JP2023168715A - Power reception device and power supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable a power reception device to operate properly with electric power supplied by a power supply device.SOLUTION: A power reception device capable of operating at or below a first upper limit power value or at or below a second upper limit power value which is smaller than the first upper limit power value includes: first power reception means connected to a power supply device via a cable and receiving power from the power supply device through the cable; operation means for operating an own device using the power received by the first power reception means; and switching means for switching operation of the own device at or below the first upper limit power value or at or below the second upper limit power value based on connection speed between the power supply device and the own device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a power receiving device and a power feeding device.

Some power supply devices that use Power over Ethernet (registered trademark) technology may consume less than the specified power consumption until the amount of power including the power supplied to the power receiving device is supplied from the power supply unit to the power supply device. There are things that must continue to operate.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-103768

When a power receiving device is connected to a power feeding device, in order to obtain power from the power receiving device, it is necessary to once perform power feeding using PoE class 0. However, if the power supply device starts power supply with PoE class 0 before notifying the power supply unit of the required power, the total power consumption of the power supply device and the power receiving device may exceed the predetermined power consumption allowed for the power supply device. There is sex.
In Patent Document 1, a line voltage drop of a network cable is determined, and if the line voltage drop is larger than a threshold value, a power receiving device is commanded to reduce load power. However, this method does not take into account the power consumption at the time of initial power supply, and there is a possibility that the predetermined power consumption will be exceeded at the timing when power supply is started in PoE class 0.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows a power receiving device to perform appropriate operations using power supplied from a power feeding device.

In order to achieve the above object, a power receiving device according to one aspect of the present invention is a power receiving device that can operate at a first upper limit power value or less or a second upper limit power value smaller than the first upper limit power value. , a first power receiving means connected to a power feeding device by a cable and receiving power from the power feeding device via the cable; an operating means for operating the own device with the power received by the first power receiving means; Switching between operating the own device at a power level below the first upper limit power value or operating the self device at a power level below the second upper limit power value based on the connection speed between the power supply device and the own device. and means.
Further, a power supply device according to another aspect of the present invention is a power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device that can operate at a power level below a first power limit value or a second power limit value smaller than the first power limit value. a supply means that is connected to the power receiving device by a cable and supplies power to the power receiving device via the cable; and a supply means that is connected to the power receiving device by a cable and supplies power necessary for the power receiving device to operate itself and power necessary for the power receiving device to operate. A connection speed between a receiving means for receiving electric power from a power supply source, the power receiving device and the own device, and whether the power receiving device is operated at a power level below the first upper limit power value or the second upper limit power value. and a changing means for changing the connection speed that determines whether or not to operate in the following manner.

According to the present invention, the power receiving device can perform appropriate operations using the power supplied from the power feeding device.

1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a network device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the network camera according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of startup control of the network camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the power supply range of the network camera at low power in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a network camera according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of startup control of a network camera according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of starting control of a network camera according to Embodiment 3. 10 is a flowchart of starting control of a network camera according to Embodiment 4.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be combined as appropriate. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply system 10 according to the first embodiment.
The power supply system 10 includes a plurality of network devices 100, a plurality of network cameras 200, a plurality of Ethernet cables 301, a main power supply section 300, and an external device 302. Network device 100, network camera 200, main power supply section 300, and external device 302 exist within the same network. The Ethernet cable 301 is a LAN cable for data communication. In this embodiment, a technology called Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as "PoE") is used to supply power to the network camera 200 using the Ethernet cable 301. PoE is specified in IEEE802.3af and IEEE802.3at.

Each network device 100 is connected to a network camera 200 by an Ethernet cable 301. Further, the network device 100 operates by receiving power from the main power supply unit 300, and performs PoE power supply control to the network camera 200. The amount of power required to drive (operate) the network camera 200 and the amount of power required to drive the network device 100 are secured by making a request to the main power supply section 300.
The network camera 200 operates by connecting to the network device 100 through an Ethernet cable 301 and receiving PoE power from the network device 100. Since the network camera 200 receives power from the network device 100, it may also be referred to as a power receiving device or PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment). Furthermore, since the network device 100 supplies power to the network camera 200, it may also be referred to as a power supply device.

The main power supply section 300 supplies the power necessary for the network device 100 and the network camera 200 to operate. The main power supply section 300 is connected to the network device 100 through a single power line (for example, a coaxial cable) 305.
The Ethernet cable 301 connects the network device 100 and the network camera 200 on a one-to-one basis. In the following description, the network camera 200 connected one-to-one to the network device 100 will be referred to as a network camera connected to the network device.

The external device 302 is used to perform user settings for the network device 100, network camera 200, and main power supply unit 300. In this embodiment, the external device 302 will be described as a personal computer (PC). The external device 302 includes a display 302a, a mouse 302b, a keyboard 302c, a control unit (not shown), and the like. Note that the external device 302 is not limited to a personal computer, and may be, for example, a tablet terminal or an infrared remote control.
In the power supply system 100 of this embodiment, a plurality of network devices 100 are connected to the main power supply section 300, but in the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the network devices 100 are connected to the main power supply section 300. A configuration in which one 100 is connected will be explained.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the network device 100 in this embodiment.
The network device 100 includes a communication section 110 and a system control section 120.
The communication unit 110 communicates with the network camera 200 , main power supply unit 300 , and external device 302 , interprets information sent to the communication unit 110 , and transmits the information to the system control unit 120 . Furthermore, the communication unit 110 transmits the content transmitted from the system control unit 120 to the communication unit 110 to the external device 302.

