JP2016005129A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus which is capable of supplying driving power to an external device connected to a connection terminal and can be used safely.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus 1 is capable of supplying driving power to an external device 3 connected to a connection terminal 50. The electronic apparatus 1 comprises: a detector 60 for detecting information on the power consumption of the external device 3; and a determination unit 10 which determines whether or not to change the output setting value of the electronic apparatus 1 on the basis of the information from the detector 60.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a terminal to which an external device is connected.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic devices that are provided so as to be able to supply driving power to external devices connected to connection terminals are known. Examples of such an electronic device include a television receiver, a PC (Personal Computer), a projector, and the like. A typical example of a connection terminal (a terminal to which an external device is connected) included in an electronic device is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. Examples of the external device connected to the connection terminal include a USB memory and a USB charger.

  In such an electronic device, if an external device that requires more power than expected power consumption is connected to the connection terminal, excessive heat generation, smoke generation, or the like may occur. For this reason, when an external device that requires power consumption exceeding the upper limit of power that can be supplied by the power supply means is connected to a connection terminal, there is an electronic device that stops power supply to the external device. There is also an electronic device that notifies a user that an external device that requires power consumption exceeding the power supply standard is connected to a connection terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-123138 A

  By the way, even if the electronic device does not exceed the allowable upper limit, an external device that is not preferable for connection to the connection terminal, such as requiring power consumption close to the upper limit, may be erroneously connected to the electronic device. In such a case, a failure of an electronic device to which an external device is connected, generation of smoke, or the like may occur, and such a dangerous state should be avoided.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can be used safely and is an electronic device that can be supplied with driving power to an external device connected to a connection terminal. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, an electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device provided so as to be able to supply driving power to an external device connected to a connection terminal, for detecting information on power consumption of the external device. It has a configuration (first configuration) including a detection unit and a determination unit that determines whether to change the output setting value of the electronic device based on information from the detection unit. The determination unit determines whether to maintain the supply of driving power to the external device, and determines whether to change the output setting value when maintaining the supply of driving power. A configuration is preferred.

  According to this configuration, when an inappropriate external device is connected to the connection terminal, the output setting value (for example, the volume setting value) of the electronic device is changed, and the power supply unit provided in the device is excessive. It can suppress that load is applied. That is, according to this configuration, it is possible to safely use an electronic device that is provided so as to be able to supply driving power to an external device connected to the connection terminal.

  The electronic device having the first configuration preferably has a configuration (second configuration) that further includes a notification processing unit that executes a process of notifying a warning based on information from the detection unit. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the external device connected to the connection terminal is an inappropriate device for connection.

  In the electronic device having the first or second configuration, the determination unit stops power supply to the external device in addition to whether to change the output setting value based on information from the detection unit. It is preferable that it is the structure (3rd structure) which judges whether to do. According to this configuration, when an external device that requires a large amount of power that cannot be tolerated is connected to the connection terminal, the power supply to the external device is stopped and the electronic device (device to which the external device is connected) It can suppress that an excessive load is applied to the power supply unit included in the.

  In the electronic device having any one of the first to third configurations, the detection unit includes an optical element that changes a magnitude of a current output to the determination unit according to a magnitude of power consumption of the external device. The included configuration (fourth configuration) may be employed.

  In the electronic device having any one of the first to fourth configurations, the electronic device is a television receiver, and the output setting value is at least one of a luminance setting value and a volume setting value. A configuration (fifth configuration) may be employed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electronic device provided so that a drive power can be supplied to the external device connected to the connection terminal can be utilized safely.

