JP2006073485A - Battery check device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery check device capable of exactly judging each residue of a plurality of batteries of different kinds. <P>SOLUTION: The battery check device is provided with a load imparting means imparting a battery as an object for residue check with a load; a voltage detecting means for detecting a battery voltage at a normal load state in which a load is added on the battery by the load imparting means, and a battery voltage at a non-load state without a load added; an automatic distinction means distinguishing kinds of batteries depending on the difference of battery voltage at loaded state and non-loaded state detected by the voltage detecting means; a level-setting means for setting different battery check levels in accordance with the kinds of batteries distinguished by the automatic distinction means; and a residue judging means for judging residues of batteries by comparison of the battery check levels set by the level-setting means and the battery voltages at the normal load state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery check device mounted on a camera or other portable device and capable of determining the remaining amount of different types of batteries.

  For example, a portable device that uses a battery as a driving power source (battery) such as a camera is generally provided with a battery check device in order to prevent malfunction due to a decrease in battery voltage. The battery check device detects the battery voltage when a specific operation is performed or periodically (or always), and determines that the battery voltage is lower than a predetermined battery check level. It warns that there is no battery and prompts the user to replace the battery, or prohibits the use of a battery with insufficient remaining capacity by stopping the operation of the device.

Examples of the battery include various types such as alkaline dry batteries, AA lithium batteries, nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries (hereinafter referred to as “Ni-MH batteries”), lithium manganese dioxide batteries (hereinafter referred to as “CR-V3 batteries”). A battery is used. For this reason, in recent years, various types of battery check devices have been developed that can perform battery checks on different types of batteries. For example, the battery check device described in Patent Document 1 includes a changeover switch for manually setting the type of battery, and performs an optimum battery check according to the type of battery set by the changeover switch.
JP 2000-81469 A

  However, even if the changeover switch is provided, if the user forgets or mistakes the operation of the changeover switch, the battery type is not set correctly, so that an appropriate battery check cannot be performed. In this case, it is judged that there is no remaining battery power even though it is a new battery, and on the contrary, it is warned, or conversely, it is judged that there is remaining battery power (although it is not warned), the remaining battery power There was a risk of malfunction due to lack.

  Further, in the battery check device for various types that does not include the changeover switch, the battery check level for determining the presence or absence of the remaining battery level is set to be constant regardless of the type of battery. Therefore, depending on the type of battery used as the power source, it is often determined that there is no remaining battery charge despite the remaining battery charge, and a warning is often issued. In particular, Ni-MH batteries have a rated voltage of about 1.2V and are lower than alkaline batteries, AA lithium batteries, CR-V3 batteries, etc. It may be judged that there is nothing. Frequent warnings are not preferable because they give the user an impression that the battery life is short. Moreover, since the user replaced the battery when receiving a warning, the energy in the battery could not be used up sufficiently. In addition, when alkaline batteries are used, the time required for the battery voltage to fall to the end voltage after the battery voltage falls below the battery check level due to the characteristics of the alkaline battery, where the battery voltage gradually decreases as the usage time elapses. For this reason, there is a case where a warning that the battery is low is left for a long time, or on the contrary, even if the warning is not issued, the battery may be insufficient to cause a malfunction.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery check device that can accurately determine the remaining amount of battery for different types of batteries.

  The present inventors conducted voltage characteristic tests for each of alkaline dry batteries, AA lithium batteries, manganese dioxide lithium batteries, and nickel metal hydride secondary batteries that are mainly used as batteries. It has been found that the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state falls below a certain value regardless of the battery usage status and remaining battery level. The present invention has been made paying attention to the voltage characteristic test results, and based on the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state, the type of battery (particularly a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery having a low rated voltage and other Distinction from the battery).

  That is, according to the present invention, a load applying unit that applies a load to a battery that is a target of the remaining amount check, a battery voltage in a normal load state in which a load is applied to the battery by the load applying unit, and the load are applied. Voltage detection means for detecting the battery voltage in the no-load state, and automatic classification means for determining the battery type based on the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state detected by the voltage detection means Level setting means for setting different battery check levels according to the type of battery determined by the automatic classification means, the battery check level set by the level setting means, and the battery voltage in the normal load state To determine the remaining battery level It is characterized in that.

  The automatic classification means preferably determines whether or not the battery is a nickel hydride secondary battery based on the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state. Batteries used as batteries include alkaline dry batteries, AA lithium batteries, manganese dioxide lithium batteries, nickel metal hydride secondary batteries, etc. Among them, nickel metal hydride secondary batteries have a rated voltage that is different from other batteries. If the remaining battery level is determined at a battery check level that is smaller than that of the other batteries, the battery NG is likely to be determined despite the remaining battery level. Therefore, it is preferable to distinguish between a nickel metal hydride secondary battery and a general battery having a higher rated voltage than the nickel metal hydride secondary battery, and to perform a battery check at the battery check level set for each.

  More specifically, the automatic classification means determines that the battery is a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery when the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is less than the first specified value. In some cases, it is preferable to discriminate the battery from a general battery having a higher rated voltage than the nickel-hydrogen secondary battery. General batteries having a higher rated voltage than the nickel-hydrogen secondary battery include alkaline dry batteries, AA lithium batteries, and manganese dioxide lithium batteries. The level setting means preferably sets a battery check level corresponding to the type of battery, and sets the battery check level for nickel-hydrogen secondary battery determination lower than the battery check level for general battery determination.

  A plurality of battery check levels can be set in stages. For example, in order from the low voltage side, at least a lock level at which it can be determined that the battery life has been reached and an empty level at which it is determined that there is no remaining battery power and there is no remaining battery power are set. When it is determined that the remaining amount is less than the lock level, it is preferable to regulate the output of the battery in order to avoid malfunction of the device.

  When it is determined that the battery is a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery by the automatic classification means, if the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is equal to or greater than a second specified value that is smaller than the first specified value, the remaining amount is determined. It is preferable to regulate the output of the battery from the time point when it is determined by the means that the level is less than the empty level. Here, the second specified value is a threshold value for determining whether or not the nickel metal hydride secondary battery is a consumable battery. If the battery voltage difference between the no-load condition and the normal load condition is greater than or equal to the second specified value, there is a high possibility that the battery is a depleted nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, so the battery output is at the empty level before the lock level. By restricting the above, excessive use of consumable batteries or malfunction of equipment can be avoided.

  When the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state exceeds a third specified value that is larger than the first specified value, a heavy load that is heavier than the normal load state is applied to the battery via the load applying means. When the battery voltage difference between the heavy load state and the normal load state is equal to or greater than a fourth specified value that is smaller than the first specified value, the output of the battery is preferably regulated. Here, the third specified value is a threshold value for determining whether or not it is necessary to detect the battery voltage difference between the heavy load state and the normal load state. When the battery is an alkaline battery, the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state tends to be larger when the degree of wear is less.Therefore, based on the battery voltage difference between the heavy load state and the normal load state, It is necessary to determine again whether or not there is. The battery voltage difference between the heavy load state and the normal load state is estimated to exceed the fourth specified value for consumable batteries, and to be less than the fourth specified value for alkaline dry batteries with a remaining battery level. In the case of a consumable battery, the output of the battery is regulated, so that excessive use of the consumable battery and malfunction of the device can be avoided.

  The level setting means sets the early warning shift amount according to the type of battery and the usage situation, and sets the final battery check level by increasing the battery check level corresponding to the battery type by the early warning shift amount. Is preferred. According to this aspect, the battery check level can be set more flexibly in accordance with the battery usage status.

  In the battery check device, manual setting means for manually setting the type information of the battery subject to the remaining amount check, and the battery type set by the manual setting means and the battery type determined by the automatic classification means are different. And a warning means for issuing a warning in the case. By this warning, the user is notified that the manual setting of the battery type is incorrect, and the erroneous setting of the battery type can be prevented in advance. In the aspect provided with the manual setting means, it is preferable to execute automatic discrimination of the battery type by the automatic classification means every time the battery is loaded.

  The level setting means sets the battery check level according to the determination result of the automatic classification means when the battery type set by the manual setting means and the battery type determined by the automatic classification means are different from each other. If the two types match, it is preferable to set the battery check level according to the setting of the manual setting means. According to this aspect, even when the manual setting of the battery type is wrong, an appropriate battery check operation can be performed at the battery check level corresponding to the original correct battery type, and an accurate remaining amount determination result can be obtained. .

  The manual setting means can use a mechanical switch that can change the type of battery by a mechanical switching operation. In the case of using a mechanical switch, it is preferable to issue a warning when the type of battery is changed via the switch member during power supply from the battery. According to this aspect, it is possible to give a warning to the user to prohibit the change of the battery type during the power supply from the battery.

  As the manual setting means, a menu selection means that can freely change the battery type by designating any of the battery type items displayed on the monitor may be used. The menu selection means preferably prohibits selection of a battery type item different from the type of the battery being used during power supply from the battery.