The system control unit 120 internally includes a camera information determination unit 121, a PoE power supply control unit 122, a power amount notification unit 123, a link speed change unit 124, a storage unit 125, and a user control unit 126. Controls the entire device 100. The system control unit 120 stores in the storage unit 125 the contents determined and controlled by the camera information determination unit 121, the PoE power supply control unit 122, the power amount notification unit 123, the link speed change unit 124, and the user control unit 126. The system control unit 120 transmits the stored information to the communication unit 110 at necessary timing. Note that the system control unit 120 may include one or more processors (CPU, MPU, etc.) and a storage unit 125. In this case, the functions of the camera information determination section 121, PoE power supply control section 122, power amount notification section 123, link speed change section 124, and user control section 126 are executed based on the program stored in the storage section 125. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. MPU is an abbreviation for Micro Processing Unit.
The camera information determination unit 121 determines the driving status of the network camera 200, the power supply status, and the power required for driving based on information transmitted from the communication unit 212 (FIG. 3) of the network camera 200 (described later) to the communication unit 110. Judging quantity. The content determined by the camera information determining section 121 is stored in the storage section 125.

The PoE power supply control unit 122 controls PoE power supply to the network camera 200 and stores the control details in the storage unit 125. Information such as the amount of power required for PoE control executed by the PoE power supply control unit 122 and the status of the camera is included in the content determined by the camera information determination unit 121. Information is acquired from the storage unit 125.
The power amount notification unit 123 notifies the main power supply unit 300 of the total amount of power required for the network camera 200 to operate (drive) and the power amount required for the network device 100 to operate. The amount of power required for the network camera 200 to operate is acquired from the camera information determination unit 121 or the storage unit 125.
The power necessary for the network device 100 to operate and the power necessary for the network camera 200 to operate may be received by the power notification unit 123 from the main power supply unit (power supply source) 300, or by the PoE power supply control unit. 122 may receive it.

The link speed changing unit 124 changes the PHY speed (link speed) of the Ethernet PHY of the network device 100 and stores the changed link speed in the storage unit 125. The link speed is the connection speed between the network device 100 and the network camera 200, and is the physical signal transfer speed.
The storage unit 125 stores the control contents and determination contents of the camera information determination unit 121, the PoE power supply control unit 122, the power amount notification unit 123, the link speed change unit 124, and the user control unit 126. The storage unit 125 also stores programs necessary for each unit of the system control unit 120 to function. The storage unit 125 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

The user control unit 126 is used by the user to control the network device 100 and change (input) settings of the network device 100 using the external device 302 . The content of the command from the user (from the external device 302) is notified to the user control unit 126 through the communication unit 110. The user control unit 126 updates the information stored in the storage unit 125 according to the notified content. The updated information is transmitted to each control unit (PoE power supply control unit 122) as necessary. Note that although the settings for the user control unit 126 are changed from the external device 302, the method of changing the settings is not limited to this. For example, settings may be changed (input) from a device such as a switch attached to the network device 100, an infrared remote control, or a tablet.

Network 130 represents a network within power supply system 10 . Network device 100 and main power supply section 300 communicate via network 130. Further, the network device 100 and the external device 302 also communicate via the network 130. Note that devices and apparatuses other than the network camera 200, main power supply unit 300, and external device 302 connected to the network device 100 may be connected to the network 130. The network camera 130 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

Note that each of the functional units 121 to 124 and 126 of the system control unit 120 in FIG. 2 may be implemented with dedicated hardware such as an ASIC. When implemented as hardware, each functional unit or several functional units may be implemented as a dedicated hardware module. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the configuration of the network camera 200 and the network device 100 in this embodiment.
The network camera 200 includes a power receiving section 211, a communication section 212, a link speed checking section 213, a startup control section 214, a link speed changing section 215, a storage section 216, a user control section 217, and an imaging section 218. , and an image processing section 219. Note that in the following description, each section 211 to 219 of the network camera 200 may be referred to as a control block.
The power receiving unit 211 receives PoE power from the connected network device 100 via the communication unit 212 . When receiving PoE power, the power receiving unit 211 determines the current content of the received power and stores it in the storage unit 216.
The communication unit 212 receives information transmitted from the network device 100 and transmits it to the link speed confirmation unit 213 or stores it in the storage unit 216. Furthermore, the communication unit 212 transmits the content stored in the storage unit 216 to the network device 100 as necessary. The communication unit 212 includes a module for communication control, PHY, MAC, and the like.

The link speed checking unit 213 checks the link speed of the network device 100 received from the communication unit 212 and stores the contents (link speed information) in the storage unit 216. Furthermore, when the link speed of the network device 100 is confirmed, the link speed confirmation section 213 transmits a message to the activation control section 214 and the link speed change section 215.
The activation control unit 214 sets the activation content of the network camera 200 to low power activation or normal activation (switching the activation content) according to the content of the link speed confirmation unit 213, and stores the activation content in the storage unit 216. The activation control unit 214 operates the network camera 200 using the power that the power receiving unit 211 receives from the network device 100 .

The link speed changing unit 215 changes the link speed of the network camera 200 so that it becomes the same speed as the link speed of the network device 100, and stores the changed content in the storage unit 216. If the PHY of the network camera 200 is AutoNegotiation and the link speed of the network device 100 is set, the link speed of the network device 100 is made to match. Furthermore, if the PHY setting of the network device 100 is also AutoNegotiation, the optimal link speeds are mutually determined.
The storage unit 216 stores the contents transmitted from the power receiving unit 211, the communication unit 212, the link speed checking unit 213, the activation control unit 214, the link speed changing unit 215, and the user control unit 217. The storage unit 216 includes, for example, ROM, RAM, hard disk, and the like.

