US20210232529A1 - Information processing apparatus and control method - Google Patents
Information processing apparatus and control method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210232529A1 US20210232529A1 US16/856,330 US202016856330A US2021232529A1 US 20210232529 A1 US20210232529 A1 US 20210232529A1 US 202016856330 A US202016856330 A US 202016856330A US 2021232529 A1 US2021232529 A1 US 2021232529A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- usb
- information
- operation mode
- standard
- supports
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/40—Bus structure
- G06F13/4063—Device-to-bus coupling
- G06F13/4068—Electrical coupling
- G06F13/4081—Live connection to bus, e.g. hot-plugging
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/42—Bus transfer protocol, e.g. handshake; Synchronisation
- G06F13/4282—Bus transfer protocol, e.g. handshake; Synchronisation on a serial bus, e.g. I2C bus, SPI bus
- G06F13/4295—Bus transfer protocol, e.g. handshake; Synchronisation on a serial bus, e.g. I2C bus, SPI bus using an embedded synchronisation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/263—Arrangements for using multiple switchable power supplies, e.g. battery and AC
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/266—Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/32—Means for saving power
- G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
- G06F1/3206—Monitoring of events, devices or parameters that trigger a change in power modality
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/32—Means for saving power
- G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
- G06F1/3234—Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
- G06F1/325—Power saving in peripheral device
- G06F1/3253—Power saving in bus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/32—Means for saving power
- G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
- G06F1/3234—Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
- G06F1/3296—Power saving characterised by the action undertaken by lowering the supply or operating voltage
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/382—Information transfer, e.g. on bus using universal interface adapter
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F13/00—Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F13/38—Information transfer, e.g. on bus
- G06F13/382—Information transfer, e.g. on bus using universal interface adapter
- G06F13/385—Information transfer, e.g. on bus using universal interface adapter for adaptation of a particular data processing system to different peripheral devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
- G06F2213/0042—Universal serial bus [USB]
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method.
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- USB-PD USB Power Delivery
- the processing capability is optimized because power can be supplied sufficiently.
- the battery life is optimized by reducing power consumption because suppliable power is limited.
- the portable apparatus performs control on the assumption that an AC adapter is connected, without determining the device connected to USB connector. Therefore, in the case where an external battery is connected to USB connector, despite power being supplied from the battery, it may be impossible to detect that power is supplied from the battery and perform appropriate control.
- identifiers relating to device internal information such as battery information are prepared in the USB standard, there is hardly any device that actually uses such identifiers. Accordingly, it is difficult to detect the type of the device connected to USB connector by the method of identifier determination.
- the present invention has an object of providing an information processing apparatus and a control method that easily detect the type of a device connected to USB connector.
- An information processing apparatus includes: a connection detection unit configured to detect connection of a device to Universal Serial Bus (USB); a device information acquisition unit configured to acquire first information indicating whether the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard, second information indicating whether the device supports one or both of power supply and power reception in the case where the device supports the USB-PD standard, and third information indicating whether the device supports data communication by USB; and a device determination unit configured to determine a type of the device based on the first information, the second information, and the third information.
- USB-PD USB Power Delivery
- the device determination unit may be configured to, in the case where the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports both of the power supply and the power reception of the USB-PD standard and does not support the data communication by USB based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, determine that the device is a battery that supports USB Type-C standard.
- the device information acquisition unit may be configured to acquire fourth information indicating whether the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports USB Battery Charge Rev1.2 (BC1.2) standard
- the device determination unit may be configured to, in the case where the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected does not support the USB-PD standard and supports the USB BC1.2 standard based on the first information and the fourth information, determine that the device is a battery that supports USB Type-A standard.
- the information processing apparatus may include: a system processing unit configured to execute system processing; and an operation mode control unit configured to, in the case where the connection detection unit detects the connection of the device to the USB connector, control an operation mode of the system processing by the system processing unit to any of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the first operation mode, based on a determination result by the device determination unit.
- the operation mode control unit may be configured to, based on the determination result by the device determination unit, control the operation mode to the first operation mode in the case where the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports the USB-PD standard and is not a battery, and control the operation mode to the second operation mode in the case where the device is a battery.
- the device information acquisition unit may be configured to acquire information about power supply capability of the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected
- the operation mode control unit may be configured to control the operation mode to the second operation mode, in the case where the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports the USB-PD standard and is not a battery and the power supply capability is less than a predetermined threshold.
- a control method in an information processing apparatus includes: a step in which a connection detection unit detects connection of a device to USB connector; a step in which a device information acquisition unit acquires first information indicating whether the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports USB-PD standard, second information indicating whether the device supports one or both of power supply and power reception in the case where the device supports the USB-PD standard, and third information indicating whether the device is capable of data communication by USB; and a step in which a device determination unit determines a type of the device based on the first information, the second information, and the third information.
- the above-described aspects of the present invention can easily detect the type of a device connected to USB connector.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating USB connection to an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of devices connectable to the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used in detection of a Type-C external battery.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used in detection of a Type-A external battery.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a device determination process according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation mode control process according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation mode control process according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating USB connection to an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.
- An information processing apparatus 10 illustrated in the drawing is, for example, a laptop personal computer (PC), and includes a connector (receptacle) compliant with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C standard (hereafter referred to as “Type-C connector”). Power supply, data communication, and the like are enabled via this Type-C connector.
- USB Type-C stipulates power requirements in two stages, namely, power requirements based on the USB Type-C standard and requirements based on the USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard.
- USB Type-C connected apparatuses first start operation with power based on the USB Type-C standard, and, in the case where it supports USB-PD, switches to operation with power based on the USB-PD standard.
- operation is performed at 5 V, and which current value from among 0.9 A, 1.5 A, and 3 A is allowed can be determined by the power reception side checking the setting of a pull-up resistor (Rp) of a power supply side CC (Configuration Channel) signal.
- Rp pull-up resistor
- CC Configuration Channel
- Examples of devices connectable to the Type-C connector include an alternate current (AC) adapter, an external battery, a PC (e.g. laptop PC), and a display (display device). These devices may each be connected via a cable both ends of which have plugs supporting Type-C connector (hereafter referred to as “Type-C cable”), or via a cable one end of which supports Type-C connector and the other end of which is directly connected to the device.
- Connectable devices also include devices that support connectors (hereafter referred to as “Type-A connectors”) compliant with the USB Type-A standard before USB Type-C.
- a device such as an AC adapter, an external battery, or a PC (e.g. a laptop PC) supporting USB Type-A can be connected via a conversion cable one end of which has a plug supporting Type-C connector and the other end of which has a plug supporting Type-A connector.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of devices connectable to the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.
- an AC adapter, a display, a laptop PC, an external battery supporting Type-A connector (hereafter referred to as “Type-A external battery”), and an external battery supporting Type-C connector (hereafter referred to as “Type-C external battery”) are illustrated as an example of devices connectable to the information processing apparatus 10 including a Type-C connector.
- the drawing illustrates, for each device, connection method (How to connect), support for the USB-PD standard, type of USB-PD role (Power Role Capability), support for data communication, and support for the USB Battery Charge Rev1.2 (BC1.2) standard.
- connection method How to connect
- support for the USB-PD standard support for the USB-PD standard
- type of USB-PD role Power Role Capability
- support for data communication and support for the USB Battery Charge Rev1.2 (BC1.2) standard.
- BC1.2 USB Battery Charge Rev1.2
- USB-PD roles include power supply (Source) and power reception (Sink), and some devices are capable of switching between power supply (Source) and power reception (Sink) (role swap).