  The above-described battery check device can be mounted on a digital camera, and starts a battery check operation when the camera is turned on or when a photometric switch for operating the photometric device of the camera is turned on. That is practical. And when it determines with the battery OK by the remaining amount determination means, it is preferable to start the power supply from a battery.

  According to the present invention, the battery type is automatically determined based on the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state, and the remaining battery level is determined at the battery check level according to the battery type. The remaining battery level can be accurately determined for different types of batteries.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of a digital camera equipped with a battery check device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The CPU 11 and the DPU 12 are connected to each other via a bus line, and are control means that collectively control the entire camera system including a battery check operation.

  The DPU 12 includes a battery 20, a power supply circuit 21, an external flash 22, an aperture control circuit 23, a TTL dimming element 24, an electronic buzzer 25, a ranging point superimpose 26, a mode dial 27, a DPU switch group 28, a photographing A lens CPU 31, an AFIC 32, and a built-in flash 33 mounted on the lens are connected to each other. The DPU 12 performs mutual communication with the CPU 11, operates by receiving a control command from the CPU 11, and transmits operation information and setting information related to peripheral circuits and elements connected to the DPU 12 to the CPU 11.

  The battery 20 is a driving power source for the entire digital camera, and is connected to the DPU 12 and the power circuit 21 respectively. For the battery 20, the user can arbitrarily select one type from a plurality of types such as an alkaline dry battery, an AA lithium battery, a CR-V3 battery, and a Ni-MH battery.

  The power supply circuit 21 constantly supplies power from the battery 20 to the CPU 11 and the DPU 12, and further supplies power to the built-in flash 33, the mirror motor driver 35, the AF motor driver 38, and the DSP 13 based on the power control command from the DPU 12. To control. For example, a camera operation (peripheral circuit operation) with large power consumption such as a charging operation of the built-in flash 33, a driving operation of the mirror motor 36, a driving operation of the AF motor 39, and an image processing operation of the DSP 13 is performed on the battery 20. It becomes a load. The DPU 12 can apply a load to the battery 20 by outputting to the power supply circuit 21 a power supply control command for starting power supply to each of the built-in flash 33, the mirror motor driver 35, the AF motor driver 38, and the DSP 13. it can. In this embodiment, regardless of whether the DSP 13 is on or off, the state in which the AF motor 39 is driven and the battery is checked is referred to as a “normal load state”, and the state in which the built-in flash 33 is charged and the battery is checked. This state is referred to as “heavy load state”, and a state in which the battery check is performed without driving the AF motor and charging operation is referred to as “no load state”.

  The DPU 12 includes a voltage monitor terminal 12a that is connected to the battery 20 and constantly monitors the terminal voltage (battery voltage) of the battery 20. The DPU 12 determines the battery voltage in the no-load state and the battery voltage in the normal load state or the heavy load state. Detect each. The battery voltage input from the voltage monitor terminal 12a is output from the analog output terminal 12b of the DPU 12 to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 has a built-in A / D conversion circuit 11c for A / D converting and inputting the battery voltage output from the analog output terminal 12b of the DPU 12, and the remaining amount of the battery 20 is determined based on the A / D conversion value. Determine the situation.

  The external flash 22 is attached to the camera body of the digital camera, communicates with the DPU 12, and emits the flash under the control of the DPU 12. The aperture control circuit 23 starts a narrowing operation of a narrowing mechanism (not shown) for narrowing the aperture of the photographing lens based on a control signal from the DPU 12, and outputs an EE pulse to the DPU 12 in conjunction with this narrowing operation. The DPU 12 detects and counts EE pulses, and outputs a control signal when the count value reaches the number of EE pulses obtained by exposure calculation. Based on this control signal, the aperture control circuit 23 stops the aperture operation of the aperture mechanism, and keeps the aperture value of the taking lens at an appropriate aperture value Av. The TTL light control element 24 directly receives the flash reflected light from the subject and outputs the received light signal to the DPU 12. The electronic buzzer 25 rings based on a control signal from the DPU 12 and emits a warning sound to the user. The ranging point superimpose 26 includes an LED, and displays a plurality of ranging points by turning on the LED based on a control signal from the DPU 12. The mode dial 27 is an operation member for setting various modes necessary for photographing such as exposure mode information, ISO information, recording size information, and WB information. Various information set by the mode dial 27 is output to the DPU 12. The DPU switch group 28 includes a plurality of switches such as an AF button switch, a photometric mode lever switch, and a drive mode switch, and switch information of each switch is output to the CPU 11 via the DPU 12.

  The lens CPU 31 is mounted on a photographing lens (not shown), is supplied with power via the DPU 12, and communicates with the DPU 12 and the CPU 11 via electrical contact groups provided on the mounting surface of the photographing lens. Do. The lens CPU 31 stores lens information unique to the photographing lens such as focal length information, full aperture value, and minimum aperture value information, and the lens information is read into the DPU 12 and the CPU 11 by communication. The AFIC 32 detects the focus state of the subject included in each distance measurement area or the selected specific distance measurement area based on the control signals of the CPU 11 and the DPU 12, and converts the received subject light flux into an electrical video signal. Output to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 performs a distance measurement calculation based on the video signal input from the AFIC 32. The built-in flash 33 is subjected to charge control and light emission control by the DPU 12, and outputs a charge completion signal to the DPU 12 when the flash voltage reaches a predetermined charge completion level during charging.

  The CPU 11 includes a ROM 11a in which a program related to the functions of the digital camera is written and a RAM 11b that temporarily stores various parameters, lens information, and the like. In addition to the lens CPU 31 and the AFIC 32, the CPU 11 includes a 16-segment photometry IC 34, a mirror motor driver 35, a mirror switch 37, an AF motor driver 38, an AF control photo interrupter 40, a remote control light receiving IC 41, an EEPROM 42, a shutter front curtain magnet 43, The shutter rear curtain magnet 44, the external display 45, the in-finder display 46, the remote control / self LED 47, the Av dial 48, the Tv dial 49, the CPU side switch group 50, the shutter button 51, and the DSP 13 are respectively connected.

  The 16-divided photometry IC 34 can divide the photographing range into 16 photometric areas and can perform photometry for each photometric area. For each photometric area selected by the sensor selection signal from the CPU 11, the photometric area 34 corresponds to the received light amount of the photometric area. The electrical signal is output to the CPU 11 as subject luminance information Bv. The CPU 11 performs an exposure calculation using the subject luminance information Bv, the ISO sensitivity information Sv, and the like, and obtains an appropriate exposure value Ev, an appropriate shutter speed Tv, and an aperture value Av. Further, the CPU 11 calculates the number of EE pulses output by the aperture control circuit 23 in conjunction with the aperture operation of an aperture mechanism (not shown) from the obtained aperture value Av.

  The mirror motor driver 35 drives and controls the mirror motor 36 based on a mirror drive signal from the CPU 11 to raise or lower a mirror (not shown). The CPU 11 detects whether the mirror is in the up position or the down position through the switch state (mirror position signal) of the mirror switch 37. The mirror switch 37 includes a mirror up switch that is turned on when the mirror is in the up position and a mirror down switch that is turned on when the mirror is in the down position. The AF motor driver 38 drives and controls the AF motor 39 based on the AF drive signal from the CPU 11, and moves the focus adjustment lens system of the photographing lens to the in-focus position by the AF motor 39. The AF control photo interrupter 40 outputs an AF pulse to the CPU 11 in conjunction with the rotation of the AF motor 39, and the CPU 11 sets the AF pulse number output from the AF control photo interrupter 40 to the AF pulse number set in the distance measurement calculation. When it reaches, the driving of the AF motor 39 is stopped via the AF motor driver 38. The remote control light receiving IC 41 receives a release command from the remote control device attached to the digital camera, and outputs it to the CPU 11 when receiving the release command from the remote control device during the standby time.

  The EEPROM 42 is a memory means for storing various data relating to photographing, and the stored data is read out by the CPU 11 in a timely manner. The shutter front curtain magnet 43 and the shutter rear curtain magnet 44 are energized by the CPU 11 during the release process, and the shutter front curtain and the shutter rear curtain are respectively locked by electromagnetic force. When the energization is cut off, the shutter front curtain and the rear shutter magnet 44 are energized. Shutter travel is controlled by releasing the magnetic lock of the curtain and running. The external display unit 45 and the in-finder display unit 46 display various types of information related to photographing. The display LCD displays information based on a display signal from the CPU 11 and lights up based on a lighting signal from the CPU 11. And an illumination LED for illuminating the display LCD from the back side. The remote controller / self LED 47 is turned on by the CPU 11 when a release command is received from the remote controller or when a predetermined self timer time is counted in the self timer mode, and notifies the user of the release timing. The Av dial 48 is an operation member for setting information regarding the aperture value and aperture of the photographing lens, and the Tv dial 49 is an operation member for setting information regarding the shutter speed and the shutter speed. Various set information is output to the CPU 11. . The digital camera of this embodiment has a valve function, and the valve function can be set by the Tv dial 49. The CPU side switch group 50 includes various switches such as a main switch SWM for turning on the main power source of the digital camera and a CF lid switch for detecting the open / closed state of the lid of the CF card. The shutter button 51 is a two-stage switch button. When the shutter button 51 is half-pressed, the photometry switch SWS is turned on. When the shutter button 51 is fully pressed, the release switch SWR is turned on.

