JP2005285567A - Electronic equipment and battery unit used in the electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inhibit improper use of a battery unit to prevent the occurrence of failures and troubles. <P>SOLUTION: An information communication chip 31 and an antenna 32 are provided in replaceable battery unit 21, mounted in a battery storage part 19 of a camera body 11, and an antenna 33 and a reader writer part 34 are provided in the battery storage part 19. Specific information, required for distinguishing a product of the battery unit 21, is stored to the information communication chip 31 and is read to a camera body 11 side through the reader writer part 34, when the battery unit 21 is mounted. Utilization availability of the battery unit 21 is determined, based on the specific information on the camera body 11 side, and the use of the battery unit 21 is inhibited in the case of improper product which is not a genuine product or is a replaceable product, to shut off supply of power supply. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable electronic device such as a digital camera, a mobile phone, a notebook computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a battery unit used in the electronic device, a battery unit usage control method, and a program.

  Examples of portable electronic devices include a digital camera, a mobile phone, a notebook computer, and a PDA. Many of these electronic devices use a battery unit (also called a battery pack) as a driving source when carried. In this battery unit, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or a lithium ion battery is built in, and can be appropriately charged and used.

  For example, in the case of a digital camera, a battery unit product that can be used is determined according to the model of the camera. That is, in addition to the shape of the battery unit, specifications such as capacity and voltage are determined in advance by the camera manufacturer and model. If battery units with different specifications are used, the electrical system of the camera body may be destroyed. Yes, it will cause a failure. Therefore, it is preferable to use a battery unit recommended by the manufacturer, that is, a genuine product. This applies not only to digital cameras but also to other electronic devices such as mobile phones, and it is necessary to use a battery unit suitable for each model.

  However, for replacement parts and consumables such as battery units, whether they are genuine products or compatible products can only be determined from the manual of the corresponding model, etc. For example, many users want to use inexpensive products.

  On the other hand, there are many counterfeit products, and such counterfeit products can not only perform the original functions and performances of the equipment, but also cause failures and troubles.

Conventionally, with respect to battery units that differ for each model, there are some that prohibit charging using devices other than genuine chargers by providing some means such as providing a switch in the battery unit (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open 11-242965), and there is nothing that prohibits the use of the battery unit if it is a counterfeit or incompatible.
JP-A-11-242965

  As described above, conventionally, in a portable electronic device such as a digital camera, there is a possibility that a malfunction or trouble may occur due to the use of a counterfeit product or an incompatible battery unit. In this case, the user may be able to determine whether or not there is compatibility based on a manual or the like. However, counterfeit products are not easily distinguished from real ones, and countermeasures are urgently required.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an electronic device capable of preventing the occurrence of a failure or trouble by prohibiting use of an inappropriate battery unit, a battery unit used in the electronic device, a battery unit usage control method, and a program The purpose is to do.

  An electronic apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a replaceable battery unit, an information communication chip provided in the battery unit and storing specific information necessary for identifying a product of the battery unit, Information reading means for reading the specific information from the information communication chip in a state where the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location, and use of the battery unit based on the specific information read by the information reading means And a control means for controlling the use of the battery unit according to the determination result.

  According to such a configuration, when the battery unit is mounted, specific information necessary for identifying the product is read from the information communication chip provided in the battery unit. Whether or not the battery unit can be used is determined based on this specific information. If the battery unit cannot be used, its use is prohibited, for example, the power is turned off. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a failure from occurring due to the use of an inappropriate battery unit that is not suitable for this device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first aspect, the control unit prohibits the use of the battery unit when the specific information cannot be read by the information reading unit. Features.

  According to such a configuration, when specific information cannot be read when the battery unit is mounted, it is highly possible that the information is a counterfeit product, for example, and the use of the battery unit is prohibited to prevent the occurrence of a failure. can do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the second aspect, when the use of the battery unit is prohibited, a warning means for warning that effect is provided.

  According to such a configuration, when the use of the battery unit is prohibited, a warning to that effect is given, for example, by a message display. Thus, the user can know that the battery unit attached to the device is inappropriate and can immediately replace it.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first aspect, the information communication chip and an antenna for transmitting information of the information communication chip are arranged on the same plane in the battery unit. It is provided.

  According to such a configuration, the information communication chip and the antenna are disposed on the same plane of the battery unit, and information in the information communication chip is transmitted through the antenna when the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location.

  An electronic apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention includes a replaceable battery unit, an information communication chip provided in the battery unit and storing specific information necessary for identifying a product of the battery unit, In a state where the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location, information reading means for reading the specific information from the information communication chip, and the battery unit is based on the specific information read by the information reading means. It is characterized by comprising a control means for judging whether the device is a genuine product or a compatible product, and prohibiting the use of the battery unit when the device is not a genuine product or a compatible product.

  According to such a configuration, when the battery unit is mounted, specific information necessary for identifying the product is read from the information communication chip provided in the battery unit. If it is determined that the battery unit is a genuine product or a compatible product based on this specific information, and the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product, its use is prohibited, for example, by turning off the power. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a failure from occurring due to the use of an inappropriate battery unit that is not suitable for this device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the fifth aspect, the control means further includes a specification corresponding to the device when the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product. The battery unit is prohibited from being used when the specification is not compatible with the device. If the specification is compatible with the device, the battery unit is subjected to a predetermined confirmation process. The use of is permitted.

  According to such a configuration, use of the battery unit is prohibited when the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product, and the specification is not compatible with the device. If so, the use of the battery unit is permitted after a confirmation message is displayed to the user. As a result, it is possible to prevent a failure from occurring due to the use of an inappropriate battery unit that does not conform to the device at all, including the specification of the battery unit, and can be used at the user's will if the specifications are met. .

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the sixth aspect, when the use of the battery unit is prohibited, a warning means for warning that effect is provided.

  According to such a configuration, when the use of the battery unit is prohibited, a warning to that effect is given, for example, by a message display. Thus, the user can know that the battery unit attached to the device is inappropriate and can immediately replace it.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first or fifth aspect, the information reading unit reads the specific information from the information communication chip by non-contact communication. .

