Electronic device with battery type and ambient temperature detection

The present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method, in which operating conditions can be changed according to the type of battery. A CPU 41 reads from a memory a corresponding zoom speed set value, a brightness set value, or a strobe charging time set value according to the type of battery, supplied from a battery type determination mechanism 12, a detected voltage of the battery, supplied from a battery voltage detection section 81, and a detected ambient temperature of the battery, supplied from a temperature detection section 91. Based on these set values, the CPU 41 controls the zoom speed of the zoom mechanism 45, controls the brightness of a display screen 62, and controls the strobe charging time of a strobe mechanism 72. The present invention can be applied to an imaging device driven by a battery.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method, which control a predetermined operation, for example, according to the type of battery loaded into the electronic device.

BACKGROUND ART

Hitherto, in battery-driven electronic devices in which two AA size batteries are power sources, various types of batteries can be used.

In the case of an AA size battery, for example, two alkali batteries, two nickel primary batteries, or two nickel secondary batteries can be used. In the case of a box-type battery, for example, a lithium primary battery or a lithium secondary battery can be used.

However, there is a large difference in the power capacities and the characteristics of these batteries. For example, between two alkali AA size batteries and a lithium secondary battery, there is a large difference in the power capacities, the impedance at low-temperature time, and impedance characteristics when the battery voltage is decreased.

More specifically, in spite of the fact that the difference in the characteristics of batteries is large, current battery-driven electronic devices always operate under the same conditions irrespective of the type of battery. For this reason, even with a battery of a high capacity and a low impedance like a lithium primary battery, there are problems in that the potential thereof cannot be fully exploited.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and aims to be able to change the operating conditions of an electronic device according to the type of battery.

The electronic device of the present invention includes obtaining means for obtaining a signal for identifying the type of battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit; determination means for determining the type of battery on the basis of the signal obtained by the obtaining means; and control means for controlling a predetermined operation of the electronic device on the basis of the determination result by the determination means.

The control means may perform control so that at least one of the zoom speed of the electronic device, the brightness of the screen of the electronic device, and the strobe charging time of the electronic device is changed.

The electronic device may further include voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the voltage the battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit, wherein the control means may control a predetermined operation of the electronic device on the basis of the determination result by the determination means and the voltage detection result by the voltage detection means.

The electronic device may further include temperature detection means for detecting the ambient temperature of the battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit, wherein the control means may control a predetermined operation of the electronic device on the basis of the determination result by the determination means and the temperature detection result by the temperature detection means.

The electronic device may further include voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit; and temperature detection means for detecting the ambient temperature of the battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit, wherein the control means may control a predetermined operation of the electronic device on the basis of the determination result by the determination means, the voltage detection result by the voltage detection means, and the temperature detection result by the temperature detection means.

The electronic device may further include storage means for storing condition information for controlling the predetermined operation, wherein the control means may read the condition information stored in the storage means on the basis of the determination result by the determination means, and may control a predetermined operation of the electronic device on the basis of the read condition information.

The control method of the present invention includes an obtainment control step of controlling the obtainment of a signal for identifying a type of battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit; a determination step of determining the type of battery on the basis of the signal whose obtainment is controlled in the process of the obtainment control step; and a control step of controlling a predetermined operation of the electronic device on the basis of the determination result in the process of the determination step.

The program recorded on a recording medium of the present invention includes an obtainment control step of controlling the obtainment of a signal for identifying a type of battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit; a determination step of determining the type of battery on the basis of the signal whose obtainment is controlled in the process of the obtainment control step; and a control step of controlling a predetermined operation of the electronic device on the basis of the determination result in the process of the determination step.

The program of the present invention allows a computer to execute: an obtainment control step of controlling the obtainment of a signal for identifying a type of battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit; a determination step of determining the type of battery on the basis of the signal whose obtainment is controlled in the process of the obtainment control step; and a control step of controlling a predetermined operation of the electronic device on the basis of the determination result in the process of the determination step.

In the electronic device, the control method, and the program of the present invention, a signal for identifying the type of battery, which is supplied from the power supply unit, is obtained. Based on the obtained signal, the type of battery is determined, and based on the determination result, a predetermined operation of the electronic device is controlled.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described below with reference to the drawing.

FIG. 1shows an example of a connection between an imaging device1and a battery2according to the present invention.

