JP2006352479A - Electronic equipment and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment capable of reducing power consumption and extending a usable time by automatically controlling a desired function based on a power state. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic equipment has a means for setting the electronic equipment to a power saving mode for restricting a function to be executed, a means for creating power saving specification information for specifying the function whose execution is restricted in the power saving mode and a power monitoring means for monitoring the power state and sets the power saving mode based on the monitoring result of the power state and the power saving specification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a plurality of modes with different power consumptions, and more particularly to an electronic apparatus that sets a mode according to a power state such as a remaining battery level.

  Recent mobile phones are equipped with many functions such as a camera, a game, and other application programs in addition to the calling function, and uses other than calls are increasing. For this reason, the power consumption is remarkably increased, and the actually usable time is shortened. In addition, the higher definition of the display increases the power consumption and decreases the usable time, and the usable time is expected to become shorter in the future.

  As measures for extending the usable time by the user, there are methods of adjusting the display brightness setting or setting the manner mode so as not to sound. However, each setting operation is troublesome, and there is a possibility that the function stops due to insufficient battery power before setting.

  In the related art, there is a portable terminal device that restricts functions in stages when the remaining battery level is low. This portable terminal device first stops the graphic display function when the remaining battery level is low, and stops video display and enables only audio signal output when the remaining battery level is low. . (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a mobile phone capable of setting a mode for each function provided in the apparatus is also described (for example, see Patent Document 2). In this mobile phone, operation modes of a plurality of functions provided in the mobile phone can be set collectively. Therefore, when setting the operation mode of each function in order to reduce power consumption, the setting can be performed collectively.

JP 2004-336330 A (Page 7, FIG. 3) JP 2003-258978 A (5th page, FIG. 3)

  Each of the above known techniques has problems.

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, the functions that are restricted when the remaining battery level is low and the order in which they are restricted are fixed. As described above, current portable terminal devices have abundant functions, and among these functions, there are functions that can be restricted and functions that cannot be restricted depending on the situation of use. For example, in a scene where a game is enjoyed, functions related to calls and mail transmission / reception may be restricted, but it does not make sense to restrict the graphic display function and maintain the call function.

  Therefore, it is desirable that the function to be restricted when the remaining battery level is low can be specified by the user, but the technique of Patent Document 1 cannot cope with it.

  Furthermore, even when a function is restricted, it is not effective to stop the function completely, but it is also effective to maintain the operation of the function and reduce power consumption only by limiting the parameters to be set and sacrificing usability. is there. The technique of Patent Document 1 cannot meet this requirement.

  On the other hand, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, a mode to be set can be specified for each function. However, the specified mode is set unconditionally and is not automatically set or changed according to some condition.

  Therefore, it is not possible to realize an operation of reducing power consumption by changing the mode setting according to the remaining battery level.

As described above, according to the conventional technology, depending on the state of the power source such as the remaining battery level, a part of the function is restricted according to the user's specification, thereby reducing the power consumption and extending the usable time. It is not possible.
(Object of invention)
The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problem, and according to a user's specification, an electronic device capable of automatically limiting a part of functions based on the state of a power supply and reducing power consumption. The purpose is to provide.

  An electronic device according to the present invention monitors means for executing a plurality of functions, means for setting a power saving mode for restricting execution of some of the plurality of functions, and a power supply state (power supply state). A power monitoring unit; a unit for creating power saving designation information for designating a function for restricting execution; and a unit for setting a power saving mode based on a monitoring result of the power state and the power saving designation information. The electronic device of the present invention may monitor a battery as a power source and a remaining battery level as a power state.

  The electronic device of the present invention may monitor the power supply state based on a comparison result between the power supply voltage (power supply voltage) and a predetermined determination reference voltage. At this time, the power supply state based on a comparison result between the power-saving mode and the power-supply voltage and a plurality of determination reference voltages having different values from the power-saving mode having a function that restricts execution. May be distinguished into a plurality of states.

  The electronic device of the present invention may monitor the power supply state based on a comparison result between the power supply voltage and a determination reference voltage set for each function whose execution is restricted. At this time, the function whose execution is restricted may be displayed based on the power state.