The user control unit 217 receives control and setting contents transmitted to the network camera 200 by the user through the external device 302, and updates the control contents. The content of the command from the user is notified to the user control unit 217 through the communication unit 212. The user control unit 217 updates the stored content of the storage unit 216 by saving the notified content in the storage unit 216. Each block reads the updated content from the storage unit 216. Although the setting contents for the user control unit 217 are changed from the external device 302, the method of changing the setting contents is not limited to this. For example, settings may be changed (input) from a device such as a switch attached to the network device 100, an infrared remote control, or a tablet.

The imaging unit 218 includes an imaging lens including a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like, an imaging element, and a drive mechanism and circuit for driving these, and performs imaging of a subject and conversion into an electrical signal. The imaging unit 218 may include hardware such as a drive mechanism and a drive source motor that performs panning or tilting operations.
The image processing unit 219 performs image processing such as noise removal and gamma correction on the electrical signal converted by the imaging unit 218, generates image data, and stores it in the storage unit 216.

Note that each of the functional units 211, 213 to 215, 217, and 219 in FIG. 3 may be implemented with dedicated hardware such as an ASIC. When implemented as hardware, each functional unit or several functional units may be implemented as a dedicated hardware module. Further, the network camera 200 may include elements other than those shown in FIG. 3. For example, it may include a display unit that can function as a user interface (operation screen).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart in which the network device 100 in the first embodiment controls activation (driving) of the network camera 200. In this embodiment, the network device 100 controls activation of the network camera 200 by changing the link speed. In the figure, S stands for step. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the network camera 200 can be driven in a normal mode or a low power mode. In the normal mode, the network camera 200 operates below a predetermined first upper limit power value. In the low power mode, the network camera 200 operates below the second upper limit power value, which is smaller than the first upper limit power value. In the low power mode, for example, among the elements constituting the network camera 200, power supply to elements unnecessary for communication and changing the link speed is restricted. The link speed in this embodiment is a speed that determines whether to operate the network camera 200 in notification mode or low power mode.

In S401, the network device 100 uses the link speed change unit 124 to set the Ethernet PHY (link speed) of the network device 100 to 10 Mbps.
In S402, the network device 100 starts supplying PoE power to the network camera 200. The network camera 200 starts booting at the timing when PoE power supply is started.

In S411, the network camera 200 uses the link speed change unit 215 to change the Ethernet PHY of the network camera 200 to the Autonegotiation setting.
In S403, the communication unit 110 of the network device 100 and the communication unit 212 of the network camera 200 are used to increase the link speeds of each other to make them the same.

In S412, the link speed confirmation unit 213 confirms whether a sleep bit pattern has been transmitted from the network device 100 after link up. Once the confirmation has been made, the link speed of the network device 100 is determined (determined). In this embodiment, the determination is made based on the sleep bit pattern, but the determination may be made by preparing a unique bit pattern.
In S413, the link speed confirmation unit 213 determines whether the link speed determined in S412 and linked up is 10 Mbps. If the link speed is 10 Mbps, the process advances to S414; otherwise, the process advances to S421. In S413, it is determined whether the link speed is less than or equal to a predetermined value (10 Mbps).

In S414, the network camera 200 starts up in a low power state (starts up in low power mode). The low power in this state refers to the power to which the total power consumption of the network device 100 and the network camera 200 does not apply to the power consumption limit at startup of the network device 100 (does not reach the limit value). The power consumption at startup of the network device 100 may be known in advance by the network camera 200 (inputted and stored in the network camera 200 in advance), or the power consumption at startup may be set by the user. . Note that these are just examples, and how the network camera 200 obtains the startup power consumption of the network device 100 is not limited to the method described above. In the present embodiment, in the case of the low power mode, predetermined control blocks of the network camera 200 (for example, the user control unit 217, the imaging unit 218, and the image processing unit 219) are not energized.
In S415, the network camera 200 performs LLDP negotiation with the network device 100, and notifies the network device 100 of the amount of power consumption necessary for normal operation. LLDP is an abbreviation for Link Layer Discovery Protocol.
In S416, the network camera 200 waits until there is a change in the link speed of the network camera 200.

In S404, the network device 100 receives a notification of the required amount of power from the network camera 200 using the communication unit 110 via LLDP, and the camera information determining unit 121 determines the amount of power required by the network camera 200.
In S405, the required power is notified to the main power supply section 300 through the power notification section 123 and the communication section 110.
In S406, it is confirmed whether a response notification has been received from the main power supply unit 300 in response to the required power notification transmitted in S405, and it is also confirmed whether power has been supplied.

In S407, the network device 100 changes the amount of power for PoE power supply to the network camera 200. Note that if the power supply amount (power amount of PoE power supply) does not need to be changed, it is not changed.
In S408, the link speed changing unit 124 of the network device 100 switches the Ethernet PHY link speed to the AutoNegotiation setting. By switching to the AutoNegotiation setting, a link up with the network camera 200 occurs (S409), and the link speed of the network camera 200 changes from 10 Mbps.

In S417, the link speed checking unit 213 checks whether the link speed of the network camera 200 has changed. If the link speed has been changed, the process advances to S418. If there is no change in link speed, the process returns to S416 and waits for a change in link speed.
In S418, the network camera 200 is changed from the low power state to the normal state and activated (driven in normal mode).
In S419, power is supplied to each control block (user control unit 217, imaging unit 218, image processing unit 219) whose drive was stopped in the low power state.

