JP2005025409A - Electronic equipment and power supply control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment and a power source control method for controlling power to be consumed according to circumferential brightness. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 11 compares read luminance data with luminance set by a luminance setting part 154 based on a power source control program 211 (a step S106). Then, when the read luminance data(current luminance) is smaller than the set luminance(set luminance) (step S106; YES), whether or not a non-input time started in a step S102 is larger than a time(T1 in this implemented configuration) set by a time setting part 158 is decided (a step S107). When the non-input time from a keyboard 19 or a touch pad 101 is larger than the time T1 (step S107; YES), predetermined processing to turn off the power source of a personal computer 1 is executed so that the power supply of the personal computer 1 can be shut off according to a power source control program 211 (a step S108). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of detecting ambient brightness and a power control method for the electronic device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, information processing apparatuses represented by personal computers (hereinafter referred to as personal computers) have been widely used, and portability such as those that are easy to carry has been emphasized. As a display device of such an information processing apparatus, a flat panel display represented by a liquid crystal display is often provided. When an information processing apparatus having such a display is carried and used while moving, a phenomenon may occur in which the display becomes difficult to see depending on ambient brightness. In view of such a problem, an apparatus that detects the brightness of the surroundings and adjusts the brightness of the display in accordance with the brightness has also appeared (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, a technique is known in which power control of an electronic device is controlled in accordance with ambient brightness using such a mechanism of illuminance detection (for example, Patent Document 2).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-228010
[0004]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-241147
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Among the information processing devices described above, in the models equipped with the automatic brightness adjustment mechanism, the display brightness is automatically adjusted according to the ambient brightness during normal use. There is a problem that the display luminance is frequently switched each time depending on the brightness and the like, and there is a problem that the user is visually fatigued.
[0006]
Further, in the technique of controlling the power supply of an electronic device according to the ambient brightness as described in Patent Document 2, the power is always cut off when the environment is dark and there is no key input for a certain period of time. There was a problem that the power was cut off without permission during video playback.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device and a power supply control method capable of controlling power consumed according to ambient brightness.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 comprises a main body, an illuminance detecting means provided on the main body for detecting the illuminance around the main body, and a BIOS program for controlling the operation of the main body. The program stores a predetermined illuminance value, and compares the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means with the illuminance value, and if the illuminance detected by the comparison means is determined to be smaller than the illuminance value, The power supply is cut off.
[0009]
With such a configuration, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can control power consumed according to ambient brightness.
[0010]
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a main body, an electronic device provided in the main body, an illuminance detecting means provided in the main body for detecting the illuminance around the main body, and a BIOS program for controlling the operating state of the main body. The BIOS program stores a predetermined illuminance value, and the first comparing means for comparing the illuminance detected by the illuminance detecting means with the predetermined illuminance value, and the illuminance is predetermined by the first comparing means. Means for measuring time when it is determined that the illuminance value is smaller than the second illuminance value, second comparing means for comparing the time measured by the measuring means with the first time and the second time, When it is determined by the comparison means that the measured time exceeds the first time, the power supply to the electronic device is restricted, and the time measured by the second comparison means exceeds the second time. If it is determined that Characterized by interrupting the power supply.
[0011]
With such a configuration, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can control power consumed according to ambient brightness.
[0012]
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a main body, an illuminance detecting means provided on the main body for detecting the illuminance around the main body, and a BIOS program for controlling the operating state of the main body. The first illuminance value, the second illuminance value, and the third illuminance value are stored, and the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means is compared with the first illuminance value, the second illuminance value, or the third illuminance value. When the illuminance is determined to be smaller than the first illuminance value by the comparing means and the comparing means, the power supply of the main body is shut off, and when it is determined that the illuminance is smaller than the second illuminance value, the main body is subjected to hibernation processing, When it is determined that it is smaller than the third illuminance value, the main body is suspended.
[0013]
With such a configuration, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can control power consumed according to ambient brightness.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a notebook-type personal computer that can be driven by a battery is taken as an example, and the configuration of the personal computer is shown.
