JP2011083117A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To resume an operation in a short time, even if energy of an incorporated battery is consumed and an electronic apparatus cannot be operated in the electronic apparatus where the battery cannot be exchanged. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus includes a power supply controller 122 incorporating a secondary battery A131 and a secondary battery B132 and supplying output of either of the secondary batteries to a power supply system and a system controller 100 controlling the operation of the electronic apparatus from output of the power supply system. Capacity of the secondary battery B132 is set to be larger than that of the secondary battery A131. Maximum charging current of the secondary battery A131 is set to be larger than that of the secondary battery B132. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device and a charger that can operate using a plurality of secondary batteries having different characteristics as a power source.

  The mobile phone disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a main battery and a sub battery, and when the capacity of the main battery is exhausted, it switches to the sub battery and displays a warning. The mobile phone disclosed in Patent Document 2 also has a main battery and a sub battery, and limits the functions that can be operated when the capacity of the main battery is lost and switched to the sub battery. When operated by the main battery, functions other than the telephone function (music playback, game, image processing) can be operated, but when operated by the sub battery, only the telephone function can be operated.

JP-A-6-29898 JP 2002-320344 A

  There is an electronic camera as an example of an electronic device driven by a battery, and in recent years, there are also models having a waterproof function. In order to maintain waterproofness in such an electronic camera, it is desirable to eliminate as much as possible the situation where the inside of the electronic camera is exposed to the outside. For example, when replacing the battery of an electronic camera, it is necessary to open the battery cover, and there is a risk that water, dust, or the like may enter from the outside. In order to eliminate such a fear, it is necessary to abolish the battery lid. The battery replacement will be given up due to the abolition of the battery cover. Giving up battery replacement eliminates the need for battery replacement in addition to the battery lid, and contributes to downsizing of electronic devices such as electronic cameras. On the other hand, in an electronic device configured such that the battery cannot be replaced, when the battery energy is consumed and the operation becomes impossible, the operation can be resumed until the battery (secondary battery) in the electronic device is charged. Absent. Therefore, in the electronic device having such a configuration, it is important to improve the convenience by shortening the charging time of the built-in battery and restarting the operation.

  An object of the present invention is to resume an operation in a short time even in an electronic device such as an electronic camera in which a battery cannot be replaced even if the built-in battery energy is consumed and the operation becomes impossible.

  An electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device including a first secondary battery and a second secondary battery to obtain operating power, and outputs either of the first and second secondary batteries. And a system controller that controls the operation of the electronic device from the output of the power supply system, and the capacity of the first and second secondary batteries is the second secondary battery. The battery is set larger than the first secondary battery, and the maximum charging current of the first and second secondary batteries is set larger than the first secondary battery compared to the second secondary battery. It is an electronic device characterized by the above.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the power controller supplies the output of the second secondary battery to the power system when the operation starts, and outputs the power to the power system in accordance with a command from the system controller. An electronic apparatus is characterized in that the secondary battery is switched to the first secondary battery.

  The electronic device of the present invention further includes a charging circuit that charges the first and second secondary batteries in a non-contact manner, and the power controller charges the first secondary battery with the second battery. The electronic circuit is characterized in that the charging circuit is controlled so as to be executed with priority over the charging of the secondary battery.

According to the present invention, in an electronic device such as an electronic camera in which the battery cannot be replaced, even when the built-in battery energy is consumed and the electronic device cannot be operated, the operation can be resumed in a short time.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example of an electronic camera and a charging dock according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing processing executed by the system controller in the electronic camera of FIG. FIG. 2b is a flowchart showing processing executed by the system controller in the electronic camera of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the system controller in the electronic camera of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the power supply controller in the electronic camera of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 discloses a block diagram when an electronic camera and a charging dock that performs a charging operation in a non-contact manner are connected to the electronic camera. The charging dock is also called a charging stand or a charging cradle, but in this description, the name of the dock is used.

  A system controller 100 (hereinafter abbreviated as “Scnt 100”) controls the electronic camera 1 in an integrated manner, and its inside is composed of a plurality of functional blocks controlled by a CPU (not shown), and is recorded in a FlashRom 116. A predetermined operation is executed based on the code.

  The image sensor 104 is constituted by an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS, and generates an image signal by photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the photographing lens 102. An image sensor interface circuit 106 (hereinafter referred to as an image sensor IF circuit 106) drives the image sensor 104, A / D converts an image signal output from the image sensor 104, and outputs the image signal to the Scnt 100 as digital data. The Scnt 100 performs predetermined image processing on the digital data to generate image data.