  According to such a configuration, when the battery unit is attached to the device, specific information is read from the information communication chip provided in the battery unit by non-contact communication, so an improvement on the device side is required. Can be realized without.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first or fifth aspect, the electronic device according to the first or fifth aspect further includes a mounting number management unit that manages the number of mountings of the battery unit, and the control unit includes the mounting number management unit. The battery unit replacement time is determined based on the number of times the battery unit is mounted, and the use of the battery unit is controlled according to the determination result.

  According to such a configuration, the use of the battery unit attached to the device is prohibited when the number of attachments exceeds a predetermined number determined by, for example, the durability accuracy of the product. Thereby, it can also avoid that a failure generate | occur | produces by use of the battery unit in which durability precision has fallen.

  In addition, according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first or fifth aspect, the electronic device according to the first or fifth aspect further includes a charge number management unit that manages a charge number of the battery unit, and the control unit includes the charge number management unit. The battery unit replacement time is determined based on the number of times the battery unit is charged, and the use of the battery unit is controlled according to the determination result.

  According to such a configuration, when the number of times of charging of the battery unit attached to the device exceeds a predetermined number determined by, for example, the durability accuracy of the product, its use is prohibited. Thereby, it can also avoid that a failure generate | occur | produces by use of the battery unit in which durability precision has fallen.

  According to claim 11 of the present invention, in the electronic device according to claim 1 or 5, power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply means until the use of the battery unit is determined by mounting the battery unit. It is characterized by.

  According to such a configuration, by providing the auxiliary power supply means as the operation power supply of the device, the processing until determining whether or not the battery unit can be used is temporarily used by using the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply means. It can be carried out.

  An electronic device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes a replaceable battery unit, an information communication chip provided in the battery unit and storing specific information necessary for identifying a product of the battery unit, and an auxiliary device. Auxiliary power supply means for supplying a general power supply, and a control means for receiving a power supplied from the auxiliary power supply means and executing a predetermined process for recognizing the battery unit mounted at a predetermined mounting location. It is characterized by having.

  According to such a configuration, when recognizing the mounted battery unit, the auxiliary power supply means provided in the device is used. Therefore, by not using the power supply of the battery unit, it is possible to avoid a failure caused by the battery unit.

  A battery unit according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a replaceable battery unit that is attached to an electronic device, and stores specific information necessary to identify a product. An information communication chip is provided that receives power from the electronic device side and transmits the specific information while being mounted at a mounting location.

  In the battery unit having such a configuration, specific information necessary for identifying the product from the information communication chip is transmitted to the device side when the battery unit is mounted on the electronic device, and therefore, based on the specific information. Therefore, the compatibility of the battery unit can be determined on the device side.

  A battery unit usage control method according to claim 14 of the present invention is a battery unit usage control method used for an electronic device to which a replaceable battery unit is mounted, wherein the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location. In the state, the step of reading specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit from the information communication chip provided in the information communication chip, and the battery unit based on the read specific information The method includes a step of determining whether or not the battery can be used, and a step of controlling use of the battery unit according to the determination result.

  According to such a battery unit usage control method, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be achieved by executing the processing according to the steps.

  A battery unit usage control method according to claim 15 of the present invention is a battery unit usage control method used for an electronic device to which a replaceable battery unit is mounted, wherein the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location. In the state, the step of reading specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit from the information communication chip provided in the information communication chip, and the battery unit based on the read specific information The apparatus includes a step of determining whether the device is a genuine product or a compatible product, and a step of prohibiting use of the battery unit when the device is not a genuine product or a compatible product.

  According to such a battery unit usage control method, the same effects as those of the invention of claim 5 can be achieved by executing the processing according to each step.

  Further, according to claim 16 of the present invention, in the battery unit usage control method according to claim 15, when the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product for the device, the specification further corresponds to the device. The battery unit is prohibited from being used when the specification is not compatible with the device, and the battery unit is subjected to a predetermined confirmation process if the specification is compatible with the device. And a step of permitting the use of.

  According to such a battery unit usage control method, the same effect as that of the invention of claim 6 can be achieved by executing the processing according to each step.

  A program according to claim 17 of the present invention is a program for battery unit use control executed by a computer mounted on an electronic device using a replaceable battery unit. A function of reading specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit from the information communication chip provided in the information communication chip in a state where the information communication chip is mounted, and the read specific information Based on this, a function for determining whether or not the battery unit can be used and a function for controlling the use of the battery unit according to the determination result are realized.

  Therefore, when the computer executes the program for realizing each function, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be achieved.

  A program according to claim 18 of the present invention is a program for battery unit use control that is executed by a computer mounted on an electronic device that uses a replaceable battery unit. A function of reading specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit from an information communication chip provided in the battery unit in a state where the battery unit is mounted, and based on the read specific information The battery unit has a function of determining whether the battery unit is a genuine product or a compatible product, and a function for prohibiting the use of the battery unit when the device is not a genuine product or a compatible product.

  Therefore, when the computer executes the program for realizing each function, the same effect as that of the invention of claim 5 can be obtained.

  Further, according to claim 19 of the present invention, in the program according to claim 18, when the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product for the device, the computer further has a specification corresponding to the device. A function that determines whether or not the battery unit is not compatible with the device, and prohibits the use of the battery unit. If the specification is compatible with the device, the battery unit is subjected to a predetermined confirmation process. And a function of permitting the use of the device.

  Therefore, when the computer executes the program for realizing each function, the same effects as those of the invention of the sixth aspect can be achieved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the device from being damaged due to careless use of a battery unit that does not support the device, including counterfeit products.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration when a single-lens reflex digital camera is taken as an example of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (a) is a diagram showing a configuration of a front portion thereof. FIG. 2B is a diagram partially showing the configuration of the battery storage portion at the bottom.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the digital camera 10 has an L-shaped camera body 11 as viewed from above. A lens mounting portion 12 is provided on the front portion 11a of the camera body 11, and a replaceable photographic lens unit 13 is detachably mounted thereon. The photographing lens unit 13 includes various types of photographing lenses having different focal lengths such as a wide-angle lens, a standard lens, a telephoto lens, and a super telephoto lens, and these can be arbitrarily exchanged for photographing.