  The electronic device of the present invention determines that the power supply state has shifted to a predetermined state when the power supply voltage falls below the determination reference voltage, and sets the second determination reference voltage that is higher than the determination reference voltage by a predetermined voltage. When it exceeds, you may determine with the power supply state having removed from the predetermined state.

  The electronic device according to the present invention has a function for creating a plurality of power saving designation information, a function for restricting execution in a power saving mode based on a power state monitoring result and power saving designation information selected from the plurality of power saving designation information. May be determined.

  The electronic device of the present invention may perform a predetermined warning display when an instruction to execute a restricted function is issued in the power saving mode.

  The electronic apparatus of the present invention may perform a predetermined display when the setting of the power saving mode is permitted and the means for permitting or prohibiting the setting of the power saving mode.

  The electronic device of the present invention can reduce power consumption and automatically extend the usable time of the device by automatically limiting the function specified by the user among the functions of the device based on the state of the power supply. There is an effect.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the power saving designation information for designating the function restriction content in the power saving mode. FIG. 3 shows an example of a setting screen for power saving designation information. FIG. 4 is a graph showing temporal changes in battery voltage. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the best embodiment.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is an application example of the present invention to a general camera-equipped mobile phone, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the mobile phone. This mobile phone includes an antenna 1 for transmitting and receiving radio waves, a wireless unit 2 having a wireless transmission / reception circuit, and a signal processing unit 3 for processing signals transmitted and received by the wireless unit 2. The received call voice is output from the speaker 4. The audio signal input from the microphone 5 is processed by the signal processing unit 3 and transmitted from the radio unit 2. The speaker 4 outputs sounds other than the call voice, such as a button confirmation sound for confirming a key operation and an incoming melody. In addition, a key operation unit 6 for performing various operations, a lamp 7 for notifying that a call is being received, and the like, a vibrator 8 for notifying an incoming call, and an LCD display unit 9 for displaying various information are provided. The LCD display unit 9 can change the luminance by the light from the backlight 10. Furthermore, a camera unit 11 including a light receiving element for image capturing, an optical system, and the like is provided. The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the apparatus and storage of various general information.

  The above functions are examples, and it is not necessary to provide all of them. The same function may be realized by another method. For example, the LCD display unit 9 may be a display having another structure. In addition to the above functions, other functions may be added.

  The battery voltage measurement unit 13 measures the power supply voltage (hereinafter referred to as “battery voltage”) of the battery 14 that is the driving source of the entire mobile phone, and outputs the measured voltage as battery voltage information 15 to the control unit 12.

  Based on the battery voltage information 15, the control unit 12 sets the mobile phone to the “power saving mode” when the battery voltage becomes low. The “power saving mode” is a mode that restricts some of the functions of the mobile phone. “Function” refers to functions such as input / output and processing provided in the apparatus. For example, lighting of illumination, display by an LCD display unit, lighting of a backlight, and the like correspond to “function”.

  “Function restriction” means that the function is disabled and stopped, the upper limit of the function operation time is set, or the function is operated intermittently. Generally, when a certain function is stopped or the operation time is shortened, the power consumption of the function decreases. In the example of the “function” described above, power saving can be achieved by intermittent lighting of the backlight, reduction in luminance, and the like. As described above, all restrictions that can obtain an effect of reducing the power consumption of the mobile phone due to some restrictions fall under the “function restriction” in the present invention. Functions that do not reduce power consumption even if they are stopped or functions that cannot be restored after being stopped are not subject to “function restriction” in the present invention.

  The power saving designation unit 16 stores power saving designation information for designating the function restriction contents in the power saving mode. An example of the power saving designation information is shown in FIG. Here, the restriction content is specified for nine types of mobile phone functions that can save power by restricting the functions. The function restriction need not be performed for all nine types of functions, but only the selected function may be restricted. In the example of FIG. 2, the same function as in the “normal mode” can be operated because the restriction function is not selected for the incoming call illumination, backlight illumination time, and incoming melody.

  Even in the “normal mode” in which the remaining battery level is sufficient and it is not necessary to limit the function, it is effective for power saving to limit the function. The function restriction in the “normal mode” is a function provided in a general mobile phone. Also in the present invention, the function restriction in the “normal mode” may be performed.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a setting screen for power saving designation information. A check column 17 is provided at the left end for each function, and a function to be selected as a restriction target is checked. Here, the vibrator, backlight luminance, LCD display time, button confirmation sound, and game software are subject to restriction. The state of the function at the time of restriction or non-restriction is displayed in the setting state column 18 at the right end. For example, since the vibrator check column 17 is checked, the setting state column 18 is displayed as “OFF”. Since the incoming illumination check column 17 is not checked, the setting status column 18 is displayed as “ON”. With such a display method, the user can check the setting state of each function in a list.

