication is removed from a state in which the plurality of paths are connected to the connection unit, and switching power supply through one of the paths that remains connected when the path that has been carrying power is removed; and a power maintenance step of maintaining power supply at least until the power supply path is switched.(16) A program for causing a computer of a device having a communication function, the device having a connection unit capable of connecting a plurality of paths each capable of both power supply and data communication via one path, to execute the following steps: a control step for, when at least one path is additionally connected to the connection unit from a state in which at least one of the paths is connected to the connection unit, maintaining data communication via the already connected path, while switching power supply from a first path to a second path if the additionally connected second path generates less heat than the already connected first path to which power was being supplied; and a power supply maintenance step for maintaining power supply at least until power supply is switched from the first path to the second path. (17) The program according to paragraph 16, wherein the control step causes the computer to execute a process of switching power supply from the first path to the second path by stopping power supply via the first path and starting power supply via the second path. (18) The program according to the preceding paragraph 16, wherein, in the control step, the computer is caused to execute a process of maintaining power supply through the first path if the first path generates less heat than the second path. (19) The program according to any one of the preceding paragraphs 16 to 18, wherein, in the control step, the computer is caused to execute a process of stopping power supply through the second path if the supply voltage through the second path exceeds a predetermined threshold. (20) The program according to any one of the preceding paragraphs 16 to 18, wherein the path generating less heat is a USB-compatible path. (21) The program according to any one of the preceding paragraphs 16 to 18, wherein the path generating more heat is a PoE-compatible path.(22) A program for causing a computer of a device having a communication function, which is provided with a connection part to which a plurality of paths capable of both power supply and data communication via one path can be connected, to execute the following steps: a determination step for determining that the connection state has been changed from a third connection state in which a plurality of the paths are connected to the connection part to a fourth connection state in which all paths except for at least one path are disconnected from the connection part; a control step for switching data communication to one of the connected paths when the path that was carrying out data communication in the third connection state is disconnected, and switching power supply to the path that generates the least heat among the connected paths when the path that was carrying out power supply in the third connection state is disconnected; and a power supply maintenance step for maintaining power supply for a predetermined period of time when the power supply path is switched.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram of a device having a communication function according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a connection pattern between a first cable and a second cable; FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining another example of a connection pattern between a first cable and a second cable; FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining yet another example of a connection pattern between a first cable and a second cable; FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining yet another example of a connection pattern between a first cable and a second cable; FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining yet another example of a connection pattern between a first cable and a second cable; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of a control operation performed by a processing unit when there is a change in the connection state of the first cable and the second cable; and FIG. 7 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication-capable device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a measurement device 1 such as a colorimeter is used as the communication-capable device.

[0014] The measuring device 1 includes a first connector 2, a second connector 3, a power supply unit 4, a processing unit 5, a measuring unit 6, and the like.

[0015] A first cable (corresponding to the first path or the second path) 20 is connected to the first connector 2. A second cable (corresponding to the first path or the second path) 30 is connected to the second connector 3.

[0016] The first cable 20 and the second cable 30 each include power lines 21, 31 and communication lines 22, 32, and each cable can be used to both supply power to a load and communicate data. In the drawing of Figure 1, the power lines 21, 31 are shown by solid lines, and the communication lines 22, 32 are shown by dashed lines.

[0017] An internal power supply line and an internal communication line of the measuring device 1 are also connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 of the measuring device 1, respectively. In Fig. 1, the power supply line or power supply line inside the measuring device 1 is shown by a solid line, and the data communication line or data communication line is shown by a dashed line.

[0018] The power supply unit 4 of the measuring device 1 includes a first power supply circuit 41, a second power supply circuit 42, a power supply switching circuit 43, and a power supply maintenance circuit 44. The internal power supply line of the first connector 2 is connected to the first power supply circuit 41, and the internal power supply line of the second connector 3 is connected to the second power supply circuit 42.

