Patent ID: 8150539
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An information processing apparatus comprising: an information processing unit configured to process various information; an interface capable of supplying electrical power to and communicating a signal with an electronic device external to the apparatus through a single connector; a power supply unit configured to be capable of supplying electrical power to the electronic device through the interface and including a rechargeable battery; an electronic device detection unit configured to detect connection of the electronic device to the apparatus; an external power supply detection unit configured to detect an external power supply to the apparatus, the external power supply operable to supply electrical power to the power supply unit; a power supply control unit, when the connection of the electronic device to the apparatus is detected by the electronic device detection unit and the connection of the external power supply for charging the rechargeable battery to the apparatus is detected by the external power supply detection unit, configured to keep supplying electrical power to the electronic device through the interface even after deactivation of the apparatus, in the event an instruction to turn off a power supply of the apparatus or deactivate the apparatus is issued; and a type determination unit configured to determine a type of the electronic device connected to the apparatus, wherein, when the connection of the external power supply for charging the rechargeable battery to the apparatus is not detected, the power supply control unit does not supply the electrical power to the electronic device through the interface even during operation of the apparatus, and in the event the type determined by the type determination unit is a predetermined type, the power supply control unit keeps supplying electrical power to the electronic device of the predetermined type even after deactivation of the apparatus and wherein in the event the determined type is different from the predetermined type, the power supply control unit stops supply of electrical power to an electronic device whose type is different from the predetermined type after deactivation of the apparatus.