[0016]
As shown in the figure, the personal computer 1 includes a CPU 11, a graphic memory controller hub 12, a memory (main storage device) 13, a graphic controller 14, an I / O hub 15, a BIOS-ROM 16, a hard disk drive (HDD) 17, an encoder. A bedded controller / keyboard controller (hereinafter referred to as EC / KBC) 18, a keyboard 19, an illuminance detection unit 20, and the like are provided.
[0017]
The CPU 11 is a device that refers to the operation control of the entire personal computer 1 and the contents of the memory 13 and executes data processing and the like based on the reference.
[0018]
The memory 13 stores an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) 131, a utility program 132 according to the first embodiment, an execution application, and the like, and reading / writing is executed by the CPU 11. Further, when the personal computer 1 is started up, the BIOS program 21 required during OS execution is copied from the BIOS-ROM 16 to the main memory 13. The BIOS program 21 includes the power supply control program 211 according to the first embodiment and its set value.
[0019]
The graphic controller 14 is connected to the VRAM 141. Under the control of the OS executed by the CPU 11, the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 23 provided in the display unit 22 is controlled to display, and various external display connection interfaces such as a CRT terminal, a DVI terminal, and a TV terminal (not shown) are provided. Display drive control of the external display device connected via the interface.
[0020]
The VRAM 141 is a memory device controlled by the graphic controller 14 and temporarily stores display data displayed on the LCD 23. The graphic controller 14 writes / reads video data transmitted from the graphic / memory controller hub 12.
[0021]
The I / O hub 15 is a bridge circuit that performs data conversion between a device on an LPC (Low Pin Count) bus 24 connected to the I / O hub 15 and the graphic memory controller hub 12. An I / O controller is built in.
[0022]
The BIOS-ROM 16 is a program that systematizes a function execution routine for accessing various hardware in the personal computer, and is configured by a flash ROM so that the program can be rewritten. Various hardware initialization is performed when the personal computer 1 is started, and some programs in the BIOS-ROM 16 are copied to the memory 13 at the time of startup (BIOS 21), and input / output control to various hardware is performed even while the OS is running. . The power control program 211 is stored as a part of the BIOS-ROM 16 and is copied to the memory 13 when the personal computer 1 is activated. Further, a setting value by a utility program 132 described later is also stored in the BIOS-ROM 16.
[0023]
The HDD 17 is a non-volatile storage device that stores data, and can hold data even when the personal computer 1 is powered off. The HDD 17 stores content data such as an OS, various applications, drivers, utility software, music, and video. These data are read by the CPU 11 to the memory 13 as appropriate, and the read data is the CPU 11. Further processing by
[0024]
The EC / KBC 18 has a plurality of registers 181 that can be read / written by the CPU 11. By using this register 181, communication between the CPU 11 and a device connected to the EC / KBC 18 becomes possible. Also, a keyboard controller function is built in, and a signal input from the keyboard 19 connected to the EC / KBC 18 is processed and notified to a higher-level device (CPU 111 or the like).
[0025]
The illuminance detection unit 20 includes an illuminance sensor 201, detects the brightness under the usage environment of the personal computer 1, that is, the illuminance around the apparatus, and sends the detection data to the EC / KBC 18. In the present embodiment, the illuminance is read every predetermined time. Further, in one reading of the illuminance, A / D conversion is performed four times, and an average of two values excluding the maximum value and the minimum value is taken and notified to the EC / KBC 18 as an illuminance read value. The EC / KBC 18 acquires illuminance data detected by the illuminance detection unit 20 and stores it in the register 181.
[0026]
Further, a power supply controller (hereinafter referred to as PSC) 25 is connected to the EC / KBC 18.
[0027]
The PSC 25 controls the power supply of the entire personal computer 1 and supplies power to the devices in the personal computer 1 from the battery 26 as a secondary battery and the AC adapter 27 as an external power source. Further, the battery charge / discharge control is performed, and the remaining amount of the battery 26 is monitored. Further, when power is supplied from the AC adapter 27, charging control is performed according to the remaining amount of the battery 26.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, when the illuminance data stored in the register 181 of the EC / KBC 18 falls below a predetermined illuminance based on the power control program 211 included in the BIOS program 21, the power control and power saving control of the personal computer 1 are performed. Make it possible to do
[0029]
Next, FIG. 2 shows an external perspective view of the personal computer 1 in the first embodiment. Here, a notebook personal computer is shown. The personal computer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 has a main body 100 and a display unit 22. An LCD 23 is incorporated in the display unit 22, and the display unit 22 in which the LCD 23 is incorporated is in a state where the display unit 22 is opened with respect to the main body 100 and a state in which the display unit 22 is closed. It is attached so as to be rotatable between the closed position.