- both power supply side (Source) and power reception side (Sink) are indicated.
- For each device not supporting role swap, whether the device is power supply side (Source) or power reception side (Sink) is indicated.
- the USB BC1.2 standard is a charging-related standard formulated before the USB-PD standard. While suppliable power is up to 7.5 W in the USB BC1.2 standard, suppliable power is up to 100 W in the USB-PD standard.
- An AC adapter is connected to the information processing apparatus 10 by a Type-C cable (Type-C to Type-C).
- the AC adapter supports the USB-PD standard (Supported), but does not support role swap and is limited to only power supply side (Source).
- the AC adapter does not support data communication (NO), and does not support the USB BC1.2 standard (NO).
- a display is connected to the information processing apparatus 10 by a Type-C cable (Type-C to Type-C).
- the display supports the USB-PD standard (Supported), but does not support role swap and is limited to only power supply side (Source).
- the display supports data communication (YES), and does not support the USB BC1.2 standard (NO).
- a laptop PC includes a laptop PC including a Type-C connector and a laptop PC including a Type-A connector.
- the laptop PC including a Type-C connector is connected to the information processing apparatus 10 by a Type-C cable (Type-C to Type-C).
- the laptop PC including a Type-C connector supports the USB-PD standard (Supported), and also supports role swap and can be both power supply side (Source) and power reception side (Sink).
- the laptop PC including a Type-A connector is connected to the information processing apparatus 10 by a conversion cable (Type-A to Type-C).
- the laptop PC including a Type-A connector does not support the USB-PD standard (Not supported). Both laptop PCs support data communication (YES), and do not support the USB BC1.2 standard (NO).
- a Type-A external battery is connected to the information processing apparatus 10 by a conversion cable (Type-A to Type-C).
- the Type-A external battery does not support the USB-PD standard (Not supported), and supports the USB BC1.2 standard (YES).
- the Type-A external battery does not support data communication (NO).
- a Type-C external battery is connected to the information processing apparatus 10 by a Type-C cable (Type-C to Type-C).
- the Type-C external battery supports the USB-PD standard (Supported), and also supports role swap and can be both power supply side (Source) and power reception side (Sink) (except for the USB BC1.2 standard).
- the Type-C external battery does not support data communication (NO).
- each device connectable to the information processing apparatus 10 differs in whether standards relating to power supply and charging are supported and whether data communication is supported, depending on the type of the device. Accordingly, the information processing apparatus 10 acquires information about the standards and data communication for the device connected to the Type-C connector (attribute information of the device), and detects the type of the device based on the acquired information.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used in detection of a Type-C external battery.
- the Type-C external battery can be detected using information about support for the USB-PD standard and information about support for data communication designated by symbol D 11 .
- the device can be determined as the Type-C external battery.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used in detection of a Type-A external battery.
- the Type-A external battery can be detected using information about support for the USB-PD standard and information about support for the USB BC1.2 standard designated by symbol D 12 .
- the device can be determined as the Type-A external battery.
- the structure of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described below.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.
- the information processing apparatus 10 includes a communication unit 11 , an input unit 12 , a display unit 13 , a storage unit 14 , a control unit 15 , a PD controller 16 , a Type-C connector 17 , and a built-in battery 18 .
- the communication unit 11 includes, for example, a plurality of Ethernet® ports, a communication device for performing wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, and the like.
- the input unit 12 includes a touch panel for detecting touch operation on a screen of the display unit 13 , and operation buttons such as a power button for powering on/off the information processing apparatus 10 .
- the input unit 12 outputs input information based on the received operation input.
- the display unit 13 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display panel, or the like.
- the storage unit 14 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), read-only memory (ROM), Flash-ROM, random access memory (RAM), etc., and stores programs, data, and the like.
- HDD hard disk drive
- SSD solid state drive
- EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
- ROM read-only memory
- Flash-ROM Flash-ROM
- RAM random access memory
- the control unit 15 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), an embedded controller (EC), and the like.
- the control unit 15 executes a program such as BIOS, an OS, or each type of application, to boot (start) a system such as BIOS or the OS or perform each type of operation, processing, etc.
- the control unit 15 also performs memory control, such as data read, write, and deletion, on the storage unit 14 , etc.
- the control unit 15 controls a power circuit such as a DC (direct current)/DC converter (not illustrated), to control power supply to each unit in the information processing apparatus 10 .
- the DC/DC converter for example, converts voltage of DC power supplied from a device such as an AC adapter or an external battery connected to the Type-C connector 17 or voltage of DC power supplied from the built-in battery 18 into voltage required in each unit, and supplies the voltage to the unit via a power system.
- the control unit 15 performs control so that power supplied from the external power source is supplied to each unit with priority over power supplied from the built-in battery 18 , and controls charging the built-in battery 18 .
- the Type-C connector 17 is a receptacle compliant with the USB Type-C standard.
- the Type-C connector 17 is provided with a VBUS terminal and a GND terminal for power, a configuration channel (CC) terminal, D+/D ⁇ terminals, and the like.
- the CC terminal is used, for example, for detection of connection of a device to the Type-C connector 17 , acquisition of various information (support for the USB-PD standard, support for power supply side and power reception side, support for USB BC1.2, support for data communication, etc.) from the device, and negotiation of communication with the device.
- the PD controller 16 communicates with the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 , and controls, for example, power supply to or power reception from the device.
- the PD controller 16 detects the connection of the device and acquires or determines information of the connected device (attribute information of the device) via the CC terminal or the like.
- the PD controller 16 acquires or determines information about support for the USB-PD standard, information about whether one or both of power supply and power reception are supported in the case where the USB-PD standard is supported, information about support for data communication, and information about support for the USB BC1.2 standard.
- the control unit includes a system processing unit 151 , a connection detection unit 152 , a device information acquisition unit 153 , a device determination unit 154 , and an operation mode control unit 155 .
- the system processing unit 151 executes system processing by the OS (operating system) or processing by an application that operates on the OS.
- the connection detection unit 152 detects connection of a device to USB connector. For example, in the case where the PD controller 16 detects that the device is connected to the Type-C connector 17 , the connection detection unit 152 acquires the detection result from the PD controller 16 , and detects that the device is connected to USB connector.
- the device information acquisition unit 153 acquires, in the case where the connection detection unit 152 detects the connection, information about the connected device from the PD controller 16 .
- the device information acquisition unit 153 acquires first information indicating whether the device detected as being connected supports the USB-PD standard, second information indicating whether the device supports one or both of power supply and power reception in the case where the device supports the USB-PD standard, and third information indicating whether the device supports data communication by USB.
- the device information acquisition unit 153 may further acquire fourth information indicating whether the device detected as being connected supports the USB BC1.2 standard.
- the device determination unit 154 determines the type of the device connected to USB connector. For example, the device determination unit 154 determines whether the device detected by the connection detection unit 152 as being connected is a battery, based on the first information, the second information, and the third information. For example, in the case where the device detected as being connected supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard and does not support data communication by USB based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, the device determination unit 154 determines that the device is a Type-C external battery.
- the device determination unit 154 determines that the device is a Type-A external battery. In the case where the connected device does not support the USB-PD standard, the device determination unit 154 may determine that the connected device is a Type-C external battery, based on an operation condition of power defined in the USB Type-C standard. For example, in the case where the connected device has setting of 1.5 A/3 A among current value settings (0.9 A/1.5 A/3 A) allowed in the USB Type-C standard, the device determination unit 154 may determine that the connected device is a Type-C external battery, without determining whether the device supports the USB BC1.2 standard.
