JP2002223527A - Electronic apparatus and its power control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent troubles of breakdowns or the like of a battery pack, due to sudden power interruption in the use of a computer and the overdischarging of the battery pack, when the battery pack having small rated capacity is mounted on a computer system. SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus has the battery pack having the information of the battery pack, a read means (S11) for reading the information of the battery pack from the battery pack, a decision means (S13) for deciding whether the battery pack can be adapted in the electronic equipment, according to the information of the battery pack read by the read means, and a means (S15) for controlling the electronic apparatus by the result of the decision of the decision means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a personal computer, a word processor and an electronic organizer which can be driven by a battery, and a power supply control method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various types of laptop or notebook personal portable computers which are easy to carry and can be operated by a battery have been developed. The battery (pack) of the portable computer can continuously supply the portable computer with the maximum power consumption (rated capacity) when the computer operates at full power.

Further, in such a portable computer, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-237536, an element capable of identifying the type and capacity of the battery pack is provided in the battery pack. The charge / discharge control according to the capacity or the like is performed, and the user is notified of the state of the battery pack.

However, in a certain portable computer series model, with the addition of a new computer model to the series, it is possible to connect a battery pack other than a regular battery pack, that is, an old type battery pack having an expected lower rated capacity. Becomes Even when the rated capacity of the battery pack is lower than the rated capacity of the newly developed portable computer, it is possible to adapt without particularly issuing a warning about the rated capacity of the battery pack to the user. When a battery pack with such a small rated capacity is attached to a new portable computer model,
There is a risk of causing troubles such as sudden power interruption during use of the portable computer, and destruction of the battery pack due to overdischarge of the battery pack.

Further, this kind of portable computer is configured such that an expansion unit can be mounted as needed for expanding its function. The expansion unit
It has a drive bay for accommodating a drive device such as a hard disk drive, an expansion slot for mounting a mouse, a printer, and the like. Therefore, when an extension unit is mounted on this kind of portable computer and an old battery pack having a small rated capacity expected of the portable computer is mounted, there is a risk of causing more trouble.

[0006]

The prior art described above is
When a battery pack having a small rated capacity is mounted on a computer system, there is a problem that sudden power shutoff during use of the computer or damage to the battery pack due to overdischarge of the battery pack occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and it is intended to prevent a problem such as a breakage of a battery pack when a battery pack having a small expected rated capacity is mounted. The purpose is to:

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a battery pack having battery pack information in a battery-operable electronic device, reading means for reading battery pack information from the battery pack, and reading means. Determining means for determining whether or not the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device according to the information on the battery pack read by the means; and executing means for executing predetermined processing based on the determination result of the determining means. It is characterized by having.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent problems such as breakage of the battery pack when a battery pack having a small expected rated capacity of the battery pack is mounted.

The determining means of the present invention determines, in accordance with the information on the battery pack read by the reading means, whether the type of the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device or whether the battery has a rated capacity. It is characterized by the following.

Further, when the execution means of the present invention determines that the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device based on the result of the determination by the determination means, the execution means according to the attached battery pack. An operation mode related to power consumption of the electronic device is set.

Further, the execution means of the present invention executes a predetermined display or a sound when it is determined from the result of the determination by the determination means that the battery pack is incompatible with the electronic device. I do.

[0013] The execution means of the present invention is characterized by executing a termination process of the electronic device. Furthermore, the power supply switch of the electronic device is invalidated.

According to such a configuration, when a battery pack with a small expected rated capacity of the battery pack is mounted, the user is notified of a warning to use the battery pack with the insufficient rated capacity, and the computer is not used. By restricting the state, it is possible to reliably prevent a failure such as breakage of the battery pack.

Further, the electronic apparatus of the present invention can be connected to an extension unit for expanding functions, and the reading means reads information of the battery pack from an additional battery pack mounted on the extension unit, and makes the determination. The means is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device.