[0030]
The main body 100 has a box-shaped housing. A keyboard 19 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 100, and a touch panel 101 is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper surface of the main body 100 in front of the keyboard 19.
[0031]
An illuminance sensor 201 that senses ambient brightness (light intensity) is provided on the upper surface of the main body 100. The illuminance detection signal sensed by the illuminance sensor 201 is sent from the illuminance detection unit 20 to the EC / KBC 18 as illuminance detection data as described above.
[0032]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a utility program setting screen according to the first embodiment.
[0033]
When the utility program 132 is executed, the illustrated window 150 is displayed. In this window 150, three items (151, 152, 153) are displayed. The top item is an illuminance level frame 151 that can set a brightness threshold when the power of the personal computer 1 is turned off based on the power control program 211, and the middle frame is defined by the illuminance level frame 151. This is a power control setting frame 152 for setting whether to execute control based on the power control program 211 (valid / invalid) based on the illuminance value, and the bottom frame is defined by the illuminance level frame 151. This is a device control frame 153 for setting power saving control of devices in the personal computer 1 based on the threshold value.
[0034]
In the illuminance level frame 151, when performing power control based on the power control program 211 of this embodiment, a threshold value of illuminance is set as a criterion for performing power control. The illuminance is set by inputting a numerical value of illuminance to the illuminance setting unit 154. However, since it is difficult for a general user to know how bright the illuminance value is, the recording button 155 is provided in this embodiment. When this recording button 155 is pressed, it reads the brightness data around the personal computer 1 from the illuminance sensor 201 and sets this data in the illuminance setting unit 154 as a threshold value. For this reason, when the user performs the recording button 155 in a brightness (darkness) environment in consideration of the power-off state, the illuminance at that time is set as the illuminance threshold.
[0035]
In the power supply control setting frame 152, it is possible to set power supply control based on the power supply control program 211 to be valid or invalid. Here, an “effective” button 156 for executing the power-off of the personal computer in a state where the illuminance value set by the illuminance setting unit 154 is below, and a state where the value is below the illuminance value set by the illuminance setting unit 154 An “invalid” button 157 that does not execute the power-off control is displayed, and one of them can be selected. In the case of “valid”, a time setting unit 158 capable of setting a time during which the state below the illuminance threshold continues (this time is referred to as T1 in this embodiment) is displayed, and the time is set according to the user. Can be set. In the power supply control program 211, while being set to be effective in the power supply control setting frame 152, it is longer than the time set by the time setting unit 158 and continuously falls below the illuminance value set by the illuminance setting unit 154. In this case, the personal computer 1 is turned off.
[0036]
In the device control frame 153, when the state where the illuminance value set by the illuminance setting unit 154 is below the illuminance setting unit 154 based on the power control program 211 continues for a certain period of time, the power saving control for turning off the motor of the HDD 17 and the backlight of the LCD Can be set. In the device control setting frame 153, there are an “valid” button 159 for performing power saving control of the device in a state where it is below the illuminance threshold value, and an “invalid” button 159 for not performing power saving control of the device based on the illuminance. It is displayed and either can be selected. In the case of “valid”, it is possible to select a device for further power saving control. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, an item 161 for turning off the power of the HDD 17 and a power source for the monitor (LCD 23) (backlight here). An item 162 for turning off is displayed. A check box is displayed at the head of each item, and power saving control is performed on a device whose check box is checked. Further, for each item, time setting units 163 and 164 for setting a time for which a state in which the value set by the illuminance setting unit 154 is continuously lower is continued (this time is referred to as T2 in this embodiment). It is displayed and the time can be set for each device. Based on the time set in the time setting units 163 and 164 and the value set in the illuminance setting unit 154, power control of the device of each item is performed.
[0037]
Each setting value set by the utility program 132 is stored in the BIOS-ROM 16. It is read into the memory 13 when the personal computer 1 is started up, and under the control of the OS 131, the power supply control program 211 is executed with reference to each setting value included in the BIOS 21.