- the operation mode control unit 155 controls the operation mode of system processing executed by the system processing unit 151 to any of an adapter operation mode (first operation mode) and a battery operation mode (second operation mode).
- the adapter operation mode is an operation mode that is suitable when sufficient power is supplied from an AC adapter, etc., and prioritizes enhancement of processing capability (performance) over reduction of power consumption.
- the battery operation mode is an operation mode that is suitable when suppliable power is limited, such as when power is supplied from the built-in battery 18 or the like, and reduces power consumption as compared with the adapter operation mode.
- the information processing apparatus 10 operates with power supplied from the built-in battery 18 , so that the information processing apparatus 10 is preferably controlled to the battery operation mode.
- the information processing apparatus 10 is preferably controlled to the adapter operation mode.
- the information processing apparatus 10 is preferably controlled to the battery operation mode because controlling the information processing apparatus 10 to the adapter operation mode despite the connected device being a battery reduces the time during which the information processing apparatus 10 is operable by the battery.
- the operation mode control unit 155 controls the operation mode to the battery operation mode.
- the operation mode control unit 155 controls the operation mode to any of the adapter operation mode and the battery operation mode, based on the determination result by the device determination unit 154 .
- the operation mode control unit 155 controls the operation mode to the battery operation mode.
- the operation mode control unit 155 controls the operation mode to the adapter operation mode.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the device determination process according to this embodiment.
- Step S 101 The control unit 15 determines, via the PD controller 16 , whether a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17 , to detect connection of a device to USB connector. In the case where the control unit 15 determines that a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17 (YES), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 103 . In the case where the control unit 15 determines that a device is not connected to the Type-C connector 17 (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 117 .
- Step S 103 The control unit 15 acquires information about the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 (attribute information of the device), from the PD controller 16 . The control unit 15 then determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports the USB-PD standard. In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device supports the USB-PD standard (YES), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 107 . In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device does not support the USB-PD standard (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 105 .
- Step S 105 The control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports the USB BC1.2 standard. In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device supports the USB BC1.2 standard (YES), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 113 . In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device does not support the USB BC1.2 standard (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 115 .
- Step S 107 The control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard. In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device supports both of power supply and power reception (YES), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 109 . In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device supports only one of power supply and power reception (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 115 .
- Step S 109 The control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports data communication. In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device supports data communication (YES), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 115 . In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device does not support data communication (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 111 .
- Step S 111 The control unit 15 determines that the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is a Type-C external battery. That is, in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard and does not support data communication by USB, the control unit 15 determines that the device is a Type-C external battery. In this case, the control unit 15 treats the USB connected device as a Type-C external battery.
- Step S 113 The control unit 15 determines that the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is a Type-A external battery. That is, in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 does not support the USB-PD standard and supports the USB BC1.2 standard, the control unit 15 determines that the device is a Type-A external battery. In this case, the control unit 15 treats the USB connected device as a Type-A external battery.
- Step S 115 The control unit 15 determines that the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is not an external battery. That is, in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 does not support any of the USB-PD standard and the USB BC1.2 standard, in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports the USB-PD standard and supports only one of power supply and power reception, or in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard and supports data communication, the control unit 15 determines that the device is not an external battery. In this case, the control unit 15 treats the USB connected device as, for example, an AC adapter.
- Step S 117 The control unit 15 determines that no device is connected to the Type-C connector 17 . That is, the control unit 15 treats no device as being connected to USB connector.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation mode control process according to this embodiment.
- Step S 201 The control unit 15 determines, via the PD controller 16 , whether a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17 , to detect connection of a device to USB connector. In the case where the control unit 15 determines that a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17 (YES), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 203 . In the case where the control unit 15 determines that a device is not connected to the Type-C connector 17 (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 209 .
- Step S 203 The control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is an external battery, based on the determination result of the device determination process described with reference to FIG. 6 . More specifically, for example, the control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is an external battery (Type-C external battery or Type-A external battery) or a device that supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (i.e. a device capable of supplying power other than a battery). In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device is an external battery (YES), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 209 . In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 207 .
- the control unit 15 determines that the device supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery
- Step S 207 The control unit 15 controls the operation mode of system processing to the adapter operation mode. That is, the control unit 15 controls system processing to the adapter operation mode, in the case where it is determined that a device other than an external battery is connected to USB connector.
- Step S 209 The control unit 15 controls the operation mode of system processing to the battery operation mode. That is, the control unit 15 controls system processing to the battery operation mode, in the case where no device is connected to USB connector or in the case where it is determined that the device connected to USB connector is an external battery.
- the information processing apparatus 10 detects connection of a device to USB connector, acquires first information indicating whether the device detected as being connected supports the USB-PD standard, second information indicating whether the device supports one or both of power supply and power reception in the case where the device supports the USB-PD standard, and third information indicating whether the device supports data communication by USB, and determines the type of the device connected to USB based on the acquired information.
- the information processing apparatus 10 can easily detect the type of the device.
- the use of the versatile information enables the information processing apparatus 10 to easily detect the types of many devices.
- the information processing apparatus 10 determines that the device is a Type-C external battery (an example of a battery).
- the information processing apparatus 10 can easily detect whether the device is a Type-C external battery.
- the information processing apparatus 10 may further acquire fourth information indicating whether the device detected as being connected to USB connector supports the USB BC1.2 standard. In the case where the device detected as being connected to USB connector does not support the USB-PD standard and supports the USB BC1.2 standard based on the first information and the fourth information, the information processing apparatus 10 may determine that the device is a Type-A external battery (an example of a battery).
- the information processing apparatus 10 can easily detect whether the device is a Type-A external battery.
- the information processing apparatus 10 executes system processing, and, in the case where the connection of the device to USB connector is detected, controls, based on the determination result of the type of the device, the operation mode of system processing to any of an adapter operation mode (an example of a first operation mode) and a battery operation mode (an example of a second operation mode) in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the adapter operation mode.
- an adapter operation mode an example of a first operation mode
- a battery operation mode an example of a second operation mode
- the information processing apparatus 10 can appropriately control whether to set the operation mode of system processing to the operation mode that prioritizes processing capability (performance) or the operation mode that prioritizes battery life by reducing power consumption, depending on the type of the device connected to USB connector.
- the information processing apparatus 10 controls the operation mode to the adapter operation mode.
- the information processing apparatus 10 controls the operation mode to the battery operation mode.
- the information processing apparatus 10 can set the operation mode that prioritizes battery life by reducing power consumption, in the case where an external battery is connected to USB connector.
- the first embodiment describes an example in which, in the case where the device connected to USB connector is not an external battery, the operation mode is controlled to the adapter operation mode on the assumption that the power supply capability is sufficient.
- the power supply capability is insufficient even when the device connected to USB connector is not an external battery.
- Examples of the cases where the power supply capability is insufficient include a laptop PC operating with a power source (e.g. AC adapter) capable of supplying current of less than a predetermined value or a built-in battery whose remaining battery level is less than a predetermined value.
- a power source e.g. AC adapter
- the device information acquisition unit 153 further acquires information about the power supply capability of the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 , via the PD controller 16 . Even in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is not an external battery, if the power supply capability of the device is less than a predetermined threshold, the operation mode control unit 155 may control the operation mode to the battery operation mode.
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation mode control process according to this embodiment.
- the operation mode control process illustrated in the drawing differs from the operation mode control process illustrated in FIG. 7 in that a process in step S 205 is added.
- the same processes as those in FIG. 7 are given the same symbols, and their description is omitted.