In S421, the network camera 200 is changed from the low power state to the normal state and driven (driven in the normal mode). After that, the process advances to S422.
In S422, the network camera 200 performs LLDP negotiation with the network device 100, and notifies the network device 100 of the amount of power consumption necessary for normal operation. After that, the process advances to S419, and each control block is energized.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the power supply status when the network camera 200 is activated with low power (low power state, low power mode). In this embodiment, in the case of a low power state, only the storage section 216, the communication section 212, the link speed confirmation section 213, the activation control section 214, the link speed change section 215, and the reception section 211 are energized. do. The storage unit 216 needs to be powered in order to store various data and information. The communication unit 212 needs to be powered on in order to notify the network device 100 of power consumption. The link speed confirmation unit 213, the activation control unit 214, and the link speed change unit 215 are functional units that are involved in link speed, and therefore need to be powered. The power receiving unit 211 needs to be powered in order to receive PoE power from the network device 100 . In this way, power consumption is controlled to a minimum by energizing only the minimum necessary portions for the network camera 200 to operate. Note that the control (limitation) of energization in the low power state described above is just an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, if the power consumption limit of the network device 100 is known and there is a margin for power consumption, other control blocks (for example, the user control unit 217) of the network camera 200 may be energized. In addition, in the above description, the storage unit 216 was included as the minimum necessary part for the network camera 200 to operate, but if there is no margin for power consumption, power supply to the storage unit 216 may be controlled ( restrictions).

As explained above, in this embodiment, a method of reducing the power consumption at the time of starting the network camera 200 based on the link speed of the Ethernet PHY of the network camera 100 is shown. Thereby, the network camera 200 can continue to be driven in a low power state until enough power for the network device 100 and the network camera 200 to fully operate is supplied from the main power supply section 300 to the network device 100. Therefore, even if there are strict conditions (upper limit, limit) on the power consumption at the time of startup of the network device 100, the network device 100 and the network camera 200 connected to it are started (driven) with the power consumption within the conditions. It becomes possible to do so.

According to this embodiment, the operation of the power receiving device (network camera 200) is restricted even before starting power supply in class 0. Therefore, the network device 100 and the network camera 200 operate at a predetermined amount of power or less until power is supplied from the main power supply unit 300 to the PoE power supply device (network device 100).
Conventionally, when a network device starts supplying PoE power to a network camera in class 0, depending on how the network camera is driven, power that exceeds the power consumption allowed for the network device may be required. If the configuration and method of this embodiment are adopted, such an event will not occur.

Note that in this embodiment, the network device 100 and the network camera 200 are connected one-to-one by the Ethernet cable 301, but the connection between the network device 100 and the network camera 200 is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of network cameras 200 may be connected to one network device 100. In that case, for example, all of the plurality of network cameras 200 start (drive) with low power and notify the main power supply unit 300 of the total power consumption of all the network cameras, thereby performing the same process as described above. possible at the same time.

In this embodiment, the link speed is 10 Mbps as the branching condition to the low power state (S413 in FIG. 4), but the branching condition in S413 is not limited to the link speed of 10 Mbps. For example, the branching condition in S413 may be a link speed of 100 Mbps. That is, if the link speed is 100 Mbps or less, it may be started in a low power state, and if the link speed is greater than 100 Mbps, it may be started in a normal state. Alternatively, the branching condition in S413 may be set to a link speed of 1 Gbps. That is, if the link speed is 1 Gbps or less, it may be started in a low power state, and if the link speed is greater than 1 Gbps, it may be started in a normal state.
In the description of FIG. 1, it is assumed that the external device 302 exists within the network of the power supply system 100, but the external device 302 may be located outside the network.
Although the network camera 200 has been described as a device (power receiving device) that receives power supply from the network device 100, the power receiving device may be a device or module other than the network camera 200.

Embodiment 2
In the first embodiment, when the network camera 200 driven by PoE power reception is connected to the network device 100, the power supply to the network camera 200 depends on the power supply from the main power supply unit 300. The invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, even though the network camera 200A is connected to the network device 100 via the Ethernet cable 301, it may be activated by receiving power from the external power supply 200. A power supply system 10A that performs such operations will be described as a second embodiment with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

The power supply system 10A of the second embodiment includes one network camera 200A that does not require PoE power supply, and the network camera 200A is connected to the network device 100. The relationship between the other network cameras 200 in the power supply system 10A and the network device 100 is the same as in the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components and processes as those in Embodiment 1 will be designated by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the power supply system 10A in the second embodiment.
An external power source 310 is connected to the network camera 200A connected to the network device 100. Therefore, the network camera 200A does not receive PoE power from the network device 100, but is activated (driven) by receiving power from the external power supply 310. The external power source 310 is, for example, an AC power source, a power receiving device via a USB connection, or an internal battery of the network camera 200A. Note that the external power source 310 may be other than those described above (AC power source, power reception via USB connection, internal battery).

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a network camera 200A in the second embodiment.
When the network camera 200A is connected to the external power source 310, the power receiving unit 211 recognizes the connection to the external power source 310 and starts receiving power from the external power source 310 (receives power supply). Information on the external power source 310 is stored in the storage unit 216 and transmitted to the network device 100 via the communication unit 212 as necessary. Furthermore, information on the external power source 310 is transmitted to the startup control unit 214 and used in determining whether to perform startup in a low power state.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control details of the network device 100 and network camera 200A in the second embodiment. Note that, as an initial setting, the link speed of Ethernet PHY of the network device 100 is set to 10 Mbps.
In S801, the network device 100 changes the link speed of the Ethernet PHY of the network device 100 to 1 Gbps.
In S802, the network device 100 checks whether the network camera 200A has been activated (S805). Activation of the network camera A may be confirmed (determined) by a hardware mechanism, such as by determining the voltage applied when the Ethernet cable 301 is connected, for example. Alternatively, activation of network camera A may be confirmed by receiving packets flowing from Ethernet cable 301. Note that confirmation by a hardware mechanism and confirmation by packet reception are only examples, and the method of confirming activation of network camera A is not limited to these.