  The display circuit 108 is a circuit that drives the monitor 110 to display image data. The monitor 110 is composed of display elements such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, a plasma display panel, etc., and displays information such as icons and character data in addition to displaying image data. The memory card 112 is a storage medium composed of a non-volatile memory, and is detachably held in the camera by a slot (not shown) and stores photographed image data. The SDRAM 114 is used as a work memory necessary for temporary storage of digital data obtained from the image sensor 104 and image processing of this data.

  The FlashRom 116 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and is used for recording a program code necessary for the operation of the Scnt 100, recording image data (when the memory card 112 is not attached), recording a control parameter, and the like. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 118 is used for communication between the electronic camera 1 and an external device 174 (for example, a PC (personal computer)). By using this terminal, the external device 174 can communicate with the electronic camera 1 to read out the image data stored in the memory card 112, rewrite the program code and control parameters stored in the FlashRom 116, and read out the image data. Become. Furthermore, the external device 174 can also access the FlashRom 122a of the power supply controller 122 via the Scnt 100.

  The auxiliary light source unit 119 emits light to increase the luminance of the subject when the subject is dark. This unit may be composed of, for example, a high-intensity LED and its driving circuit, a strobe unit composed of a xenon tube, a booster circuit, and a main capacitor, or a lamp and its driving circuit. May be. The camera operation switch 120 is a switch (SW) operated by the user to instruct the operation of the electronic camera 1, and is a dial SW, up / down SW, release SW, movie shooting SW, power SW, touch SW, playback. SW, mode setting SW, etc.

  A power supply controller 122 (hereinafter abbreviated as Pcnt122) controls the power supply of the electronic camera 1. The FlashRom 122a is provided inside the FlashRom 122a, and the FlashRom 122a is used to control the program code and power supply necessary for operating the Pcnt 122. Necessary parameters and the like are stored.

  Inside the electronic camera 1, two secondary batteries (secondary battery A131 and secondary battery B132) for supplying electric power necessary for the operation are arranged. The secondary battery A131 (first secondary battery) and the secondary battery B132 (second secondary battery) have different electrical characteristics. The electric energy (capacity) that can be stored differs between the two secondary batteries, and the capacity of the secondary battery A131 is smaller than the capacity of the secondary battery B132 (the capacity of the secondary battery A131 <the capacity of the secondary battery B132). Further, the charging characteristics of the two secondary batteries are different, and the secondary battery A131 has a quick charging capability higher than that of the secondary battery B132. If the batteries have the same characteristics, the charging time also decreases in proportion to the decrease in capacity. However, the battery used for the two-character battery A131 is a battery that can be charged more rapidly than the secondary battery B132. This is because the time required for charging is further shortened and the camera is immediately set to a usable state without battery replacement. The charging current of a lithium ion secondary battery used in an electronic camera is about 1 C at maximum. However, in recent years, batteries with higher charging current have been developed. For example, there is a secondary battery SciB (registered trademark) manufactured by Toshiba Corporation. It is preferable to use a battery having excellent quick charge characteristics for the two-character battery A131. The element which can be utilized is not restricted to a lithium ion secondary battery, It is a rechargeable battery and any kind will be used if it is a battery which has a required characteristic. In addition, the element is not limited to a secondary battery as long as it can store electric energy (for example, an electric double layer capacitor). The DC / DC converter 134 converts the output of one of the two secondary batteries into a voltage suitable for the operation of the circuit (step-down or step-up) to the power line of the electronic circuit constituting the electronic camera 1 and outputs the voltage. . Outputs of the two secondary batteries are supplied to the power line of the Pcnt 122 via the diode 135. The diode 135 is provided to prevent the outputs of the two secondary batteries from interfering with each other. The Pcnt 122 is in a standby state to monitor the state of the power supply SW even when the electronic camera is not operating. In this state, the output of the DC / DC converter 134 cannot be used as a power source. Therefore, the Pcnt 122 must be able to operate with the direct output of the battery.