  In addition, a mode dial switch 14 that also serves as a power key, a strobe mounting portion (accessory shoe) 15, and the like are provided on the upper portion 11 b of the camera body 11. An external strobe unit 16 is detachably mounted on the strobe mounting portion 15. This strobe unit 16 can also be replaced. Further, a shutter key 18 for instructing the photographing timing is provided in the vicinity of the grip 17 on one end side (usually, the right side as viewed from the user) of the camera body 11.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), a battery housing part 19 and an openable / closable battery exchange lid 20 that covers the battery housing part 19 are provided on the bottom 11 c (under the grip 17) of the camera body 11. The battery replacement lid 20 is opened, and the battery unit 21 is loaded into the battery storage unit 19.

  The battery unit 21 is generally called a “battery pack”, and has a built-in rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery, and is used as a drive source when being carried. The battery unit 21 has a predetermined shape (in this example, a rectangular shape), and supplies a power supply voltage necessary for the operation of each part of the digital camera 10 in a state of being mounted in the battery storage unit 19. In addition, 22 is a terminal provided in the front-end | tip part of the battery unit 21, and actually consists of three, + terminal, T terminal, and-terminal (refer FIG. 11).

  Here, as the battery unit 21 that can be used for the digital camera 10, in addition to a battery unit (genuine product) dedicated to this apparatus, a compatible battery having a common specification such as voltage is used although the manufacturer is different. There is a unit (compatible product). Both can be used, but in order to guarantee the operation of each function of the machine, it is preferable to use a battery unit dedicated to the machine, that is, a genuine product. In addition, it is preferable to avoid the use of compatible products other than those specified by the manufacturer in advance, since the operation is not guaranteed, especially in the case of battery units circulating as counterfeit products.

  In the present embodiment, in order to prevent the use of an inappropriate battery unit including such a counterfeit product or the like, a device for identifying the battery unit that can be used for the device is provided.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, the battery unit 21 used in the digital camera 10 is provided with an information communication chip 31 and an antenna 32 on the same plane. The information communication chip 31 includes, for example, a non-contact IC tag using RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology, and has a function of transmitting information through the antenna 32 in a non-contact manner.

  The information communication chip 31 and the antenna 32 may be affixed to the surface after the battery unit 21 is manufactured, or may be incorporated integrally at the time of manufacture. Further, the shapes of the information communication chip 31 and the antenna 32 and the mounting method thereof are not particularly limited.

  On the other hand, an antenna 33 and a reader / writer unit 34 for information communication with the information communication chip 31 on the battery unit 21 side are disposed near the battery storage unit 19 of the camera body 11. The information communication chip 31 basically does not have a power source, and generates a current by a mechanism such as electromagnetic induction by receiving a radio wave emitted from the reader / writer unit 34 on the device side.

  FIG. 1A shows a state in which the battery unit 21 is loaded in the battery housing unit 19. The antenna 33 and the reader / writer unit 34 are arranged so as to face the information communication chip 31 and the antenna 32 on the battery unit 21 side. It is arranged. The reader / writer unit 34 is connected to a control unit 35 in the camera body 11.

  Next, the system configuration of the digital camera 10 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the digital camera 10, and shows an example in which replaceable parts are unitized. The part shown by the thick line in the figure is a unitized part.

  That is, for the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10, in addition to the photographing lens unit 13, the strobe unit 16, and the battery unit 21 shown in FIG. 1, a sensor unit 41 having an optical distance measuring sensor, a CCD (charge coupled) an imaging unit 42 having an imaging element such as a device (CMOS) or a CMOS (complementary mental oxide semiconductor), a lens / shooting control unit 43 that performs drive control of an optical lens, a memory card unit 44 for shooting image recording, and an image processing engine The mounted image processing unit 45, the display unit 46 having a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), the interface unit 47, and the like can be replaced. It is.

  In addition to the antenna 33, reader / writer unit 34, and control unit 35 shown in FIG. 1, the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10 includes an operation input unit 48, a power control unit 49, an auxiliary power source 50, and unit control. An information memory 51, a unit connection information memory 52, a mounting detection unit 53, and the like are provided.

  As described above, the antenna 33 and the reader / writer unit 34 are components for realizing non-contact information communication together with the information communication chip 31 and the antenna 32 on the battery unit 21 side. The reader / writer unit 34 reads / writes information from / to the information communication chip 31 via the antenna 33 under the control of the control unit 35.

  The control unit 35 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and performs control related to processing of the entire digital camera 10 by reading a program stored in a program memory 39 composed of, for example, a ROM. The control unit 35 includes a camera control unit 36 for controlling camera operations, an input / output interface unit 37 for performing input / output control, and a unit identification / management control unit 38. The unit identification / management control unit 38 uses the unit control information memory 51 and the unit connection information memory 52 to identify and manage the battery unit 21 attached to the camera body 11.

  The operation input unit 48 includes various operation switches including the mode dial switch 14 shown in FIG. 1A, and performs data input and instruction.

  The power supply control unit 49 controls supply of necessary power supply voltage to each unit using the battery unit 21 as a drive source. The auxiliary power source 50 is made of, for example, a capacitor or a button battery, and is used as an auxiliary power source when the battery unit 21 is not attached. In the present embodiment, it is used as an operating power source when determining whether or not the battery unit 21 can be used. The attachment detection unit 53 mechanically or electrically detects whether or not the battery unit 21 is attached and activates the reader / writer unit 34.

  The unit control information memory 51 and the unit connection information memory 52 are composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, for example, and the stored contents are retained even when the power is turned off.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the unit control information memory 51 provided in the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10.

  In the unit control information memory 51, unit control information for controlling various units that can be mounted on the camera body 11 is registered. This unit control information includes “identification information” for identifying these products for each unit, whether the unit is genuine or compatible with the device (digital camera 10), or “Product classification information” indicating whether the product is not a genuine / compatible product but only a specification, and “control information” for controlling the corresponding function in the equipment according to the specifications and standards of each unit. Registered in advance. Examples of the “identification information” include a unit code, a manufacturer code, a product number, and an identification code.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the unit connection information memory 52 provided in the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10.

  In the unit connection information memory 52, unit connection information indicating information related to the unit mounted on the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10 is registered. In addition to “identification information” for identifying the mounting unit, the unit connection information includes “usage history information” such as the mounting date and time, the previous removal date, the number of times of mounting, and the number of times of charging.