The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic device (television) which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The circuit diagram for demonstrating the detection part with which the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is provided. The electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention WHEREIN: The flowchart which shows the process performed when an external apparatus is connected to a connection terminal part. The flowchart which shows the process performed when the external device is connected to the connection terminal part in the electronic device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The circuit diagram for demonstrating the detection part with which the electronic device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention is provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is widely applicable to electronic devices that have a connection terminal for connecting an external device and are provided so as to be able to supply driving power to the external device connected to the connection terminal. For example, the present invention can be applied to a television receiver (hereinafter simply referred to as a television), a PC, a projector, an optical disc player, an optical disc recorder, and the like. Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a television will be described as an example.
<First Embodiment>

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic apparatus 1 (television) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the television 1 includes a control IC (Integrated Circuit) 10, a power supply unit 20, an input unit 30, a broadcast signal reception processing unit 40, a connection terminal unit 50, and a detection unit 60. I have.

  The control IC 10 controls each part constituting the television 1. The control IC 10 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read On Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the ROM while using the RAM as a work area. As will be described in detail later, the control IC 10 has a function of determining whether to change the output setting value of the television 1 based on information from the detection unit 60 and performing a process of notifying a warning. . The control IC 10 also determines whether or not to stop power supply to the external device 3 connected via the connection terminal unit 50 based on information from the detection unit 60. That is, the control IC 10 is an example of a determination unit and a notification processing unit of the present invention.

  The power supply unit 20 supplies power to each unit constituting the television 1. The power supply unit 20 transforms an AC voltage acquired from an external commercial power supply via a power cord (not shown) into an appropriate voltage and converts it into a DC voltage, and supplies DC power to each unit. The input unit 30 is provided so that a user can input a command to the television 1. The input unit 30 may be, for example, an input button provided on the device main body and / or a remote controller used in combination with a receiving unit provided on the device main body.

  The broadcast signal reception processing unit 40 receives a television (TV) broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast station with a high-frequency radio wave of a predetermined frequency via the antenna 2 and processes the received signal. The broadcast signal reception processing unit 40 includes a tuner unit 41, a video / audio processing unit 42, a display unit 43, and a speaker 44.

  The tuner unit 41 receives the TV broadcast signal of the channel selected by the user via the antenna 2. The video / audio processing unit 42 performs demodulation and error correction processing of the TV broadcast signal received by the tuner unit 41, and separates necessary TS (Transport Stream) packets from the multiplexed signals. Then, the video / audio processing unit 42 decodes the TS packet including the video signal and the audio signal. In the video / audio processing unit 42, an OSD (On Screen Display) process for processing a video signal obtained from a TV broadcast signal and generating a video signal on which a predetermined display image is superimposed is also appropriately performed.

  The display unit 43 displays the video according to the video signal received from the video / audio processing unit 42. The display unit 43 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal module including a liquid crystal panel and a backlight. The speaker 44 outputs audio according to the audio signal received from the video / audio processing unit 42. Note that the user can adjust the output setting values (for example, the luminance setting value and the volume setting value) of the display unit 43 and the speaker 44 via the input unit 30.

  The connection terminal unit 50 is configured by a USB terminal for connecting the external device 3. When the external device 3 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50, driving power is supplied from the power supply unit 20 to the external device 3. Examples of the external device 3 include a hard disk drive device, a memory, an optical disc player, an optical disc recorder, a game device, a digital camera, a video camera, and a network server. The detection unit 60 is provided to detect information related to the power consumption of the external device 3.

  FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram for explaining the detection unit 60 included in the electronic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the connection terminal portion 50 includes two power supply lines Vbus and GND and two signal lines D− and D +. The power supply line Vbus is connected to the power supply unit 20 via a light emitting diode 61a constituting a photocoupler 61 (an optical element of the present invention). The two signal lines D− and D + are both connected to the control IC 10. The control IC 10 is connected to the power supply unit 20 via the phototransistor 61b that constitutes the photocoupler 61.

  When the external device 3 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50, a current flows from the power supply unit 20 to the power supply line Vbus via the light emitting diode 61a. When a current flows through the light emitting diode 61a, the light emitting diode 61a emits light, a current flows through the phototransistor 61b, and the current is input to the control IC 10. The magnitude of the current input to the control IC 10 changes in proportion to the magnitude of the current flowing through the light emitting diode 61a. That is, the magnitude of the current input to the control IC 10 varies depending on the magnitude of power consumption of the external device 3 connected to the connection terminal unit 50. For this reason, the control IC 10 can acquire information regarding the power consumption of the external device 3 connected to the connection terminal unit 50.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing executed when the external device 3 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50 in the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is performed each time the external device 3 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50.