  When the power SW, which is one of the camera operation switches 120, is turned on, the Pcnt 122 starts its operation and controls the DC / DC converter 134 to supply power necessary for the operation of the electronic camera 1. When the electronic camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2 and receives electric power from the charging dock 2, the Pcnt 122 performs charging operation of the secondary battery A 131 and the secondary battery B 132 using this electric power. This charging operation is performed by a so-called contactless charging method (contactless charging method or wireless charging method). That is, electric power is transmitted by receiving magnetic energy generated from the primary coil 142 provided in the charging dock 2 by the secondary coil 132 provided in the electronic camera 1. Further, communication operation between the electronic camera 1 and the charging dock 2 is also performed using these two coils. The secondary coil 133 is disposed on the bottom surface of the electronic camera 1, and the primary coil 142 is disposed on the top surface of the charging dock 2 (part where the electronic camera 1 is placed). When the electronic camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2, these two coils face each other, and electric power can be transmitted from the charging dock 2 to the electronic camera 1 by electromagnetic induction.

  The alternating voltage generated from the secondary coil 133 is converted into a DC voltage by the rectifier circuit 126 (power receiving circuit) and supplied to the charging circuit c128. The charging circuit c128 performs the charging operation to the secondary battery c130 based on the command from the Pcnt 122. The output of the rectifier circuit 126 is also output to the communication circuit 124. Information transmission from the charging dock 2 to the electronic camera 1 is performed by the following method, for example. By changing the amplitude of the voltage applied to the primary coil according to information (by amplitude modulation), the voltage output from the rectifier circuit 126 changes according to the information. From this change, the communication circuit c124 detects information and outputs it to the Pcnt 122. Information transmission from the electronic camera 1 to the charging dock 2 is performed by the following method, for example. The communication circuit c124 transmits information to the charging dock 2 by changing the load (impedance) connected to the secondary coil 133 according to the information (by changing the load). This load fluctuation can be detected from the change in the current flowing through the primary coil 142 in the charging dock 2. As a communication method between the electronic camera 1 and the charging dock 2, a method other than those described above, a frequency modulation method, a phase modulation method, or a combination of a plurality of modulation methods may be used. Further, communication may be performed using other methods without using the primary coil 142 and the secondary coil 133.

  A charging dock controller 140 (hereinafter abbreviated as Dcnt 140) controls the charging dock 2 in an integrated manner. The FlashRom 140a has a FlashRom 140a in which program codes necessary for operating the Dcnt 140, control parameters necessary for controlling the charging dock 2, and the like are stored.

  The power required for the operation of the charging dock 2 can be supplied from two power sources. The first power source (internal power source) is a secondary battery d154 arranged inside the charging dock, and the second power source ( The external power source is an AC / DC adapter 170. As the secondary battery d154, a rechargeable battery such as a nickel metal hydride secondary battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, or a lead storage battery is used. In addition, a battery chamber for storing the secondary battery d154 may be provided in the charging dock 2, and a primary battery may be used as long as the standard conforms to the battery chamber. The AC / DC adapter 170 converts the AC output from the commercial power source into a DC voltage operable by the charging dock 2 and outputs it.

  The output of the AC / DC adapter is supplied to the charging dock 2 by connecting the DC jack 172 to the DC plug 150. When the DC jack 172 is connected to the DC plug 150, the power supply switching SW 152 supplies the output to the charging dock 2 in order to use the AC / DC adapter 170 as the power source for the charging dock 2. When the DC jack 172 is not connected to the DC plug 150, the power switch SW152 supplies the output to the charging dock 2 in order to use the secondary battery d154 as a power source for the charging dock. The Dcnt 140 can determine whether it is operating with the power from the secondary battery d154 or the power from the AC / DC adapter 170 from the state of the power switch SW152. In this embodiment, the power supply source is determined in the state of the power supply switch SW152, but may be determined using the difference in output voltage between the secondary battery d154 and the AC / DC adapter 170. The power supply switching SW 152 serving as a power supply switching unit can be composed of members such as a mechanical switch, a semiconductor switch, and a relay.

  When the AC / DC adapter 170 is connected to the charging dock 2 as a power source, its output is also supplied to the charging circuit d156. The charging circuit d156 is a circuit for charging the secondary battery d154, and performs a charging operation based on a command from the charging dock controller 140. The electric power supplied from the power supply switching SW 152 is supplied to the driver circuit 144, and the driver circuit 144 generates a drive signal (alternating signal) and supplies it to the primary coil 142. With this drive signal, the primary coil 142 generates a magnetic force, and the secondary coil 133 is induced in voltage, and power is supplied to the electronic camera 1. A drive signal for the driver circuit 144 is supplied from a drive signal generation circuit 148. The drive signal conditions (conditions such as frequency and amplitude) are controlled by Dcnt 140.