According to such a configuration, a battery pack that is compatible with the electronic device is determined from the additional battery pack and the battery pack of the electronic device main body, so that failures such as breakage of the battery pack are reliably prevented. be able to.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a power control method for a battery-powered electronic device, a reading step of reading information of the battery pack from the battery pack, and a step of reading the information of the battery pack read in the reading step. A determination step of determining whether the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device; and an execution step of executing a predetermined process based on a determination result of the determination step.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent problems such as breakage of the battery pack when a battery pack having a small expected rated capacity of the battery pack is mounted.

In the determining step of the present invention, when it is determined that the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device according to the information of the battery pack read in the reading step, the battery pack is attached to the mounted battery pack. Accordingly, an operation mode related to the power consumption of the electronic device is set.

Further, the execution step of the present invention is characterized in that a predetermined display or sound is executed when it is determined from the result of the determination step that the battery pack is incompatible with the electronic device.

According to such a configuration, when a battery pack having a small expected rated capacity of the battery pack is mounted, the user is notified of a warning to use the battery pack with the insufficient rated capacity, and the computer is not used. By restricting the state, it is possible to reliably prevent a failure such as breakage of the battery pack.

[0022]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a computer system main body according to an embodiment of the present invention. This computer system is a notebook-type or laptop-type portable computer that can be driven by a battery, and includes a processor bus 1, internal buses 2, 3, 4, a function expansion connection bus 5, The detection line 6 and the power supply line are wired. An extension connector 10a provided on the main body of the portable computer has an extension unit for extending functions.
The docker 30 of FIG. 2 is connected by the user as needed. The expansion connector 10a includes at least four connector elements 101 to 104 as illustrated.

In the computer main body, a CPU 11, a bridge device 12, a main memory 13, a display controller 14, a DSP interface gate array (DSP)
IF GA) 15, bridge device 16, LAN controller 17, HDD 18, slot 19 for serial bus device, BIOS-ROM 20, real-time clock (RTC) 21, keyboard controller (KBC)
And embedded controller (EC) united G
A22, keyboard (KB) 23, LED 24, battery pack 25, power supply controller 26, AC adapter 2
7, a DC-DC (DC-DC) conversion circuit 28 and the like are provided.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of an extension unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Docker 30
Are used for expanding devices such as various optical / magnetic disk drive units 35 and for adding a second battery pack. In the docker 30, an extension connection bus 8 and an external bus 9 are arranged.
There are EEPROM 31, battery pack 32 and I
Optical drive unit 35 via DE controller 34
Etc. are connected. In the Docker 30, a DC-DC (DC-DC) conversion circuit 33, a slot 36 for connecting a serial bus device, a connection port 37 for connecting a mouse, an RS-232C, and a parallel printer are connected. I / O port 38 and the like are provided.

Next, the function and configuration of each component provided in the computer body of FIG. 1 will be described.

The CPU 11 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor manufactured and sold by Intel Corporation in the United States. The processor bus 1 directly connected to the input / output pins of the CPU 11 has a 64-bit data bus having a bandwidth of 133 Mhz.

The main memory 13 is a memory device for storing an operating system, a device driver, an application program to be executed, processing data, and the like, and is constituted by a plurality of DRAM modules. The main memory 13 includes a system memory mounted on a system board in advance, and an extension memory mounted as needed by a user. DRAM constituting these system memory and extended memory
As the module, a high-speed memory, such as a synchronous DRAM, which needs to supply a memory clock for each bank is used.

The main memory 13 is connected to the bridge device 12 via a dedicated memory bus having a 64-bit data bus having a bandwidth of 133 Mhz. As the data bus of the memory bus, the data bus of the processor bus 1 can be used. In this case, the memory bus includes an address bus and various memory control signal lines.

The bridge device 12 is a bridge LSI connecting the processor bus 1 and the internal bus 2, and functions as one of the bus masters of the internal bus 2. The bridge device 12 has a function of bidirectionally converting a bus cycle including data and addresses between the processor bus 1 and the internal bus 2 and a function of controlling access to the memory 13 via the memory bus. I have.

The internal bus 2 is a clock synchronous type input / output bus, and all cycles on the internal bus 2 are performed in synchronization with the bus clock. The frequency of the internal bus clock is a maximum of 33 MHz. The internal bus 2 has an address / data bus used in a time-division manner. This address / data bus is 32 bits wide.