[0019] The first power supply circuit 41 is a circuit that performs voltage conversion and the like upon receiving power supply from the first cable 20. The second power supply circuit 42 is a circuit that performs voltage conversion and the like upon receiving power supply from the second cable 30. Each of the first power supply circuit 41 and the second power supply circuit 42 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter or a regulator for voltage conversion.

[0020] The power supply switching circuit 43 switches between the first power supply circuit 41 and the second power supply circuit 42 to supply power to the load. The power supply switching circuit 43 is composed of a power multiplexer, etc. The calculation processing unit 5 and the measurement unit 6 are loads, and are driven by receiving power supplied from the power supply unit 4. When switching between the first power supply circuit 41 and the second power supply circuit 42, the power supply switching circuit 43 also determines, using a threshold value, whether the power supply voltage supplied from the first cable 20 or the second cable 30 is an appropriate voltage. If the voltage is not appropriate, the power supply is stopped.

[0021] The power supply maintenance circuit 44 serves to maintain the power supply and ensure the power supply to the load so that the power supplied to the load is not interrupted when the power supply switching circuit 43 switches between the first power supply circuit 41 and the second power supply circuit 42. The power supply maintenance circuit 44 includes, for example, a capacitor, and normally supplies power to the load while charging the capacitor. When switching between the first power supply circuit 41 and the second power supply circuit 42, the charge stored in the capacitor is supplied to the load to ensure power.

[0022] It should be noted that the order of the circuits does not matter as long as the functions of the circuits in the power supply unit 4 are achieved. For example, the positions of the first power supply circuit 41 and the second power supply circuit 42 and the power supply switching circuit 43 may be reversed.

[0023] The arithmetic processing unit 5 includes a first communication circuit 51 , a second communication circuit 52 , and an arithmetic processing device 53 .

[0024] The first communication circuit 51 is connected to the communication line 22 of the first cable 20 via an internal communication line of the first connector 20. The first communication circuit 51 functions as an interface when performing data communication via the first cable 20 and the first connector 2. The second communication circuit 52 is connected to the communication line 32 of the second cable 30 via an internal communication line of the second connector 30. The second communication circuit 52 functions as an interface when performing data communication via the second cable 30 and the second connector 3. The first communication circuit 51 and the second communication circuit 52 are configured by, for example, a USB PHY or an Ethernet PHY.

[0025] The arithmetic processing unit 53 performs overall control of the measuring device 1, such as controlling the power supply unit 4 and the measuring unit 6, and also performs calculations to convert data obtained by the measuring unit 6 into measured values. The arithmetic processing unit 53 is configured with a hardware processor such as a CPU, but an external IC may be used if necessary.

[0026] The measurement unit 6 includes a sensor and the like, and acquires data for calculating a measurement value for the object to be measured by the sensor and the like.

[0027] In this embodiment, different types of cables are used as the first cable 20 and the second cable 30. Specifically, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) compatible cable (referred to as a USB cable) is used as the first cable, and a PoE (Power over Ethernet) compatible cable (referred to as a PoE cable) is used as the second cable.

[0028] The power supply voltage supplied by the USB cable, which is the first cable 20, is 5V, and the power supply voltage supplied by the PoE cable, which is the second cable 30, is 37 to 57V. The voltage required to operate the measuring device varies depending on the circuit. For example, when it is necessary to generate 3.3V, generally, when considering the efficiency of the power supply circuit, generating 3.3V from 37V has lower power conversion efficiency than generating 3.3V from 5V, and generates more heat in the circuit.

[0029] If the measuring device 1 is sensitive to temperature changes, it is better to use a circuit that generates less heat. Between a USB cable and a PoE cable, the USB cable generates less heat. For this reason, it is desirable for the measuring device 1 to use power supplied by the first cable 20, which is a USB cable.

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, in response to a change in the connection state between the first cable 20 and the second cable 30, the power supply from the second cable (PoE cable) 30 is switched to the power supply from the first cable (USB cable) 20 while preventing data communication from being interrupted.