- step S 203 in the case where the control unit 15 determines that the device connected to the Type-C connector supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 205 .
- Step S 205 The control unit 15 determines whether the power supply capability of the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is less than a predetermined threshold. In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the power supply capability is less than the predetermined threshold (YES), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 209 , and controls system processing to the battery operation mode. In the case where the control unit 15 determines that the power supply capability is not less than the predetermined threshold (NO), the control unit 15 advances to a process in step S 207 .
- the information processing apparatus 10 acquires information about the power supply capability of the device detected as being connected to USB connector. Even in the case where the device detected as being connected supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (an example of a battery), if the power supply capability is less than the predetermined threshold, the information processing apparatus 10 controls the operation mode to the battery operation mode.
- the information processing apparatus 10 can set the operation mode that prioritizes battery life by reducing power consumption.
- the information processing apparatus 10 may, in the case of switching from the adapter operation mode to the battery operation mode, notify the user of the switching. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 10 may switch from the adapter operation mode to the battery operation mode after checking with the user regarding the switching. Likewise, the information processing apparatus 10 may, in the case of switching from the battery operation mode to the adapter operation mode, notify the user of the switching. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 10 may switch from the battery operation mode to the adapter operation mode after checking with the user regarding the switching.
- the information processing apparatus 10 may determine the type of a device other than an external battery. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 may determine, based on information acquired from the device connected to USB connector, whether the device is an AC adapter, or whether the device is a device capable of data communication by USB (e.g. a display or a PC). As an example, in the case where the device connected to USB connector supports only power supply side (Source) of the USB-PD standard and does not support data communication, the information processing apparatus 10 may determine that the device is an AC adapter.
- Source power supply side
- the units in the control unit 15 are arranged so that the system processing unit 151 is included in a CPU and the connection detection unit 152 , the device information acquisition unit 153 , the device determination unit 154 , and the operation mode control unit 155 are included in an EC.
- the control unit 15 may include processing units such as a sensor hub and a chipset, and a processing unit other than an EC may include all or part of the connection detection unit 152 , the device information acquisition unit 153 , the device determination unit 154 , and the operation mode control unit 155 .
- the foregoing information processing apparatus 10 includes a computer system. Processes in the components in the foregoing information processing apparatus 10 may be performed by recoding a program for implementing the functions of the components in the foregoing information processing apparatus 10 on a computer-readable recording medium and causing a computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium.
- “causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium” includes installing the program in the computer system.
- the “computer system” herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.
- the “computer system” may include a plurality of computer apparatuses connected via the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a network including a communication line such as a dedicated line.
- the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disc, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk embedded in the computer system.
- the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.
- the recording medium includes a recording medium internally or externally provided to be accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program.
- a configuration in which the program is divided into a plurality of parts and the components in the information processing apparatus 10 combine the parts after the parts are downloaded at different timings may be adopted, and distribution servers for distributing the parts into which the program is divided may be different.
- the “computer-readable recording medium” includes a medium that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system serving as a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network.
- the program may be a program for implementing some of the above-described functions.
- the program may be a differential file (differential program) that can implement the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.
- Some or all of the functions included in the information processing apparatus 10 according to each of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented as an integrated circuit such as large scale integration (LSI).
- LSI large scale integration
- the above-described functions may be individually formed as a processor, or some or all thereof may be integrated into a processor.
- a method of forming an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In the case where integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on such technology may be used.
- the information processing apparatus 10 may be a tablet PC.
- the information processing apparatus 10 is not limited to a PC, and may be a smartphone, a game machine, or the like.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method.
- Portable apparatuses such as laptop personal computers (PCs) include Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors. With connectors in compliance with the USB Type-C standard which has been increasingly used in recent years, power of 100 W at the maximum can be supplied if they support the USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-11442). They are also used as connectors for power supply from AC adapters and the like. While not at home or office, external batteries are used in order to extend the usable times of the portable apparatuses. The external batteries are also connected to USB Type-C connectors.
- In the foregoing portable apparatus, the following control is typically performed: In the case where power is supplied from an AC adapter, the processing capability is optimized because power can be supplied sufficiently. In the case where power is supplied from a battery included in the portable apparatus, the battery life is optimized by reducing power consumption because suppliable power is limited. However, for example, both in the case where an AC adapter is connected to USB connector and in the case where an external battery is connected to USB connector, the portable apparatus performs control on the assumption that an AC adapter is connected, without determining the device connected to USB connector. Therefore, in the case where an external battery is connected to USB connector, despite power being supplied from the battery, it may be impossible to detect that power is supplied from the battery and perform appropriate control.
- Moreover, while identifiers relating to device internal information such as battery information are prepared in the USB standard, there is hardly any device that actually uses such identifiers. Accordingly, it is difficult to detect the type of the device connected to USB connector by the method of identifier determination.
- In view of the above, the present invention has an object of providing an information processing apparatus and a control method that easily detect the type of a device connected to USB connector.
- The present invention has been made to solve the problem stated above. An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a connection detection unit configured to detect connection of a device to Universal Serial Bus (USB); a device information acquisition unit configured to acquire first information indicating whether the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard, second information indicating whether the device supports one or both of power supply and power reception in the case where the device supports the USB-PD standard, and third information indicating whether the device supports data communication by USB; and a device determination unit configured to determine a type of the device based on the first information, the second information, and the third information.
- In the information processing apparatus, the device determination unit may be configured to, in the case where the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports both of the power supply and the power reception of the USB-PD standard and does not support the data communication by USB based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, determine that the device is a battery that supports USB Type-C standard.
- In the information processing apparatus, the device information acquisition unit may be configured to acquire fourth information indicating whether the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports USB Battery Charge Rev1.2 (BC1.2) standard, and the device determination unit may be configured to, in the case where the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected does not support the USB-PD standard and supports the USB BC1.2 standard based on the first information and the fourth information, determine that the device is a battery that supports USB Type-A standard.
- The information processing apparatus may include: a system processing unit configured to execute system processing; and an operation mode control unit configured to, in the case where the connection detection unit detects the connection of the device to the USB connector, control an operation mode of the system processing by the system processing unit to any of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the first operation mode, based on a determination result by the device determination unit.
- In the information processing apparatus, the operation mode control unit may be configured to, based on the determination result by the device determination unit, control the operation mode to the first operation mode in the case where the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports the USB-PD standard and is not a battery, and control the operation mode to the second operation mode in the case where the device is a battery.
- In the information processing apparatus, the device information acquisition unit may be configured to acquire information about power supply capability of the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected, and the operation mode control unit may be configured to control the operation mode to the second operation mode, in the case where the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports the USB-PD standard and is not a battery and the power supply capability is less than a predetermined threshold.
- A control method in an information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a step in which a connection detection unit detects connection of a device to USB connector; a step in which a device information acquisition unit acquires first information indicating whether the device detected by the connection detection unit as being connected supports USB-PD standard, second information indicating whether the device supports one or both of power supply and power reception in the case where the device supports the USB-PD standard, and third information indicating whether the device is capable of data communication by USB; and a step in which a device determination unit determines a type of the device based on the first information, the second information, and the third information.
- The above-described aspects of the present invention can easily detect the type of a device connected to USB connector.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating USB connection to an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of devices connectable to the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used in detection of a Type-C external battery. -
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used in detection of a Type-A external battery. -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of aninformation processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a device determination process according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation mode control process according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation mode control process according to a second embodiment. - Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings.