The data transfer cycle on the internal bus 2 is composed of an address phase and one or more data phases following the address phase. In the address phase, the address and transfer type are output, and in the data phase, 8 bits, 16 bits, 24 bits or 32 bits are output.
Bit data is output.

The display controller 14 has a built-in video memory (VRAM) and is directly connected to a graphics port dedicated to the bridge device 12.
3 is transmitted to the VRA via the port.
M, and the image data is displayed on an LCD or an external CRT display.

DSP interface gate array 15
Constitutes a DSP system for performing various sound processing and telephone / data communication processing in cooperation with a DSP, a MODEM (CODEC), and a sound CODEC.

Under the control of a dedicated device driver program which is read into the main memory 13 and executed, the DSP interface gate array 15
It communicates with the MODEM (CODEC) and the sound CODEC to control sound processing and communication processing using digital signal processing of the DSP.

The bridge device 16 is a bridge LSI that connects the internal bus 2 and the internal bus 3. The bridge device 16 includes a bus arbitration circuit between devices connected to the internal bus, a DMA controller, an IDE controller for controlling the HDD 18, a controller for controlling a serial bus device connected via the slot 19, and the like. ing. The expansion connection bus 5 is led out to the outside via the connector element 101a of the expansion connector 10a, and is connected to the Docker 30. Docker
The detection line 6 is connected to the connector element 102 of the extension connector 10a.
It is derived outside via a and is connected to the Docker 30.

The internal bus 3 stores a BIOS-ROM 20 for storing a program for docking control, and an RT.
C21, a keyboard controller (KBC) / embedded controller (EC) 22 are connected. KB
The C / EC 22 is a bridge LSI that controls the KB 23 and controls the internal bus 4.

When the KBC / EC 22 obtains a signal indicating that the Docker 30 has been connected from the bridge device 16 via the internal bus 3, the KBC / EC 22 notifies the system management interrupt that there has been a change in the presence or absence of the Docker 30 connection. An (SMI) signal is output to the CPU 11.

The internal bus 4 has one clock signal line and one
This is a bidirectional bus composed of data lines, which is led out through the connector element 104a of the extension connector 10a and connected to the Docker 30.

The battery pack 25 includes an AC adapter 27
Is not connected to the computer system itself,
Provides power to each component of the computer system. The battery pack 25 and the AC adapter 27
DC via the power line connected to the backflow prevention diode
-It is connected to the DC conversion circuit 28. The DC-DC conversion circuit 28 includes various DC voltages (+5 V, +3.3 V, +12 V) required by each component of the computer.
Etc.). The power supply line is led out to the outside via the connector element 103a of the expansion connector 10a.
r30.

The battery pack 25 is connected to the internal bus 4
Is connected to KB according to a request from the CPU 11.
C / EC 21 is an EEP built in battery pack 25
It reads out the type of battery pack, the rated capacity of the battery pack, and the remaining capacity data from the ROM.

The power supply controller 26 is connected to the internal bus 4 and executes charge / discharge and power supply control of the battery pack 25 and the DC-DC conversion circuit 28. Further, the power supply controller 26 detects whether or not the battery pack 25 is attached, and notifies the KBC / EC 22 via the internal bus 4. Further, the power supply controller 26
When r30 is connected to the expansion connector 10a of the computer main body, the battery pack 25 or A
The power supplied from the C adapter 27 is
In order to supply power to the Docker 30, a switch composed of an FET or the like is turned on to supply power to the Docker 30.

Next, each component in the Docker 30 of FIG. 2 will be described.

As described above, the Docker 30 is an extension unit that is detachably attached to the computer body. ID provided inside this Docker 30
The E controller 34 is connected to the expansion connection bus 8,
It receives control data from the bridge device 16, controls the optical drive unit 35, and outputs read data.

The Docker detection line 7 connected to the lead-out line 102b of the extension connector 10b is grounded in the Docker 30.

Second battery pack 32 and EEPROM
M31 is connected to the external bus 9 connected to the lead-out line 104b of the extension connector 10b. Like the battery pack 25, the second battery pack 32 has an EEPROM in which the type of the battery pack, the rated capacity of the battery pack, and the remaining capacity data are built in. When the docker 30 is connected, or when the second battery pack 32 is attached. The data is read from the KB / EC 22.