  Next, the configuration of the information communication chip 31 provided in the battery unit 21 and the reader / writer unit 34 provided in the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information communication chip 31 and the reader / writer unit 34, and shows an example in which an electromagnetic induction method is used for information communication between the two.

  In the electromagnetic induction method, a signal current of several hundreds of kHz to several tens of MHz is passed through an antenna coil such as a loop coil or core (magnetic core) coil provided at a position where the unit side and the body side face each other. The induction electromagnetic field generated in the transmission medium is used as a transmission medium. In this electromagnetic induction system, if it is not metal, it can communicate even if a non-conductor such as a human body, glass, resin, etc. is in between, the directivity of the antenna is gentle, it is strong against rain and oil stains, etc. There is an advantage that communication can be performed stably at a relatively high speed at a distance of about 10 to several centimeters, and it is suitable for communication between the mounting portion in the main body of a small device such as a camera and the proximity between the units.

  Here, the information communication chip 31 provided in the battery unit 21 is connected to an antenna 32 for transmitting and receiving information in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic induction with the reader / writer unit 34 on the camera body 11 side. The information communication chip 31 includes a unit memory 61 that stores unit information including unit identification information and specification information. The configuration of the unit memory 61 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, the information communication chip 31 reads the unit information from the unit memory 61 according to the demodulation circuit 62 and the decoder 63 for demodulating the control signal from the camera body 11 and the control signal. A communication control unit 64 for responding and transmitting, an encoder 65 for encoding a response signal and a data signal, and a modulation circuit for modulating the encoded signal and transmitting it on an electromagnetic induction magnetic flux from an antenna coil 66.

  Further, a rectifier circuit 67 for receiving and rectifying electromagnetic energy from an electromagnetic induction signal from the reader / writer unit 34, and a non-operating circuit for storing the rectified current in the capacitor 68 and operating the chip built-in circuit with the stored energy. A contact-type power supply control circuit 68. This eliminates the need for a built-in battery for the chip to operate. Furthermore, an authentication unit 69 for sending and receiving authentication data encrypted or digitally signed with the product main unit or external device using an identification code, encryption key, signature key, or the like may be provided. good.

  On the other hand, the reader / writer unit 34 provided on the camera body 11 side includes an encoder 71, a modulation circuit 72, an oscillation circuit 73, an antenna drive circuit 74, a demodulation circuit 75, a filter / amplifier circuit 76, a decoder 77, and the like. . The reader / writer unit 34 is connected to an antenna 33 for transmitting / receiving information to / from the information communication chip 31 by electromagnetic induction.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the unit memory 61 in the information communication chip 31 provided in the battery unit 21. The unit memory 61 in the information communication chip 31 is composed of a nonvolatile memory, and is composed of three areas: a read-only area 61a, a read / write area 61b, and an external read prohibition area 61c.

  In the read-only area 61a, identification information unique to each chip, such as a device serial number, device ID code, and manufacturer code, is fixedly stored. The read / write area 61b stores specification information of the unit provided with this chip. This read / write area 61b is written with identification information such as a unit manufacturer's code and product name at the time of shipment, and can be read on the device side. However, the read / write area 61b is a use area on the system side that prohibits write changes after shipment. The device can be used for writing even after the device is shipped, and the access permission can be divided according to the level, such as the use region of the user device for storing unit update information.

  Further, in the external read prohibition area 61c, information such as a device password and a user password that can be written but is read is stored outside.

  Here, in this embodiment, when the battery unit 21 is mounted on the camera body 11, the battery is removed from the unit memory 61 in the information communication chip 31 by the reader / writer unit 34 provided on the camera body 11 side. The specific information necessary for identifying the product of the unit 21, that is, the unit information including at least the identification information and the specification information is read to determine whether or not the battery unit 21 can be used based on the unit information. It is a feature.

  Note that “determining whether or not the battery unit 21 can be used” includes not only determining directly from the type of the battery but also determining from information such as the manufacturer and model number of the battery.

  In addition, as a modulation method when signals are transmitted and received between the information communication chip 31 and the reader / writer unit 34, for example, ASK modulation (Amplitude Shift Keying) or PSK modulation (Phase Shift Keying) is used. Modulation), or other modulation methods such as FM modulation (frequency modulation frequency modulation) and FSK modulation (Frequency Shift Keying).

  In addition, when a chip similar to the information communication chip 31 is provided for each unit, an anti-collision (congestion prevention) circuit is provided to prevent interference and interference between these chips and the main body side, or at the same time. A modulation method capable of multiplex communication such as frequency hopping method and spread modulation may be used so that communication is possible.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration in the case of non-contact communication by the electromagnetic induction method. However, for example, an electromagnetic coupling method, an electrostatic coupling method, or a wireless radio wave method such as microwave radio or weak radio wave You may comprise so that information communication may be carried out.

(Electromagnetic coupling method)
FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the reader / writer unit 34 and the information communication chip 31 when the electromagnetic coupling method is used. In the electromagnetic coupling method, an antenna coil called a coil head is provided facing the main unit and the unit side, and a current in a radio frequency band of several hundred kHz to several MHz is passed, and the coil "mutual induction" using an alternating magnetic field. Can communicate at close distances of several millimeters to several centimeters. It is less affected by non-conductive bands and human bodies, and is less susceptible to water, oil stains, and dust. Since the magnetic coupling is strong, the noise resistance is high, but it is difficult to use near a motor affected by a magnetic field. Efficiency is high when contactless power is supplied.

  FIG. 8A shows an example in which these are mounted on the camera body 11 and the battery unit 21. In this example, air core coils are used as the antennas 32 and 33, and FIG. 5B shows a case where coils with magnetic cores are used.

(Electrostatic coupling method)
FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the reader / writer unit 34 and the information communication chip 31 when the electrostatic coupling method is used. In the capacitive coupling method, electrodes facing the main body side reader / writer and unit side chip are provided, and a capacitor is formed by a pair of both electrodes by the “electrostatic induction” action, and the alternating current modulated by data However, the transmission distance is as short as 1 to several mm and can only be used in close contact. In addition to the two electrode pairs for transmission and reception, in order to supply electric power in a non-contact manner from the main body side, it is necessary to separately provide electromagnetic induction and electromagnetic coupling type feeding coils. When the transmission distance is short and the capacitor electrode is formed outside, it is vulnerable to mechanical damage, foreign matter, protrusions, water film, etc. Can be used.