  A DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 13 is controlled by the DPU 12 and the power supply circuit 21 and communicates with the CPU 11 while receiving power supply, and performs image processing based on control signals and various information from the CPU 11. To do. Connected to the DSP 13 are a flash memory 61, a CCD 62, an image monitor 63, and an image storage means 64, respectively. In the flash memory 61, a control program (firmware) of the DSP 13 is written. The CCD 62 is disposed behind the objective lens system of the photographing lens, converts the subject image formed by the objective lens system into an electronic image, and outputs the image signal to the DSP 13 based on a control signal from the DSP 13. The DSP 13 inputs an image signal from the CCD 62 and performs various image processing, displays the image data after the image processing on the image monitor 63 and stores it in the image storage means 64. The DSP 13 reads the image data stored in the image storage unit 64 and displays it on the image monitor 63. The image monitor 63 includes an image LCD that displays image data and an illumination LED that is an LCD backlight, and is provided, for example, on the back of the digital camera. The image storage means 64 is detachable from the digital camera. A flash memory, a small hard disk drive, or the like can be used for the image storage unit 64, and the DSP 13 acquires identification information for identifying the type of the image storage unit 64 from the image storage unit 64.

  In the digital camera having the above schematic configuration, as described above, one type of battery arbitrarily selected by the user from the alkaline dry battery, AA lithium battery, CR-V3 battery, and Ni-MH battery is used as the battery 20. Can be used as This battery check device is constituted by a CPU 11, a DPU 12 and a power supply circuit 21, and automatically determines the type of the battery 20 and determines the remaining battery level at a battery check level corresponding to the type of the battery 20.

Table 1 shows voltage characteristic information of alkaline dry batteries, AA lithium batteries, CR-V3 batteries, and Ni-MH batteries that can be used as the battery 20. Specifically, for each of alkaline dry batteries, AA lithium batteries, CR-V3 batteries, and Ni-MH batteries, the battery voltage in the no-load state and the battery voltage in the normal load state are measured. It is the result of having calculated the battery voltage difference of a normal load state. At this time, the battery voltage is measured in each of the on state, the off state, and the valve operation state of the DSP 13 in consideration of the fluctuation of the battery voltage due to the operation state of the digital camera. If the battery voltage difference between the no-load condition and the normal load condition is larger than the specified value (20 in Table 1), measure the battery voltage in the heavy load condition with a heavier load than the normal load. The results of calculating the battery voltage difference between the normal load state and the heavy load state are also shown. As described above, the no-load state is a state where the AF motor driving and charging operation is not executed, the normal load state is the driving state of the AF motor 39, and the heavy load state is the charging operation state of the built-in flash 33. In order to consider the difference in battery voltage depending on the degree of battery consumption, a plurality of batteries (No. 1 to No. 34) having different degrees of consumption are prepared and measured.
The numerical values in Table 1 are digital values obtained by converting the battery voltage measured with four AA batteries connected in series by the CPU 11 to 8 bits by A / D conversion, and this digital value 1 corresponds to 32.25 mV. ing.

  With reference to Table 1, voltage characteristics of the alkaline dry battery, AA lithium battery, CR-V3 battery, and Ni-MH battery will be described. First, the characteristics common to all types of batteries are that there is a difference in battery voltage between the no-load state and the normal load state, and when the DSP 13 switches from the off state to the on state, both in the no-load state and the normal load state. It can be seen that the battery voltage drops and the battery voltage drops more in the valve operating state than in the no-load state and the normal load state.

  Next, voltage characteristics of each type of battery will be described.

(i) Ni-MH battery (No.1 to No.6)
The rated voltage of the Ni-MH battery is 1.2V, and the end voltage is about 1.0V. In this Ni-MH battery, the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state (voltage drop due to normal load application) is 10 or less regardless of the degree of consumption of each battery and the on / off state of the DSP 13.

(ii) Alkaline batteries (No. 7 to No. 16)
The rated voltage of the alkaline battery is 1.5V, and the end voltage is about 0.9V. In this alkaline battery, if the degree of wear is small, the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is around 20, and the battery voltage difference may exceed 20 even in a new state. Thus, even if it is a new state, when the said battery voltage difference exceeds 20, the battery voltage difference of a normal load state and a heavy load state is about 6-7. When the battery is highly consumed and the battery voltage difference exceeds 20, the battery voltage difference between the normal load state and the heavy load state increases to about 7 to 10. On the other hand, when the degree of wear increases, the battery voltage difference decreases, and the value may be 10 or less (No. 14, No. 15, No. 16).

(iii) AA lithium batteries (No.17 to No.24)
The rated voltage of the AA lithium battery is 1.5V, and the end voltage is about 1.2V. In the AA lithium battery group, the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is around 20, and it can be seen that the battery voltage difference tends to be smaller in the case of a battery with a high degree of wear. If the battery voltage difference exceeds 20 even in a new state, the battery voltage difference between the normal load state and the heavy load state is 6-7.

(iv) CR-V3 battery (No.25 to No.34)
The rated voltage of the CR-V3 battery is 3.0V, and the end voltage is about 2.4V. In this CR-V3 battery, the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is around 13. In addition, the battery voltage difference of a battery with a high consumption level is smaller, and when the DSP 13 is in an off state, the battery voltage difference of a battery with a high consumption level may be 10 or less (No. 30, No. 31, No. 31). .33).

  Comparing the above characteristic results, in the case of a Ni-MH battery, the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state may be 10 or less regardless of the consumption state of each battery and the on / off state of the DSP 13. it is obvious. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is 11 (= analog value 355 mV; first specified value) or less, the CPU 11 automatically determines the Ni-MH battery, If the battery voltage difference exceeds 11, it is determined that the battery is other than a Ni-MH battery, that is, an alkaline battery, AA lithium battery, or CR-V3 battery. These alkaline dry batteries, AA lithium batteries, and CR-V3 batteries will be collectively referred to as “general batteries” having a higher rated voltage than Ni-MH batteries. When determining that the battery 20 is a general battery, the CPU 11 sets a general battery determination battery check level (battery check level for a rated 1.5V battery), and when determining that the battery is a Ni-MH battery, the CPU 11 sets the general battery. A battery check level for Ni-MH battery determination (battery check level for a rated 1.2V battery) lower than the battery check level for determination is set, and each battery check is performed.

  Further, according to the above characteristic results, when comparing the difference between the DSP on / off at the time of no load and the difference between the DSP on / off at the normal load, the consumed Ni-MH battery tends to have a larger difference between the two. (No.4, No.5) Therefore, in the present embodiment, the CPU 11 has a battery voltage difference of 9 (= analog value 290 mV; second specified value) or more and less than 11 (= analog value 355 mV; first specified value) in the no-load state and the normal load state. In the case, it is determined that there is a possibility of a consumed Ni-MH battery.

  Furthermore, according to the above characteristic results, when the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is large, it is not necessarily a consumable battery with a high degree of wear, and it is almost the same with a new alkaline battery or AA lithium battery. It turns out that there is a possibility. Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 11 has a battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state larger than 16 (= analog value 516 mV; third specified value), and the battery voltage between the normal load state and the heavy load state. When the difference is equal to or greater than 9 (= analog value 290 mV; fourth specified value), it is determined that the battery may be consumed (No. 11, No. 12).

  Also, according to the above characteristic results, it is clear that the battery voltage drops when the DSP 13 is switched from the off state to the on state and during valve operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the battery voltage drop is considered to occur, that is, when the DSP 13 is not in the on state, when the valve is operating, and when the micro drive is used, it is confirmed that the remaining battery level is low. An early warning shift amount is set according to the battery type and usage status so that warning can be made early, and the battery check level is raised by this early warning shift amount.

  Hereinafter, the battery check operation will be described in more detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 are processes controlled by the CPU 11 based on a program written in the built-in ROM 11a.

  FIG. 2 shows the entire process of the digital camera, which is started when the battery 20 is loaded. When the battery 20 is loaded, the CPU 11 initializes the input / output ports and the like (S2), initializes the built-in RAM 11b and constants and correction values used for the processing (S4), and performs peripheral circuits via the DPU 12 and the power supply circuit 21. The power supply to the camera is cut off and the power is turned off (S6), and all the LCDs (external display 45 and in-finder display 46) provided in the camera are turned off (S8). When the power is turned off in S6, if the photometry timer is activated in the photometry timer ON loop processing (when the photometry timer ON loop processing returns to S6), the photometry timer is turned off.