The EEPROM 31 stores attributes (address, DMA channel, IRQ number, etc.) of an expansion device installed in the expansion bay of the Docker 30 and Do.
Plug & Play (PnP) information required for plug and play, such as the type of cicker, is stored.
This PnP information is stored in the computer body and in Docker3.
0, or when the computer is powered on, the KBC / EC2 via the internal bus 4 and the external bus 9 under the system BIOS control of the BIOS ROM 20.
1 is read from the EEPROM 31.

The DC-DC conversion circuit 33 is a Docker
A power supply of a voltage (+3 V, +5 V) output to each of the 30 components (IDE controller, etc.) is generated. The DC-DC conversion circuit 33 and the second battery pack 32 are connected to a power supply line connected to the lead 103b of the extension connector 10b. The second battery pack 32 is connected to a DC-
The power is supplied to the DC conversion circuit 33.

As described above, the Docker 30 is an expansion unit to which the portable computer main body is detachably mounted. FIG. 3 shows a state where the computer system main body according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the Docker. FIG. 4 shows that the computer system body is Docker in the system of the embodiment.
FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this Docker
The housing 30 has a mounting surface for accommodating the portable computer main body. The mounting surface has substantially the same size as the bottom surface of the main body of the portable computer, and guide portions 41, 4 and 4 for introducing the main body of the portable computer to the mounting position are provided at the four corners of the mounting surface.
2, 43 and 44 are provided. Along the guide section, the expansion connector 1 of the portable computer body (not shown)
0a is securely connected to the expansion connector 10b of the Docker 30.

The battery pack of the portable computer main body is removed from a palm rest in front of the keyboard 23 and is mounted in a battery pack storage (not shown). D
The second battery pack of the docker 30 is attached to the battery pack storage section 32 in front of the docker 30 shown in FIG. A power supply line from the portable computer main body or from the Dokcer 30 can be supplied to each other via the extension connectors 10a and 10b.
The extension unit 35 of the Dokcer 30 has an insertion portion at the right end of the Docker 30 for mounting on the optical disc.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a startup process of the portable computer main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the battery selection process when the power switch of the portable computer is turned on will be described as follows.

When the power controller 26 detects that the power switch of the portable computer is turned on, a reset signal and power supply are supplied to each component of the portable computer. And CPU
11 executes the battery selection process stored in the BIOS-ROM 20. In the battery selection process, first, it is determined whether or not the battery pack 25 is attached (S10). For example,
In the battery selection process, the state of the impedance of a predetermined electrode of the battery pack is inspected. If the battery pack is mounted, the impedance of the electrode changes from infinity to a predetermined resistance value, so that it is possible to determine whether the battery pack 25 is mounted.

When it is determined that the battery pack is installed, the battery selection process reads the information of the battery pack from a predetermined address of an EEPROM built in the battery pack 25, and determines the type of the battery pack or the rated capacity of the battery pack. Is determined (Yes in S10 → S
11 → S12). What is battery pack information here?
The type of the battery pack or the rated capacity of the battery pack (2000 mAH to 4500 mAH). Also,
In the battery selection process, the number of battery cells (6 cells, 9 cells, and 12 cells), which is a structural feature of the battery pack, is read as information on the battery pack, and the type and rated capacity of the battery pack can also be determined.

The battery selection process is performed by using the maximum capacity of the portable computer stored in the RTC 21 or
Reads information on a compatible battery pack indicating the type of battery pack that is compatible with the computer,
A comparison is made with the type or rated capacity of the battery pack determined in S12 (S13).

If it is determined in S13 that the attached battery pack is a battery pack compatible with the portable computer, normal startup processing is continued (Yes in S13 → S14). Also, S1
If it is determined that the battery pack attached in step 3 is a battery pack that is not compatible with the portable computer, the battery selection process displays a warning message to the user on the display and executes the process of terminating the portable computer. (No in S13 → S15 →
S16). The incompatible battery pack here is
When the information of the battery pack indicates the type of the battery, it is other than the list data of the type of the battery pack applicable to the portable computer. When the information of the battery pack indicates the rated capacity of the battery, the portable computer is a battery pack that is equal to or less than the rated capacity of the battery pack that can be applied to the portable computer.