[0031] In particular, when the measuring device 1 is a measuring device that measures the luminance and chromaticity of a light source, the spectral reflectance and color value of an object, etc., the measurement results change even with a slight change in temperature. For this reason, it is desirable to minimize the effect on the measurement values ​​that occurs when heat generated during power supply is transmitted to the measuring unit.

[0032] When the voltages of the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are V1 and V2, respectively, and the voltage after voltage conversion is VC, if (V2 - VC) / (V1 - VC)>2, the effect of switching from power supply from the second cable 30 to power supply from the first cable 20 is significant. This is because, when the above conditional expression is satisfied, the efficiency of the voltage conversion components differs significantly, resulting in increased heat generation. More preferably, the effect is even greater when (V2 - VC) / (V1 - VC)>5.

[0033] The ends of the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 opposite the measuring device 1 may be connected to different devices or to the same device. <Connection Patterns> There are six connection patterns for the first cable (USB cable) 20 and the second cable (PoE cable) 30, as follows: (A-1) This is the case when the first cable 20 is connected to the first connector 2, and power supply and data communication via the first cable 20 have been established, and then the second cable 30 is additionally connected to the second connector 3.

[0034] The relationship between the connection and disconnection of the cables 20 and 21, the power supply, and the data communication in this pattern will be explained using the flowchart of FIG.

[0035] In step S21, the first cable 20 is connected to the first connector 2 of the measurement device 1. In step S22, power is supplied to the measurement device 1 via the power line 21 of the first cable 20. In step S23, data communication with the measurement device 1 is established via the communication line 22 of the first cable 20.

[0036] Next, in step S24, the second cable 30 is connected to the second connector 3 of the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 continues to supply power from the first cable 20, which is the USB cable, because power supply from the first cable 20 generates less heat. Data communication via the first cable is maintained as is. (A-2) This is the case when the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, respectively, and power supply and data communication via the first cable 20 are established, and then the first cable 20 is unplugged from the first connector 2.

[0037] The relationship between the connection and disconnection of each cable, power supply, and data communication in this pattern will be explained using the flowchart in FIG.

[0038] In step S31, the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, respectively, of the measuring device 1. In this state, power is supplied to the measuring device 1 via the power line 21 of the first cable 20, and data communication with the measuring device 1 is established via the communication line 22 of the first cable 20.

[0039] In step S32, the first cable 20 is unplugged from the first connector 2.

[0040] In step S33, the power switching circuit 43 switches to the second power supply circuit 42, which supplies power from the second cable 30. When switching, the power maintenance circuit 44 maintains the power supply to the load, preventing the power supply from being interrupted due to the switching. Furthermore, data communication is enabled via the second cable 30. (A-3) This is the case when the second cable 30 is unplugged from the second connector 3 while the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, respectively, and power supply and data communication via the first cable 20 are established.

[0041] The relationship between the connection and disconnection of each cable, power supply, and data communication in this pattern will be explained using the flowchart of FIG.

[0042] In step S41, the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, respectively, of the measuring device 1. In this state, power is supplied to the measuring device 1 via the power line 21 of the first cable 20, and data communication with the measuring device 1 is established via the communication line 22 of the first cable 20.

[0043] In step S42, the second cable 30 is unplugged from the second connector 3.

[0044] In step S43, the power supply from the first cable 20 and the data communication via the first cable 20 are maintained as they are. (B-1) This is the case where the first cable 20 is additionally connected to the first connector 2 while the second cable 30 is connected to the second connector 3 and the power supply and data communication via the second cable 30 are established.

[0045] The relationship between the connection and disconnection of each cable, power supply, and data communication in this pattern will be explained using the flowchart of FIG.

[0046] In step S51, the second cable 30 is connected to the second connector 3 of the measuring device 1. In step S52, power is supplied to the measuring device 1 via the power line 31 of the second cable 30. In step S53, data communication with the measuring device 1 is established via the communication line 32 of the second cable 30.