The imaging device1is an imaging device formed by, for example, a still camera, a digital camera, or a camcorder. According to the battery type of the loaded battery2, the imaging device1causes the zoom speed of a zoom mechanism45(FIG. 4), the brightness of a display screen62(FIG. 7), or the strobe charging time of a strobe mechanism72(FIG. 10) to be changed.

The battery2, as shown inFIG. 1, is loaded into a loading section (not shown) of the imaging device1, and supplies electrical power to the imaging device1.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bshow an example of the configuration of the battery2.FIG. 2Ashows an exterior perspective view of the battery2, andFIG. 2Bshows a side sectional view viewed from the direction of an arrow P ofFIG. 2A.

The battery2is formed of a battery box11(battery housing mechanism) for housing batteries21-1and21-2, and a battery type determination mechanism12for determining the type of battery. The battery type determination mechanism12is further formed of a movable sill13, a spring14, and a battery detection switch15.

The movable sill13is supported by the spring14and is movable downwards inFIG. 2B. The battery detection switch15is connected to the movable sill13via the spring14. Although the battery detection switch15is usually in an off state, when the movable sill13is moved downwards, the spring14expands or contracts, exerting a force (urging force) for pressing the battery detection switch15. In this manner, the battery detection switch15is turned on by using the urging force of the spring14. The battery detection switch15supplies a switch on/off (ON/OFF) signal to the imaging device1.

The AA size batteries21-1and21-2are formed of alkali batteries, a nickel primary battery, or a nickel secondary battery and are housed in the battery box11, as indicated by the dotted-line arrows ofFIG. 2A. In this case, since the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are housed in the battery box11with the movable sill13in between, the movable sill13is not moved downwards inFIG. 2B. That is, when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are housed in the battery box11, the battery detection switch15remains off.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bshow another example of the configuration of the battery2.FIG. 3Ashows an exterior perspective view of the battery2, andFIG. 3Bshows a side sectional view viewed from the direction of an arrow Q ofFIG. 3A. Components inFIGS. 3A and 3B, which correspond to those inFIGS. 2A and 2B, are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted where appropriate.

A box-type battery31is formed of a lithium primary battery or a lithium secondary battery having a width corresponding to two AA size batteries. As indicated by the dotted-line arrow ofFIG. 3A, the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are housed in the battery box11. In this case, since the box-type battery31is housed in the battery box11, the movable sill13is moved downwards inFIG. 3B. That is, when the box-type battery31is housed in the battery box11, the battery detection switch15shifts to an on state.

FIG. 4shows an example of the interior configuration of the imaging device1and the battery2shown inFIG. 1.

A CPU41determines the type of loaded battery on the basis of an on or off detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2. Based on the determination result, the CPU41reads the corresponding zoom speed set value (FIG. 5) by referring to a memory42, and supplies the value to a zoom control section43.

The memory42has prestored therein a table of zoom speed set values of a zoom mechanism45according to the type of battery. Furthermore, in the memory42, data which is basically fixed among programs and parameters for computations, used by the CPU41, may be stored, or parameters which vary appropriately during the program execution may be stored.

A description will now be given, with reference toFIG. 5, of an example of the table of the zoom speed set values recorded in the memory42. As shown inFIG. 5, the zoom speed set values are stored so as to correspond to the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15.

In the example ofFIG. 5, a zoom speed set value (seconds) of “A1 (slow)” is recorded to correspond to the detected signal “OFF”, and a zoom speed set value (seconds) of “A2 (fast)” is recorded to correspond to the detected signal “ON”.

In the memory42, values such that the times “A1” and “A2” are converted by a predetermined calculation method may be stored.

Now, the following description returns back toFIG. 4. Here, the zoom control section43performs control so that the zoom speed of the zoom mechanism45is changed on the basis of the zoom speed set value supplied from the CPU41.

Also, a drive44is connected to the CPU41as necessary, and a magnetic disk51, an optical disk52, an magneto-optical disk53, a semiconductor memory54, etc., is loaded into the drive44as necessary. The drive44reads data or a program recorded on the magnetic disk51, the optical disk52, the magneto-optical disk53, or the semiconductor memory54, and supplies the data or the program to the CPU41or the memory42.