Further, when it is determined in S10 that the battery pack is not mounted, the battery selection process shifts the control to the startup process in S14. In this case, since no battery is mounted, power supply from the AC adapter is required.

Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a battery selection process during operation of the portable computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, a description will be given of a battery selection process when the user replaces the battery pack during the operation of the portable computer main unit as follows.

In the battery selection process stored in the BIOS-ROM 20, predetermined electrode terminals of the battery pack are periodically polled, and the battery pack 25 is operated by the user.
It is determined whether or not has been removed (S20). If it is determined that the battery pack has not been removed, the process of S20 is repeated.

If it is determined in S20 that the battery pack has been removed, the battery selection process determines whether the battery pack has been stored in the battery pack of the portable computer body (S21). When it is determined that the battery pack is housed in the battery pack of the portable computer main body, the battery selection processing is performed in the same manner as in S11 and S12 by using the EE included in the battery pack 25.
The information of the battery pack is read from a predetermined address of the PROM, and the type of the battery pack or the rated capacity of the battery pack is determined (Yes in S21 → S22 →
S23).

In the battery selection process, as in S13, R
The maximum consumption capacity of the portable computer stored in the TC 21 or the information of the applicable battery pack indicating the type of the battery pack supported by the computer is read, and the type or rating of the battery pack determined in S23 is read. The capacity is compared with the capacity (S24).

If it is determined in S24 that the attached battery pack is a compatible battery pack in the portable computer, the battery selection process is not performed and the process ends (Yes in S24). Also, S
If it is determined that the battery pack mounted in 24 is a battery pack that is not compatible with the portable computer, the battery selection process displays a warning message to the user on the display (N in S24).
o → S25).

Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a battery selection process of the portable computer main body according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a list showing operation modes of the system according to the type and rated capacity of the battery pack mounted on the portable computer main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Next, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the types and types of battery packs applicable to the portable computer main body will be described.
The battery selection processing according to the rated capacity will be described.

The processing when the power switch of the portable computer is turned on is the same as that of SS10 to S12 in FIG. 5, or the processing while the power of the portable computer is turned on is the same as that of SS20 to S23 in FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted here.

The battery selection processing is performed by using the maximum capacity of the portable computer stored in the RTC 21 or
The information of the applicable battery pack indicating the type of the battery pack supported by the computer is read and compared with the type or the rated capacity of the attached battery pack (S30).

If it is determined in S30 that the attached battery pack is a compatible battery pack in the portable computer, the process proceeds to S31 (Yes in S30 → S31). Here, the applicable battery pack is one of the types of battery packs to which the portable computer is applicable when the information of the battery pack indicates the type of the battery pack. Also,
When the information of the battery pack indicates the rated capacity of the battery, the portable computer is a battery pack that is equal to or more than the rated capacity of the applicable battery pack. In FIG. 8, the type of the battery pack is “BBB” to “DD”.
D "or the rated capacity of the battery is 2500 m
AH or higher battery packs are supported by the portable computer.

Next, in the battery selection process, the type and rated capacity of the attached battery pack are specified, and a value indicating the operation mode of the system is stored in the RTC 21 (S31).
→ S32, S33, S34). For example, when the operation mode of the system is set by the type of the battery pack, the type or the rated capacity of the battery pack is “BBB / 2500 mA”.
When it is determined to be “H”, the battery selection processing sets the operation mode of the system to the operation mode 1. Here,
In the operation mode 1, the operation clock of the CPU 11 is set from high speed (1 Ghz) to low speed (750 Mhz), the operation rate (throttling) of the CPU is set from DutyRatio 100% to 50%, and the brightness and backlight of the LCD are set from high brightness to low brightness. It is to be.

When it is determined that the type or rated capacity of the battery pack is “CCC / 3500 mAH”,
In the battery selection process, the operation mode of the system is set to operation mode 2. Here, the operation mode 2 is the CPU 1
1 operation clock from high speed (1 Ghz) to low speed (850 Ghz).
Mhz), the operating rate (throttling) of the CPU is Dut
yRatio 100% to 75%, and the luminance and backlight of the LCD are set from high luminance to medium luminance.

