Patent ID: 7627696
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An electronic device capable of operating as a hard disk unit of an information processing apparatus, the electronic device comprising: connecting means for connecting to the information processing apparatus; command processing means for processing a command sent from the information processing apparatus through said connecting means; a rechargeable battery; charging control means for controlling a charging operation of said rechargeable battery; and operating mode managing means which does not include a mode selecting switch, said operating mode managing means responsive to said connecting means being connected to an interface having a power-supply function, selects one of a normal operating mode in which the electronic device operates as the hard disk unit of the information processing apparatus, and a charging mode in which the electronic device stops operating as a hard disk unit of the information processing apparatus and charges said rechargeable battery, wherein said command processing means processes the command in accordance with the selected operating mode.