"Main switch OFF loop"
An on / off state of each switch is input to check whether the main switch SWM is on (S10, S12). When the main switch SWM is off (S12; N), the 250 ms (millisecond) timer interrupt is permitted and the 250 ms timer is set (S14), and the transition to the standby state (sleep state) takes 250 ms. (S16). When 250 ms elapses, the standby state is canceled and the system is started (S18). While the main switch SWM is off, the above processes S10 to S18 are repeated. The 250 ms timer is a timer that sets a cycle for periodically checking whether or not the main switch SWM is turned on. When the main switch SWM is turned on (S12; Y), the CPU 11 again cuts off the power supply to the peripheral circuits via the DPU 12 and the power circuit 21 to turn off the power (S20), and performs a battery check (S22). When the power is turned off in S20, when the photometry timer is activated in the photometry timer ON loop process (when the process returns to S6 from the photometry timer ON loop process), the photometry timer is turned off.

"Metering timer OFF loop"
Subsequently, for example, information necessary before photographing such as the number of images that can be photographed, battery check results, recording size, and WB information is displayed on the external display 45 (S24), and the on / off states of all switches are input (S26). Then, it is checked whether or not the main switch SWM is turned on (S28). If the main switch SWM is not turned on, the process returns to S6 (S28; N). If the main switch SWM is on (S28; Y), lens communication between the CPU 11 and the lens CPU 31 is executed to input lens information (S30), and further data communication between the CPU 11 and the DSP 13 is executed (S32). In the data communication of S32, camera information such as a switch state and a battery check result is sent from the CPU 11 to the DSP 13, and DSP information such as the number of images that can be taken and a photometric timer time are sent from the DSP 13 to the CPU 11.

  Subsequently, the photometry switch SWS interrupt is permitted (S34), the 250ms timer interrupt is permitted, the 250ms timer is set (S36), and a transition is made to the standby state (sleep state) (S38). Then, it is checked whether or not the photometry switch SWS has been interrupted (S40). If there is no interrupt, the system waits until the 250 ms timer elapses, and when 250 ms has elapsed, it starts and returns to S24 (S40; N, S42). When the photometry switch SWS is interrupted, a battery check is performed (S44), and it is checked whether the battery check result is OK based on the forced NG set flag (S46). If the battery check result is OK, the forced NG set flag = 0, and if the battery check result is not OK, the forced NG set flag = 1. If the battery check result is not OK, the process returns to S20 and repeats the processes of S20 to S46 (S46; N). In this case, camera operations with high power consumption such as photometry operation, distance measurement operation, and exposure operation are prohibited, and the photometry timer ON loop cannot proceed. If the battery check result is OK (S46; Y), the power supply to the peripheral circuits is started via the DPU 12 and the power supply circuit 21 (S48), the photometry timer is started, and the photometry timer ON loop process is started (S50). ). The photometric timer time is set based on the photometric timer information input from the DSP 13 in the data communication of S32.

"Photometric timer ON loop"
When the photometric timer ON loop is entered, first, the on / off state of each switch is checked to check whether the main switch SWM is on (S52, S54). When the main switch SWM is not turned on, the process returns to S6 (S54; N). When the main switch SWM is on (S54; Y), lens information is input by lens communication between the CPU 11 and the lens CPU 31 (S56), and it is checked whether the built-in flash 33 is popped up to the light emitting position. (S58). If the built-in flash 33 is not popped up, the charging time over flag is set to 0 and the process proceeds to S70 (S58; N, S60). If the built-in flash 33 is popped up, the process proceeds to S62 (S58; Y). In S62, it is checked whether or not charging of the built-in flash 33 is completed. When the charging of the built-in flash 33 is not completed (S62; N), the charging time measurement counter is incremented by 1 (S64), and it is checked whether the charging time exceeds 4 seconds (S66), 4 If it exceeds 2 seconds, 1 is set to the charging time over flag (S66; Y, S68). When charging of the internal flash 33 is completed (S62; Y) and when the charging time does not exceed 4 seconds (S66; N), the process proceeds to S70 without doing anything.

  Subsequently, subject luminance information Bv from the 16-divided photometry IC 34 is input after A / D conversion (S70), and AE calculation (automatic exposure calculation) is performed based on the input lens information, the A / D conversion value of the subject luminance Bv, and the like. ) Is executed (S72). In the AE calculation, an appropriate exposure value Ev, an appropriate shutter speed Tv, and an appropriate aperture value Av are calculated, and the number of EE pulses corresponding to the appropriate aperture value Av is also calculated. After the AE calculation, information necessary for shooting such as the photometric calculation value (Tv, Av), the number of shootable images, the battery state, etc. is displayed on both the external display 45 and the viewfinder display 46 (S74). The photometric calculation value is also sent to the DSP 13 by data communication between the DSPs 13 (S76). Then, the 125 ms timer is started (S78), the interruption of the release switch SWR is permitted (S80), and if the 125 ms timer has elapsed, the process returns to S52 and the photometry timer ON loop processing is re-executed (S82; Y). The 125 ms timer is a timer for setting a cycle for executing the photometry process (S70) and the AE calculation process (S72). If the 125 ms timer has not elapsed (S82; N), it is checked whether the photometric timer time has elapsed (S84), and if the photometric timer time has elapsed, the process returns to S20 (S84; Y).

  If the metering timer time has not elapsed (S84; N), it is checked whether or not the metering switch SWS is on (S86). If the metering switch SWS is on, AF processing is executed (S86; Y). , S104). When the metering switch SWS is not turned on (S86; N) and after AF processing, it is checked whether or not the release switch SWR has been interrupted (S88). If there is no interrupt, the process returns to S82, and the 125 ms timer or metering timer Until the elapse of time, a release command is waited (S88; N). When there is a release interrupt (S88; Y), a battery check is performed (S90), and it is checked whether the battery check result is OK based on the forced NG set flag (S92). If the battery check result is not OK, the process returns to S20 (S92; N), the power is turned off in S20, and camera operations such as photometry, distance measurement, and exposure are prohibited. If the battery check result is OK (S92; Y), the mirror-up process, the exposure process, and the mechanical charge process are sequentially executed (S94, S96, S98), and whether or not the battery 20 is NG during the exposure process. Is checked (S100). When the battery is NG (S100; Y), a specific NG display indicating that the battery has run out during exposure is turned on on the external display 45 and the in-finder display 46 to warn of underexposure. (S106). Then, the power is turned off via the DPU 12 and the power circuit 21 (S108), and the process returns to S24. If the battery is not NG (S100; N), the photometric 2-second timer is started and the process returns to S52 (S102).

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to the battery check executed in S22, S44, and S90 of the overall processing of the digital camera described above.

  When entering this process, first, 645 mV is set to the voltage drop level for battery consumption determination (battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the load state) for determining whether or not the battery is a consumable battery (S202). Is set to 355 mV for the voltage drop level for determining the Ni-MH battery (battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the load state) for determining whether or not the battery is a Ni-MH battery (S204). An initial value 258 mV is set as the early warning shift amount for display (S206). The Ni-MH battery determination voltage drop level is a value determined based on the voltage characteristic result of each battery shown in Table 1.

  Subsequently, the Ni-MH battery determination flag for identifying whether or not the battery 20 is a Ni-MH battery and the Ni-MH consumption risk flag for identifying whether or not the battery 20 is a depleted Ni-MH battery are set to 0. It is set (S208), and 0 is set to a forced NG set flag for identifying whether or not the power is forcibly turned off (S210). Then, the flag for displaying the battery check result is fully set (S212). Specifically, in S212, 1 is set to the battery full level display flag, and 0 is set to each of the half level display flag, the empty level display flag, and the LOCK level display flag. As described above, when the battery full level display flag is 1 and all other display flags are 0, the external display 45 and the in-finder display 46 indicate that the battery is full. All the flags used in the battery check process are initialized by the processes of S208 to S212.

  Subsequently, the driving operation of the AF motor 39 and the charging operation of the built-in flash 33 are not performed, and the battery voltage in the no-load state is detected via the DPU 12 (S214). The battery voltage value constantly monitored by the voltage monitor terminal 12a of the DPU 12 is output from the analog output terminal 12b of the DPU 12 to the CPU 11, converted into a digital value by the A / D conversion circuit 11c in the CPU 11, and taken into the CPU 11. When the battery voltage in the no-load state is detected, the driving of the AF motor 39 is started through the AF motor driver 38 to set the normal load state, and the battery voltage in the normal load state is detected through the DPU 12 (S216). The battery voltage value in the load state is stored as battad in the RAM 11b (S218). Then, the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is calculated, and the calculation result is stored in the RAM 11b as AD_drop (S220).

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the battery voltage difference AD_drop between the no-load state and the normal load state is less than the Ni-MH battery determination voltage drop level 355 mV (S222). If the battery voltage difference AD_drop is less than 355 mV, it is determined that the battery 20 is a Ni-MH battery, and 1 is set in the Ni-MH battery determination flag (S222; Y, S224). On the other hand, if the battery voltage difference AD_drop is 355 mV or more, it is determined that the battery 20 is a non-Ni-MH battery, that is, a general battery, and the Ni-MH battery determination flag is held at 0 (S222; N). For example, in Table 1, sample No. In the case of sample Nos. 15, 16, 30, 31, and 33 in the DSP off state, the battery is determined to be a Ni-MH battery. Samples other than this are determined to be general batteries.