Further, when it is determined that the type or rated capacity of the battery pack is “DDD / 4500 mAH”, the battery selection process sets the operation mode of the system to the operation mode 3. Here, the operation mode 3 is C
The operation clock of the PU 11 is set to high speed (1 Ghz), and the operation rate (throttling) of the CPU is set to DutyRatio100.
%, That is, to set the LCD brightness and backlight to high brightness. Alternatively, when the user independently sets the operation mode of the system, each component of the system (for example, the CPU 11, the display controller 14, the backlight of the LCD, etc.) A predetermined value is set in the control circuit).

If it is determined in step S30 that the attached battery pack is not compatible with the portable computer, the battery selection process displays a warning message to the user on the display, and displays a warning message. A computer termination process is executed (No in S30 → S37). The incompatible battery pack here is "AAA" when the battery information indicates the type of battery, and when the battery information indicates the rated capacity of the battery, the compatible battery pack is Rated capacity (2000
mAH) or less.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing for setting an operation mode of the portable computer main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Next, the operation mode setting process of the portable computer will be described with reference to FIG.

After the operation mode of the system is determined in FIG. 7, in the operation mode setting process, it is determined whether or not to change the operation clock of the CPU (S40). If it is determined that the operation clock of the CPU is to be changed, the operation clock of the CPU is set to Lo according to the determined operation mode.
w, and then set the switching prohibition so that the user cannot change the operation mode of the CPU (Yes in S40 →
S41 → S42).

If it is determined in S40 that the operation clock of the CPU is not to be changed (No in S40), the operation mode setting process proceeds to S43. The determination here is, for example, a CP set according to the operation mode.
This is a case where it is determined that the U operation clock and the value of the CPU operation clock set by the RTC 21 are the same.

In the operation mode setting process, it is determined whether or not the CPU operating rate is to be changed (S43). If CPU
If it is determined that the duty ratio of the CPU is to be changed, the CPU is changed according to the determined operation mode.
Is set so that the user cannot change the CPU operation rate thereafter (Yes in S43 → S44 → S
45).

If it is determined in S43 that the operating rate of the CPU is not to be changed (No in S43), the operation mode setting process proceeds to S46. The determination here is, for example, that the value of the CPU operating rate set according to the operation mode and the value of the CPU operating rate set by the RTC 21 are:
This is the case where it is determined that they are the same.

Further, in the operation mode setting process, it is determined whether or not to change the brightness and backlight of the LCD (S
46). If it is determined that the brightness and backlight of the LCD are to be changed, according to the determined operation mode,
The LCD brightness / backlight is set, and thereafter, settings are made so that the user cannot change the LCD brightness / backlight value (Yes in S46 → S47 → S48).

If it is determined in S46 that the LCD brightness / backlight is not to be changed (N in S46).
o), the operation mode setting process ends. This determination is made, for example, when it is determined that the LCD brightness / backlight value set according to the operation mode and the value set in the RTC 21 are the same.

Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a battery selection process of the portable computer main body according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a list showing operation modes of the system according to the types of battery packs mounted on the portable computer main body and the extension unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a description will be given of the battery selection process according to the type of battery mounted on the portable computer main body and the extension unit.

The battery selection process stored in the BIOS-ROM 20 is performed when the power switch of the portable computer is turned on or when the portable computer is operating.
Executed when the docker 30 is connected. In the battery selection process, first, it is determined whether or not the battery pack 25 is mounted on the portable computer main body (S5).
0).

When it is determined that the battery pack 25 is mounted on the portable computer main body, information on the battery pack (battery type) is read from the battery pack 25 (Yes in S50 → S51). If it is determined that the battery pack 25 is not attached to the portable computer main body, the process proceeds to S52 in the battery selection process (No in S50 → S52).