  The communication circuit d146 is a circuit for transmitting information to the electronic camera 1 via the primary coil 142 based on a command from the Dcnt 140 and receiving information from the electronic camera 1 via the primary coil 142. When transmitting information, the drive signal generation circuit 148 is controlled to modulate the drive signal output to the primary coil 142. When receiving the information, the communication circuit d146 detects the information transmitted by the electronic camera 1 from the change (load fluctuation) of the current flowing through the primary coil.

  The charging start switch 158 is a switch operated by the user to instruct the operation of the charging dock 2. The user can perform a charging operation when the electronic camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2 and the charging start switch 158 is turned on. The charging start switch 158 may be a switch that is turned on when the electronic camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2. The LED 162 is a display member that exists to indicate the operating state of the charging dock. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 160 is used for communication between the charging dock 2 and an external device 174 (for example, a personal computer (PC)). By using this terminal, the external device 174 can rewrite the program code, control parameters, etc. stored in the FlashRom 140a by communicating.

  In this embodiment, in order to transmit electric power from the charging dock 2 to the electronic camera 1 using electromagnetic induction, a coil is disposed in each of them to perform a non-contact charging operation. However, it is also possible to place contacts on the charging dock 2 and the electronic camera 1 and connect the respective contacts when the electronic camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2 to transmit power via the contacts. .

  The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 3 show processing executed by the Scnt 100 (see FIG. 1) in the electronic camera based on the program code recorded in the FlashRom 116.

  As will be described later, the Pcnt 122 has two activation factors (activation when the power switch SW that is one of the camera operation switches 120 is turned on, activation due to communication from the charging dock 2), and the Pcnt 122 is activated due to any factor. Even so, the DC / DC converter 134 is operated to start the Scnt 100. When the operation of the DC / DC converter 134 is permitted by the Dcnt 140, power is supplied to the power supply system in the electronic camera, and the Scnt 100 starts the operation. In step S100, the Scnt 100 performs a system activation process. Initial setting of peripheral circuits connected to the Scnt 100, initial setting of memory, and the like are performed.

  In step S102, the Scnt 100 communicates with the Pcnt 122 and acquires information regarding the power source. The information acquired here is information on the capacity (nominal capacity and current charge level) of the secondary battery A131 and the secondary battery B132, information on which output of these two secondary batteries is operating, electronic There is information regarding whether or not the camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2. The Scnt 100 periodically executes the process of step S102 during operation. In step S <b> 104, the Scnt 100 determines whether the electronic camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2. When it is placed on the charging dock 2, the process proceeds to operation step S110 to perform a charging operation, and when it is not placed, the process proceeds to operation step 106 to perform a normal camera operation.

  In step S110, the Scnt 100 displays the capacities (current charge levels) of the two secondary batteries on the monitor 110 based on the information acquired in step S102, and any secondary battery is being charged for the secondary battery. Displays whether the battery is charging.

  In step S112, the Scnt 100 determines the capacity (current charge level) of the secondary battery A131. If it is determined that charging is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S118. If it is determined that charging is necessary, the process proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the Scnt 100 determines whether or not the secondary battery A131 is already being charged. If it is already being charged, the process proceeds to S102. When the charging operation is not performed, the Scnt 100 communicates to instruct the Pcnt 122 to execute the charging operation of the secondary battery A in S116. Then, the process proceeds to S102.

  In step S118, the Scnt 100 determines the capacity (current charge level) of the secondary battery B132. If it is determined that charging is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S124. If it is determined that charging is necessary, the process proceeds to step S120. In step S120, the Scnt 100 determines whether the secondary battery B132 is already being charged, and if it is already being charged, the process proceeds to S102. When the charging operation is not performed, in S122, the Scnt 100 performs communication to instruct the Pcnt 122 to execute the charging operation of the secondary battery B132. Then, the process proceeds to S102.

  In step S124, the Scnt 100 performs a predetermined display when the capacity (current charge level) of the secondary battery A131 and the secondary battery B132 reaches the full charge level, and stops the operation of the system. After confirming this display, the camera user can remove the electronic camera 1 from the charging dock 2 and use the electronic camera 1 to operate the electronic camera 1 using two secondary batteries. In step S126, the Scnt 100 performs a system stop process. The operation of the peripheral circuit connected to the Scnt 100 is stopped, and the information to be stored is saved after the system is stopped. In step S128, the Scnt 100 transmits a system stop request to the Pcnt 122. The Pcnt 122 that has received this request stops the operation of the DC / DC converter 134.