[0047] Next, in step S54, the first cable 20 is connected to the first connector 2 of the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 generates less heat with the first cable 20, which is a USB cable. Therefore, in step S55, the power switching circuit 43 switches to the first power supply circuit 41, which supplies power from the first cable 20. During the switching, the power maintenance circuit 44 maintains the power supply to the load, preventing a power supply interruption due to the switching. Furthermore, data communication via the second cable 30 is maintained. (B-2) This is the case when the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, respectively, and the second cable 30 is unplugged from the second connector 3 while the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, respectively, and power supply via the first cable 20 is established and data communication via the second cable 30 is established.

[0048] The relationship between the connection and disconnection of each cable, power supply, and data communication in this pattern will be explained using the flowchart of FIG.

[0049] In step S61, the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 of the measuring device 1, respectively. In this state, power is supplied to the measuring device 1 via the power line 21 of the first cable 20. In addition, data communication with the measuring device 1 is established via the communication line 32 of the second cable 30.

[0050] In step S62, the second cable 30 is unplugged from the second connector 3 of the measurement device 1.

[0051] In step S63, no switching is performed by the power supply switching circuit 43, and power supply from the first cable 20 is maintained. Data communication is enabled via the first cable 20. (B-3) The first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, respectively, power supply via the first cable 20 is established, and data communication via the second cable 30 is established. In this state, the first cable 20 is unplugged from the first connector 2.

[0052] The relationship between the connection and disconnection of each cable, power supply, and data communication in this pattern will be explained using the flowchart of FIG.

[0053] In step S71, the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 are connected to the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, respectively, of the measuring device 1. In this state, power is supplied to the measuring device 1 via the power line 21 of the first cable 20, and data communication with the measuring device 1 is established via the communication line 32 of the second cable 30.

[0054] In step S72, the first cable 20 is unplugged from the first connector 2.

[0055] In step S73, the power supply switching circuit 43 switches to power supply from the second cable 30. During the switching, the power supply to the load is maintained by the power supply maintenance circuit 44, preventing the power supply from being interrupted due to the switching. Furthermore, data communication via the second cable 30 is maintained.

[0056] In this manner, in this embodiment, the power supply is switched to or maintained at an optimal state when there is a change in the connection state between the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 in the measuring device 1. Furthermore, when the power supply is switched, the power supply maintenance circuit 44 does not cut off the power supplied to the load, so that the operation of the load is not stopped due to a power cutoff.

[0057] Furthermore, when the connection state between the first cable 20 and the second cable 30 changes, the data communication is automatically switched or maintained, so the user does not need to perform any operation to switch the data communication.

[0058] 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the content of the control operation performed by the arithmetic processing unit 53 of the measuring device 1 when there is a change in the connection state of the first cable 20 and the second cable 30. This operation is executed by the arithmetic processing unit 53 operating in accordance with an operation program stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0059] In step S101, the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines whether or not there has been a change in the connection state of the first cable 20 and the second cable 30. If there has been no change (NO in step S101), the arithmetic processing unit 53 does nothing and ends the process.

[0060] If there is a change (YES in step S101), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines in step S102 whether the first cable 20 is connected. If the first cable is connected (YES in step S102), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines in step S103 whether the second cable 30 is connected. If it is connected (YES in step S103), the arithmetic processing unit 53 switches to power supply from the first cable, i.e., the first power supply circuit 41, via the power supply switching circuit 43 in step S104. The arithmetic processing unit 53 also maintains data communication via the second cable 30 as is.

[0061] If the second cable 30 is not connected in step S103 (NO in step S103), the arithmetic processing unit 53 establishes power supply and data communication via the first cable 20 in step S105.

[0062] When the first cable 20 is connected, the arithmetic processing device 53 may determine whether the supply voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, and if so, may stop the power supply through the second cable 30.

[0063] If the first cable 20 is not connected in step S102 (NO in step S102), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines in step S111 whether the second cable 30 is connected. If the second cable 30 is connected (YES in step S111), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines in step S112 whether the first cable 20 is connected. If the first cable 20 is connected (YES in step S112), power supply and data communication via the first cable 20 have been established. Therefore, in step S113, the arithmetic processing unit 53 maintains the power supply and data communication via the first cable 20 as they are.