[0038]
FIG. 4 is a control flowchart based on the power supply control program according to the first embodiment.
[0039]
First, it is determined whether or not power control is set to be effective in the power control frame 152 shown in FIG. 3 (step S101). If the information set to be valid here is stored in the BIOS 21 (YES in step S101), the counting of the time when there is no input from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 (no input time) is started (step S102). Subsequently, the illuminance detection signal sensed by the illuminance sensor 201 is sent from the illuminance detection unit 20 to the EC / KBC 18 as illuminance detection data and stored in the register 181 (step S103). Here, when writing to the register occurs, the EC / KBC 18 notifies the CPU 11 of an interrupt (step S104). Receiving the interrupt notification, the CPU 11 reads the illuminance data stored in the register 181 of the EC / KBC 18 (step S105).
[0040]
Based on the power control program 211, the CPU 11 compares the read illuminance data with the illuminance set by the illuminance setting unit 154 (step S106). When the read illuminance data (current illuminance) is smaller than the set illuminance (set illuminance) (YES in step S106), the no-input time started in step S102 is set in the time setting unit 158. It is determined whether or not it is longer than the set time (T1 in this embodiment) (step S107).
[0041]
When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is larger than T1 (YES in step S107), a predetermined process for turning off the personal computer 1 is executed according to the power control program 211, and the personal computer 1 is turned off (step) S108).
[0042]
If the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is T1 or less (NO in step S107), it is determined whether or not the device power saving control is set in the device control frame 153 (step S109). . If the device control is set to be valid (YES in step S109), the no-input time started in step S102 is longer than the time set in the time setting units 163 and 164 (T2 in this embodiment). Whether or not (step S110). When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is longer than T2 (YES in step S110), the power saving control of the device exceeding T2 is executed according to the power control program 211 (step S111).
[0043]
In addition, when the power saving control of the device is not set (NO in step S109), or when the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is T2 or less (NO in step S110), the illuminance data reading process Return to.
[0044]
If the current illuminance is greater than the set illuminance (NO in step S106), the timer is reset, and the timer starts counting the non-input time again.
[0045]
Subsequently, when the power control setting is set to invalid by the power control frame 152, it is determined whether or not the device power saving control is set in the device control frame 153 (step S113). If the device control is set to be valid (YES in step S113), the time when there is no input from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 (no input time) is started (step S114). Subsequently, the illuminance detection signal sensed by the illuminance sensor 201 is sent from the illuminance detection unit 20 to the EC / KBC 18 as illuminance detection data and stored in the register 181 (step S115). Here, when writing to the register occurs, the EC / KBC 18 notifies the CPU 11 of an interrupt (step S116). Receiving the interrupt notification, the CPU 11 reads the illuminance data stored in the register 181 of the EC / KBC 18 (step S117).
[0046]
Based on the power control program 211, the CPU 11 compares the read illuminance data with the illuminance set by the illuminance setting unit 154 (step S118). Here, when the read illuminance data (current illuminance) is smaller than the set illuminance (set illuminance) (YES in step S118), the no-input time started in step S102 is the time setting unit 163, 164. It is determined whether or not it is longer than the time (T2) set in (step S119).
[0047]
When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is larger than T1 (YES in step S119), the power saving control of the device exceeding T2 is executed according to the power control program 211 according to the power control program 211 (step S120). ).
[0048]
If the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is T2 or less (NO in step S119), the process returns to the illuminance data reading process.
[0049]
If the current illuminance is greater than the set illuminance (NO in step S118), the timer is reset and the timer starts counting the non-input time again.
[0050]
If neither the power control nor the device control is invalid (NO in step S101, NO in step S113), the illuminance data reading process is not performed, and this process is terminated.
[0051]
As described above, power control of the personal computer 1 is performed based on the information set in FIG.
[0052]
Next, FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the BIOS process when the personal computer 1 is powered on.
[0053]
When the power source of the personal computer 1 is turned on (step S201), BIOS POST (Power On Self Test) is started (step S202). In this POST routine process, initialization of the device, interface, etc. of the personal computer 1 is executed by the BIOS.