- A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating USB connection to an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. Aninformation processing apparatus 10 illustrated in the drawing is, for example, a laptop personal computer (PC), and includes a connector (receptacle) compliant with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C standard (hereafter referred to as “Type-C connector”). Power supply, data communication, and the like are enabled via this Type-C connector. USB Type-C stipulates power requirements in two stages, namely, power requirements based on the USB Type-C standard and requirements based on the USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard. All USB Type-C connected apparatuses first start operation with power based on the USB Type-C standard, and, in the case where it supports USB-PD, switches to operation with power based on the USB-PD standard. In the USB Type-C standard, operation is performed at 5 V, and which current value from among 0.9 A, 1.5 A, and 3 A is allowed can be determined by the power reception side checking the setting of a pull-up resistor (Rp) of a power supply side CC (Configuration Channel) signal. In the USB-PD standard, operation at 5 V to 20 V and a maximum of 5 A (a maximum of 100 W) is possible. The voltage and current are determined by a negotiation between the power supply side and the power reception side. - Examples of devices connectable to the Type-C connector include an alternate current (AC) adapter, an external battery, a PC (e.g. laptop PC), and a display (display device). These devices may each be connected via a cable both ends of which have plugs supporting Type-C connector (hereafter referred to as “Type-C cable”), or via a cable one end of which supports Type-C connector and the other end of which is directly connected to the device. Connectable devices also include devices that support connectors (hereafter referred to as “Type-A connectors”) compliant with the USB Type-A standard before USB Type-C. For example, a device such as an AC adapter, an external battery, or a PC (e.g. a laptop PC) supporting USB Type-A can be connected via a conversion cable one end of which has a plug supporting Type-C connector and the other end of which has a plug supporting Type-A connector.
-
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of devices connectable to the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. In the drawing, an AC adapter, a display, a laptop PC, an external battery supporting Type-A connector (hereafter referred to as “Type-A external battery”), and an external battery supporting Type-C connector (hereafter referred to as “Type-C external battery”) are illustrated as an example of devices connectable to theinformation processing apparatus 10 including a Type-C connector. The drawing illustrates, for each device, connection method (How to connect), support for the USB-PD standard, type of USB-PD role (Power Role Capability), support for data communication, and support for the USB Battery Charge Rev1.2 (BC1.2) standard. USB-PD roles include power supply (Source) and power reception (Sink), and some devices are capable of switching between power supply (Source) and power reception (Sink) (role swap). In the drawing, for each device supporting role swap, both power supply side (Source) and power reception side (Sink) are indicated. For each device not supporting role swap, whether the device is power supply side (Source) or power reception side (Sink) is indicated. The USB BC1.2 standard is a charging-related standard formulated before the USB-PD standard. While suppliable power is up to 7.5 W in the USB BC1.2 standard, suppliable power is up to 100 W in the USB-PD standard. - An AC adapter is connected to the
information processing apparatus 10 by a Type-C cable (Type-C to Type-C). The AC adapter supports the USB-PD standard (Supported), but does not support role swap and is limited to only power supply side (Source). The AC adapter does not support data communication (NO), and does not support the USB BC1.2 standard (NO). - A display is connected to the
information processing apparatus 10 by a Type-C cable (Type-C to Type-C). The display supports the USB-PD standard (Supported), but does not support role swap and is limited to only power supply side (Source). The display supports data communication (YES), and does not support the USB BC1.2 standard (NO). - A laptop PC includes a laptop PC including a Type-C connector and a laptop PC including a Type-A connector. The laptop PC including a Type-C connector is connected to the
information processing apparatus 10 by a Type-C cable (Type-C to Type-C). The laptop PC including a Type-C connector supports the USB-PD standard (Supported), and also supports role swap and can be both power supply side (Source) and power reception side (Sink). The laptop PC including a Type-A connector is connected to theinformation processing apparatus 10 by a conversion cable (Type-A to Type-C). The laptop PC including a Type-A connector does not support the USB-PD standard (Not supported). Both laptop PCs support data communication (YES), and do not support the USB BC1.2 standard (NO). - A Type-A external battery is connected to the
information processing apparatus 10 by a conversion cable (Type-A to Type-C). The Type-A external battery does not support the USB-PD standard (Not supported), and supports the USB BC1.2 standard (YES). The Type-A external battery does not support data communication (NO). - A Type-C external battery is connected to the
information processing apparatus 10 by a Type-C cable (Type-C to Type-C). The Type-C external battery supports the USB-PD standard (Supported), and also supports role swap and can be both power supply side (Source) and power reception side (Sink) (except for the USB BC1.2 standard). The Type-C external battery does not support data communication (NO). - Thus, each device connectable to the
information processing apparatus 10 differs in whether standards relating to power supply and charging are supported and whether data communication is supported, depending on the type of the device. Accordingly, theinformation processing apparatus 10 acquires information about the standards and data communication for the device connected to the Type-C connector (attribute information of the device), and detects the type of the device based on the acquired information. -
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used in detection of a Type-C external battery. The Type-C external battery can be detected using information about support for the USB-PD standard and information about support for data communication designated by symbol D11. For example, in the case where the connected device supports the USB-PD standard, supports the role function (can be both power supply side (Source) and power reception side (Sink)), and does not support data communication, the device can be determined as the Type-C external battery. -
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information used in detection of a Type-A external battery. The Type-A external battery can be detected using information about support for the USB-PD standard and information about support for the USB BC1.2 standard designated by symbol D12. For example, in the case where the connected device does not support the USB-PD standard and supports (complies with) the USB BC1.2 standard, the device can be determined as the Type-A external battery. - (Structure of Information Processing Apparatus 10)
- The structure of the
information processing apparatus 10 will be described below. -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of theinformation processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Theinformation processing apparatus 10 includes acommunication unit 11, aninput unit 12, adisplay unit 13, astorage unit 14, acontrol unit 15, aPD controller 16, a Type-C connector 17, and a built-inbattery 18. - The
communication unit 11 includes, for example, a plurality of Ethernet® ports, a communication device for performing wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, and the like. Theinput unit 12 includes a touch panel for detecting touch operation on a screen of thedisplay unit 13, and operation buttons such as a power button for powering on/off theinformation processing apparatus 10. Theinput unit 12 outputs input information based on the received operation input. Thedisplay unit 13 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display panel, or the like. - The
storage unit 14 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), read-only memory (ROM), Flash-ROM, random access memory (RAM), etc., and stores programs, data, and the like. - The
control unit 15 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), an embedded controller (EC), and the like. Thecontrol unit 15 executes a program such as BIOS, an OS, or each type of application, to boot (start) a system such as BIOS or the OS or perform each type of operation, processing, etc. Thecontrol unit 15 also performs memory control, such as data read, write, and deletion, on thestorage unit 14, etc. - The
control unit 15 controls a power circuit such as a DC (direct current)/DC converter (not illustrated), to control power supply to each unit in theinformation processing apparatus 10. The DC/DC converter, for example, converts voltage of DC power supplied from a device such as an AC adapter or an external battery connected to the Type-C connector 17 or voltage of DC power supplied from the built-inbattery 18 into voltage required in each unit, and supplies the voltage to the unit via a power system. For example, in the case where an external power source such as an AC adapter or an external battery is connected to the Type-C connector 17, thecontrol unit 15 performs control so that power supplied from the external power source is supplied to each unit with priority over power supplied from the built-inbattery 18, and controls charging the built-inbattery 18. - The Type-C connector 17 is a receptacle compliant with the USB Type-C standard. The Type-C connector 17 is provided with a VBUS terminal and a GND terminal for power, a configuration channel (CC) terminal, D+/D− terminals, and the like. The CC terminal is used, for example, for detection of connection of a device to the Type-C connector 17, acquisition of various information (support for the USB-PD standard, support for power supply side and power reception side, support for USB BC1.2, support for data communication, etc.) from the device, and negotiation of communication with the device.