A description will now be given below assuming that a table of zoom speed set values corresponding to the type of battery is prestored. Alternatively, the drive44may be connected to the CPU41, so that the magnetic disk51, the optical disk52, the magneto-optical disk53, or the semiconductor memory54may be loaded into the drive44, the table of the zoom speed set values recorded thereon may be read, and the table may be stored in the memory42.

In the imaging device1, in order to drive the zoom mechanism45at a higher speed, a larger power is required at a shorter time. That is, when the battery performance is poor, if attempts are made to drive the zoom mechanism45at a higher speed, the service line of the battery is worsened.

The box-type battery31shown inFIGS. 3A and 3Bhas a battery capacity larger than that of the AA size batteries21-1and21-2shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, and has a battery impedance smaller than that thereof. Therefore, even if the zoom mechanism45is driven at a zoom speed at a higher speed than that when an AA size battery is used, an influence exerted on the service life of the battery is small.

Accordingly, in the imaging device1shown inFIG. 4, when the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used), the zoom mechanism45is driven at a higher speed, and when the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used), the zoom mechanism45is driven at a normal speed (or at a speed lower than the zoom speed when the box-type battery31is used).

A description will now be given, with reference to the flowchart inFIG. 6, of a zoom speed control process performed by the imaging device1ofFIG. 4. When this process is to be started, it is assumed that the battery2is loaded into the imaging device1and that a detected signal is supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2.

In step S1, the CPU41of the imaging device1determines whether or not the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal or an OFF signal. In step S2, based on the determination result by the process in step S1, the CPU41reads the corresponding zoom speed set value (FIG. 5) by referring to the memory42and supplies the value to the zoom control section43.

For example, when the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used), a zoom speed set value (seconds) of “A1 (slow)” is read, and when the detected signal is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used), a zoom speed set value (seconds) of “A2 (fast)” is read.

In step S3, based on the zoom speed set value supplied from the CPU41, the zoom control section43controls the zoom speed of the zoom mechanism45.

For example, when the zoom speed set value (seconds) of “A1 (slow)” is supplied from the CPU41, the zoom mechanism45is driven at a zoom speed of “A1 (seconds)”. Furthermore, for example, when the zoom speed set value (seconds) of “A2 (fast)” is supplied from the CPU41, the zoom mechanism45is driven at a zoom speed of “A2 (seconds)”. The relationship of power consumption is A1<A2.

In this manner, the imaging device1determines the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2, so that, when the box-type battery31is used, the zoom mechanism45can be driven at a higher speed than that when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used.

The imaging device1not only can perform control so that the zoom speed of the zoom mechanism45is changed according to the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2, but also can perform control so that other operating conditions such as the brightness of the display screen and the strobe charging time are changed. An example of the configuration, as well as the operation thereof, when control is performed to change the other operating conditions will now be described below in sequence.

FIG. 7shows another example of the interior configuration of the imaging device1and the battery2shown inFIG. 1. Components inFIG. 7, which correspond to those inFIG. 4, are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted where appropriate.

The memory42has prestored therein a table of brightness set values of a display screen62, which correspond to the type of battery. Of course, the drive44may be connected to the CPU41, so that the magnetic disk51, the optical disk52, the magneto-optical disk53, or the semiconductor memory54may be loaded into the drive44, and the table of the brightness set values recorded thereon may be read and stored in the memory42.

Referring toFIG. 8, an example of the table of the brightness set values recorded in the memory42will be described. As shown inFIG. 8, the brightness set values are stored so as to correspond to the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15.

In the example ofFIG. 8, a brightness set value (cd/m2of “B1 (dark)” is recorded to correspond to the detected signal “OFF”, and a brightness set value (cd/m2) of “B2 (bright)” is recorded to correspond to the detected signal “ON”.

In the memory42, values such that the brightness “B1” and “B2” are converted by a predetermined calculation method may be stored.

Now, the following description returns back toFIG. 8. Here, the CPU41determines the type of loaded battery on the basis of the ON or OFF detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2. Based on the determination result, the CPU41reads the corresponding brightness set value (FIG. 8) by referring to the memory42, and supplies the value to a screen brightness control section61.

Based on the brightness set value supplied from the CPU41, the screen brightness control section61performs control so that the brightness of the display screen62is changed.

The display screen62, formed of a thin display device such as a liquid-crystal display device, receives data from the CPU41and displays images or characters corresponding to the received data.