  When the operation shifts from step 104 to step 106, the Scnt 100 checks the capacity (current charge level) of the secondary battery A131. If the charge level is sufficient and the operation with the secondary battery A131 is possible, the process proceeds to step S108, and if the operation with the secondary battery A131 is impossible, the process proceeds to step S130 (FIG. 2b). In step 108, the Scnt 100 transmits a power switch request to the Pcnt 122. The Pcnt 122 uses the output of the secondary battery B132 when the system is started. In normal operation, the secondary battery A131 is preferentially used. Therefore, a sufficient charge is accumulated in the secondary battery B132 rather than the secondary battery A131. (This is not the case when only the secondary battery A131 is charged as will be described later.) Therefore, the Pcnt 122 uses the output of the secondary battery B132 to safely start the system. After the system is started, the Scnt 100 determines whether to use the secondary battery A131 that should be used with priority.

  In step S130, the Scnt 100 communicates with the Pcnt 122 and acquires information regarding the power source. The information acquired here is information on the capacity (nominal capacity and current charge level) of the secondary battery A131 and the secondary battery B132, information on which output of these two secondary batteries is operating, electronic There is information regarding whether or not the camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2. The Scnt 100 periodically executes the process of step S130 during operation. In step S132, the Scnt 100 displays the capacities (current charge levels) of the two secondary batteries on the monitor 110 based on the information acquired in S130, and the electronic camera 1 operates with the output of either secondary battery. Display.

  In step S133, the Scnt 100 determines whether the electronic camera 1 is operable with only the secondary battery A131. If YES (the secondary battery B132 has no capacity capable of operating the electronic camera 1 and only the secondary battery A131 has a capacity capable of operating the electronic camera 1), the process proceeds to S1330, and NO (secondary battery A131 and secondary battery A131). If both of the secondary batteries B132 have a capacity capable of operating the electronic camera 1, or if only the secondary battery B131 has a capacity capable of operating the electronic camera 1, the process proceeds to S134.

  In step S134, the Scnt 100 determines whether an operation related to still image shooting (operation of a release SW that is one of camera operation switches) is detected. If YES (this operation is detected), the process proceeds to step S136, and if NO (this operation is not detected), the process proceeds to step S140. In step S136, a subroutine “power control” is executed. The operation of this subroutine will be described later. In step S138, a still image shooting operation is performed. That is, the image sensor 104 is controlled to acquire image data from the image sensor 104, perform predetermined image processing on the image data, further generate an image file, and store it in the memory card. Then, the process returns to step S130.

  In step S140, the Scnt 100 determines whether an operation related to moving image shooting (operation of the movie shooting SW which is one of the camera operation switches) is detected. If YES (this operation is detected), the process proceeds to step S142, and if NO (this operation is not detected), the process proceeds to step S146. In step S142, the subroutine “power control” is executed. The operation of this subroutine will be described later. In step S144, the Scnt 100 performs a moving image shooting operation. That is, the image sensor 104 is controlled to acquire predetermined frame rate image data from the image sensor 104, and a predetermined moving image file is generated from the image data and stored in the memory card. When an operation for ending moving image shooting is detected, the process returns to step S130.

  In step S146, the Scnt 100 determines whether or not the external device 174 is connected to the electronic camera 1. If YES (the external device 174 is connected to the USB terminal 118), the process proceeds to step S148, and if NO (the external device 174 is not connected to the USB terminal 118), the process proceeds to step S152. In step S148, the subroutine “power control” is executed. The operation of this subroutine will be described later. In step S150, a communication operation with the external device 174 is performed. When the communication operation ends, the process proceeds to step S130. For example, the following operations are performed in this communication operation. The operation of the camera is remotely controlled in response to a command from the external device 174. The image data in the memory card can be accessed in accordance with a command from the external device 174 (USB mass storage operation).