(Wireless radio system)
FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the reader / writer unit 34 and the information communication chip 31 when a radio wave system such as UHF wave or microwave is used. For example, with microwaves, it can be transmitted over a distance of 1 to several meters, and it is difficult to be affected by objects other than metal, but it may be blocked or obstructed by the human body. If there is a radio wave with a nearby frequency, it will be disturbed and interfered. 2.45 GHz band radio waves are generally used, but there are differences in the regulations of the Radio Law in each country, such as the use of the UHF band of 800 to 900 MHz band in Europe and the United States.

  Various antennas such as loop coil antennas, dipole type with printed wiring and metal foil, micro split line type, and patch antennas can be used as antennas. Therefore, it is necessary to match the directivity of the antenna and the vibration direction of the radio wave, and it is necessary to devise the antenna configuration and the like, such as using circular polarization instead of linear polarization.

  However, when used in the vicinity as in this example, the antenna on the main body side is easy to share even in a plurality of units, and there are many advantages such as using a plurality of frequencies and using various modulation systems and multiplex communication.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the battery unit 21 in the embodiment.

  The battery unit 21 has three terminals 22a to 22c, which are a positive terminal, a T terminal, and a negative terminal, at the tip. In the battery unit 21, for example, a rechargeable battery 81 such as a lithium ion battery, a protection circuit 82, a thermistor 83, and the like are provided. The protection circuit 82 includes a control IC 84 having a short-circuit prevention function, a charge detection function, an overcharge detection function, an overdischarge detection function, a temperature fuse 85, a charge control switch 86, a discharge control switch 87, and the like. To prevent overcharge and overdischarge.

  Further, the battery unit 21 is provided with the information communication chip 31 and the antenna 32 described above. The information communication chip 31 may be affixed on the battery unit 21 or may be built in. When it is built in, it may be incorporated in the protection circuit 82.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12 to FIG. 15, a processing operation when the battery unit 21 is mounted on the camera body 11 and used will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the battery unit control process of the digital camera 10 in the embodiment, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of the conformity determination process included in the battery unit control process. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the usage history process. Each process shown in these flowcharts is described in the program by the control unit 35 comprising a microcomputer mounted on the camera body 11 side reading the battery unit control program stored in the program memory 39. It is executed according to the procedure described.

  Further, the auxiliary power supply 50 built in the camera body 11 is used as the operation power supply of the control unit 35 here. This is because if the battery unit 21 is inadvertently used without knowing whether or not the battery unit 21 can be used, the device may break down. The auxiliary power supply 50 is normally used for, for example, a clock display, and the power supply voltage is supplied through the power supply control unit 49. A capacitor or the like may be used as an auxiliary power source.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, when the power is turned on or the battery is replaced, the control unit 35 (unit identification / management control unit 38) on the main body side detects whether or not the battery unit 21 is attached (step A11). As a result, when it is detected through the attachment detection unit 53 that the battery unit 21 is attached to a predetermined attachment location of the camera body 11, that is, the battery storage unit 19 shown in FIG. 1B (Yes in step A11). The reader / writer unit 34 is activated to read the unit information stored in the unit memory 61 from the information communication chip 31 attached to or built in the battery unit 21 (step A12). The reader / writer unit 34 may be automatically activated by a detection signal from the attachment detection unit 53.

  The unit information includes identification information and specification information of the battery unit 21. These pieces of information are stored in the read-only area 61a and the read / write area 61b of the unit memory 61 shown in FIG. 6, and are read into the main body by non-contact communication by the electromagnetic induction method described above.

  Here, when the information communication chip 31 is not attached to the battery unit 21 or when the correct unit information is not recorded in the information communication chip 31, the unit information cannot be correctly read from the battery unit 21. (No in Step A13), it can be said that the battery unit 21 has an extremely high risk of being an inappropriate product such as a counterfeit product.

  Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 35 indicates that the battery unit 21 cannot be used. For example, “This battery unit cannot be used. The user is warned (step A14), and the power supply by the battery unit 21 is immediately cut off through the power supply control unit 49 to prohibit the use of the battery unit 21 (step A15).

  The warning method includes, for example, a voice function in addition to displaying a message on the display unit 46 shown in FIG. 2, specifically, a liquid crystal panel (not shown) installed on the back side of the camera body 11. If so, a warning may be given by voice output. The same is true for the following warnings.

  On the other hand, when the unit information is correctly read from the battery unit 21 attached to the camera body 11 (Yes in step A13), a conformity determination process is performed to determine whether the battery unit 21 is compatible with the device (step S13). Step A16).

  FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of the conformity determination process. First, the control unit 35 on the main body side first determines the unit control information memory 51 based on the identification information included in the unit information read from the unit memory 61. And unit control information corresponding to the battery unit 21 is read (step B11).

  As shown in FIG. 3, this unit control information includes product classification information and specifications / standards that indicate whether the device is genuine, compatible, or compatible. It contains control information for each corresponding function.

  Here, the battery unit 21 mounted on the camera body 11 is not a genuine product or a compatible product (No in Step B12 → Step B13), and the specification of the battery unit 21 also corresponds to this device (digital camera 10). If not (No in Step B14), the control unit 35 determines that the battery unit cannot be used for the device, and displays the product name and specifications of the battery unit on the display unit 46 ( Step B15), for example, warns that the battery unit 21 cannot be used for the device, such as “This battery unit cannot be used for the device. Please remove it immediately” (step B16). And the control part 35 interrupts | blocks the power supply by the said battery unit 21 immediately through the power supply control part 49 (step B17).

  In addition, when the battery unit 21 mounted on the camera body 11 is not a genuine product or a compatible product, but the specification of the battery unit 21 corresponds to this device (digital camera 10) (Yes in step B14), The control unit 35 displays the specifications and remaining capacity of the battery unit 21 on the display unit 46 (step B18), and warns that it is compatible with the product specifications but is not a genuine product or a compatible product ( Step B19), a predetermined process for confirming the use of the user is performed (Step B20).

  Specifically, for example, after displaying a message such as “This battery unit is not a specified product, will you use it?”, It waits for an instruction from the user. Then, if there is an instruction from the user not to use such as pressing the “No” button (No in Step B21), the control unit 35 immediately shuts off the power supply by the battery unit 21 through the power control unit 49 ( Step B17).