- The
PD controller 16 communicates with the device connected to the Type-C connector 17, and controls, for example, power supply to or power reception from the device. In the case where the device is connected to the Type-C connector 17, thePD controller 16 detects the connection of the device and acquires or determines information of the connected device (attribute information of the device) via the CC terminal or the like. For example, based on communication with the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 via the CC terminal, thePD controller 16 acquires or determines information about support for the USB-PD standard, information about whether one or both of power supply and power reception are supported in the case where the USB-PD standard is supported, information about support for data communication, and information about support for the USB BC1.2 standard. - A function of determining the type of the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 and a function of controlling the operation mode of the system based on the detection result will be described below. The control unit includes a system processing unit 151, a
connection detection unit 152, a deviceinformation acquisition unit 153, adevice determination unit 154, and an operationmode control unit 155. - The system processing unit 151 executes system processing by the OS (operating system) or processing by an application that operates on the OS.
- The
connection detection unit 152 detects connection of a device to USB connector. For example, in the case where thePD controller 16 detects that the device is connected to the Type-C connector 17, theconnection detection unit 152 acquires the detection result from thePD controller 16, and detects that the device is connected to USB connector. - The device
information acquisition unit 153 acquires, in the case where theconnection detection unit 152 detects the connection, information about the connected device from thePD controller 16. For example, the deviceinformation acquisition unit 153 acquires first information indicating whether the device detected as being connected supports the USB-PD standard, second information indicating whether the device supports one or both of power supply and power reception in the case where the device supports the USB-PD standard, and third information indicating whether the device supports data communication by USB. The deviceinformation acquisition unit 153 may further acquire fourth information indicating whether the device detected as being connected supports the USB BC1.2 standard. - The
device determination unit 154 determines the type of the device connected to USB connector. For example, thedevice determination unit 154 determines whether the device detected by theconnection detection unit 152 as being connected is a battery, based on the first information, the second information, and the third information. For example, in the case where the device detected as being connected supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard and does not support data communication by USB based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, thedevice determination unit 154 determines that the device is a Type-C external battery. - In the case where the device detected by the
connection detection unit 152 as being connected does not support the USB-PD standard and supports the USB BC1.2 standard based on the first information and the fourth information, thedevice determination unit 154 determines that the device is a Type-A external battery. In the case where the connected device does not support the USB-PD standard, thedevice determination unit 154 may determine that the connected device is a Type-C external battery, based on an operation condition of power defined in the USB Type-C standard. For example, in the case where the connected device has setting of 1.5 A/3 A among current value settings (0.9 A/1.5 A/3 A) allowed in the USB Type-C standard, thedevice determination unit 154 may determine that the connected device is a Type-C external battery, without determining whether the device supports the USB BC1.2 standard. - The operation
mode control unit 155 controls the operation mode of system processing executed by the system processing unit 151 to any of an adapter operation mode (first operation mode) and a battery operation mode (second operation mode). - The adapter operation mode is an operation mode that is suitable when sufficient power is supplied from an AC adapter, etc., and prioritizes enhancement of processing capability (performance) over reduction of power consumption. The battery operation mode is an operation mode that is suitable when suppliable power is limited, such as when power is supplied from the built-in
battery 18 or the like, and reduces power consumption as compared with the adapter operation mode. In the case where no device is connected to the Type-C connector 17, theinformation processing apparatus 10 operates with power supplied from the built-inbattery 18, so that theinformation processing apparatus 10 is preferably controlled to the battery operation mode. In the case where a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17, if the connected device is an AC adapter, theinformation processing apparatus 10 is preferably controlled to the adapter operation mode. If the connected device is a battery, on the other hand, theinformation processing apparatus 10 is preferably controlled to the battery operation mode because controlling theinformation processing apparatus 10 to the adapter operation mode despite the connected device being a battery reduces the time during which theinformation processing apparatus 10 is operable by the battery. - In the case where connection of a device to USB connector is not detected by the
connection detection unit 152, the operationmode control unit 155 controls the operation mode to the battery operation mode. In the case where connection of a device to USB connector is detected by theconnection detection unit 152, the operationmode control unit 155 controls the operation mode to any of the adapter operation mode and the battery operation mode, based on the determination result by thedevice determination unit 154. For example, in the case where the device detected by theconnection detection unit 152 as being connected is a battery (Type-C external battery or Type-A external battery) based on the determination result by thedevice determination unit 154, the operationmode control unit 155 controls the operation mode to the battery operation mode. In the case where the device detected by theconnection detection unit 152 as being connected is not a battery based on the determination result by thedevice determination unit 154, the operationmode control unit 155 controls the operation mode to the adapter operation mode. - (Operation of Device Determination Process)
- Operation of a device determination process by which the
control unit 15 in theinformation processing apparatus 10 determines the type of a device connected to the Type-C connector 17 will be described below. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the device determination process according to this embodiment. - (Step S101) The
control unit 15 determines, via thePD controller 16, whether a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17, to detect connection of a device to USB connector. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17 (YES), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S103. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that a device is not connected to the Type-C connector 17 (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S117. - (Step S103) The
control unit 15 acquires information about the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 (attribute information of the device), from thePD controller 16. Thecontrol unit 15 then determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports the USB-PD standard. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device supports the USB-PD standard (YES), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S107. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device does not support the USB-PD standard (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S105. - (Step S105) The
control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports the USB BC1.2 standard. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device supports the USB BC1.2 standard (YES), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S113. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device does not support the USB BC1.2 standard (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S115. - (Step S107) The
control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device supports both of power supply and power reception (YES), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S109. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device supports only one of power supply and power reception (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S115. - (Step S109) The
control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports data communication. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device supports data communication (YES), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S115. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device does not support data communication (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S111. - (Step S111) The
control unit 15 determines that the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is a Type-C external battery. That is, in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard and does not support data communication by USB, thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device is a Type-C external battery. In this case, thecontrol unit 15 treats the USB connected device as a Type-C external battery. - (Step S113) The
control unit 15 determines that the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is a Type-A external battery. That is, in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 does not support the USB-PD standard and supports the USB BC1.2 standard, thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device is a Type-A external battery. In this case, thecontrol unit 15 treats the USB connected device as a Type-A external battery. - (Step S115) The
control unit 15 determines that the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is not an external battery. That is, in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 does not support any of the USB-PD standard and the USB BC1.2 standard, in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports the USB-PD standard and supports only one of power supply and power reception, or in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard and supports data communication, thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device is not an external battery. In this case, thecontrol unit 15 treats the USB connected device as, for example, an AC adapter. - (Step S117) The
control unit 15 determines that no device is connected to the Type-C connector 17. That is, thecontrol unit 15 treats no device as being connected to USB connector. - Operation of an operation mode control process by which the
control unit 15 controls the operation mode of system processing when a device is connected to USB connector will be described below. -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation mode control process according to this embodiment. - (Step S201) The
control unit 15 determines, via thePD controller 16, whether a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17, to detect connection of a device to USB connector. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that a device is connected to the Type-C connector 17 (YES), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S203. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that a device is not connected to the Type-C connector 17 (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S209. - (Step S203) The
control unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is an external battery, based on the determination result of the device determination process described with reference toFIG. 6 . More specifically, for example, thecontrol unit 15 determines whether the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is an external battery (Type-C external battery or Type-A external battery) or a device that supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (i.e. a device capable of supplying power other than a battery). In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device is an external battery (YES), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S209. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the device supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S207. - (Step S207) The
control unit 15 controls the operation mode of system processing to the adapter operation mode. That is, thecontrol unit 15 controls system processing to the adapter operation mode, in the case where it is determined that a device other than an external battery is connected to USB connector. - (Step S209) The