  In step S152, the Scnt 100 determines whether an operation related to the reproduction operation (operation of the reproduction SW which is one of the camera operation switches) is detected. If YES (this operation is detected), the process proceeds to step S154, and if NO (this operation is not detected), the process proceeds to step S158. In step S154, the subroutine “power control” is executed. The operation of this subroutine will be described later. In step S156, the Scnt 100 reads an image file from the memory card 112 in accordance with a user operation and reproduces the image on the monitor 110. When the reproduction operation ends, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S158, the Scnt 100 determines whether the state of the power source SW that is one of the camera operation switches is OFF. If YES (the power supply SW is in the OFF state), the process proceeds to step S160. If NO (power supply SW is in the ON state), the process proceeds to step S130. In step S160, the Scnt 100 performs a system stop process. The operation of the peripheral circuit connected to the Scnt 100 is stopped, and the information to be stored is saved after the system is stopped. In step S162, the Scnt 100 transmits a system stop request to the Pcnt 122. The Pcnt 122 that has received this request stops the operation of the DC / DC converter 134. By this process, the Scnt 100 stops operating.

  The operations in steps S1330 to 1334 are executed when the electronic camera 1 is operating with only the secondary battery A131. The situation in which these operations are executed occurs when the electronic camera 1 is operated after the charging operation of only the secondary battery A131 is completed after the energy stored in both of the two secondary batteries is consumed. When charging two secondary batteries, it is desirable to continue the charging operation until the charging operation of the two batteries is completed. However, there are times when the user who wants to immediately perform the photographing operation starts the operation of the electronic camera 1 using only the secondary battery A131. In order to respond to such a situation, the electronic camera 1 and the charger 2 are configured so that the time required for the charging operation of the secondary battery A131 is shorter than that of the secondary battery B132.

  In step S1330, the Scnt 100 determines whether the capacity of the secondary battery A131 is sufficient for the still image shooting operation and the reproduction operation. If there is a capacity necessary for these operations, the process proceeds to step S1331, and if there is no necessary capacity, the process proceeds to step S160 in order to stop the operation of the electronic camera 1. Since the secondary battery A131 has a smaller capacity than the secondary battery B132, the secondary battery A131 is allowed to have a relatively short operation time in relation to the operation of the camera. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the still image shooting operation and the still image reproduction operation are permitted. In step S1331, it is determined whether a still image shooting operation has been performed. If the operation has been performed, a still image shooting operation is performed in step S1332. When the still image shooting operation ends, the process proceeds to step S130. In step S1333, it is determined whether an operation for reproducing a still image is performed. When the operation is performed, the still image selected in step S1332 is read from the memory card and displayed on the monitor 110. When the reproduction operation ends, the process proceeds to step S130.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 shows a subroutine “power control” executed by the Scnt 100 (see FIG. 1) in the electronic camera based on the program code recorded in the FlashRom 116. The function of this subroutine determines whether the power supply is in a state where the operation can be executed before the predetermined operation is executed.

  In step S170, the Scnt 100 communicates with the Pcnt 122 and acquires information regarding the power source. The information acquired here is information on the capacity (nominal capacity and current charge level) of the secondary battery A131 and the secondary battery B132, information on which output of the two secondary batteries is used, and the like. . In step S172, the Scnt 100 selects an operation according to the state of the two secondary batteries. If it is “capacity (current charge level) that interferes with the predetermined operation of both the secondary battery A131 and the secondary battery B132”, the process proceeds from step S172 to step S188. If “secondary battery A131 and secondary battery B132 have a capacity (charge level) at which a predetermined operation can be performed without hindrance”, the process proceeds from step S172 to step S184. If “secondary battery A131 has a capacity (charge level) that hinders operation and secondary battery B132 has a capacity (current charge level) that can be operated without trouble”, the process proceeds from step S172 to step S174.

  In step S174, the Scnt 100 determines whether the selected secondary battery is the secondary battery A131. If YES (the secondary battery A131 is selected), the process proceeds to step S176 and NO (secondary battery). When B132 is selected), the process returns to the main routine. That is, a predetermined operation according to the user's operation is executed by the output from the secondary battery B132. When the process proceeds to step S176, the monitor 110 is displayed to notify the user that the operation is locked. The notification display performed here is notification indicating that the capacity of the secondary battery A131 is reduced and the operation selected by the user cannot be performed. The user who sees this notification may perform the charging operation of the secondary battery A using the charging dock 2. Further, a notification (display indicating the release method) indicating that the operation lock can be released by performing a predetermined operation is also performed. In step S178, the detection operation of the predetermined release operation is executed. The following is an example of this predetermined operation. For example, an operation of turning on the power SW for a predetermined time, an operation of turning on the release SW for a predetermined time, an operation of turning on a combination of a plurality of predetermined operation switches, and the like can be considered. In step S178, the Scnt 100 waits until this predetermined release operation is detected. When the predetermined release operation is detected, the Scnt 100 sends a request for switching the power source to the Pcnt 122 in step S180. In response to this request, the Pcnt 122 switches the battery that drives the DC / DC converter from the secondary battery A131 to the secondary battery B132. When battery switching is completed, the main routine is restored. The electronic camera (electronic device) of the present invention has two secondary batteries, one of which is preferentially used as a battery (secondary battery A131) and the other as a spare battery (secondary battery B132). Yes. Therefore, when the battery to be used preferentially becomes unavailable, the operation of the electronic camera is once locked and a warning is issued to prompt the camera user to perform a charging operation.