[0054]
Here, the valid / invalid information of the power control function is read out as the setting information of the power control program stored in the BIOS-ROM 16 (step S203).
[0055]
If the power control function is stored as valid data (YES in step S204), other setting values and information on the illuminance value set by the illuminance setting unit 154 are read (step S205), and the time setting is performed. Information on the set value of the no-input time set by the unit 158 is read (step S206).
[0056]
The above-described processing is executed in addition to the normal BIOS POST processing. The read values are stored in the BIOS 21 area of the main memory, and are controlled by the power supply control program 211 to control the personal computer 1.
[0057]
As described above, in the first embodiment described above, the power saving control for cutting off the power of the personal computer that has not been used for a predetermined time or reducing the power of the device is executed based on the ambient brightness in accordance with the setting of the user. It is possible.
[0058]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
[0059]
The second embodiment is an example in which several options can be selected for the power-off control of the personal computer 1 in the power control. In the second embodiment, the same personal computer as in the first embodiment will be described as an example, and the description of the personal computer 1 will be omitted.
[0060]
FIG. 6 shows a screen example of the utility program according to the second embodiment.
[0061]
The power control program 211 and the utility program 132 are also stored in the second embodiment. When the utility program 132 according to the second embodiment is executed, a window 201 is displayed.
[0062]
In this window 201, three options of power-off 211, standby 212, and hibernation state 213 can be selected as the system power-off setting.
[0063]
These three options are selected by marking marks 211, 212, and 213 displayed at the head of each item, and in the state shown in the figure, standby 212 and hibernation are selected.
[0064]
The power-off 211 shuts off the power of the personal computer 1 when the state in which the illuminance value set by the setting unit 214 is lower than the value set by the setting unit 214 continues. The illuminance setting value set by the setting unit 214 is B1, and the time setting value is T11.
[0065]
The hibernation state 212 shifts the personal computer 1 to the hibernation state when the state in which the illuminance value set by the setting unit 215 is lower than the value set by the setting unit 215 continues. In the hibernation state, the system data stored in the memory 13 in the personal computer 1 is transferred to the HDD 17 and the power is shut off. When a power-on instruction is issued, the system data is restored from the HDD 17 to the memory 13, thereby shortening the startup time as compared with normal trajectory processing (also referred to as hibernation processing). The illuminance setting value set by the setting unit 215 is B2, and the time setting value is T12.
[0066]
The standby 213 shifts the personal computer 1 to the standby state when the state in which the illuminance value set by the setting unit 216 is lower than the value set by the setting unit 216 continues. In the standby state, power to devices other than the memory 13 in the personal computer 1 is shut off. Therefore, the system setting before the power-off state is held in the memory 13, and when the power-on instruction is given, the data can be immediately restored from the memory 13, so that the startup time is further shortened than the above-described hibernation state. (Also called suspend processing). The illuminance setting value set by the setting unit 216 is B3, and the time setting value is T13. In this embodiment, the relation B1 <B2 <B3 is set, but the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, in the second embodiment, an option can be selected in the process related to power-off. The value set here is stored in the BIOS-ROM 16 as in the first embodiment. When the personal computer 1 is operating, the memory 13 is being read out in the same manner as the BIOS program 21.
[0067]
Next, FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the power control process based on the power control program according to the second embodiment.
[0068]
First, it is determined whether or not power-off is set to be effective in the system setting 210 shown in FIG. 6 (step S301). If the information that the power-off is set to be valid is stored in the BIOS 21 (YES in step S301), the counting of the time when there is no input from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 (no input time) is started (step S302). Subsequently, the illuminance detection signal sensed by the illuminance sensor 201 is sent from the illuminance detection unit 20 to the EC / KBC 18 as illuminance detection data and stored in the register 181 (step S303). Here, when writing to the register occurs, the EC / KBC 18 notifies the CPU 11 of an interrupt (step S304). Receiving the interrupt notification, the CPU 11 reads the illuminance data stored in the register 181 of the EC / KBC 18 (step S305).
[0069]
Based on the power supply control program 211, the CPU 11 compares the read illuminance data with the illuminance B1 set by the setting unit 214 (step S306). Here, when the read illuminance data (current illuminance) is smaller than the set illuminance B1 (YES in step S306), the no-input time that started counting in step S302 is set by the setting unit 214. It is determined whether or not the time (T11) is greater (step S307).