In S803, the network device 100 determines whether the network camera 200A requires PoE power supply. This determination can be made if, for example, a product connected to the opposite side of the network device 100 can be confirmed, but power is not supplied by PoE. If it is determined in S803 that PoE power supply is necessary, the process advances to S401, the Ethernet PHY link speed is set to 10 Mbps, and link up is performed in S403. The processing after S403 is the same as in the first embodiment.
If it is determined in S803 that PoE power supply is not necessary, the process advances to S804, and the communication unit 110 of the network device 100 and the communication unit 212 of the network camera 200 are used to increase the link speeds of each other to make them the same. If it is determined in S803 that PoE power supply is not necessary, it is determined that the connected network camera 200A is not compatible with PoE power reception or is being powered from the external power supply 310. After S804, the process advances to S405. The processing after S405 is the same as in the first embodiment.
After S805, the network camera 200 proceeds to S411. The processing after S411 is the same as in the first embodiment.

In this way, according to the flowchart of FIG. 8, if the network camera 200A is connected to the external power source 310 (the determination result in S803 is No), the link speed between the network device 100 and the network camera 200A will not become slow. (remains at 1Gbps). Therefore, the network camera 200A can be driven normally without being driven (started) with low power.

As described above, in this embodiment, the network device 100 checks (determines) whether the network camera 200A is connected to the external power source 310, and determines whether to change the link speed. Thereafter, the network camera 200A determines whether to start with low power or normally according to the contents of the link speed. This simplifies the control when the network camera 200A does not require PoE power supply, thereby speeding up the startup of the network camera 200A.
Further, if the determination result in S803 is Yes, as in the first embodiment, the network device 100 and the network camera operate at a predetermined amount of power or less until power is supplied from the main power supply unit 300 to the network device 100. 200 works.

Note that in this embodiment, the link speed of the Ethernet PHY of the network device 100 is set to 1 Gbps in S801, but the link speed setting value in S801 is not limited to 1 Gbps. For example, the link speed setting may be 100 Mbps. However, the speed is not set to be the same as the value used when determining whether to start in a low power state (link speed in S413).

Embodiment 3
In the first embodiment, the link speed of the network camera 200 is set by AutoNegotiation, so that after linking at a slow link speed, the link speed is reset to the optimal link speed. The invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, the user may specify (set) the link speed of the network camera 200 in advance. A case where the user presets the link speed of the network camera 200 will be described as a third embodiment using FIG. 9.

In the third embodiment as well, a case will be described in which a network device 100 with severe power consumption restrictions and a network camera 200 connected thereto are activated. The power supply system 10 (FIG. 1), the configuration of the network device 100 (FIG. 2), and the configuration of the network camera 200 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment are also used in the third embodiment. For components and processes similar to those in the first embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted by using the reference numerals already used.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control details of the network device 100 and the network camera 200 when the link speed of the network camera 200 is determined in advance.
The network camera 200 sets the Ethernet PHY to AutoNegotiation in S411, and then starts the network camera 200 in the same procedure as in the first embodiment (S403, S412 to S418, S421, S422).

In this embodiment, the process advances to S901 after S418 and S422. In S901, it is determined whether the link speed has been set by the user. A user can set the link speed of network camera 200 using external device 302. The network camera 200 uses the user control unit 217 to confirm the user's settings. Note that the link speed setting may be set for the network camera 200 in advance at another location, for example, before the network camera 200 is connected to the network device 100. Further, the link speed may be set from the UI operation screen of the network camera 200. Note that the method of specifying (setting) the link speed described above is only an example, and the method is not limited thereto.

If the link speed has been set by the user, the process advances to S902. If the link speed has not been set, the process advances to S419 and starts energizing the control block that has been stopped in the low power state.
In S902, the contents set by the user are transmitted to the link speed changing section 215, and the setting contents are reflected in the link speed changing section 215. Then, the changed contents are saved in the storage unit 216. After that, the process advances to S903, and the communication unit 110 of the network device 100 and the communication unit 212 of the network camera 200 are used to increase the link speeds of each other to make them the same. After S903, the process advances to S419.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the user sets the link speed of the network camera 200, the network camera 200 is first activated in the AutoNegotiation mode (S411), and is activated with contents corresponding to the link speed of the network device 100. Then, when enough power is secured for normal startup of the network camera 200 and the network camera 200 is started normally, the link speed of the network camera 200 is changed to the content specified by the user (S902 to S903). This allows the network device 100 and the network camera 200 connected to it to start up with power consumption within the limit even if the user sets the link speed when there is a strict limit on power consumption at startup. It becomes possible.

Embodiment 4
In the first embodiment, a method has been described in which, for a network camera 200 whose required power consumption is unknown, the link speed is set in AutoNegotiation, thereby switching to low power startup according to the link speed of the network device 100. The invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, if the power consumption of the network camera 200 is known in advance, the required power may be requested from the main power supply section 300 before starting PoE power supply. A system that performs such operations will be described as a fourth embodiment using FIG. 10.
In the fourth embodiment, when the network device 100 recognizes the power consumption of the network camera 200 in advance, it requests the necessary power from the main power supply unit 300 in advance and starts the network camera 200 without putting it in a low power state. The power supply system 10 (FIG. 1), the configuration of the network device 100 (FIG. 2), and the configuration of the network camera 200 (FIG. 3) of the first embodiment are also used in the fourth embodiment. Note that for components and processes similar to those in Embodiment 1, the detailed description thereof will be omitted by using the same reference numerals.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart in which a process for a case where the power of the network camera 200 is recognized in advance in the process described in FIG. 4 is added.
In S1001, it is determined (confirmed) whether the network device 100 recognizes the power consumption of the network camera 200 in advance. For example, the user may access the setting web page of the network device 100 from the external device 302, input (set) the power consumption of the network camera 200, and store the information in the storage unit 125. If the network device 100 can recognize the power consumption of the network camera 200 in advance, the process advances to S1002. If the power consumption of the network camera 200 cannot be recognized, the process advances to S401.