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the battery check process is executed after the DSP 13 is powered on (S226). If the DSP 13 is powered on, the battery voltage difference AD_drop is 290 mV (digital value 9; It is checked whether or not it is equal to or greater than (second prescribed value) (S226; Y, S228). If the battery voltage difference AD_drop is 290 mV or more (S228; Y), it is determined that there is a possibility of a consumed Ni-MH battery, 1 is set in the Ni-MH exhaustion danger flag (S230), and the process proceeds to S232. If the battery voltage difference AD_drop is not less than 355 mV (S222; N), if not after the DSP 13 is powered on (S226; N), and if the battery voltage difference AD_drop is not 290 mV or more (S228; N), the process proceeds to S232. Sample No. in Table 1 determined to be a Ni-MH battery. 1 to 6 and sample Nos. 15, 16, 30, 31, and 33 in the DSP off state, 1 is set in the Ni-MH consumption danger flag. 1, 2, 3, 4

  In S232, it is checked whether or not the battery voltage difference AD_drop is greater than or equal to the consumable battery determination voltage drop level 645 mV. If the battery voltage difference AD_drop is 645 mV or more (S232; Y), since the battery 20 is a consumable battery with a small remaining amount, the initial warning shift amount is reset to 258 mV (S234). If the battery voltage difference AD_drop is not 645 mV or more, S234 is skipped (S232; N). For example, sample No. At 7, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, it is determined that the battery is a consumable battery, and the early warning shift amount 258 mV is reset.

  Subsequently, a high load comparison determination level (= third specified value) for determining whether or not to detect a battery voltage in a heavy load state where a heavy load that is heavier than a normal load is applied to the battery 20 is set to 516 mV. Is set (S236), and it is checked whether or not the battery voltage difference AD_drop exceeds the high load comparison determination level 516 mV (S238). If the battery voltage difference AD_drop does not exceed the high load comparison level, S240 to S252 are skipped (S238; N).

  If the battery voltage difference AD_drop exceeds 516 mV (S238; Y), the battery voltage in the normal load state stored in the RAM 11b in S218 is stored again as battad_old (S240), and charging of the built-in flash 33 is started via the DPU 12 Thus, a heavy load state is established (S242). Then, for example, it waits for 5 mS until the battery voltage becomes stable (S244), detects the battery voltage in the heavy load state via the DPU 12, and stores the battery voltage in the heavy load state in the RAM 11b as battad (S246). If the battery voltage in the heavy load state is detected, the charging of the built-in flash 33 is stopped via the DPU 12 to release the heavy load state (S248). For example, in Table 1, sample No. 7, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19 and sample numbers in the DSP off state. 12 and sample No. in the DSP on state. At 13, 22, and 23, the battery voltage in the heavy load state is detected.

  Then, it is checked whether or not the battery voltage difference ((battad_old) −battad) between the normal load state and the heavy load state exceeds 290 mV (fourth specified value) (S250). If the battery voltage difference exceeds 290 mV (S250; Y), since the battery 20 is a consumable battery that has been remarkably consumed, 1 is set to the forced NG set flag (S252). If the battery voltage difference between the normal load state and the heavy load state does not exceed 290 mV, S252 is skipped (S250; N). Of the samples shown in Table 1 in which the battery voltage in the heavy load state is detected, sample No. 1 is set in the forced NG set flag. 12, No. 11 after the DSP is turned on.

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the valve function is set by the Tv dial 49 (S254). If the valve function is set (S254; Y), it is checked whether the Ni-MH flag is 1 (S256). If the Ni-MH flag is 1, the early warning shift amount is reset to 97 mV ( S256; Y, S258), if the Ni-MH flag is 0, the early warning shift amount is reset to 194 mV (S256; N, S260). During the valve operation, as shown in Table 1, since the battery voltage is lower than the normal load state, an early warning shift amount is set so that warning can be made early. If the valve function is set by the processing of S254 to S260, the early warning shift amount corresponding to the type of the battery 20 (Ni-MH battery / general battery), that is, the rated voltage of the battery 20 is set. .

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the battery check process has been executed before the DSP 13 is turned on (S262). If the DSP 13 is not turned on, the early warning shift amount is reset to 258 mV (S262; Y, S264). ). If the DSP 13 is powered on, S264 is skipped (S262; N). When the power of the DSP 13 is switched from off to on, the battery voltage tends to drop significantly as shown in Table 1. Therefore, the early warning shift amount is set to be large in consideration of the voltage drop due to the power on of the DSP 13. Enable early warning.

  Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the Ni-MH flag is 1 (S266), and a battery check comparison level table and an early warning shift amount corresponding to the type of the battery 20 are set through S268 to S276 or S302 to S310. .

  If the Ni-MH flag is 1 (S264; Y), the battery check comparison level table for the Ni-MH battery is read from the EEPROM 47 and stored in the RAM 11b (S268), and the battery voltage battad stored in the RAM 11b is (half). It is checked whether it is less than (level +129 mV) (S270). Here, the battery voltage battad is the heavy load battery voltage stored in S246 when the battery voltage difference AD_drop exceeds 516 mV, and the normal load stored in S218 when the battery voltage difference AD_drop is less than 516 mV. The battery voltage of the state. The half level corresponds to a battery voltage that informs the user that the remaining amount of the battery 20 is the battery replacement time. If the battery voltage battad is less than (half level +129 mV), the initial warning shift amount is reset to 258 mV (S270; Y, S272), and if it is not less than (half level +129 mV), S272 is skipped (S270; N). Then, it is checked whether or not a small hard disk device (for example, a microdrive) is used as the image storage means 64 (S274). If a small hard disk device is used, the early warning shift amount is reset to 129 mV (S274; Y , S276). This is because the battery voltage tends to decrease while the small hard disk drive is being driven, so that warning can be given early. When a small hard disk drive is not used as the image storage means 64, S276 is skipped (S274; N).

  If the Ni-MH flag is not 1 in S266 (S266; N), the battery check comparison level table for general batteries other than Ni-MH batteries is read from the EEPROM 47 and stored in the RAM 11b (S302), and stored in the RAM 11b. It is checked whether the battery voltage battad is less than half level (S304). The battery voltage battad is the heavy load battery voltage stored in S246 when the battery voltage difference AD_drop exceeds 516 mV, and the normal load battery stored in S218 when the battery voltage difference AD_drop is less than 516 mV. Voltage. If the battery voltage battad is less than half level, the early warning shift amount is reset to 129 mV (S304; Y, S306). If the battery voltage battad is not less than half level, S306 is skipped (S304; N). Then, it is checked whether or not a small hard disk device is used as the image storage means 64 (S308). When a small hard disk device is used, the early warning shift amount is reset to 129 mV (S308; Y, S310) and used. If not, S310 is skipped (S308; N).

  When the battery check comparison level table and the early warning shift amount corresponding to the type of the battery 20 are set in S268 to S276 or S302 to S310, the battery check level used for the actual remaining amount determination is finally set (S278). The battery check level is determined by the total value of each battery check level in the battery check comparison level table stored in the RAM 11b in S268 or S302 and the early warning shift amount set at the time of S278. In this embodiment, a plurality of battery check levels are set in stages, and the NG level that can be determined to be the battery life, the empty level that can be determined that there is no remaining battery, and the remaining battery level are used in order from the low voltage side. There is a half level corresponding to the battery voltage that informs the user that it is time to replace the battery. For example, when the half level is 4.69V, the empty level is 4.55V, the NG level is 4.35V, and the early warning shift amount is set to 258 mV, the half level is 4.948V and the empty level is finally reached. Level 4.808V, NG level 4.608V.

  In S280 to S298, the remaining battery level is determined based on the battery voltage battad stored in the RAM 11b. As described above, the battery voltage battad is the heavy load battery voltage stored in S246 when the battery voltage difference AD_drop exceeds 516 mV, and the normal stored in S218 when the battery voltage difference AD_drop is less than 516 mV. This is the battery voltage under load.

  First, it is checked whether the battery voltage battad is less than half level (S280). If it is less than the half level (S280; Y), the half level display flag is set to 1 and the full level display flag is set to 0 (S282), and the process proceeds to S284. If it is not less than the half level, S282 is skipped and the process proceeds to S284 (S282; N). Subsequently, based on the charging timer over flag, it is checked whether or not the charging time of the built-in flash 33 is longer than a predetermined time (S284). The charge timer over flag is set to 1 in S68 of the entire camera process described above when the charging time of the built-in flash 33 exceeds 4 seconds. When the charging time of the built-in flash 33 is longer than the predetermined time (S284; Y), even if the battery voltage battad is equal to or higher than the half level, the empty display flag is set to 1 and the half level display flag and full The level display flag is set to 0 (S286), and the process proceeds to S288. If the charging time of the built-in flash 33 is not longer than the predetermined time, the process skips S286 and proceeds to S288 (S284; N). In S288, it is checked whether or not the battery voltage battad is less than the empty level. If the battery voltage battad is less than the empty level (S288; Y), the empty level display flag is set to 1 and the full level display flag and the half level display flag are set to 0 (S290), Ni-MH consumption risk It is checked whether or not the flag is 1 (S292). If the Ni-MH consumption danger flag is 1 (S292; Y), the forced NG flag is set to 1 to prohibit the use of the consumed Ni-MH battery, and the process proceeds to S296 (S294). If the Ni-MH consumption danger flag is not 1, the process skips S294 and proceeds to S296 (S292; N). If the battery voltage battad is not less than the empty level, S290 to S294 are skipped and the process proceeds to S296 (S288; N).