In the imaging device1, in order to cause the display screen62to make a brighter display, a larger power is required. That is, in a case where the battery performance is poor, if the display screen62is caused to make a brighter display, the service life of the battery is worsened.

The box-type battery31shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, as described above, have a battery capacity larger than that of the AA size batteries21-1and21-2shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, and have a smaller battery impedance. Therefore, even if the display screen62is displayed more brightly than that when an AA size battery is used, an influence exerted on the service life of the battery is small.

Accordingly, in the imaging device1shown inFIG. 7, when the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used), the display screen62is displayed more brightly, and when the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used), the display screen62is displayed at a normal brightness (or darker than the brightness when the box-type battery31is used).

Referring to the flowchart inFIG. 9, a screen brightness control process performed by the imaging device1ofFIG. 7will be described. When this process is to be started, it is assumed that the battery2is loaded into the imaging device and that a detected signal is supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2.

In step S11, the CPU41of the imaging device1determines whether or not the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal or an OFF signal. In step S12, based on the determination result by the process of step S11, the CPU41reads the corresponding brightness set value (FIG. 8) by referring to the memory42and supplies the value to the screen brightness control section61.

For example, when the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used), a brightness set value (cd/m2) of “B1 (dark)” is read, and when the detected signal is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used), a brightness set value (cd/m2) of “B2 (bright)” is read.

In step S13, based on the brightness set value supplied from the CPU41, the screen brightness control section61controls the brightness of the display screen62.

For example, when the brightness set value (cd/m2) of “B1 (dark)” is supplied from the CPU41, the display screen62is displayed at a brightness of “B1 (cd/m2)”. Furthermore, for example, when the brightness set value (cd/m2) of “B2 (bright)” is supplied from the CPU41, the display screen62is displayed at a brightness of “B2 (cd/m2)”. The relationship of power consumption is B1<B2.

In this manner, the imaging device1determines the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2. When the box-type battery31is used, it is possible to cause the display screen62to be displayed more brightly than that when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used.

FIG. 10shows another example of the interior configuration of the imaging device1and the battery2shown inFIG. 1. Components inFIG. 10, which correspond to those inFIG. 4, are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted where appropriate.

The memory42has prestored therein a table of strobe charging time set values of the strobe mechanism72, which correspond to the type of battery. Of course, the drive44may be connected to the CPU41, so that the magnetic disk51, the optical disk52, the magneto-optical disk53, or the semiconductor memory54may be loaded into the drive44, and the table of the strobe charging time set values recorded thereon may be read and stored in the memory42.

Referring toFIG. 11, an example of the table of the strobe charging time set values recorded in the memory42will be described. As shown inFIG. 11, the strobe charging time set values are stored so as to correspond to the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15.

In the example ofFIG. 11, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “C1 (slow)” is recorded to correspond to the detected signal “OFF”, and a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “C2 (fast)” is recorded to correspond to the detected signal “ON”.

In the memory42, values such that the times “C1” and “C2” are converted by a predetermined calculation method may be stored.

Now, the following description returns back toFIG. 10. Here, the CPU41determines the type of battery housed in the battery box11on the basis of the ON or OFF detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2. Based on the determination result, the CPU41reads the corresponding strobe charging time set value (FIG. 11) by referring to the memory42, and supplies the value to a strobe charging control section71.

Based on the strobe charging time set value supplied from the CPU41, the strobe charging control section71performs control so that the charging time of a strobe capacitor (not shown) of a strobe mechanism72is changed.

In the imaging device1, in order to cause the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72to be charged faster, a larger power is required at a shorter time. That is, in a case where the battery performance is poor, if the strobe charging time is to be made shorter, the service life of the battery is worsened.

The box-type battery31shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, as described above, have a battery capacity larger than that of the AA size batteries21-1and21-2shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, and have a smaller battery impedance. Therefore, even if strobe charging is performed at a shorter time than that when an AA size battery is used, an influence exerted on the service life of the battery is small.

Accordingly, in the imaging device1shown inFIG. 10, when the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used), the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at a shorter charging time, and when the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used), the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at a normal charging time (or longer than the charging time when the box-type battery31is used).

A description will now be given, with reference to the flowchart inFIG. 12, of a strobe charging time control process performed by the imaging device1ofFIG. 10. When this process is to be started, it is assumed that the battery2is loaded into the imaging device1and that a detected signal is supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2.