control unit 15 controls the operation mode of system processing to the battery operation mode. That is, thecontrol unit 15 controls system processing to the battery operation mode, in the case where no device is connected to USB connector or in the case where it is determined that the device connected to USB connector is an external battery. - As described above, the
information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment detects connection of a device to USB connector, acquires first information indicating whether the device detected as being connected supports the USB-PD standard, second information indicating whether the device supports one or both of power supply and power reception in the case where the device supports the USB-PD standard, and third information indicating whether the device supports data communication by USB, and determines the type of the device connected to USB based on the acquired information. - Thus, with use of versatile information acquirable from the device connected to USB connector, the
information processing apparatus 10 can easily detect the type of the device. The use of the versatile information enables theinformation processing apparatus 10 to easily detect the types of many devices. - For example, in the case where the device detected as being connected to USB connector supports both of power supply and power reception of the USB-PD standard and does not support data communication by USB based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, the
information processing apparatus 10 determines that the device is a Type-C external battery (an example of a battery). - Thus, with use of versatile information acquirable from the device connected to USB connector, the
information processing apparatus 10 can easily detect whether the device is a Type-C external battery. - The
information processing apparatus 10 may further acquire fourth information indicating whether the device detected as being connected to USB connector supports the USB BC1.2 standard. In the case where the device detected as being connected to USB connector does not support the USB-PD standard and supports the USB BC1.2 standard based on the first information and the fourth information, theinformation processing apparatus 10 may determine that the device is a Type-A external battery (an example of a battery). - Thus, with use of versatile information acquirable from the device connected to USB connector, the
information processing apparatus 10 can easily detect whether the device is a Type-A external battery. - The
information processing apparatus 10 executes system processing, and, in the case where the connection of the device to USB connector is detected, controls, based on the determination result of the type of the device, the operation mode of system processing to any of an adapter operation mode (an example of a first operation mode) and a battery operation mode (an example of a second operation mode) in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the adapter operation mode. - Thus, the
information processing apparatus 10 can appropriately control whether to set the operation mode of system processing to the operation mode that prioritizes processing capability (performance) or the operation mode that prioritizes battery life by reducing power consumption, depending on the type of the device connected to USB connector. - For example, in the case where the device detected as being connected to USB connector supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (an example of a battery) based on the determination result of the type of the device, the
information processing apparatus 10 controls the operation mode to the adapter operation mode. In the case where the device is an external battery, theinformation processing apparatus 10 controls the operation mode to the battery operation mode. - Thus, the
information processing apparatus 10 can set the operation mode that prioritizes battery life by reducing power consumption, in the case where an external battery is connected to USB connector. - A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
- The first embodiment describes an example in which, in the case where the device connected to USB connector is not an external battery, the operation mode is controlled to the adapter operation mode on the assumption that the power supply capability is sufficient. However, there may be cases where the power supply capability is insufficient even when the device connected to USB connector is not an external battery. Examples of the cases where the power supply capability is insufficient include a laptop PC operating with a power source (e.g. AC adapter) capable of supplying current of less than a predetermined value or a built-in battery whose remaining battery level is less than a predetermined value.
- Hence, in this embodiment, the device
information acquisition unit 153 further acquires information about the power supply capability of the device connected to the Type-C connector 17, via thePD controller 16. Even in the case where the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is not an external battery, if the power supply capability of the device is less than a predetermined threshold, the operationmode control unit 155 may control the operation mode to the battery operation mode. -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation mode control process according to this embodiment. The operation mode control process illustrated in the drawing differs from the operation mode control process illustrated inFIG. 7 in that a process in step S205 is added. In the drawing, the same processes as those inFIG. 7 are given the same symbols, and their description is omitted. - In step S203, in the case where the
control unit 15 determines that the device connected to the Type-C connector supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S205. - (Step S205) The
control unit 15 determines whether the power supply capability of the device connected to the Type-C connector 17 is less than a predetermined threshold. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the power supply capability is less than the predetermined threshold (YES), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S209, and controls system processing to the battery operation mode. In the case where thecontrol unit 15 determines that the power supply capability is not less than the predetermined threshold (NO), thecontrol unit 15 advances to a process in step S207. - As described above, the
information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment acquires information about the power supply capability of the device detected as being connected to USB connector. Even in the case where the device detected as being connected supports the USB-PD standard and is not an external battery (an example of a battery), if the power supply capability is less than the predetermined threshold, theinformation processing apparatus 10 controls the operation mode to the battery operation mode. - Thus, for example, even in the case where an AC adapter is connected to USB connector, if the power supply capability of the AC adapter is low, the
information processing apparatus 10 can set the operation mode that prioritizes battery life by reducing power consumption. - While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific structures are not limited to such, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the structures described in the foregoing embodiments may be freely combined.
- Although the above describes the process of controlling the operation mode of system processing to the adapter operation mode or the battery operation mode based on whether the device connected to USB connector is an external battery with reference to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , theinformation processing apparatus 10 may, in the case of switching from the adapter operation mode to the battery operation mode, notify the user of the switching. Alternatively, theinformation processing apparatus 10 may switch from the adapter operation mode to the battery operation mode after checking with the user regarding the switching. Likewise, theinformation processing apparatus 10 may, in the case of switching from the battery operation mode to the adapter operation mode, notify the user of the switching. Alternatively, theinformation processing apparatus 10 may switch from the battery operation mode to the adapter operation mode after checking with the user regarding the switching. - Although the foregoing embodiments describe the process by which the
information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the device connected to USB connector is an external battery, theinformation processing apparatus 10 may determine the type of a device other than an external battery. For example, theinformation processing apparatus 10 may determine, based on information acquired from the device connected to USB connector, whether the device is an AC adapter, or whether the device is a device capable of data communication by USB (e.g. a display or a PC). As an example, in the case where the device connected to USB connector supports only power supply side (Source) of the USB-PD standard and does not support data communication, theinformation processing apparatus 10 may determine that the device is an AC adapter. - In the example of the structure of the
information processing apparatus 10 illustrated inFIG. 5 , the units in thecontrol unit 15 are arranged so that the system processing unit 151 is included in a CPU and theconnection detection unit 152, the deviceinformation acquisition unit 153, thedevice determination unit 154, and the operationmode control unit 155 are included in an EC. However, the present invention is not limited to such. For example, thecontrol unit 15 may include processing units such as a sensor hub and a chipset, and a processing unit other than an EC may include all or part of theconnection detection unit 152, the deviceinformation acquisition unit 153, thedevice determination unit 154, and the operationmode control unit 155. - The foregoing
information processing apparatus 10 includes a computer system. Processes in the components in the foregoinginformation processing apparatus 10 may be performed by recoding a program for implementing the functions of the components in the foregoinginformation processing apparatus 10 on a computer-readable recording medium and causing a computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Herein, “causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium” includes installing the program in the computer system. The “computer system” herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer system” may include a plurality of computer apparatuses connected via the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a network including a communication line such as a dedicated line. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disc, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk embedded in the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. - The recording medium includes a recording medium internally or externally provided to be accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. A configuration in which the program is divided into a plurality of parts and the components in the
information processing apparatus 10 combine the parts after the parts are downloaded at different timings may be adopted, and distribution servers for distributing the parts into which the program is divided may be different. The “computer-readable recording medium” includes a medium that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system serving as a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network. The program may be a program for implementing some of the above-described functions. The program may be a differential file (differential program) that can implement the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. - Some or all of the functions included in the
information processing apparatus 10 according to each of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented as an integrated circuit such as large scale integration (LSI). The above-described functions may be individually formed as a processor, or some or all thereof may be integrated into a processor. A method of forming an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In the case where integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges as a result of the advancement of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on such technology may be used. - Although the foregoing embodiments describe an example in which the
information processing apparatus 10 is a laptop PC, theinformation processing apparatus 10 may be a tablet PC. Theinformation processing apparatus 10 is not limited to a PC, and may be a smartphone, a game machine, or the like.