[0064] If the first cable 20 is not connected in step S112 (NO in step S112), the arithmetic processing unit establishes power supply and data communication via the second cable 20 in step S114.

[0065] If the second cable 30 is not connected in step S111 (NO in step S111), the process proceeds to step S121 in FIG. 9 . In step S121, the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines whether the first cable 20 has been unplugged. If the first cable 20 has been unplugged (YES in step S121), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines whether the second cable 30 is connected in step S122. If the second cable 30 is connected (YES in step S122), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines whether data communication has been established via the first cable in step S123. If data communication has been established via the first cable (YES in step S123), the arithmetic processing unit switches to power supply and data communication via the second cable 30 in step S124.

[0066] If data communication is not established via the first cable 20 in step S123 (NO in step S123), the arithmetic processing unit switches to power supply via the second cable 30 in step S125, and maintains data communication as is.

[0067] If the second cable 30 is not connected in step S122 (NO in step S122), neither the first cable 20 nor the second cable 30 is connected, and the arithmetic processing unit 53 ends the process.

[0068] If the first cable 20 has not been unplugged in step S121 (NO in step S121), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines in step S131 whether the second cable 30 has been unplugged. If the second cable 30 has been unplugged (YES in step S131), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines in step S132 whether the first cable 20 is connected. If it is connected (YES in step S132), the arithmetic processing unit 53 determines in step S133 whether data communication has been established via the second cable 30. If data communication has been established via the second cable 30 (YES in step S133), the arithmetic processing unit 53 maintains the power supply via the first cable 20 and switches data communication to the first cable 20 in step S134.

[0069] If data communication has not been established via the second cable in step S133 (NO in step S133), the arithmetic processing unit 53 maintains the power supply and data communication via the first cable 20 as they are in step S135.

[0070] If the first cable 20 is not connected in step S132 (NO in step S132), neither the first cable 20 nor the second cable 30 is connected, and the arithmetic processing unit 53 ends the process.

[0071] If the second cable 30 is not unplugged in step S131 (NO in step S131), the arithmetic processing unit 53 does nothing and ends the process. In this case, the established power supply and data communication are maintained as they are.

[0072] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0073] For example, the measurement device 1 has two connectors, a first connector 2 and a second connector 3, and two cables (paths), a first cable 20 and a second cable 30. However, the measurement device 1 may have three or more connectors and three or more cables connected to the measurement device 1. In this case, when switching the cable that supplies power, it is desirable to select the cable that generates the least heat.

[0074] 8 and 9 are executed by the arithmetic processing unit 53 based on a program, but the operations may be realized by hardware without relying on a program.

[0075] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-22154, filed on February 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0076] The present invention can be used as a device having a communication function, such as a colorimeter, a luminance meter, or other measuring device that can communicate with an external information processing device or the like.

[0077] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Measuring device (device with communication function) 2 First connector 3 Second connector 4 Power supply unit 5 Arithmetic processing unit 6 Measuring unit 20 First cable 21 Power line 22 Communication line 30 Second cable 31 Power line 32 Communication line 41 First power supply circuit 42 Second power supply circuit 43 Power supply switching circuit 44 Power supply maintenance circuit 51 First communication circuit 52 Second communication circuit 53 Arithmetic processing unit

Claims

1. A device with communication capabilities comprising: a connection section capable of connecting a plurality of paths, each capable of both power supply and data communication via a single path; control means, when at least one of the paths is connected to the connection section and at least one additional path is connected to the connection section, maintaining data communication via the already connected path, while switching power supply from the first path to the second path if the additionally connected second path generates less heat than the already connected first path to which power was being supplied; and power supply maintenance means, maintaining power supply at least until power supply is switched from the first path to the second path.

2. A device with communication capabilities as described in claim 1, wherein the control means switches the power supply from the first path to the second path by stopping the power supply through the first path and starting the power supply through the second path.

3. A device with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein said control means maintains power supply through said first path when said first path generates less heat than said second path.