  When the external device 3 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50, power supply from the power source unit 20 to the external device 3 is started (step S1). Note that the external device 3 may be connected to the connection terminal unit 50 in a state where the power of the television 1 is not turned on. In this case, power supply to the external device 3 is started by turning on the power of the television 1. And by this electric power supply start, the following steps S2 and after are performed.

  When power supply to the external device 3 is started, a current flows into the control IC 10 via the photocoupler 61. The control IC 10 checks whether or not the magnitude of the input current (detected current) is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S2). The first threshold value is set so that it is possible to determine whether or not the external device 3 connected to the connection terminal unit 50 is a device that requires power consumption unacceptable for the television 1. If the magnitude of the detected current is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it is determined that the external device 3 has a large load and cannot be connected to the television 1. When the magnitude of the detected current is smaller than the first threshold, it is determined that the external device 3 can accept the connection to the television 1 for the time being.

  When the magnitude of the detected current is equal to or larger than the first threshold (Yes in Step S2), the control IC 10 executes a process for displaying the first warning text on the display unit 43 (Step S3). Although the content of the first warning text is not particularly limited, for example, it is expressed as “Please avoid using this USB product”.

  When the control IC 10 performs the process of displaying the first warning text, the control IC 10 performs the process of stopping the power supply from the power supply unit 20 to the external device 3 (step S4). To stop the power supply, for example, a control signal for turning off a switch provided in the power supply unit 20 may be output from the control IC 10 to the power supply unit 20. If the power supply to the external device 3 is continued, excessive heat generation and smoke generation may occur. Stopping the power supply is to avoid such a situation. Since the first warning text is displayed, the user can recognize the reason why the external device 3 cannot be used. For this reason, even if the power supply to the external device 3 is stopped and the device 3 cannot be used, the user can be prevented from being confused.

  Note that the order of step S3 and step S4 may be interchanged or may be performed simultaneously. Further, the first warning text may be continuously displayed until, for example, the connection to the connection terminal unit 50 of the external device 3 is released, or may not be displayed at a predetermined time depending on the case. You may make it be said.

  When the magnitude of the detected current is smaller than the first threshold (No in step S2), the control IC 10 checks whether or not the magnitude of the detected current is equal to or larger than the second threshold (step S5). The second threshold is smaller than the first threshold. The second threshold is set so that it is possible to determine whether or not the external device 3 connected to the connection terminal unit 50 is a device that requires a large amount of power consumption, which is not preferable for connection to the connection terminal unit 50. If the magnitude of the detected current is smaller than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold, the external device 3 has a relatively large load, so that the connection to the television 1 cannot be said to be unacceptable. It is judged that this connection is not preferable. When the magnitude of the detected current is smaller than the second threshold, it is determined that the external device 3 can be safely connected to the television 1.

  When the magnitude of the detected current is equal to or larger than the second threshold (Yes in Step S5), the control IC 10 executes a process for displaying the second warning text on the display unit 43 (Step S6). Although the content of the second warning text is not particularly limited, for example, it is expressed as “this USB product has high power consumption”.

  In the present embodiment, text display on the display unit 43 is adopted as means for notifying warnings (first warning and second warning), but this is only an example. The means for notifying the warning may be, for example, voice guidance using the speaker 44 or a buzzer sound.