Claims (8)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2020010084 | 2020-01-24 | ||
JPJP2020-010084 | 2020-01-24 | ||
JP2020010084A JP7097920B2 (en) | 2020-01-24 | 2020-01-24 | Information processing device and control method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US11061848B1 US11061848B1 (en) | 2021-07-13 |
US20210232529A1 true US20210232529A1 (en) | 2021-07-29 |
Family
ID=76764712
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/856,330 Active US11061848B1 (en) | 2020-01-24 | 2020-04-23 | Information processing apparatus and control method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11061848B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7097920B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220326752A1 (en) * | 2021-04-08 | 2022-10-13 | Microchip Technology Incorporated | Multiprotocol USB Adaptive Charging |
JP7174315B1 (en) * | 2022-04-22 | 2022-11-17 | 富士通クライアントコンピューティング株式会社 | Information processing device and information processing device control method |
Family Cites Families (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2014067101A (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2014-04-17 | Aplix Ip Holdings Corp | Electronic apparatus and wireless controller |
US9710406B2 (en) * | 2014-12-15 | 2017-07-18 | Intel Corporation | Data transmission using PCIe protocol via USB port |
US20160370835A1 (en) * | 2015-06-17 | 2016-12-22 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Power-over-ethernet to universal serial bus charging port controller |
KR102476581B1 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2022-12-12 | 삼성전자 주식회사 | Method and appratus for adaptively managing power |
JP6558577B2 (en) * | 2015-12-03 | 2019-08-14 | リコーイメージング株式会社 | Power information management apparatus and power information management system |
JP6838879B2 (en) | 2016-07-13 | 2021-03-03 | ローム株式会社 | How to operate the power receiving device, its control circuit, electronic equipment, and power supply system |
JP6714469B2 (en) | 2016-08-24 | 2020-06-24 | キヤノン株式会社 | Electronic device and control method thereof |
JP6725842B2 (en) | 2017-01-13 | 2020-07-22 | 富士通クライアントコンピューティング株式会社 | Information processing apparatus, power supply/reception control circuit, and power supply/reception control method |
US20180239410A1 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2018-08-23 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Universal serial bus power delivery (usb pd)-based battery charging |
TWI612750B (en) * | 2017-03-22 | 2018-01-21 | 華碩電腦股份有限公司 | Electronic device and charging method thereof |
JP6878102B2 (en) | 2017-04-07 | 2021-05-26 | キヤノン株式会社 | Electronic devices and their control methods |
US10256646B2 (en) * | 2017-05-02 | 2019-04-09 | Panasonic Avionics Corporation | Seat box power management |
JP2018197987A (en) * | 2017-05-24 | 2018-12-13 | ルネサスエレクトロニクス株式会社 | Power supply system, power receiving device and power supply device |
US11068041B2 (en) * | 2017-06-13 | 2021-07-20 | Intel Corporation | Method to enhance device policy management (DPM) power sharing for USB Type-C (USB-C) only devices |
US10181739B1 (en) * | 2017-06-23 | 2019-01-15 | Dell Products L.P. | Power storage adapter using high efficiency charging for low power states |
US9887571B1 (en) * | 2017-06-23 | 2018-02-06 | Dell Products L.P. | Combining power from an internal battery and an external power storage adapter |
CN107706972A (en) * | 2017-09-30 | 2018-02-16 | 湖南海翼电子商务股份有限公司 | Power output control method, circuit and charging device for charging device |
US11226670B2 (en) * | 2017-12-27 | 2022-01-18 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Information processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and non-transitory storage medium storing program executable by the information processing apparatus |
JP2019121111A (en) | 2017-12-28 | 2019-07-22 | キヤノン株式会社 | Electronic apparatus, control method and program |
JP7072382B2 (en) | 2017-12-28 | 2022-05-20 | キヤノン株式会社 | Electronics, control methods and programs |
JP7256646B2 (en) | 2018-04-11 | 2023-04-12 | キヤノン株式会社 | Electronic device and control method and program for electronic device |
US10996727B2 (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2021-05-04 | Dell Products L.P. | System and method of managing power in information handling system |
-
2020
- 2020-01-24 JP JP2020010084A patent/JP7097920B2/en active Active
- 2020-04-23 US US16/856,330 patent/US11061848B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2021117674A (en) | 2021-08-10 |
US11061848B1 (en) | 2021-07-13 |
JP7097920B2 (en) | 2022-07-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10042801B2 (en) | System for detecting universal serial bus (USB) device and method thereof | |
US8633679B2 (en) | Method and system for operating a portable electronic device in a power-limited manner | |
US8078893B2 (en) | Power supply method for supplying power to external device by selecting power supply mode in memory associated with identification information | |
US20130162198A1 (en) | Information processing apparatus and control method | |
US9104396B2 (en) | Electronic apparatus, charging control device, and charging control method | |
US9197075B2 (en) | Charging port based on power state signal | |
US7987376B2 (en) | Power supply controller configured to supply power to external device and modules of computer system according to the selected power supply mode | |
TWI394344B (en) | Portable computer system and related power supply device and charging method | |
US7816811B2 (en) | Portable power source to provide power to an electronic device via an interface | |
US20100060233A1 (en) | Charger with USB detection | |
US11061848B1 (en) | Information processing apparatus and control method | |
US9779046B2 (en) | Electronic apparatus and port control method for locking downstream USB ports | |
US10509458B2 (en) | Information device with improved operating modes | |
EP2711803A2 (en) | Host apparatus and method of charging user terminal apparatus | |
US20160179182A1 (en) | System | |
JP2015504277A (en) | Method and apparatus for controlling power-off operation of terminal equipment | |
US20220173605A1 (en) | Controlling charging of computing device through ports connected to external devices | |
US20140173310A1 (en) | Electronic apparatus, control method of electronic apparatus and computer-readable medium | |
US10860076B2 (en) | Computer system, client device and display device | |
JP6540980B1 (en) | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM | |
TW201430544A (en) | Battery, power supply apparatus and electronic apparatus | |
US20210096624A1 (en) | Electronic apparatus and operation information output method | |
US11163354B2 (en) | Information processing apparatus, and control method | |
US11003230B2 (en) | Electronic device that receives power from power supply apparatus and method thereof | |
TWI587150B (en) | Electronic device with multiple interfaces |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD., SINGAPORE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SETO, YUICHIRO;NAKATA, MUNEFUMI;SIGNING DATES FROM 20200422 TO 20200423;REEL/FRAME:052476/0415 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LENOVO PC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, HONG KONG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD;REEL/FRAME:060638/0044 Effective date: 20130401 |