4. A device with communication capabilities according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means stops power supply through the second path when the voltage supplied through the second path exceeds a predetermined threshold.

5. A device having a communication function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the path that generates less heat is a USB compatible path.

6. A device having a communication function according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the path that generates a large amount of heat is a PoE-compatible path.

7. A device with communication capabilities comprising: a connection section capable of connecting a plurality of paths capable of both power supply and data communication over a single path; control means for switching data communication to one of the paths that remains connected when the path that was carrying out data communication is removed from a state in which the plurality of paths are connected to the connection section, and for switching power supply over one of the paths that remains connected when the path that was carrying out power supply is removed; and power supply maintenance means for maintaining power supply at least until the power supply path is switched.

8. The device with communication capabilities according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the device with communication capabilities is a measuring device.

9. A power supply control method for a device with communication capabilities, equipped with a connection section capable of connecting multiple paths, each capable of both power supply and data communication via a single path, which executes the following steps: when at least one path is additionally connected to the connection section from a state in which at least one of the paths is connected to the connection section, maintaining data communication via the already connected path, while switching power supply from a first path to a second path if the additionally connected second path generates less heat than the already connected first path to which power was being supplied; and a power supply maintenance step of maintaining power supply at least until power supply is switched from the first path to the second path.

10. A power supply control method as described in claim 9, wherein the control step switches the power supply from the first path to the second path by stopping the power supply through the first path and starting the power supply through the second path.

11. A power supply control method according to claim 9, wherein in said control step, if the first path generates less heat than the second path, power supply through said first path is maintained.

12. A power supply control method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein in the control step, if the voltage supplied via the second path exceeds a predetermined threshold, power supply via the second path is stopped.

13. A power supply control method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the path that generates less heat is a USB compatible path.

14. A power supply control method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the path that generates a large amount of heat is a PoE-compatible path.

15. A power supply control method for a device with communication capabilities, equipped with a connection unit capable of connecting multiple paths, each capable of both power supply and data communication via a single path, which executes the following control steps: when a path that has been carrying out data communication is removed from a state in which multiple paths are connected to the connection unit, switching data communication to one of the paths that remains connected, and when a path that has been carrying out power supply is removed, switching to power supply via one of the paths that remains connected; and a power supply maintenance step that maintains power supply at least until the power supply path is switched.

16. A program for causing a computer of a device with communication capabilities, equipped with a connection section capable of connecting multiple paths capable of both power supply and data communication via one path, to execute the following control step: when at least one path is additionally connected to the connection section from a state in which at least one of the paths is connected to the connection section, maintaining data communication via the already connected path, while switching the power supply from the first path to the second path if the additionally connected second path generates less heat than the already connected first path to which power was being supplied; and a power supply maintenance step of maintaining the power supply at least until the power supply is switched from the first path to the second path.

17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the control step causes the computer to execute a process of switching the power supply from the first path to the second path by stopping the power supply through the first path and starting the power supply through the second path.

18. The program according to claim 16, wherein the control step causes the computer to execute a process of maintaining the power supply through the first path if the first path generates less heat than the second path.

19. A program according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the control step causes the computer to execute a process of stopping the power supply through the second path if the voltage supplied through the second path exceeds a predetermined threshold.

20. The program according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the path that generates less heat is a USB-compatible path.

21. The program according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the path that generates a large amount of heat is a PoE-compatible path.

22. A program for causing a computer of a device with communication capabilities, equipped with connection parts capable of connecting multiple paths capable of both power supply and data communication via a single path, to execute the following steps: a determination step for determining that the connection state has changed from a third connection state in which multiple paths are connected to the connection parts to a fourth connection state in which all paths except for at least one path are disconnected from the connection parts; a control step for switching data communication to one of the connected paths when the path that was carrying out data communication in the third connection state is disconnected, and switching power supply to the path that generates the least heat among the connected paths when the path that was carrying out power supply in the third connection state is disconnected; and a power supply maintenance step for maintaining power supply for a predetermined period of time when the power supply path is switched.

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