In step S21, the CPU41of the imaging device1determines whether or not the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal or an OFF signal. In step S22, based on the determination result by the process in step S21, the CPU41reads the corresponding strobe charging time set value (FIG. 11) by referring to the memory42, and supplies the value to the strobe charging control section71.

For example, when the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used), a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “C1 (slow)” is read, and when the detected signal is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used), a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “C2 (fast)” is read.

In step S23, based on the strobe charging time set value supplied from the CPU41, the strobe charging control section71controls the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72.

For example, when the strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “C1 (slow)” is supplied from the CPU41, the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at a charging time “C1 (seconds)”. For example, when the strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “C2 (fast)” is supplied from the CPU41, the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at a charging time “C2 (seconds)”. The relationship of power consumption is C1<C2.

In this manner, the imaging device1determines the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2, so that, when the box-type battery31is used, the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72can be charged at a shorter time than that when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used.

FIG. 13shows another example of the interior configuration of the imaging device1and the battery2shown inFIG. 1. Components inFIG. 13, which correspond to those inFIG. 10, are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted where appropriate. The case of the example ofFIG. 13is configured the same as that ofFIG. 10except that a battery voltage detection section81is newly provided.

The battery voltage detection section81detects the voltage of the battery housed in the battery box11, and supplies the battery voltage information (detected voltage) to the imaging device1.

The memory42has prestored therein a table of strobe charging time set values of the strobe mechanism72, which correspond to the type of battery and the battery voltage information.

Referring toFIG. 14, an example of the table of the strobe charging time set values recorded in the memory42will be described. As shown inFIG. 14, the strobe charging time set values are stored so as to correspond to the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15and the battery voltage information (detected voltage) supplied from the battery voltage detection section81. Vbatt indicates a detected voltage, and Vth indicates a predetermined threshold voltage.

In the example ofFIG. 14, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D1” is recorded so as to correspond to a detected signal “OFF” and a detected voltage “Vbatt≧Vth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D2” is recorded so as to correspond to a detected signal “OFF” and a detected voltage “Vbatt<Vth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D3” is recorded so as to correspond to a detected signal “ON” and a detected voltage “Vbatt≧Vth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D4” is recorded so as to correspond to a detected signal “ON” and a detected voltage “Vbatt<Vth”.

Now, the following description returns back toFIG. 13. Here, based on the ON or OFF detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2, the CPU41determines the type of battery housed in the battery box11, and determines whether or not the detected voltage Vbatt is greater than the predetermined threshold value Vth on the basis of the battery voltage information supplied from the battery voltage detection section81. Based on these determination results, the CPU41reads the corresponding strobe charging time set value (FIG. 14) by referring to the memory42and supplies the value to the strobe charging control section71.

Based on the strobe charging time set value supplied from the CPU41, the strobe charging control section71performs control so that the charging time of the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is changed.

As general battery characteristics, when the battery voltage is decreased, the battery characteristics are deteriorated, for example, as a result of the internal impedance being increased. That is, in the imaging device1, in a case where the battery voltage is decreased, if attempts are made to decrease the strobe charging time, the service life of the battery is worsened.

Therefore, in the imaging device1shown inFIG. 13, in a case where the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used) and the detected voltage supplied from the battery voltage detection section81is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at the shortest charging time. In a case where the detected signal is an ON signal and the detected voltage is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the strobe mechanism72is charged at a time shorter than at a normal time. In a case where the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used) and the detected voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the strobe mechanism72is charged at a normal charging time. In a case where the detected signal is an OFF signal and the detected voltage is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the strobe mechanism72is charged at a time longer than the normal time.

Referring to the flowchart inFIG. 15, a strobe charging time control process performed by the imaging device1ofFIG. 13will now be described below. When this process is to be started, it is assumed that the battery2is loaded into the imaging device, that a detected signal is supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2, and that a detected voltage is supplied from the battery voltage detection section81.

In step S31, the CPU41of the imaging device1determines whether or not the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal or an OFF signal. In step S32, based on the battery voltage information supplied from the battery voltage detection section81, the CPU41determines whether or not the detected voltage Vbatt is greater than the threshold value Vth.

In step S33, based on the determination results of the processes of steps S31and S32, that is, based on the detected signal and the battery voltage information, the CPU41reads the corresponding strobe charging time set value (FIG. 14) by referring to the memory42, and supplies the value to the strobe charging control section71.