[0070]
When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is larger than T11 (YES in step S307), a predetermined process for turning off the personal computer 1 is executed according to the power control program 211, and the personal computer 1 is turned off (step) S308). When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is T11 or less (NO in step S307), the process returns to the illuminance data reading process.
[0071]
If the power-off setting is not valid in step S301 (NO in step S301), or if the current illuminance is B1 or more in step S306 (NO in step S306), the hibernation state 212 is set in the system setting 210. It is determined whether or not the setting is valid (step S309). If the information indicating that the hibernation state is set to be valid is stored in the BIOS 21 (YES in step S309), the CPU 11 is set by the read illuminance data and the setting unit 215 based on the power control program 211. Comparison with the illuminance B2 is performed (step S310). Here, when the read illuminance data (current illuminance) is smaller than the set illuminance B2 (YES in step S310), the no-input time that started counting in step S302 is set by the setting unit 215. It is determined whether or not it is longer than time (T12) (step S311).
[0072]
When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is longer than T12 (YES in step S311), the personal computer 1 is shifted to a sleep state according to the power control program 211 (step S312). Here, after the system data in the memory 13 is processed in parallel with the HDD 17, a process of turning off the personal computer 1 is executed. When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is T12 or less (NO in step S311), the process returns to the illuminance data reading process.
[0073]
If the hibernation setting is not valid in step S309 (NO in step S309), or if the current illuminance is B2 or more in step S310 (NO in step S310), standby is valid in the system setting 210. It is determined whether or not it is set to be (step S313). If the information that the standby is set to be valid is stored in the BIOS 21 (YES in step S313), the CPU 11 reads the illuminance data read out and the illuminance set by the setting unit 216 based on the power supply control program 211. Comparison with B3 is performed (step S314). Here, when the read illuminance data (current illuminance) is smaller than the set illuminance B3 (YES in step S314), the no-input time that started counting in step S302 is set by the setting unit 216. It is determined whether or not it is longer than the time (T13) (step S315).
[0074]
When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is longer than T13 (YES in step S315), the personal computer 1 is shifted to the standby state according to the power control program 211 (step S316). Here, the power supply to the other devices in the personal computer 1 is stopped except for the power supply to the memory 13. When the no-input time from the keyboard 19 or the touch pad 101 is T13 or less (NO in step S315), the process returns to the illuminance data reading process.
[0075]
In step S313, if the standby setting is not valid (NO in step S313), or if the current illuminance is B3 or more (NO in step S314), the timer for counting the no-input time is reset (step S313). S317), the process returns to step S301.
[0076]
As described above, in the second embodiment, by enabling selection of a plurality of power-off processes, the power-off state can be switched according to the ambient illuminance.
[0077]
As described above in detail, in the present invention, it is possible to control the power consumed according to the ambient brightness. In particular, in the present invention, it is possible to perform a desired process regardless of the type of OS, the driver, and the like by being realized by the BIOS process. Moreover, the arrangement position of the illuminance sensor shown in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is not limited to this, and may be provided in the display unit.