  When the control IC 10 performs the process of displaying the second warning text, the control IC 10 checks whether or not the predetermined output setting value of the television 1 satisfies the predetermined condition (step S7). The predetermined output setting value may be a setting value of an output variable unit provided in a television (electronic device) so that the output can be adjusted. Examples thereof include a luminance setting value of the display unit 43 and a volume setting value of the speaker 44. . When the predetermined output setting value is a luminance setting value or a volume setting value, the control IC 10 checks whether or not the predetermined output setting value is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

  If the predetermined output set value satisfies the predetermined condition (Yes in step S7), the power supply to the external device 3 is continued as it is (step S9). On the other hand, when the predetermined output setting value does not satisfy the predetermined condition (No in step S7), the output setting value is changed so as to satisfy the predetermined condition (step S8), and then to the external device 3 The power supply is continued (step S9). If the predetermined output setting value is a luminance setting value or a volume setting value, the output setting value is reduced to a predetermined value or less.

  With this configuration, when the external device 3 that requires relatively large power consumption is connected to the connection terminal unit 50, it is possible to avoid a state in which an overload occurs in the power supply unit 20 by adjusting the current used on the television 1 side. . Since the second warning text is displayed, even if the predetermined output setting value of the television 1 is changed, the user is not confused.

  In the case where the power supply to the external device 3 is continued in step S9, for example, the second warning text may be continuously displayed until the external device 3 is disconnected. In some cases, the second warning text may be hidden after a certain period of time. Further, step S6 and step S7 may be switched in order or may be performed simultaneously.

  If the detected current is smaller than the second threshold (No in step S5), the appropriate external device 3 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50, so that the output setting value of the television 1 is not particularly changed. The power supply is continued (step S9).

As can be seen from the above, according to the electronic device 1 of the first embodiment, when an external device 3 that requires unacceptable power consumption is connected to the electronic device 1, power supply to the external device 3 is stopped. The Further, when an external device 3 that can be allowed to the electronic device 1 but requires relatively large power consumption is connected, a predetermined output set value in the electronic device 1 is changed as appropriate, and the power supply unit 20 has an excessive amount. Avoiding the load. Therefore, even when an inappropriate external device 3 is mistakenly connected to the connection terminal portion 50, it is possible to avoid the electronic device 1 from being damaged or generating smoke. In addition, since a warning message is displayed as appropriate, it is possible to avoid confusing the user.
Second Embodiment

  Next, the television 1 of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. The configuration of the television 1 of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. In the television 1 of the second embodiment, part of the processing executed when the external device 3 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50 is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, explanation will be made focusing on this difference.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed when the external device 3 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50 in the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Steps S1 to S6 shown in FIG. 4 are the same as the processing (see FIG. 3) in the television 1 of the first embodiment. For this reason, the description up to step S6 is omitted.

  In the television 1 of the second embodiment, when the control IC 10 performs a process of displaying the second warning text (step S6), it is determined whether or not the first output setting value of the television 1 satisfies a predetermined condition. Confirm (step S7). As the first output setting value, for example, the luminance setting value of the display unit 43 can be adopted. When the first output setting value is the luminance setting value, the control IC 10 confirms whether or not the first output setting value is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  When the first output setting value does not satisfy the predetermined condition (No in step S7), the control IC 10 changes the first output setting value so that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S8). When the first output set value is a luminance set value, the control IC 10 reduces the first output set value to a predetermined value or less. After changing the first output setting value, the control IC 10 checks whether or not the second output setting value satisfies a predetermined condition (step S9).

  If the first output set value satisfies the predetermined condition (Yes in step S7), the control IC 10 subsequently checks whether or not the second output set value satisfies the predetermined condition. (Step S9). As the second output setting value, for example, the volume setting value of the speaker 44 can be adopted. When the second output setting value is a volume setting value, the control IC 10 confirms whether or not the second output setting value is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  When the second output setting value does not satisfy the predetermined condition (No in step S9), the control IC 10 changes the second output setting value so that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S10). When the second output setting value is a volume setting value, the control IC 10 reduces the second output setting value to a predetermined value or less. After changing the second output setting value, the power supply to the external device 3 is continued with the changed output setting value (step S11). When the second output set value satisfies the predetermined condition (Yes in step S9), the power supply to the external device 3 is continued without changing the second output set value (step S11). ).