For example, when the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used) and the detected voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D1” is read. When the detected signal is an OFF signal and the detected voltage is smaller than the threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D2” is read. When the detected signal is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used) and the detected voltage is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D3” is read. When the detected signal is an ON signal and the detected voltage is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D4” is read.

In step S34, based on the strobe charging time set value supplied from the CPU41, the strobe charging control section71controls the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72.

For example, when a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “D1” is supplied from the CPU41, the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at a charging time “D1 (seconds)”. Furthermore, for example, when the strobe charging time set values (seconds) of “D2”, “D3”, and “D4” are supplied from the CPU41, the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at charging times “D2 (seconds)”, “D3 (seconds)”, and “D4 (seconds)”, respectively. The relationship of power consumption is D2<D1<D4<D3.

In this manner, in the imaging device1, it is possible to cause the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72to be charged at the most appropriate charging time on the basis of the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2and the battery voltage.

Not only can the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72be charged at the most appropriate charging time on the basis of the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2and the battery voltage, but also, for example, the zoom mechanism45(FIG. 4) can be zoomed at the most appropriate zoom speed or the display screen62(FIG. 10) can be displayed at the most appropriate brightness.

FIG. 16shows another example of the interior configuration of the imaging device1and the battery2shown inFIG. 1. Components inFIG. 16, which correspond to those inFIG. 13, are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted where appropriate. The case of the example ofFIG. 16is configured the same as that ofFIG. 13except that a temperature detection section91is newly provided.

The temperature detection section91detects the ambient temperature of the battery housed in the battery box11, and supplies the temperature information (detected temperature) to the imaging device1.

The memory42has prestored therein a table of strobe charging time set values corresponding to the type of battery, battery voltage information, and temperature information.

Referring toFIG. 17, an example of the table of the strobe charging time set values recorded in the memory42will now be described. As shown inFIG. 17, the strobe charging time set values are stored so as to correspond to the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15, the battery voltage information (detected voltage) supplied from the battery voltage detection section81, and the temperature information (detected temperature) supplied from the temperature detection section91. Vbatt indicates a detected voltage. Vth indicates a predetermined threshold voltage. T indicates a detected temperature. Tth indicates a predetermined threshold temperature.

In the example ofFIG. 17, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E1” is recorded so as to correspond to the detected signal “OFF”, the detected voltage “Vbatt≧Vth”, and the detected temperature “T≧Tth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E2” is recorded so as to correspond to the detected signal “OFF”, the detected voltage “Vbatt≧Vth”, and the detected temperature “T<Tth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E3” is recorded so as to correspond to the detected signal “OFF”, the detected voltage “Vbatt<Vth”, and the detected temperature “T≧Tth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) “E4” is recorded so as to correspond to the detected signal “OFF”, the detected voltage “Vbatt<Vth”, and the detected temperature “T<Tth”.

Furthermore, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E5” is recorded so as to correspond to the detected signal “ON”, the detected voltage “Vbatt≧Vth”, and the detected temperature “T≧Tth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E6” is recorded so as to correspond to the detected signal “ON”, the detected voltage “Vbatt≧Vth”, and the detected temperature “T<Tth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E7” is recorded so as to correspond to the detected signal “ON”, the detected voltage “Vbatt<Vth”, and the detected temperature “T≧Tth”. A strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E8” is recorded so as to correspond to the detected signal “ON”, the detected voltage “Vbatt<Vth”, and the detected temperature “T<Tth”.

Now, the following description returns back toFIG. 16. Here, the CPU41determines the type of battery housed in the battery box11on the basis of an ON or OFF detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2. The CPU41determines whether or not the detected voltage Vbatt is greater than a threshold value Vth on the basis of the battery voltage information supplied from the battery voltage detection section81, and further determines whether or not the detected temperature T is greater than a threshold value Tth on the basis of the temperature information supplied from the temperature detection section91. Based on these determination results, the CPU41reads the corresponding strobe charging time set value (FIG. 17) by referring to the memory42, and supplies the value to the strobe charging control section71.

Based on the strobe charging time set value supplied from the CPU41, the strobe charging control section71performs control so that the charging time of the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is changed.