Next, the battery selection process is performed by the Docker
It is determined whether 30 is connected to the portable computer body (S52). The determination of whether or not there is a connection here is Do
The determination is made based on the impedance value of the ccker detection line 6. D
When the docker 30 is connected to the main body of the portable computer, the docker detection line 6 is connected to the docker 3 via the extension connectors 102a and 102b.
Grounded within 0. Therefore, when connected, the impedance value from the Docker detection line 6 is zero, and when not connected, it is infinite.

If it is determined in S52 that the Dokcer 30 is connected to the portable computer main body, the battery selection process determines whether the second battery pack 32 is mounted in the Docker 30 (Yes in S52 → S53). When it is determined that the second battery pack 32 is mounted, information on the battery pack (type of battery) is read from the second battery pack 32 (Yes in S53 → S54).

If the Docker 30 is not connected to the portable computer, or if it is determined that the second battery pack 32 is not attached to the Docker 30, the battery selection process proceeds to S55 (No in S52 and No in S53). → S55).

Next, in the battery selection process, data storing a list showing the operation modes of the system according to the types of the battery packs shown in FIG. 11 is read out from the RTC 21 and the operation mode setting and warning process are executed. I do. For example, if the type of the battery pack 25 attached to the main body is “AAA”
In the case of, regardless of whether the docker 30 is connected or not and whether or not the second battery 32 is attached, the battery selection process
A warning process is executed (No in S55 → S56). If the type of the battery pack 25 attached to the main body is “BBB” or “C
CC "and the second battery 32 is not mounted, the battery selection process sets the operation of the system to the operation mode 1 or the operation mode 2. The type of the battery pack 25 mounted on the main body is" BBB "or" CCC ". If the second battery 32 is attached, the battery selection process sets the operation of the system to the operation mode 3. If the type of the battery pack 25 attached to the main body is "DD"
In the case of D ", the battery selection process sets the operation of the system to the operation mode 3 regardless of whether or not the second battery 32 is attached.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a startup process of the portable computer main body according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of the battery selection process when the power switch of the portable computer is turned on.

The processing when the power switch of the main body of the portable computer is turned on is the same as SS10 to S12 in FIG. 5, and the description is omitted here.

The battery selection processing is performed by using the maximum capacity of the portable computer stored in the RTC 21 or
The information of the applicable battery pack indicating the type of the battery pack supported by the computer is read, and is compared with the type or the rated capacity of the mounted battery pack 25.

If it is determined that the mounted battery pack 25 is not compatible with the portable computer, the battery selection process displays a warning message to the user on the display (No in S60 → S61). . In the battery selection process, a process of disabling the user from turning on the power switch is performed, and a power-off process of the portable computer is performed (S62).

Note that S15 and S15 in FIG. 5 of the embodiment of the present invention.
16. In S37 and S38 of FIG. 7, the power-off process is executed after the warning message is displayed. However, it is also possible to simply issue a warning message or a warning sound to call the user's attention.

In the flowchart of FIG. 6, one embodiment in which the battery pack is detached while the AC adapter is connected and the portable computer is operating has been described. However, the same processing can be performed when the battery pack is removed while the power supply of the portable computer is turned off. In this case, AC
The power controller that is always supplied with power even when the adapter is not connected executes the processes shown in FIG. The warning message in this case can alert the user using the LED 24 because the LCD is not driven. If the attached battery pack 25 is not a compatible battery pack, the operation of the power switch by the user can be invalidated.

Further, in FIGS. 5, 10 and 12 of the embodiment of the present invention, the battery selection processing stored in the BIOS-ROM 20 is executed in conjunction with the turning on of the power switch of the portable computer. However, prior to this processing, the operation mode of the system may be set to the minimum power consumption state, and the battery selection processing shown in FIGS. 5, 10 and 12 may be executed. In this case, when it is determined that the mounted battery packs 25 and 32 are compatible batteries, it is preferable to set the operation mode of the system again. When it is determined that the mounted battery packs 25 and 32 are compatible battery packs, the operation mode of the system is set according to the type and rated capacity of the mounted battery pack. If there is a device that cannot be used, it is preferable to notify the user to that effect.