  In addition, when the battery unit 21 attached to the camera body 11 is a genuine product (Yes in Step B12) or a compatible product (Yes in Step B13), or the specification of the battery unit 21 is in the device. On the other hand, when there is an instruction to use (for example, pressing of “Yes” button) from the user (Yes in Step B21), the following processing is performed.

  That is, the control unit 35 first registers the identification information (code data and manufacturing number) of the battery unit 21 in the unit connection information memory 52 (step B22), and updates the usage history information of the battery unit 21. (Step B23). As shown in FIG. 4, the usage history information includes the mounting date and time of the battery unit 21, the previous removal date, the number of times of mounting, the number of times of charging, and the like. The processing using the usage history information will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the control unit 35 displays the product name, specifications, and the like of the battery unit 21, further checks the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 81 built in the battery unit 21, and uses the remaining capacity together with the usage history information. Display (step B24).

  Next, the control unit 35 calculates the peak current, the total current consumption, the power requirement, etc. of other functional units (for example, the strobe unit 16) currently connected to the camera body 11 (Step B25). It is determined whether or not the battery unit 21 has sufficient specifications for the operation of the connection function unit (step B26).

  If the specification is sufficient (Yes in Step B26), the terminal voltage and the remaining amount of the battery unit 21 are measured (Step B27), and whether the battery characteristics are normal or the remaining battery amount is sufficient. It is determined whether or not there is (step B28). As a result, if the battery characteristics are normal and the remaining battery level is sufficient (Yes in step B28), the control unit 35 permits the use of the battery unit 21 and proceeds to normal processing. At that time, the number of images that can be shot with the current battery level, the recording time, the available time, etc. may be calculated and displayed by mode setting or the like (step B29).

  On the other hand, when there is an abnormality in the battery characteristics of the battery unit 21 (No in Step B30), the control unit 35, for example, “This battery unit cannot be used due to an abnormality. Please remove it immediately.” The user is warned that the battery unit 21 cannot be used for the device (step B31). And the control part 35 interrupts | blocks the power supply by the said battery unit 21 immediately through the power supply control part 49 (step B17), and transfers to an error process.

  Also, there is no problem with the battery characteristics of the battery unit 21, but when the remaining battery level is insufficient (Yes in Step B30), the control unit 35, for example, “the battery level is insufficient”. Then, a warning is given that the currently installed battery unit 21 has insufficient capacity (step B33). At that time, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the battery unit 21 is a rechargeable battery from the specification information included in the unit information (step B34). If charging is not possible (No in step B34), a warning is given that it cannot be used, and the power supply is shut off (steps B31 and B32).

  If there is only a problem of insufficient capacity, the use of the battery unit 21 is permitted without shutting off the power supply, for example, with only a part of the functions in the camera body 11 stopped according to the remaining battery level at that time. And, it is also possible to continue to warn of insufficient capacity until the battery is replaced.

  If the battery unit 21 is a rechargeable battery (Yes in step B34), the following processing is performed.

  That is, first, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the battery unit 21 is charged within a predetermined number of times (step B35). The number of times of charging is counted each time on the camera body 11 side including the number of times of mounting and the like, and is stored in the unit connection information memory 52 in association with the identification information of the battery unit 21.

  If the number of times of charging exceeds the predetermined number of times (No in Step B35), there is a problem in durability and a failure may be caused. Therefore, the control unit 35 warns that the battery unit 21 cannot be used and turns on the power. Shut off (steps B31 and B32). The predetermined number of times is predetermined according to the specifications of the battery unit 21 and the like.

  If the number of times of charging is less than the predetermined number of times (Yes in step B35), the control unit 35 displays that charging is started and performs the charging process. The battery unit 21 is charged by, for example, placing the camera body 11 on a cradle (not shown) with the battery unit 21 mounted on the camera body 11.

  Here, with the charging operation of the battery unit 21, a timer (not shown) starts counting, and the required time, temperature, and voltage during that time are monitored (steps B37 to B40). And when it is abnormal, such as a required time exceeding a predetermined time (No in Step B38), when the battery temperature is not an appropriate temperature (No in Step B39), or when the battery voltage is an abnormal value ( In Step B40 No), the control unit 35 warns about these abnormalities (Step B31), immediately shuts off the power supply by the battery unit 21 through the power supply control unit 49 (Step B17), and proceeds to error processing. To do.

  Further, when the charging of the battery unit 21 is completed (Yes in Step B41), the control unit 35 notifies the completion of charging, and in the usage history information of the battery unit 21 stored in the unit connection information memory 52. The charging date and time and the number of times of charging are updated (step B42), and the routine proceeds to normal processing. At that time, as described above, the number of images that can be shot, the recording time, the available time, etc. may be calculated and displayed with the capacity of the battery unit 21 (step B29).

  Next, processing using the usage history information will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the usage history process, which is added after step B23, for example. That is, when it is determined that the battery unit 21 attached to the camera body 11 of the digital camera 10 is a genuine product, a compatible product, or only compatible with the specifications, the battery unit 21 is used as follows. Shall be processed.

  First, the control unit 35 reads use history information corresponding to the battery unit 21 from the unit connection information memory 52 shown in FIG. 4 (step C11). Then, the number of times of mounting and the number of times of charging of the battery unit 21 included in the usage history information are checked (steps C12 and C13).

  As a result, when the number of times of attachment of the battery unit 21 exceeds a predetermined number determined in advance from the durability accuracy of the product (No in Step C12), the control unit 35 determines the manufacturer name and product of the battery unit 21. Displaying the number of times of mounting together with the number, date of manufacture, specifications, standards, etc. prompts the user that the replacement time has come (step C14). Further, at that time, for example, “Please replace with a new one”, a warning is given that the battery unit 21 cannot be used due to deterioration (step C15), and the power supply may be shut off (step S15). C16).

  Similarly, when the number of times of charging the battery unit 21 exceeds a predetermined number determined in advance from the durability accuracy of the product (No in Step C13), the control unit 35 determines the manufacturer name, product number, By displaying the number of times of charging together with the date of manufacture, specifications, standards, etc., the user is urged that the replacement time has come (step C14). Further, at that time, for example, “Please replace with a new one”, a warning is given that the battery unit 21 cannot be used due to deterioration (step C15), and the power supply may be shut off (step S15). C16).