As general battery characteristics, when the ambient temperature is decreased, the battery characteristics are deteriorated, for example, as a result of the internal impedance being increased. That is, in the imaging device1, in a case where the ambient temperature is decreased, if attempts are made to decrease the strobe charging time, the service life of the battery is worsened.

Therefore, in the imaging device1shown inFIG. 16, in a case where the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used), the detected voltage supplied from the battery voltage detection section81is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and the detected temperature supplied from the temperature detection section91is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the strobe mechanism72is charged at the shortest charging time. In a case where the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used), the detected voltage is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and the detected temperature is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the strobe mechanism72is charged at the longest time. In a similar manner, the strobe mechanism72is charged at the most appropriate charging time according to the detected signal, the detected voltage, and the detected temperature.

Referring to the flowchart inFIG. 18, a strobe charging time control process performed by the imaging device1ofFIG. 16will now be described. When this process is to be started, it is assumed that the battery2is loaded into the imaging device1, a detected signal is supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2, a detected voltage is supplied from the battery voltage detection section81, and a detected temperature is supplied from the temperature detection section91.

In step S41, the CPU41of the imaging device1determines whether or not the detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15is an ON signal or an OFF signal. In step S42, based on the battery voltage information supplied from the battery voltage detection section81, the CPU41determines whether or not the detected voltage Vbatt is greater than a threshold value Vth. In step S43, based on the temperature information supplied from the temperature detection section91, the CPU41determines whether or not the detected temperature T is greater than the threshold value Tth.

In step S44, based on the determination results by the processes of steps S41to S43, that is, based on the detected signal, the battery voltage information, and the temperature information, the CPU41reads the corresponding strobe charging time set value (FIG. 17) by referring to the memory42, and supplies the value to the strobe charging control section71.

For example, when the detected signal is an OFF signal (when the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are used) and the detected voltage and the detected temperature are equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E1” is read. When the detected signal is OFF signal and the detected voltage and the detected temperature are smaller than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E2” is read. When the detected signal is an OFF signal, the detected voltage is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, and the detected temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E3” is read. When the detected signal is an OFF signal, and the detected voltage and the detected temperature are smaller than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E4” is read.

Furthermore, for example, when the detected signal is an ON signal (when the box-type battery31is used) and the detected voltage and the detected temperature are equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E5” is read. When the detected signal is an ON signal, and the detected voltage and the detected temperature are smaller than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E6” is read. When the detected signal is an ON signal, the detected voltage is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, and the detected temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E7” is read. When the detected signal is an OFF signal, and the detected voltage and the detected temperature are smaller than the predetermined threshold value, a strobe charging time set value (seconds) of “E8” is read.

In step S45, based on the strobe charging time set value supplied from the CPU41, the strobe charging control section71controls the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72.

For example, when the strobe charging time set value (seconds) “E1” is supplied from the CPU41, the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at the charging time of “E1 (seconds)”. Furthermore, for example, when the strobe charging time set values (seconds) of “E2”, “E3”, “E4”, “E5”, “E6”, “E7”, or “E8” are supplied from the CPU41, the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72is charged at the charging times “E2 (seconds)”, “E3”, “E4”, “E5”, “E6”, “E7”, and “E8” are charged, respectively. The relationship of power consumption is E4<E3<E2<E1<E8<E7<E6<E5.

In this manner, in the imaging device1, it is possible to cause the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72to be charged at the most appropriate charging time on the basis of the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2, the battery voltage, and the ambient temperature of the battery.

Not only can the strobe capacitor of the strobe mechanism72be charged at the most appropriate charging time on the basis of the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2, the battery voltage, and the ambient temperature of the battery, but also, for example, the zoom mechanism45(FIG. 4) can be zoomed at the most appropriate zoom speed or the display screen62(FIG. 10) can be displayed at the most appropriate brightness.

In the foregoing, an example of the configuration in a case where the zoom speed of the zoom mechanism45is controlled according to the type of battery is shown inFIG. 4. An example of the configuration in a case where the brightness of the display screen62is controlled according to the type of battery is shown inFIG. 7. An example of the configuration in a case where the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72is controlled according to the type of battery is shown in.FIG. 10. Furthermore, an example of the configuration in a case where the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72is controlled according to the type of battery and the battery voltage is shown inFIG. 13. An example of the configuration in a case where the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72is controlled according to the type of battery, the battery voltage, and the ambient temperature of the battery is shown inFIG. 16. These are individually shown to facilitate the understanding of the descriptions, and of course, the zoom speed, the brightness of the screen, and the strobe charging time can be controlled at any desired combination.