Further, as one embodiment of the present invention, an EEPROM is built in the battery packs 25 and 32,
Battery pack information (type,
The rated capacity, etc.) was read, and it was determined whether the battery pack was compatible with a portable computer. However, when the battery pack does not have information on a battery pack such as a commercially available manganese battery, alkaline battery, NiCd battery, or the like, it is also possible to provide information on the battery in an outer case forming a battery pack by combining a plurality of the batteries. . In addition, instead of incorporating an EEPROM in the battery pack, the information of the battery pack can be detected by indicating the information of the battery pack by changing the external shape of the battery pack.

[0099]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a problem such as breakage of a battery pack when a battery pack having a small expected rated capacity of the battery pack is mounted on a computer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer system main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an extension unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a state in which the computer system main body according to the embodiment is mounted on an extension unit;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a state in which the extension unit is separated from the computer system main body in the system of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a battery selection process when the portable computer according to the embodiment is started up.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a battery selection process performed by the portable computer according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a battery selection process of a portable computer main body according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view showing a list of operation modes of the system according to the type and rated capacity of the battery pack mounted on the portable computer main body according to the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an operation mode setting process of the portable computer according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a battery selection process of a portable computer main body according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary view showing an operation mode of the system according to the type of the battery pack mounted on the portable computer main body and the extension unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is another flowchart showing a startup process of the portable computer main body according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... processor bus, 2, 3, 4 ... internal bus, 5, 8 ...
Connection bus for expansion, 6, 7, Docker detection line, 9: external bus, 10a, 10b: expansion connector, 11: CP
U, 12, 16: Bridge device, 13: Main memory, 14
... Display controller, 15 ... DSP interface GA, 17 ... LAN controller, 18 ... HDD,
19, 36 ... slots for serial bus devices, 20 ...
BIOS-ROM, 21 ... RTC, 22 ... KBC / E
C, 23 ... keyboard, 24 ... LED, 25, 32 ... battery, 26 ... power controller, 27 ... AC adapter, 28, 33 ... DC-DC conversion circuit, 30 ... expansion unit, 31 ... EEPROM, 34 ... IDE controller, 35: Optical drive, 37: Mouse, 38: I / O port, 101a, 101b, 102a, 102b, 10
3a, 103b, 104a, 104b ... connector elements

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yuji Sugiura 2-9-9 Suehirocho, Ome-shi, Tokyo F-term in the Toshiba Ome Plant (reference) 5G003 BA02 DA02 DA14 DA14 EA09 FA04 5H030 AA08 AS11 FF41 5H040 AA06 AS14 AY08 FF06

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An electronic device which can be driven by a battery,
A battery pack having information of a battery pack, a reading unit for reading information of the battery pack from the battery pack, and a battery pack adaptable to the electronic device according to the information of the battery pack read by the reading unit. An electronic apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the determination is made; and an execution unit configured to execute a predetermined process based on a determination result of the determination unit. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the type of the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device or whether the battery pack has a rated capacity. 3. When the execution unit determines that the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device based on the determination result of the determination unit, the execution unit consumes the electronic device in accordance with the attached battery pack. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an operation mode related to power is set. 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the execution unit executes a predetermined display or a sound when it is determined that the battery pack is incompatible with the electronic device based on a result of the determination by the determination unit. Electronic device as described. 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the execution unit further executes a termination process of the electronic device. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the execution unit further executes a process of invalidating a power switch of the electronic device. 7. The electronic device is connectable to an extension unit for extending a function, the reading unit reads information of a battery pack from an additional battery pack mounted on the extension unit, and the determination unit 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the battery pack is compatible with the information processing. 8. A power control method for a battery-powered electronic device, comprising: a reading step of reading battery pack information from the battery pack; and the electronic device according to the battery pack information read in the reading step. A power supply control method for an electronic device, comprising: a determination step of determining whether the battery pack is compatible with the above-described method; and an execution step of executing a predetermined process based on a determination result of the determination step. 9. In the determining step, according to the information of the battery pack read in the reading step,
When it is determined that the battery pack is compatible with the electronic device, the execution step sets an operation mode related to power consumption of the electronic device according to the attached battery pack. A power supply control method for an electronic device according to claim 8. 10. The execution step performs a predetermined display or sound when it is determined from the result of the determination step that the battery pack is incompatible with the electronic device. A power supply control method for an electronic device according to the above.