In S1002, the link speed of the network device 100 is changed (set) to 1 Gbps. Note that although the link speed is set to 1 Gbps in this embodiment, the setting of the link speed is not limited to 1 Gbps. The link speed may be any link speed that the network camera 200 does not recognize when activated with low power.
In S1003, a value obtained by adding the power consumption of the network device 100 to the power consumption of the network camera 200 stored in the storage unit 125 is requested (notified) to the main power supply unit 300 as the required power.

In S1004, a response to the required power request is received from the main power supply unit 300, and supply of the required power is confirmed. After S1004, the process advances to S402, and PoE power supply is started. After S402, link up is performed (S403), and the process advances to S1005.
In S1005, if the power consumption of the network camera 200 cannot be recognized in advance, it is determined whether a power request notification by LLDP has been received from the network camera 200 that has been activated with low power. The network camera 200 that has been activated with low power notifies the network device 100 of the required power from the communication unit 212 using LLDP. The network device 100 receives the notification through the communication unit 110. When the communication unit 110 receives the power request notification from the network camera 200, it transmits the received content to the power amount notification unit 123 and proceeds to S405. The processing after S405 is the same as in the first embodiment. If it is determined in S1005 that the LLDP notification has not been received, the network device 100 ends the process.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the network device 100 recognizes the power consumption of the network camera 200 in advance, the link speed of the network device 100 is changed to a speed that the network camera 200 does not recognize as low power activation. Thereby, the network camera 200 can immediately start control by normal activation.
Note that in this embodiment, the user inputs the power consumption of the network camera 200 into the network device 100 in advance, but the method of acquiring the power consumption of the network camera 200 is not limited to this. For example, if the network camera 200 has been activated previously, the power consumption of the network camera 200 may be checked by the camera information determining unit 121 and stored in the storage unit 125. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the power class is confirmed through PoE hardware negotiation. More specifically, if the PoE class of the network camera 200 can be determined through negotiation by hardware that executes PoE power supply, the power value necessary for the network camera 200 to operate may be obtained based on the negotiation. .

Note that although Embodiments 1 to 4 have been described above, Embodiments 1 to 4 may be combined as appropriate to the extent that they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, although EoP was used to supply power from the network device 100 to the network camera 200, power supply techniques other than EoP may be used.

Other Embodiments The present invention provides a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device. This can also be achieved by reading and executing a program. Therefore, in order to realize the functional processing of the present invention on a computer, the program code itself installed in the computer also realizes the present invention. That is, the present invention also includes the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention. In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like. The present invention can also be implemented by a circuit (eg, an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration and method.
Configuration 1
A power receiving device that can operate at a first upper limit power value or less or a second upper limit power value smaller than the first upper limit power value,
a first power receiving means connected to a power supply device by a cable and receiving power from the power supply device via the cable;
operating means for operating the own device using the electric power received by the first power receiving means;
Based on the connection speed between the power supply device and the own device, switching is performed between operating the own device at the first upper limit power value or less or operating the own device at less than the second upper limit power value. a switching means;
A power receiving device comprising:
Configuration 2
When the connection speed is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the operating means operates the device at less than the second upper limit power value, and the switching means does not perform the switching. Device.

Configuration 3
When operating the device at a power level equal to or lower than the second upper limit power value, the operating means may limit energization to elements that are unnecessary for communication and changing the connection speed among the elements constituting the device. The power receiving device according to feature 2.
Configuration 4
Any of configurations 1 to 3, wherein when the connection speed is higher than the predetermined value, the switching means performs the switching, and the operating means operates the own device at the first upper limit power value or less. The power receiving device described in .
Configuration 5
When the connection speed is set from the outside, the configuration further comprises a changing means for changing the connection speed to the connection speed set from the outside after performing the switching using the switching means. 4. The power receiving device according to 4.
Configuration 6
further comprising a second power receiving means that receives a predetermined power supply from a power source other than the power supply device,
When the second power receiving means is receiving power from the power source, the first power receiving means does not receive power from the power feeding device, and the operating means is operated by the power received by the second power receiving means. 6. The power receiving device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the power receiving device operates itself.

Configuration 7
7. The power receiving device according to configuration 6, wherein when the second power receiving means receives the power supply from the power source, the connection speed is a speed that does not cause the switching means to cause the switching.
Configuration 8
8. The power supply device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the power supply performed from the power supply device to the first power receiving means via the cable is power supply by PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). Power receiving device.
Configuration 9
A power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device that can operate at a first upper limit power value or less or a second upper limit power value smaller than the first upper limit power value,
a supply means connected to the power receiving device via a cable and supplying power to the power receiving device via the cable;
Receiving means for receiving the power necessary for the own device to operate and the power necessary for the power receiving device to operate from the power supply source;
A connection that determines the connection speed between the power receiving device and its own device, and determining whether to operate the power receiving device below the first upper limit power value or below the second upper limit power value. a changing means for changing the speed;
A power supply device comprising:

Configuration 10
further comprising determining means for determining whether the power receiving device is receiving a predetermined power supply from a power source other than the power supply device,
10. The power supply device according to configuration 9, wherein the changing means changes the connection speed based on the determination result of the determining means.
Configuration 11
11. The power feeding device according to configuration 10, wherein the changing unit does not change the connection speed when the power receiving device receives a power supply from the power source that allows the power receiving device to operate at less than the first upper limit power value.
Configuration 12
Further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate before the supplying unit supplies power to the power receiving device,
The power supply according to any one of configurations 9 to 11, wherein the receiving means receives the sum of the power necessary for the device to operate and the power value acquired by the acquiring means from the power supply source. Device.
Configuration 13
When the receiving means receives from the power supply source the sum of the power necessary for its own device to operate and the power value acquired by the acquiring means, the connection speed allows the power receiving device to reach the first upper limit. 13. The power supply device according to configuration 12, wherein the power supply device is set to a speed that operates at a power value or less.

Configuration 14
The power supply performed from the power supply device to the power reception device via the cable is power supply by PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)),
If the PoE class of the power receiving device can be determined through negotiation by hardware that executes PoE power supply, the obtaining means obtains a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate based on the negotiation. The power supply device according to configuration 12 or 13.
Configuration 15
When the acquisition means acquires a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate, the connection speed is set to a connection speed that causes the power receiving device to operate at a power level equal to or lower than the first upper limit power value. The power supply device according to any one of features 12 to 14.
Configuration 16
The power supply according to any one of configurations 9 to 13 and 15, wherein the power supply from the power supply device to the power reception device via the cable is power supply by PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). Device.

Method 1
A method for controlling a power receiving device that is connected to a power feeding device by a cable and can operate at a power level below a first power limit value or a second power limit value smaller than the first power limit value, the method comprising:
the power receiving device receiving power from the power feeding device via the cable;
operating the power receiving device using the received power;
Based on the connection speed between the power feeding device and the power receiving device, whether to operate the power receiving device below the first upper limit power value or below the second upper limit power value; a step of switching;
A control method characterized by having the following.
Method 2
a step in which the power receiving device receives a predetermined power supply from a power source other than the power feeding device;
If the power receiving device is receiving power from the power source, operating the power receiving device using the power received from the power source without receiving power from the power feeding device;
The control method according to method 1, further comprising:

Method 3
A method for controlling a power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device that can operate at a first upper limit power value or less or a second upper limit power value smaller than the first upper limit power value, the method comprising:
a step in which the power feeding device supplies power to the power receiving device via a cable;
receiving from a power supply source the power necessary for the power feeding device to operate and the power necessary for the power receiving device to operate;
determining a connection speed between the power receiving device and the power feeding device, and determining whether to operate the power receiving device below the first upper limit power value or below the second upper limit power value; changing the connection speed;
A control method comprising:
Method 4
Before the power feeding device supplies power to the power receiving device, the method further includes the step of acquiring a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate,
The control method according to method 3, wherein the receiving step receives from the power supply source the sum of the power necessary for the power feeding device to operate and the power value acquired in the acquiring step.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Power supply system, 100... Network device, 120... System control part, 122... PoE power supply control part, 124... Link speed change part, 200... Network camera, 211... Power reception part, 213... Link speed confirmation part, 214... Start-up control section, 215...Link speed change section, 300...Main power supply section, 301...Ethernet cable

Claims (72)