An example of the configuration in that case is shown inFIG. 19. The memory42has prestored therein a table of zoom speed set values corresponding to the type of battery shown inFIG. 5, a table of brightness set values corresponding to the type of battery shown inFIG. 8, a table of the strobe charging time set values corresponding to the type of battery shown inFIG. 11, a table of the strobe charging time set values corresponding to the type of battery and the battery voltage information shown inFIG. 14, and a table of the strobe charging time set values corresponding to the type of battery, the battery voltage information, and the temperature information shown inFIG. 17.

Based on the ON or OFF detected signal supplied from the battery detection switch15of the battery type determination mechanism12of the battery2, the CPU41determines the type of battery housed in the battery box11, determines whether or not the detected voltage Vbatt is greater than a predetermined threshold value Vth on the basis of the battery voltage information supplied from the battery voltage detection section81, and further determines whether or not the detected temperature T is greater than a predetermined threshold value Tth on the basis of the temperature information supplied from the temperature detection section91.

Based on these determination results, the CPU41reads the corresponding zoom speed set value (FIG. 5) by referring to the memory42and supplies the value to the zoom control section43, so that the zoom speed of the zoom mechanism45is controlled; the CPU41reads the brightness set value (FIG. 8) and supplies the value to the screen brightness control section61, whereby the brightness of the display screen62is controlled; and the CPU41reads the strobe charging time set value (FIG. 17) and supplies the value to the strobe charging control section71, whereby the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72is controlled.

Furthermore, the CPU41may control only one of the operating conditions of the zoom speed of the zoom mechanism45, the brightness of the display screen62, and the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72; may control any two of the operating conditions; or may control all three operating conditions. In that case, it is possible to freely switch between a case in which control is performed according to any one of the parameters of the type of battery, the battery voltage information, and the temperature information; a case in which control is performed according to any two of the parameters; and a case in which control is performed according to all three parameters.

Therefore, in the imaging device1of the present invention, based on the combination of the type of battery housed in the battery box11of the battery2, the remaining level of the battery voltage, and the ambient temperature of the battery, it is possible to freely control any one, any two, or all three operating conditions from among the zoom speed of the zoom mechanism45, the brightness of the display screen62, and the strobe charging time of the strobe mechanism72, allowing the full potential of the characteristics of the battery to be exploited.

In that case, a user may operate an input section (not shown) so as to freely switch operating conditions to be controlled.

In the foregoing, an example in which the present invention is applied to the imaging device1has been described. Alternatively, the present invention can be widely applied to other electronic devices which can be driven by the battery2.

Furthermore, in the foregoing, whether the AA size batteries21-1and21-2are housed in the battery box11or whether the box-type battery31is housed therein is identified by the battery detection switch15. Alternatively, a mechanism capable of identifying three or more types of batteries may be provided, so that each operating condition is controlled so as to exploit the full potential of the characteristics of various types of batteries.

Although the series of processes described in the foregoing can be performed by hardware, it can also be executed by software. In a case where the series of processes is performed by software, a program forming the software is installed from a recording medium into a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware or is installed into a general-purpose computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs.

A recording medium for recording a program which is installed into a computer and which is placed in an executable state by the computer, as shown inFIG. 4, is formed of a packaged medium composed of the magnetic disk51(including a flexible disk), the optical disk52(including a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk)), the magneto-optical disk53(including an MD (Mini-Disc) (trademark)), or the semiconductor memory54. Alternatively, the recording medium is formed of a Flash ROM, a hard disk drive, in which a program is temporarily or permanently recorded, etc. The recording of a program on a recording medium is performed using a wired or wireless communication medium, for example, a network such as a public network, a local area network, or the Internet, or a digital satellite broadcast, via interfaces such as a router, a modem, etc., as necessary.

In this specification, steps forming a program recorded on a recording medium may be executed chronologically according to the written orders. However, they do not have to be executed chronologically, and may be executed concurrently or individually.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As has thus been described, according to the present invention, it is possible to identify the type of battery loaded into an electronic device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to identify the type of battery loaded into an electronic device, making it possible to change the operating conditions of the electronic device according to the type of battery.