[0078]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, the embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the column of the effect of the invention Can be obtained as an invention.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device and a power supply control method capable of controlling power consumed according to ambient brightness.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electronic device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a personal computer according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a utility program setting screen according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a control flowchart based on a power supply control program according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of BIOS processing when the personal computer 1 is powered on.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen example of a utility program according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of power control processing based on a power control program according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Personal computer, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... Graphic memory controller hub, 13 ... Memory, 14 ... Graphic controller, 15 ... I / O hub, 16 ... BIOS-ROM, 17 ... Hard disk drive (HDD), 18 ... Envelope Ted controller / keyboard controller (EC / KBC), 19 ... keyboard, 20 ... illuminance detection unit, 21 ... BIOS program, 22 ... display unit, 23 ... LCD, 100 ... computer body, 101 ... touch panel, 151 ... illuminance level frame, 152 ... Power control setting frame, 153 ... Device control setting frame, 154 ... Illuminance setting unit, 158, 163, 164 ... Time setting unit 201 ... Illuminance sensor, 214, 215, 216 ... Setting unit

Claims (11)

The body,
Illuminance detection means provided on the main body for detecting the illuminance around the main body,
A BIOS program for controlling the operation of the main body,
The BIOS program stores a predetermined illuminance value, and compares the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means with the illuminance value, and the illuminance detected by the comparison means is smaller than the illuminance value. An electronic apparatus characterized by shutting off the power source of the main body when judged. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the BIOS program further comprises setting means for setting whether or not to execute processing for shutting off the power supply of the main body based on the comparison means. The BIOS program further includes an illuminance value setting means capable of setting the illuminance value, and the comparing means executes a comparison between the illuminance value set in the illuminance value setting means and the detected illuminance. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The BIOS program further includes a measurement unit for measuring time when the comparison unit determines that the detected illuminance is smaller than the illuminance value, and a time for setting a threshold for the time measured by the measurement unit. Setting means,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the time measured by the measuring unit exceeds the time set by the time setting unit, the power source of the main body is shut off. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the measurement unit resets time measurement when the illuminance detected by the comparison unit becomes larger than the illuminance value. The electronic device includes a nonvolatile memory that stores information on whether to execute the process of shutting off the power of the main body set by the illuminance value and the setting unit,
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein whether to execute a process of shutting off the power source of the main body based on the comparison unit is set based on information stored in the nonvolatile memory when the power source of the main body is activated. The electronic device as described in. The body,
An electronic device provided in the main body;
Illuminance detection means provided on the main body for detecting the illuminance around the main body,
A BIOS program for controlling the operating state of the main body,
The BIOS program is
Memorize the predetermined illuminance value,
First comparing means for comparing the illuminance detected by the illuminance detecting means with the predetermined illuminance value;
Means for measuring time when the first comparing means determines that the illuminance is smaller than the predetermined illuminance value;
Second comparing means for comparing the time measured by the measuring means with the first time and the second time;
When the second comparison means determines that the measured time exceeds the first time, the power supply to the electronic device is limited,
An electronic apparatus characterized in that when the second comparison means determines that the measured time exceeds the second time, the power of the main body is shut off. The body,
Illuminance detection means provided on the main body for detecting the illuminance around the main body,
A BIOS program for controlling the operating state of the main body,
The BIOS program stores a first illuminance value, a second illuminance value, and a third illuminance value, and the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means and the first illuminance value or the second illuminance value. Alternatively, when the illuminance is determined to be smaller than the first illuminance value by means for comparing the third illuminance value with the comparing means, the power supply of the main body is shut off and smaller than the second illuminance value. When it is determined that the main body is hibernated, and when it is determined that the main body is smaller than the third illuminance value, the main body is suspended. In a power control method for an electronic device comprising illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the electronic device main body and a BIOS program for controlling the operation of the main body,
The BIOS program stores a predetermined illuminance value,
Compare the illuminance value detected by the illuminance detection means with the illuminance value,
The power supply control method according to claim 1, wherein when the detected illuminance is determined to be smaller than the illuminance value by the comparison means, the power supply of the main body is shut off. Electronic device power control method comprising: an electronic device provided in an electronic device main body; an illuminance detection unit provided in the main body for detecting illuminance around the main body; and a BIOS program for controlling an operation state of the main body. In
The BIOS program stores a first illuminance value and a second illuminance value,
Comparing the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means with the first illuminance value and the second illuminance value;
If the comparing means determines that the illuminance is smaller than the first illuminance value, the power supply to the electronic device is limited,
The power supply control method according to claim 1, wherein the power supply of the main body is shut off when the comparison means determines that the light intensity is smaller than the second illuminance value. In a power control method for an electronic device comprising illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the electronic device main body and a BIOS program for controlling the operation of the main body,
The BIOS program stores a first illuminance value, a second illuminance value, and a third illuminance value,
Comparing the illuminance detected by the illuminance detection means with the first illuminance value or the second illuminance value or the third illuminance value;
When the illuminance is determined by the comparing means to be smaller than the first illuminance value, the power of the main body is shut off,
If it is determined that the illumination intensity is smaller than the second illuminance value, the main body is subjected to a hibernation process,
A power supply control method comprising: suspending the main body when it is determined that the illuminance value is smaller than the third illuminance value.

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