A power receiving device that can operate at a first upper limit power value or less or a second upper limit power value smaller than the first upper limit power value,
a first power receiving means connected to a power supply device by a cable and receiving power from the power supply device via the cable;
operating means for operating the own device using the electric power received by the first power receiving means;
Based on the connection speed between the power supply device and the own device, switching is performed between operating the own device at the first upper limit power value or less or operating the own device at less than the second upper limit power value. a switching means;
A power receiving device comprising: 2. When the connection speed is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the operating means operates the device at less than the second upper limit power value, and the switching means does not perform the switching. Power receiving device. When operating the device at a power level equal to or lower than the second upper limit power value, the operating means may limit energization to elements that are unnecessary for communication and changing the connection speed among the elements constituting the device. The power receiving device according to claim 2. 4. If the connection speed is higher than the predetermined value, the switching means performs the switching, and the operating means operates the device at a power level below the first upper limit power value. The power receiving device according to any one of the items. A claim further comprising, when the connection speed is set from the outside, changing means for changing the connection speed to the connection speed set from the outside after performing the switching using the switching means. The power receiving device according to item 4. further comprising a second power receiving means that receives a predetermined power supply from a power source other than the power supply device,
When the second power receiving means is receiving power from the power source, the first power receiving means does not receive power from the power feeding device, and the operating means is operated by the power received by the second power receiving means. The power receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power receiving device operates itself. further comprising a second power receiving means that receives a predetermined power supply from a power source other than the power supply device,
When the second power receiving means is receiving power from the power source, the first power receiving means does not receive power from the power feeding device, and the operating means is operated by the power received by the second power receiving means. The power receiving device according to claim 4, wherein the power receiving device operates itself. further comprising a second power receiving means that receives a predetermined power supply from a power source other than the power supply device,
When the second power receiving means is receiving power from the power source, the first power receiving means does not receive power from the power feeding device, and the operating means is operated by the power received by the second power receiving means. The power receiving device according to claim 5, wherein the power receiving device operates itself. 7. The power receiving device according to claim 6, wherein when the second power receiving means receives the power supply from the power source, the connection speed is a speed that does not cause the switching means to cause the switching. 8. The power receiving device according to claim 7, wherein when the second power receiving means receives the power supply from the power source, the connection speed is a speed that does not cause the switching means to cause the switching. 9. The power receiving device according to claim 8, wherein when the second power receiving means receives the power supply from the power source, the connection speed is a speed that does not cause the switching means to cause the switching. 4. The power supply according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). The power receiving device described in . 5. The power receiving device according to claim 4, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). 6. The power receiving device according to claim 5, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). 7. The power receiving device according to claim 6, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). 8. The power receiving device according to claim 7, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). 9. The power receiving device according to claim 8, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). 10. The power receiving device according to claim 9, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). 11. The power receiving device according to claim 10, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). 12. The power receiving device according to claim 11, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the first power receiving means via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). A power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device that can operate at a first upper limit power value or less or a second upper limit power value smaller than the first upper limit power value,
a supply means connected to the power receiving device via a cable and supplying power to the power receiving device via the cable;
Receiving means for receiving the power necessary for the own device to operate and the power necessary for the power receiving device to operate from the power supply source;
A connection that determines the connection speed between the power receiving device and its own device, and determining whether to operate the power receiving device below the first upper limit power value or below the second upper limit power value. a changing means for changing the speed;
A power supply device comprising: further comprising determining means for determining whether the power receiving device is receiving a predetermined power supply from a power source other than the power supply device,
22. The power supply device according to claim 21, wherein the changing means changes the connection speed based on the determination result of the determining means. 23. The power feeding device according to claim 22, wherein the changing unit does not change the connection speed when the power receiving device receives a power supply from the power source that allows the power receiving device to operate at less than the first upper limit power value. Further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate before the supplying unit supplies power to the power receiving device,
24. The receiving means receives from the power supply source the sum of the power necessary for the device to operate and the power value acquired by the acquiring means. The power supply device described. When the receiving means receives from the power supply source the sum of the power necessary for its own device to operate and the power value acquired by the acquiring means, the connection speed allows the power receiving device to reach the first upper limit. 25. The power supply device according to claim 24, wherein the power supply device is set to a speed that operates at a power value or less. The power supply performed from the power supply device to the power reception device via the cable is power supply by PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)),
If the PoE class of the power receiving device can be determined through negotiation by hardware that executes PoE power supply, the obtaining means obtains a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate based on the negotiation. The power supply device according to claim 24. The power supply performed from the power supply device to the power reception device via the cable is power supply by PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)),
If the PoE class of the power receiving device can be determined through negotiation by hardware that executes PoE power supply, the obtaining means obtains a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate based on the negotiation. The power supply device according to claim 25. When the acquisition means acquires a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate, the connection speed is set to a connection speed that causes the power receiving device to operate at a power level equal to or lower than the first upper limit power value. The power supply device according to claim 24. When the acquisition means acquires a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate, the connection speed is set to a connection speed that causes the power receiving device to operate at a power level equal to or lower than the first upper limit power value. The power supply device according to claim 25. When the acquisition means acquires a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate, the connection speed is set to a connection speed that causes the power receiving device to operate at a power level equal to or lower than the first upper limit power value. The power supply device according to claim 26. When the acquisition means acquires a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate, the connection speed is set to a connection speed that causes the power receiving device to operate at a power level equal to or lower than the first upper limit power value. The power supply device according to claim 27. 24. The power supply device according to claim 21, wherein power is supplied from the power feeding device to the power receiving device via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). Power supply device. The power supply device according to claim 24, wherein the power supply performed from the power supply device to the power reception device via the cable is power supply by PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). 26. The power supply device according to claim 25, wherein power is supplied from the power supply device to the power receiving device via the cable using PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). The power supply device according to claim 28, wherein the power supply performed from the power supply device to the power reception device via the cable is power supply by PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). The power supply device according to claim 29, wherein the power supply performed from the power supply device to the power reception device via the cable is power supply by PoE (Powerover Ethernet (registered trademark)). A method for controlling a power receiving device that is connected to a power feeding device by a cable and can operate at a power level below a first power limit value or a second power limit value smaller than the first power limit value, the method comprising:
the power receiving device receiving power from the power feeding device via the cable;
operating the power receiving device using the received power;
Based on the connection speed between the power feeding device and the power receiving device, whether to operate the power receiving device below the first upper limit power value or below the second upper limit power value; a step of switching;
A control method characterized by having the following. a step in which the power receiving device receives a predetermined power supply from a power source other than the power feeding device;
If the power receiving device is receiving power from the power source, operating the power receiving device using the power received from the power source without receiving power from the power feeding device;
38. The control method according to claim 37, further comprising: A method for controlling a power supply device that supplies power to a power receiving device that can operate at a first upper limit power value or less or a second upper limit power value smaller than the first upper limit power value, the method comprising:
a step in which the power feeding device supplies power to the power receiving device via a cable;
receiving from a power supply source the power necessary for the power feeding device to operate and the power necessary for the power receiving device to operate;
determining a connection speed between the power receiving device and the power feeding device, and determining whether to operate the power receiving device below the first upper limit power value or below the second upper limit power value; changing the connection speed;
A control method comprising: Before the power feeding device supplies power to the power receiving device, the method further includes the step of acquiring a power value necessary for the power receiving device to operate,
40. The control method according to claim 39, wherein the step of receiving receives from the power supply source the sum of the power necessary for the power supply device to operate and the power value acquired in the step of acquiring. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 4. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 5. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 6. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 7. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 8. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 9. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 10. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 11. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 12. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 13. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 14. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 15. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 16. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 17. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 18. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 19. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power receiving device according to claim 20. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to any one of claims 21 to 23. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 24. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 25. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 26. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 27. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 28. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 29. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 30. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 31. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 32. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 33. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 34. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 35. A program for causing a computer to operate as each means of the power supply device according to claim 36.

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