  Then, it is checked whether or not the battery voltage battad is less than the lock level (S296), and if it is not less than the lock, it is checked whether or not the forced NG set flag is 1 (S296; N, S298). When the battery voltage is less than the lock level (S296; Y) and when the forced NG set flag is 1 (S298; Y), the lock level display flag is set to 1, and the full level display flag, The half level display flag and the empty level display flag are set to 0 (S300), and the process returns to the entire camera process. If the forced NG set flag is not 1 in S298, the process returns to the entire camera process (S298; N).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart related to the battery check comparison level table setting process for the Ni-MH battery executed in S268 of the battery check process. In this process, first, 5.6V reference data used as a reference when setting the half level, empty level, and NG level is read from the EEPROM 42 and stored in the RAM 11b as reference data Bc_std (S402). The 5.6V reference data is an A / D conversion value when the battery voltage is 5.6V.

  Subsequently, the Ni-MH ratio table is set in the RAM 11b (S404). The Ni-MH ratio table is a table of coefficients for calculating the half level, empty level, and NG level from the reference data Bc_std in S402. Table 2 shows the Ni-MH ratio table. In Table 2, levels 0, 1, 2, and 3 are set in the DSP 13 by a combination of the on / off state of the image monitor 63, the capture of the CCD output, and the arithmetic circuit in the DSP 13. It is transmitted in advance from the DSP 13 to the CPU 11 by CPU-DSP communication. The set voltage at each level is the minimum necessary voltage level obtained experimentally.

(Table 2)
Image monitor arithmetic circuit HALF EMPTY NG
Level 0 OFF OFF 0.804 0.777 0.750
Level 1 OFF ON 0.750 0.723 0.696
Level 2 ON OFF 0.786 0.759 0.732
Level 3 ON ON 0.750 0.723 0.696

  Then, it is checked whether or not the level setting information is level 0 (S406). If it is level 0, the half level is set by HARF = Bc_std × 0.804, the empty level is set by EMPTY = Bc_std × 0.777, and the NG level is set by NG = Bc_std × 0.750 (S406; Y, S408). For example, the NG level of level 0 is 5.6 × 0.750 = 4.2V. If it is not level 0 (S406; N), it is checked whether it is level 1 (S412). If it is level 1, the half level is set by HARF = Bc_std × 0.750, the empty level is set by EMPTY = Bc_std × 0.723, and the NG level is set by NG = Bc_std × 0.696 (S412; Y, S414). If it is not level 1 (S412; N), it is checked whether it is level 2 (S416). If it is level 2, the half level is set by HARF = Bc_std × 0.786, the empty level is set by EMPTY = Bc_std × 0.759, and the NG level is set by NG = Bc_std × 0.732 (S416; Y, S418). If not level 2, the half level is set by HARF = Bc_std × 0.750, the empty level is set by EMPTY = Bc_std × 0.723, and the NG level is set by NG = Bc_std × 0.696 (S416; N, S420).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart relating to the general battery battery check comparison level table setting process executed in S302 of the battery check process. In this process, first, 5.6V reference data used as a reference when setting the half level, empty level, and NG level is read from the EEPROM 47 and stored in the RAM 11b as reference data Bc_std (S502). The 5.6V reference data is an A / D conversion value when the battery voltage is 5.6V.

  Subsequently, a general battery ratio table is prepared (S504). The general battery ratio table is a table of coefficients for calculating the half level, empty level, and NG level from the reference data Bc_std in S502. Table 3 shows a general battery ratio table. In Table 3, levels 0, 1, 2, and 3 are set in the DSP 13 by the combination of the on / off state of the image monitor 63, the capture of the CCD output, and the arithmetic circuit in the DSP 13, and this level information is It is transmitted in advance from the DSP 13 to the CPU 11 by CPU-DSP communication. The set voltage at each level is the minimum necessary voltage level obtained experimentally.

(Table 3)
Image monitor arithmetic circuit HALF EMPTY NG
Level 0 OFF OFF 0.875 0.804 0.786
Level 1 OFF ON 0.821 0.750 0.732
Level 2 ON OFF 0.857 0.786 0.768
Level 3 ON ON 0.804 0.750 0.732

  Then, it is checked whether or not the level setting information is level 0 (S506). If it is level 0, the half level is set by HARF = Bc_std × 0.875, the empty level is set by EMPTY = Bc_std × 0.804, and the NG level is set by NG = Bc_std × 0.786 (S506; Y, S508). For example, the half level of level 0 is 5.6 × 0.875 = 4.9V. If it is not level 0 (S506; N), it is checked whether it is level 1 (S512). If it is level 1, the half level is set by HARF = Bc_std × 0.821, the empty level is set by EMPTY = Bc_std × 0.750, and the NG level is set by NG = Bc_std × 0.732 (S512; Y, S514). If it is not level 1 (S512; N), it is checked whether it is level 2 (S516). If it is level 2, the half level is set by HARF = Bc_std × 0.857, the empty level is set by EMPTY = Bc_std × 0.786, and the NG level is set by NG = Bc_std × 0.768 (S516; Y, S518). If not level 2, the half level is set by HARF = Bc_std × 0.804, the empty level is set by EMPTY = Bc_std × 0.750, and the NG level is set by NG = Bc_std × 0.732 (S516; N, S520).

  According to the first embodiment described above, the battery 20 depends on whether or not the battery voltage difference AD_drop between the no-load state and the normal load state is less than the first specified value (Ni-MH battery determination voltage drop level 355 mV). The CPU 11 automatically determines whether the battery is a Ni-MH battery or a general battery (other than the Ni-MH battery), and the battery check level corresponding to the type of the battery 20 (battery check level for Ni-MH battery / Since the remaining battery level is determined by setting the battery check level for general batteries, the remaining level can be accurately determined for different types of batteries 20. Not only general batteries such as alkaline batteries, AA lithium batteries, CR-V3 batteries, etc., but also Ni-MH batteries having a lower rated voltage than these general batteries are used as the battery 20, it is mistaken that there is no remaining battery power. The number of times of determination, that is, the number of warnings can be reduced. Thereby, all the energy in the battery 20 can be used up, and the apparent battery life is extended.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of a digital camera equipped with a battery check device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the control system according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that the DPU-side switch group 28 further includes a battery type manual setting switch 28A. Different from form. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The battery type manual setting switch 28A is a mechanical switch for setting and changing battery type information. The user can manually set the battery type information in advance by mechanically switching the battery type manual setting switch 28A. Since the manually set battery type information is mechanically held by the battery type manual setting switch 28A, the setting is not cleared even if the battery 20 is removed from the camera.

  When the battery type information is manually set by the battery type manual setting switch 28A, the CPU 11 automatically determines the battery type in the battery check immediately after the battery is loaded, and if the determination result matches the manual setting content, the CPU 11 The battery is checked at the battery check level corresponding to the set battery type. The automatic determination of the battery type is executed by a battery check immediately after the battery 20 is loaded. On the other hand, if the determination result and the manual setting content are different, a warning is issued by an electronic sound of the electronic buzzer 25 or a warning display on the external display 45, and the determination result is given priority over the manual setting. Perform a battery check at the battery check level corresponding to the result. The warning allows the user to recognize that the manual setting of the battery type information is incorrect. In addition, even if the user makes a mistake in manual setting or forgets to set it, the battery check is performed at an appropriate battery check level based on the automatic determination result, so that it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the remaining battery level. .

  In the second embodiment, when the power of the battery 20 is supplied to the peripheral circuit via the DPU 12 and the power supply circuit 21, the user is prohibited from changing the manual setting of the battery type. Specifically, when the user tries to change the battery type information using the battery type manual setting switch 28A, a warning is generated by a warning sound of the electronic buzzer 25 or a warning display on the external display 45, and the setting has already been made. The user is warned to prohibit changes from battery type information. Accordingly, erroneous setting of incorrect battery type information can be prevented during a period in which power is supplied from the battery 20 to the peripheral circuits (while the photometric switch SWS is on). Manual setting of the battery type information by the battery type manual setting switch 28A can be changed during a period in which the photometric switch SWS is off (including when the battery is not loaded).