  According to the configuration of the second embodiment, when the external device 3 that needs to display the second warning text is connected to the connection terminal unit 50, the plurality of output setting values are adjusted so as to satisfy a predetermined condition. Is done. For this reason, it is easy to avoid a state in which an excessive load is applied to the power supply unit 20 when the external device 3 that requires relatively large power consumption is connected to the connection terminal unit 50.

In addition, in 2nd Embodiment, although the structure adjusted so that two output setting values satisfy | fill predetermined conditions is employ | adopted, not only this but three or more output setting values satisfy | fill predetermined conditions. You may employ | adopt the structure adjusted to. In the second embodiment, when the second warning text is displayed, the two output setting values are always adjusted so as to satisfy the predetermined condition. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, even if the first output set value is changed, the second output set value is changed only when it is determined that there is a possibility of overloading the power supply unit 20. It doesn't matter.
<Third Embodiment>

  Next, the television 1 of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. The configuration of the television 1 of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. However, in the television 1 of the third embodiment, the configuration of the detection unit 60 for detecting information related to power consumption from the external device 3 is different from the configuration of the first embodiment. In the following, description will be given focusing on these different parts.

  FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram for explaining the detection unit 60 included in the electronic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the connection terminal unit 50 includes two power supply lines Vbus and GND, and two signal lines D− and D +. The power supply line Vbus is connected to the power supply unit 20 via a Posister (registered trademark) 62 which is a kind of resistor having a large electrical resistance change with respect to a temperature change. The two signal lines D− and D + are both connected to the control IC 10. The control IC 10 is connected to the power supply unit 20 via the posistor 62.

  When the external device 3 that requires power consumption that the television 1 can tolerate is connected to the connection terminal portion 50, the current flowing through the posistor 62 is relatively small, and the temperature change of the posistor 62 is not so large. The control IC 10 can detect a voltage (potential) that changes corresponding to the power consumption of the external device 3. On the other hand, when the external device 3 that requires power consumption unacceptable by the television 1 is connected to the connection terminal portion 50, a large current flows through the posistor 62, so that the temperature of the posistor 62 changes greatly. As a result, the resistance value of the posistor 62 becomes very large, and the voltage (potential) detected by the control IC 10 becomes extremely small.

Even when the detection unit 60 having such a configuration is used, the control IC 10 can obtain information on the power consumption of the external device 3 connected to the connection terminal unit 50. And like 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, it is possible to suppress the failure accompanying the connection of the external apparatus 3, generation | occurrence | production of smoke, etc. When the posistor 62 is used, it is particularly easy to detect that the external device 3 requiring power consumption that cannot be permitted by the television 1 is connected to the connection terminal unit 50.
<Others>

  The embodiment described above is an exemplification of the present invention, and the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above. Of course, the above embodiments may be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, each embodiment may be suitably combined within a possible range.

  For example, a current detection unit that detects a current flowing between the power source unit 20 and the connection terminal unit 50 may be provided, and a current value may be output from the current detection unit to the control IC 10. . In the case of this configuration, the control IC 10 changes the output setting value (for example, the luminance setting value or the volume setting value) or stops the power supply to the external device 3 based on the information (current value) obtained from the current detection unit. Judgment and notification processing are executed.

1 Electronic Device 3 External Device 10 Control IC (Judgment Unit, Notification Processing Unit)
50 Connection terminal portion 60 Detection portion 61 Photocoupler (optical element)

Claims (5)

An electronic device provided to be able to supply driving power to an external device connected to a connection terminal,
A detection unit for detecting information on power consumption of the external device;
A determination unit that determines whether or not to change the output setting value of the electronic device based on information from the detection unit;
An electronic device.   The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification processing unit that executes a process of notifying a warning based on information from the detection unit.   The determination unit determines whether to stop power supply to the external device based on information from the detection unit, in addition to whether to change the output setting value. The electronic device as described in.   4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes an optical element that changes a magnitude of a current output to the determination unit according to a power consumption of the external device. 5. . The electronic device is a television receiver,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the output setting value is at least one of a luminance setting value and a sound volume setting value.

Images