  In step S184, the Scnt 100 determines whether the electronic camera 1 is operating with a secondary battery suitable for the selected operation mode. If YES (the secondary battery suitable for the operation mode is selected), the process returns to the main routine. If NO (the secondary battery suitable for the operation mode is not selected), the process proceeds to S186. As an example of the situation where the secondary battery suitable for the operation mode is not selected, there is a situation where the operation mode for rewriting the program (FlashRom 116) of the electronic camera 1 is selected and the electronic camera 1 is operating with the secondary battery A131. . In such a situation, in order to safely execute the program rewriting operation, it is desirable to operate the electronic camera 1 with the secondary battery B132 having a large capacity. In step S186, the Scnt 100 transmits a request for selecting the secondary battery B132 to the Pcnt 122. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

  In step S188, the Scnt 190 performs an operation lock display. That is, a display indicating that the capacity of both the secondary batteries is exhausted and the camera cannot be operated is displayed on the monitor 110. In step S190, the Scnt 100 performs a system stop process. The operation of the peripheral circuit connected to the Scnt 100 is stopped, and the information to be stored is saved after the system is stopped. In step S192, the Scnt 100 transmits a system stop request to the Pcnt 122. The Pcnt 122 that has received this request stops the operation of the DC / DC converter 134. The Scnt 100 stops operating.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 shows processing executed by the Pcnt 122 (see FIG. 1) in the electronic camera 1 based on the program code recorded in the FlashRom 122a.

  There are two activation factors for the Pcnt 122. The first activation factor is when it is detected that the power SW (one of the camera operation switches 120) of the electronic camera 1 is turned on by a user operation. The second activation factor is when the electronic camera 1 is placed on the charging dock 2 and a communication operation from the charging dock 2 is detected. The Pcnt 122 starts operating due to any activation factor, and in step S200, the Pcnt 122 performs activation processing (initialization of peripheral circuits of the Pcnt 122, initialization of the internal memory of the Pcnt 122, etc.). In step S202, the Pcnt 122 acquires capacity information of the two secondary batteries A131 and the secondary battery B132 disposed inside the electronic camera 1 via the charging circuit c128.

  In step S204, the Pcnt 122 detects an activation factor. When activated by turning on the power supply SW, the operation proceeds from step S204 to step S208. When activated by the start of communication from the charging dock, the operation proceeds from step S204 to step S206. In normal operation of the camera, the user first turns on the power SW. When the Pcnt 122 is activated by this SW operation, the operation of the Pcnt 122 proceeds from step S204 to step S208. When the user places the electronic camera 1 on the charging dock 2 and turns on the charging start switch in order to charge the battery of the camera, the charging dock 2 starts communication with the electronic camera 1. When the start of communication is detected, the Pcnt 122 moves the operation from step S204 to step S206. In step S206, the Pcnt 122 communicates with the charging dock controller 140 and acquires information regarding the charging dock 2.

  In step S208, the Pcnt 122 activates the DC / DC converter 134. The Pcnt 122 selects the power required for driving the DC / DC converter from three power sources (the output of the secondary battery A131, the output of the secondary battery B132, and the transmission power from the charging dock 2). The Pcnt 122 selects one appropriate power source in consideration of the activation factor and the battery state. When the electronic camera 1 is connected (mounted) to the charging dock 2 in order to charge the secondary battery, transmission power from the charging dock 2 is selected. When the power source SW of the electronic camera 1 is operated and activated, basically, the secondary battery B132 is selected. This is because the secondary battery B132 has a larger capacity than the secondary battery A131 and is highly likely to be able to start the electronic camera 1 reliably. However, if the charging energy of the secondary battery B132 is consumed and the charging energy remains only in the secondary battery A131, the secondary battery A131 is selected.