  Hereinafter, the battery check operation according to the second embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart relating to the overall processing of the digital camera according to the second embodiment, which starts when the battery 20 is loaded. Since this overall process is substantially the same as the overall process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the description of the same process as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the process different from that of the first embodiment will be described below. explain. The difference from the first embodiment is that all switch input processes of S10 ′, S26 ′ and S52 ′, the battery check process of S22 ′, S44 ′ and S90 ′, and newly added S25-1 and S25-2. , S110 and S112.

  In the all switch input processing of S10 ', S26' and S52 ', the CPU 11 inputs the on / off states of all the switches including the battery type manual setting switch 28A.

  In the battery check process of S22 ′, S44 ′, and S90 ′, when there is no manual setting of the battery type, the type of the battery 20 is automatically determined every time as in the first embodiment, and the battery check according to the determination result is performed. Check the battery at the level. On the other hand, when there is a manual setting of the battery type, the type of the battery 20 is automatically determined in the battery check process (S22 ') executed first (first time) after the battery 20 is loaded. If the discrimination result matches the manual setting, the battery check is performed at the battery check level corresponding to the manual setting. Conversely, if the discrimination result does not match the manual setting, the battery check level corresponding to the discrimination result. Check the battery with. In the second and subsequent battery check processes after the battery is loaded, the battery is checked at the battery check level set in the first time without automatically determining the type of the battery 20. In each battery check process, if there is no manual setting, and if there is a manual setting and the manual setting matches the automatic determination result, 1 is set in the setting OK flag.

  In S25-1, it is checked whether or not the set OK flag is 1. As described above, the setting flag is set to 1 when there is no manual setting and when there is manual setting and the manual setting and the automatic determination result match, and when the manual setting and the automatic determination result do not match. 0 is set. If the setting OK flag is not 1, an electronic sound of the electronic buzzer 25 is generated and a specific warning is displayed on the external display 45 to notify the user that the manual setting is incorrect (S25-1). N, S25-2). If the setting OK flag is 1, the process skips S25-2 and proceeds to S26 '(S25-1; Y).

  In S110, it is checked whether or not the switch state of the battery type manual setting switch 28A input in the all switch input process in S52 'has changed from the switch state input immediately before. When there is a change in the switch state of the battery type manual setting switch 28A (S110; Y), an electronic sound of the electronic buzzer 25 is generated and a specific warning is displayed on the external display 45, etc. Is given a warning (S112). When there is no change in the switch state of the battery type manual setting switch 28A (S110; N), S112 is skipped. As a result of S110 to S112, while the photometry switch SWS is on, a warning is given to prohibit changing the manual setting of the battery information via the battery type manual setting switch 28A.

  8 and 9 are flowcharts relating to the battery check process executed in S22 ', S44' and S90 '. Since this battery check process is almost the same as the battery check process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the description of the same process as the first embodiment will be omitted, and the process different from the first embodiment will be omitted. This will be described below. What is different from the first embodiment is the processing of S602 to S628 newly added instead of S222 and S224 of FIG.

  In S602, it is checked from the switch state of the battery type manual setting switch 28A whether or not the battery type is manually set. If no manual setting is made (S602; N), the type of the battery 20 is automatically determined as in the first embodiment. That is, it is checked whether or not the battery voltage difference AD_drop between the no load state and the normal load state is less than the voltage drop level for Ni-MH battery determination 355 mV (S604), and if the battery voltage difference AD_drop is less than 355 mV, the battery It is determined that 20 is a Ni-MH battery, 1 is set in the Ni-MH battery determination flag, and the process proceeds to S608 (S604; Y, S606). On the other hand, if the battery voltage difference is 355 mV or more, it is determined that the battery 20 is not a Ni-MH battery, that is, a general battery, the Ni-MH battery determination flag is kept 0, and the process proceeds to S608 (S604; N ). Subsequently, in S608, 1 is set in the battery type setting OK flag, and the processing after S226 is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  If the battery type is manually set (S602; Y), first, it is checked whether or not this battery check process is the first time to be executed after the battery is loaded (S610). If it is the first battery check process after the battery is loaded (S610; Y), the type of the battery 20 is automatically discriminated by the process of S612 to S626, and whether or not this discrimination result matches the manual setting. Check. Specifically, in S612, it is checked whether or not the battery voltage difference AD_drop between the no-load state and the normal load state is less than the Ni-MH battery determination voltage drop level 355 mV.

  If the battery voltage difference AD_drop is less than 355 mV (S612; Y), it is determined that the battery 20 is a Ni-MH battery, the Ni-MH battery determination flag is set to 1 (S614), and the manual setting is Ni-MH. It is checked whether it is a battery (S616). The manual setting is detected from the switch state of the battery type manual setting switch 28A. If the manual setting is a Ni-MH battery (S616; Y), the manual setting matches the automatic discrimination result of the CPU 11, so 1 (OK) is set to the setting OK flag (S618), and after S226 This process is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Conversely, if the manual setting is not a Ni-MH battery (S616; N), the manual setting does not match the automatic discrimination result of the CPU 11 (because there is a high possibility that the manual setting is incorrect). The OK flag is set to 0 (NG) (S620), and the processing after S226 is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, if the battery voltage difference AD_drop is not less than 355 mV (S612; Y), it is determined that the battery 20 is not a Ni-MH battery, that is, a general battery, and the Ni-MH battery determination flag is held at 0. Subsequently, it is checked from the switch state of the battery type manual setting switch 28A whether or not the manual setting is a general battery (S622). If the manual setting is a general battery (S622; Y), the manual setting matches the automatic discrimination result of the CPU 11, so 1 (OK) is set to the setting OK flag (S624), and the processing after S232 Are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Conversely, if the manual setting is not a general battery (S622; N), the manual setting and the automatic discrimination result of the CPU 11 do not match (since there is a high possibility that the manual setting is wrong), the setting OK flag Is set to 0 (NG) (S626), and the processing after S232 is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The set OK flag is checked in S25-1 when returning from the battery check process to the entire process of FIG. 7. If the set OK flag is 0, an electronic sound from the electronic buzzer 25 or a warning on the external display 45 is displayed. The display alerts the user that the manual settings are incorrect.

  If it is the second or subsequent battery check process (S610; N), it is checked whether the Ni-MH battery determination flag is 1 (S628). If the Ni-MH battery determination flag is 1, the process proceeds to S226. , S226 and subsequent processes are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S628; Y). If the Ni-MH battery determination flag is not 1, the process proceeds to S232, and the processes after S232 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S628; N). In the second and subsequent battery check processes after the battery is loaded, the battery type is not automatically determined, and the battery type setting OK flag is not set. That is, the automatic determination result and the battery type setting OK flag executed in the first battery check process are held in the second and subsequent battery check processes.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of a digital camera equipped with a battery check device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the control system according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, but the DPU side switch group 28 has a battery type manual setting switch 28A. Instead, the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that a three-type switch 28B including a menu button switch 28B ₁ , a cross key switch 28B ₂ and an enter button switch 28B ₃ is provided. 10, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

The menu button switch 28B ₁ , the cross key switch 28B ₂ and the enter button switch 28B ₃ are a menu button for displaying a settable menu item on the external display unit 45, and switching and selection of the menu item displayed on the external display unit 45, respectively. This is a switch that works in conjunction with a cross key for performing and a determination button for approving the setting (change) of the content selected by the cross key. By operating the menu button, the cross key, and the enter button, the user can make settings related to various other information including shooting, playback, battery type information, and the like by the menu selection method. FIG. 13A shows an example of a monitor screen displayed when changing the setting of the battery type information.

  The user can manually set the battery type information in advance by a menu selection operation using the menu button, the cross key, and the enter button (not shown). Since the manually set battery type information is electrically held in the EEPROM 42, the setting is not cleared even if the battery 20 is removed from the camera.

  When the battery type information is manually set by the three-type switch 28B, the CPU 11 automatically determines the battery type in the battery check immediately after the battery is loaded, and the determination result matches the manual setting content as in the second embodiment. If so, the battery check is performed at the battery check level corresponding to the manually set battery type. The automatic determination of the battery type is executed by a battery check immediately after the battery 20 is loaded. On the other hand, if the determination result and the manual setting content of the three-type switch 28B are different, a warning is issued by an electronic sound of the electronic buzzer 25 or a warning display on the external display 45, etc., and the determination result has priority over the manual setting Then, the battery check is performed at the battery check level corresponding to the determination result. The warning allows the user to recognize that the manual setting of the battery type information is incorrect. In addition, even if the user makes a mistake in manual setting or forgets to set it, the battery check is performed at an appropriate battery check level based on the automatic determination result, so that it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the remaining battery level. .

  Further, in the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, changing the manual setting of the battery type is prohibited in the power-on state in which the power of the battery 20 is supplied to the peripheral circuit via the DPU 12 and the power supply circuit 21. is doing. Specifically, when the user tries to change the battery type information by a menu selection operation using a menu button (not shown), a cross key, and an enter button, as shown in FIGS. Items other than the battery type item are hidden or displayed in a different manner, and cannot be selected with the cross key. Thereby, during the period when the power is supplied from the battery 20 to the peripheral circuit (the photometric switch SWS is in the ON state), setting of wrong battery type information can be prevented. Manual setting of battery type information by menu selection can be changed during a period in which the main switch SWM is on and the photometric switch SWS is off.