  Here, the use history information is managed on the camera body 11 side. However, for example, the use history information is provided in the information communication chip 31 provided in the battery unit 21 and the use history information is provided on the camera body 11 side. While updating the information and checking the number of times of mounting and the number of times of charging and exceeding the predetermined number of times, it may be controlled to automatically shut off the power after giving a warning of the replacement time.

  As described above, when the battery unit 21 is attached to the camera body 11, unit information including identification information and specification information of the battery unit 21 is contactlessly transmitted from the information communication chip 31 provided in the battery unit 21. Since the battery unit 21 is read from the camera body 11 side, and the use / unusability of the battery unit 21 is determined from the unit information. Inadvertent use of battery units that are not compatible with this device can prevent this device from being damaged.

  Further, reading of unit information in the information communication chip 31 is performed in a non-contact manner with the battery unit 21 mounted on the camera body 11, so that structural improvement is required for the battery housing portion 19 on the camera body 11 side. Instead, the information communication chip 31 can be realized at low cost simply by providing it in the battery unit 21.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 1B, the antenna 33 installed on the camera body 11 side can be communicated even when the direction of the information communication chip 31 or the antenna 32 on the battery unit 21 side is slightly different, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to arrange in a loop shape, a ring shape, or a frame shape along the inside of the portion 19.

  Alternatively, an electromagnetic induction with little fluctuation due to the direction, a circularly polarized antenna that rotates the vibration direction of the radio wave, or the like may be used.

  Further, in order not to interfere with or affect other parts, the antenna 33 installed on the camera body 11 side is preferably closer to the mounting location of the battery unit 21, that is, the battery storage unit 19. A portion other than the antenna 32 outside the battery unit 21 or a portion other than the antenna 33 in the battery housing portion 19 may be covered with an electromagnetic shielding object such as a metal plate.

  Further, even if the battery unit 21 is not contacted, the information communication chip 31 provided in the battery unit 21 or the unit information can be read when the battery unit 21 is mounted in a predetermined mounting location, that is, in the battery storage unit 19. If it is good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the digital camera has been described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to any electronic device using a replaceable battery unit such as a mobile phone, a notebook computer, and a PDA.

  FIG. 16 shows an example when the present invention is applied to a mobile phone. 91 in the figure shows the cellular phone device. In this example, the two casings 92 and 93 are foldable so as to be integrally rotatable within a certain angle range via a hinge mechanism 94. FIG. 16 (a) shows the front configuration when the housings 92 and 93 are opened, and FIG. 16 (b) shows the back configuration when the housings 92 and 93 are folded. Yes.

  A display unit 95 made of, for example, an LCD is provided on the front side of the housing 92, and an antenna 95 for mobile radio communication is attached to the back side of the case 92 so as to be extendable. On the other hand, an operation unit 96 including various operation buttons such as a power button, an outgoing / incoming button, a function selection button, and a dial button is provided on the front side of the housing 93. In addition, a battery housing portion 97 is provided on the rear surface side of the casing 93, and a battery unit (battery pack) 98 dedicated to the device having a built-in rechargeable battery is detachably attached thereto. Yes. In FIG. 16B, the cover that covers the battery housing portion 97 is omitted.

  Reference numeral 99 in the figure denotes a cradle dedicated to the device, and the rechargeable battery in the battery unit 98 attached to the battery storage unit 97 can be charged with the mobile phone device 91 placed. .

  Here, the battery unit 98 is provided with the information communication chip 101 and the antenna 102, and the battery housing portion 97 on the device side to which the battery unit 98 is attached has an antenna 103 for communicating with the antenna 102, A reader / writer unit 104 for reading / writing information from / to the information communication chip 101 is provided. In the information communication chip 101, unit information such as identification information and specification information regarding the battery unit 98 used in the cellular phone device 91 is stored in advance.

  Similarly to the above-described embodiment, when the battery unit 98 is mounted in the battery storage unit 97 on the device side, unit information is read from the information communication chip 101 provided in the battery unit 98 to the device side in a non-contact manner. It is determined whether the battery unit 98 is a genuine product or a compatible product, or is compatible only with the specification, and the power supply is controlled so that the battery unit that is not compatible with this device can be checked. It is possible to avoid the cause of failure by the ready use.

  In addition, when the present invention is applied to the battery unit 98 used in such a cellular phone device 91, the battery unit 98 and the antenna portion other than the antenna portion of the battery storage unit 97 are not affected so as not to affect the radio wave of the cellular phone. Is preferably covered with an electromagnetic shield such as a metal plate.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope in the implementation stage.

  Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  In addition, the method described in the above-described embodiment can be applied to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), a semiconductor memory, etc. as a program that can be executed by a computer. The program can be written and applied to various apparatuses, or the program itself can be transmitted through a transmission medium such as a network and applied to various apparatuses. A computer that implements this apparatus reads a program recorded on a recording medium or a program provided via a transmission medium, and performs the above-described processing by controlling operations by this program.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration when a single-lens reflex digital camera is taken as an example of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a front portion thereof; FIG. ) Is a diagram partially showing the configuration of the battery storage portion at the bottom. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the digital camera in the embodiment, and is a figure which shows the example at the time of unitizing each replaceable component. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a unit control information memory 51 provided in the camera body of the digital camera in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a unit connection information memory provided in the camera body of the digital camera in the embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the information communication chip | tip provided in the battery unit in the same embodiment, and the reader / writer part provided in a camera main body, and is a figure which shows the example at the time of using an electromagnetic induction system for information communication between both. The figure which shows an example of the unit memory in the information communication chip | tip provided in the battery unit in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the reader-writer part at the time of using an electromagnetic coupling system, and an information communication chip. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing a mounting example of a reader / writer unit and an information communication chip in the electromagnetic coupling method, in which FIG. 8A shows an air core coil and FIG. 8B shows a magnetic core containing coil. The figure which shows the structural example of the reader / writer part 3 at the time of using an electrostatic coupling system, and an information communication chip. The figure which shows the structural example of the reader / writer part at the time of using a radio wave system, and an information communication chip. The block diagram which shows an example of the internal structure of the battery unit in the embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of battery unit control processing of the digital camera in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the conformity judgment process contained in the said battery unit control process. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the conformity judgment process contained in the said battery unit control process. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of digital camera usage history processing in the embodiment. FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the present invention is applied to a mobile phone, in which FIG. 16A illustrates a front configuration with two housings opened, and FIG. 16B illustrates two housings. The figure which shows the structure of the back surface in the state which folded up.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Camera body, 12 ... Lens mounting part, 13 ... Shooting lens unit, 14 ... Mode dial switch, 15 ... Strobe mounting part, 16 ... Strobe unit, 17 ... Grip, 18 ... Shutter button, 19 ... Battery storage unit 20 ... Battery replacement lid 21 ... Battery unit 22 ... Terminal 31 ... Information communication chip 32 ... Antenna 33 ... Antenna 34 ... Reader / writer unit 35 ... Control unit 36 ... Camera control unit 37 ... Input / output interface unit, 38 ... Unit identification / management control unit, 39 ... Program memory, 41 ... Sensor unit, 42 ... Imaging unit, 43 ... Lens / shooting control unit, 44 ... Memory card unit, 45 ... Image processing Unit 46... Display unit 47. Interface unit 48. Operation input section 49 Power control unit 50 ... Auxiliary power source 51 ... Unit control information memory 52 ... Unit connection information memory 53 ... Mounting detection unit 61 ... Unit memory 61a ... Read only area 61b ... Read / write area 61c External Read prohibition area, 91 ... mobile phone device, 92, 93 ... housing, 94 ... hinge mechanism, 95 ... display part, 95 ... antenna, 96 ... operation part, 97 ... battery storage part, 98 ... battery unit, 101 ... information Communication chip, 102 ... antenna, 103 ... antenna, 104 ... reader / writer unit.

Claims (19)

A replaceable battery unit,
An information communication chip provided in the battery unit and storing specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit;
Information reading means for reading the specific information from the information communication chip in a state where the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location;
Control means for determining whether or not the battery unit can be used based on the specific information read by the information reading means, and for controlling the use of the battery unit according to the determination result. Electronics.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits the use of the battery unit when the specific information cannot be read by the information reading unit.   3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising warning means for warning that the use of the battery unit is prohibited.   2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery unit is provided with the information communication chip and an antenna for transmitting information of the information communication chip on the same plane. A replaceable battery unit,
An information communication chip provided in the battery unit and storing specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit;
Information reading means for reading the specific information from the information communication chip in a state where the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location;
Based on the specific information read by the information reading means, it is determined whether the battery unit is a genuine product or a compatible product with respect to the device. If the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product, the battery unit is used. An electronic apparatus comprising: a prohibiting control means.   When the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product for the device, the control means further determines whether or not the specification is compatible with the device. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein use of the battery unit is prohibited, and if the specification is compatible with the device, use of the battery unit is permitted after performing a predetermined confirmation process.   7. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising warning means for warning that the use of the battery unit is prohibited.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information reading unit reads the specific information from the information communication chip by non-contact communication. A number-of-mounts management means for managing the number of times the battery unit is mounted;
The said control means judges the replacement | exchange time of the said battery unit based on the frequency | count of attachment of the said battery unit by the said frequency | count management means, and controls use of the said battery unit according to the judgment result. Item 6. The electronic device according to Item 1 or 5. A charge number managing means for managing the number of charge times of the battery unit;
The said control means judges the replacement time of the said battery unit based on the charge frequency of the said battery unit by the said charge frequency management means, and controls use of the said battery unit according to the judgment result. Item 6. The electronic device according to Item 1 or 5. Auxiliary power supply means for supplying auxiliary power is provided,
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply means until the use of the battery unit is determined. A replaceable battery unit,
An information communication chip provided in the battery unit and storing specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit;
Auxiliary power supply means for supplying auxiliary power;
An electronic apparatus comprising: control means for receiving a power supplied from the auxiliary power supply means and executing a predetermined process for recognizing the battery unit mounted at a predetermined mounting location. A replaceable battery unit attached to an electronic device,
Specific information necessary for identifying a product is stored, and information that transmits the specific information by receiving electric power from the electronic device in a state where the electronic device is mounted at a predetermined mounting location of the electronic device. A battery unit comprising a communication chip. A battery unit usage control method used in an electronic device to which a replaceable battery unit is mounted,
In a state where the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location, reading specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit from the information communication chip provided in the information communication chip;
Determining whether or not the battery unit can be used based on the read specific information;
And controlling the use of the battery unit according to the determination result. A battery unit usage control method used in an electronic device to which a replaceable battery unit is mounted,
In a state where the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location, reading specific information necessary for identifying the product of the battery unit from the information communication chip provided in the information communication chip;
Determining whether the battery unit is genuine or compatible with the device based on the read specific information;
A battery unit usage control method comprising: a step of prohibiting the use of the battery unit when it is not a genuine product or a compatible product. When the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product for the device, further determining whether the specification is compatible with the device;
A step of prohibiting the use of the battery unit when the specification is not compatible with the device, and a step of permitting the use of the battery unit after performing a predetermined confirmation process if the specification is compatible with the device. 16. The battery unit use control method according to claim 15, further comprising: A battery unit use control program executed by a computer mounted on an electronic device using a replaceable battery unit,
In the computer,
A function of reading specific information necessary to identify the product of the battery unit from the information communication chip provided in the information communication chip in a state where the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location;
A function for determining whether or not the battery unit can be used based on the read specific information;
A program for realizing the function of controlling the use of the battery unit according to the determination result. A battery unit use control program executed by a computer mounted on an electronic device using a replaceable battery unit,
In the computer,
A function of reading specific information necessary for identifying a product of the battery unit from an information communication chip provided in the battery unit in a state where the battery unit is mounted at a predetermined mounting location;
A function for determining whether the battery unit is genuine or compatible with the device based on the read specific information;
A program that realizes a function that prohibits the use of the battery unit when it is not a genuine product or a compatible product. In the computer,
When the battery unit is not a genuine product or a compatible product for the device, a function for determining whether or not the specification is compatible with the device;
A function that prohibits the use of the battery unit when the specification is not compatible with the device, and permits the use of the battery unit after performing a predetermined confirmation process if the specification is compatible with the device. The program according to claim 18, wherein the program is implemented.

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