  In step S210, the Pcnt 122 performs a communication operation with the Scnt 100 and receives a control command. In step S220, a predetermined operation is selected according to the received control command from Scnt100. If the control command is “system stop”, the operation moves from step S220 to step S221. If the control command is “acquire power supply information”, the operation moves from step S220 to step S212, and the control command is “start battery A charging”. If so, the operation proceeds from step S220 to step S214. If the control command is “Battery B charging start”, the operation proceeds from step S220 to step S216. If the control command is “power supply switching”, the operation proceeds from step S220 to step S218. Operation shifts. Step S210 is periodically executed during the operation of the Pcnt 122.

  In step S <b> 212, the Pcnt 122 acquires information on the power source and transmits it to the Scnt 100. This information is whether or not the electronic camera 1 is operating on whether or not it is placed on the charging dock 2 and which power source (the power of the charging dock 2, the output of the secondary battery A131, the output of the secondary battery B132). If the charging operation is in progress, information indicating the charging level of the secondary battery, characteristic information of the charging dock 2 (type of rechargeable battery, maximum charging current, etc.), and the like.

  In step S214, the Pcnt 122 sets the operating condition of the charging circuit c128 and the operating condition of the charging dock 2, and starts the charging operation of the secondary battery A131. This charging operation is a rapid charging operation, and the charging current is set larger than that of the secondary battery B132.

  In step S216, the Pcnt 122 sets the operating condition of the charging circuit c128 and the operating condition of the charging dock 2, and starts the charging operation of the secondary battery B132. This charging operation is a charging operation in which the charging current is set smaller than that of the secondary battery B132.

  In step S218, the Pcnt 122 selects either the secondary battery A131 or the secondary battery B132 as a power source for driving the DC / DC converter 134 in response to a request from the Scnt 100.

  In step S221, the Pcnt 122 stops the operation of the DC / DC converter 134. This operation stops the operation of the Scnt 100. In step S222, the Pcnt 122 performs a stop process. The operation of the peripheral circuits connected to the Pcnt 122 is stopped, and the information to be stored is saved after the stop. Then, after setting the interrupt circuit of the Pcnt 122 so as to be released from the standby mode due to the activation factor (operation of the power supply SW, communication from the charging dock 2), the mode shifts to the standby mode.

  The present invention can be applied not only to the electronic camera described above but also to an electronic device that incorporates a secondary battery and cannot be easily replaced. For example, digital photo viewers, digital photo frames, mobile phones, IC recorders, remote control devices, personal computers, PDAs and other electronic devices, and mechanical systems (electric cars) powered by actuators driven by secondary batteries Applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera 100 ... System controller 102 ... Shooting lens 104 ... Image sensor 106 ... Image sensor interface circuit 108 ... Display circuit 110 ... Monitor 112 ... Memory card 114 ... SDRAM
116… Flash Rom
118 ... USB terminal 119 ... Auxiliary light source unit 120 ... Camera operation switch 122 ... Power supply controller 124 ... Communication circuit c
126 ... Rectifier circuit 128 ... Charging circuit c
131 ... Secondary battery A
132 ... Secondary battery B
133 ... Secondary coil 134 ... DC / DC converter 2 ... Charging dock 140 ... Charging dock controller 142 ... Primary coil 144 ... Driver circuit 146 ... Communication circuit d
148... Drive signal generation circuit 150... DC plug 152.
154 ... Secondary battery d
156... Charging circuit d
158 ... Charging start switch 160 ... USB terminal 170 ... AC / DC adapter 172 ... DC jack 174 ... External equipment

Claims (3)

An electronic device incorporating a first secondary battery and a second secondary battery to obtain operating power,
A power supply controller for supplying any output of the first and second secondary batteries to a power supply system;
A system controller that controls the operation of the electronic device from the output of the power supply system,
The capacities of the first and second secondary batteries are set so that the second secondary battery is larger than the first secondary battery, and the maximum charging current of the first and second secondary batteries is An electronic device, wherein the first secondary battery is set larger than the second secondary battery. The power supply controller supplies the output of the second secondary battery to the power supply system at the start of operation, and outputs the output to the power supply system from the second secondary battery according to the command of the system controller. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is switched to a secondary battery. The electronic device further includes a charging circuit that charges the first and second secondary batteries in a non-contact manner, and the power supply controller charges the first secondary battery with the second second battery. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the charging circuit is controlled so as to be executed with priority over charging of the secondary battery.

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