  Hereinafter, the battery check operation according to the third embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart relating to the overall processing of the digital camera according to the third embodiment, which starts when the battery 20 is loaded. Since this overall process is substantially the same as the overall process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the same process as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. A process different from those in the first and second embodiments will be described below. The differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment are all switch input processing of S10 ′, S26 ′, S52 ′, battery check processing of S22 ′, S44 ′, S90 ′, and newly added S114˜. This is the process of S120.

In the all switch input processing of S10 ′, S26 ′, and S52 ′, the CPU 11 inputs the on / off states of all the switches including the three-type switch 28B. As the switch state of the three-type switch 28B, three types of the menu button switch 28B ₁ , the cross key switch 28B ₂ and the enter button switch 28B ₃ are input as one set.

  Similarly, in S114, it is checked whether or not manual setting of the battery type has been selected by menu selection from the switch states of the menu button switch 28b, the cross key switch 28c, and the enter button switch 28d input in the all switch input process of S52 ′. To do. When manual setting of the battery type is selected by the menu selection, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B, other than the currently set battery type item is hidden, and only the currently set battery item is externally displayed. Displaying on the display unit 45, the selection of the wrong battery type item is prohibited (S114; Y, S116). If manual setting of the battery type is not selected, S116 is skipped. As a result of the processes in S114 to S116 described above, changing the manual setting of the battery information by the menu selection operation is prohibited while the photometric switch SWS is on.

FIG. 12 is a part of a flowchart relating to the battery check process executed in S22 ′, S44 ′, and S90 ′. Since this battery check process is substantially the same as the battery check process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the description of the same process as that of the second embodiment will be omitted, and the process different from that of the second embodiment will be described. This will be described below. The difference from the second embodiment is the processing of S602 ′, S616 ′, and S622 ′. In S602 ′, it is checked whether the battery type is manually set from the switch states of the menu button switch 28B ₁ , the cross key switch 28B ₂ and the enter button switch 28B ₃ of the _three- type switch 28B. In S616 ′ and S622 ′, the battery type is determined from the switch states of the menu button switch 28B ₁ , the cross key switch 28B ₂ and the enter button switch 28B ₃ .

  In the second and third embodiments described above, if the battery type manually set by the user is different from the battery type automatically determined by the CPU 11, the electronic sound of the electronic buzzer 25 and the warning on the external display 45 are displayed. Since a warning is issued by a display or the like, the user can be informed that the manual setting is wrong, and can be prompted to set the correct battery type. In addition, if the manual setting and the automatic determination result are different, the battery check is performed at the battery check level corresponding to the automatic determination result, so even if the user forgets or mistakes for the manual setting, the remaining battery level is accurate. It is possible to make a determination, and it is possible to prevent malfunctions due to insufficient battery power.

  In the above description, the embodiment in which the battery check device according to the present invention is mounted on a digital camera has been described. However, the battery check device can be applied to a silver salt camera, and in addition, a battery such as a mobile phone or mobile device is used as a power source. Applicable to all equipment used.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control system of the digital camera carrying the battery check apparatus by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart regarding the camera whole process of the digital camera shown in FIG. It is a flowchart regarding the battery check process performed by the whole camera process. It is a flowchart regarding the battery check comparison level table set process for Ni-MH batteries performed in the battery check process. It is a flowchart regarding the battery check comparison level table set process for general batteries executed in the battery check process. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control system of the digital camera carrying the battery check apparatus by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart regarding the whole camera process by 2nd Embodiment. It is a part of flowchart regarding the battery check process performed by the whole camera process of FIG. It is a part of flowchart regarding the battery check process. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control system of the digital camera carrying the battery check apparatus by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart regarding the whole camera process by 3rd Embodiment. 12 is a part of a flowchart relating to a battery check process executed in the entire camera process of FIG. 11. (A) An example of a monitor screen displayed when changing the setting of battery type information. (B) (c) A monitor screen displayed when attempting to change battery type information while power is being supplied from the battery. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example, respectively.

Explanation of symbols

11 CPU
12 DPU
13 DSP
20 Battery 21 Power supply circuit 22 External flash 23 Aperture control circuit 24 TTL light control element 25 Electronic buzzer 26 Distance point superimpose 27 Mode dial 28 DPU side switch group 28A Battery type manual setting switch 28B Three-type switch 28B ₁ Menu button switch 28B ₂ Cross key switch 28B ₃ Enter button switch 31 Lens CPU
32 AFIC
33 Built-in flash 34 16-segment metering IC
35 Mirror motor driver 36 Mirror motor 37 Mirror switch 38 AF motor driver 39 AF motor 40 AF control photo interrupter 41 Remote control light receiving IC
42 EEPROM
43 Shutter front curtain magnet 44 Shutter rear curtain magnet 45 External display 46 Viewfinder internal display 47 Remote control / self LED
48 Av dial 49 Tv dial 50 CPU side switch group 51 Shutter button 61 Flash memory 62 CCD
63 Image monitor 64 Image storage means

Claims (18)

A load applying means for applying a load to the battery to be subjected to the remaining amount check;
Voltage detection means for detecting a battery voltage in a normal load state where a load is applied to the battery by the load applying means, and a battery voltage in a no-load state where no load is applied;
Based on the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state detected by the voltage detection means, automatic classification means for determining the type of the battery,
Level setting means for setting different battery check levels according to the type of battery determined by the automatic classification means,
A remaining capacity determining means for comparing the battery check level set by the level setting means with the battery voltage in the normal load state to determine the remaining battery capacity;
A battery check device comprising: 2. The battery check device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic classification means determines whether or not the battery is a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery based on a battery voltage difference between a no-load state and a normal load state. 3. The battery check device according to claim 2, wherein the automatic classification means determines that the battery is a nickel metal hydride secondary battery when the battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is less than a first specified value. A battery check device that discriminates a general battery having a rated voltage higher than that of a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery if the value is above the specified value. 4. The battery check device according to claim 3, wherein the general battery includes an alkaline dry battery, an AA lithium battery, and a manganese dioxide lithium battery. 5. The battery check device according to claim 3, wherein the level setting unit sets a battery check level for nickel-hydrogen secondary battery determination lower than a battery check level for general battery determination. 6. The battery check device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the battery check levels are set in a stepwise manner, and a lock level at which it can be determined that the battery life has been reached in order from the low voltage side; And at least an empty level that determines that the remaining battery level is low and warns that there is no remaining battery level, and regulates the output of the battery when the remaining level determining means determines that the battery level is lower than the lock level. Battery check device. 7. The battery check device according to claim 6, wherein when the automatic classification means determines that the battery is a nickel hydride secondary battery, a battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state is equal to or greater than a second specified value. A battery check device that regulates the output of the battery from the time when the remaining amount determining means determines that it is less than the empty level. The battery check device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a battery voltage difference between the no-load state and the normal load state exceeds a third specified value that is larger than the first specified value. Applies a heavier load than the normal load state to the battery through the load applying means to make the battery a heavy load state, and a battery voltage difference between the heavy load state and the normal load state is the first regulation. A battery check device that regulates the output of the battery if it is not less than a fourth specified value that is smaller than the value. 9. The battery check device according to claim 1, wherein the level setting unit sets an early warning shift amount according to a type and a usage state of the battery, and corresponds to the battery type. A battery check device for setting a final battery check level by increasing the check level by the amount of the early warning shift. The battery check device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein manual setting means for manually setting battery type information to be subjected to a remaining amount check, battery type set by the manual setting means, A battery check device comprising warning means for issuing a warning when the battery type determined by the automatic type means is different. 11. The battery check device according to claim 10, wherein the automatic classification unit performs automatic determination of a battery type by the automatic classification unit each time a battery is loaded. 12. The battery check device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the level setting means is configured such that when the battery type set by the manual setting means and the battery type determined by the automatic classification means are different, the automatic classification means A battery check device that sets a battery check level according to the determination result, and sets the battery check level according to the setting of the manual setting means when the battery types match. The battery check device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the manual setting means is a mechanical switch whose setting of a battery type can be freely changed by a mechanical switching operation. 14. The battery check device according to claim 13, wherein a warning is issued by the warning means when setting of a battery type is changed by the mechanical switch while power is supplied from the battery. The battery check device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the manual setting means selects a battery type displayed on a monitor so as to freely change a battery type setting. Battery check device as a means. 16. The battery check device according to claim 15, wherein the menu selection unit prohibits selection of a battery type item different from the type of the loaded battery during power supply from the battery. The battery check device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the battery check device is mounted on a digital camera and starts operating when the power of the camera is turned on. 18. The battery check device according to claim 17, wherein when the photometry switch for operating the photometry device of the camera is turned on, the operation is started. Battery check device that starts supply.

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