  The setting state column 18 may display a function restriction state in the power saving mode. At this time, since the user can confirm the contents of restriction when the function is restricted, it is possible to easily determine whether to check.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the change over time of the battery voltage of the battery 14 of this mobile phone. When the mobile phone operates and consumes power, the remaining battery capacity decreases and the battery voltage decreases. When the battery 14 is charged, the remaining battery level is restored and the battery voltage rises.

  In addition, although the battery 14 assumes the secondary battery, other types of batteries, such as a primary battery, a fuel cell, and a solar cell, may be sufficient. All batteries that cause a continuous or temporary drop in battery voltage due to energy consumption by using a mobile phone, lack of power supply capability at high loads, battery deterioration, etc. are subject to the present invention. .

  The control unit 12 compares the battery voltage information 15 with a predetermined determination reference voltage to determine the remaining battery level of the mobile phone. That is, when the battery voltage is equal to or higher than the determination reference voltage VH, it is determined that the remaining battery level is sufficiently large. At this time, the control unit 12 sets the mobile phone to the “normal mode”. When it is equal to or higher than the determination reference voltage VL lower than VH, it is determined that the remaining battery level is slightly decreased, and the “power saving mode” is set. When the voltage is lower than VL, it is determined that the remaining battery level is very low, and the mobile phone cannot operate stably, and the “stop mode” is set.

  The “normal mode” is a mode in which all functions of the mobile phone can be used without restriction. In “stop mode”, all functions are stopped. In the “power saving mode”, each function is restricted based on the power saving designation information.

  Note that the user may be able to change the values of VH and VL.

  The above is an explanation of the case where the battery voltage decreases monotonously. The operation mode is selected based on the above battery voltage range even when the battery 14 is charged and the battery voltage recovers or when the battery voltage rises or falls halfway due to interruption of charging.

  There is no limitation on how to handle the determination reference voltages VH and VL serving as a reference for selecting a mode. For example, “VH or higher” may be “higher than VH”. Further, a process for removing the influence of fluctuation due to noise or the like by measuring the battery voltage a plurality of times and making a determination based on the result may be provided. For example, there is a method of measuring the battery voltage a plurality of times, confirming that the voltage has entered a predetermined range continuously for a predetermined number of times, and selecting a mode.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. First, in order to determine the remaining battery level, it is checked whether the battery voltage is equal to or lower than VH (S1). When the battery voltage is lower than VH, it is further checked whether it is lower than VL (S2). When the battery voltage is less than or equal to VL, it is determined that the remaining battery level is very low, and the transition to the “stop mode” is selected. Immediately before shifting to the “stop mode” and stopping all functions, an alarm is displayed on the LCD display unit 9 so as to charge the battery 14 (S3). When the battery 14 is a battery that needs to be replaced, such as a primary battery, an alarm display requesting replacement may be performed. After displaying the alarm, all functions are stopped (S4).

  When the battery voltage is higher than VL in S2, the process shifts to “power saving mode”. At this time, the operation state and parameters of each function are set based on the power saving setting information of the power saving designation unit 16. As described above, the function whose function restriction is not selected is maintained as set in the “normal mode”.

In the above description, the battery remaining amount measurement method is determined based on the battery voltage, but the battery remaining amount measurement method is not particularly limited. The battery voltage may be used as described above, or may be measured based on current consumption. As a method based on current consumption, for example, there is a method using a value obtained by integrating a current value with time or a cumulative value of current values measured at a predetermined interval.
(Effect of the best embodiment)
According to the embodiment as described above, the mobile phone is set to the power saving mode when the remaining battery level is low, and the functions selected in advance are limited. As a result, the power consumption of the mobile phone is reduced, and there is an effect that the time during which the mobile phone can be used becomes longer.

  The “power saving mode” in the best embodiment is a mode set as an intermediate mode between the “normal mode” and the “stop mode”. Furthermore, the “power saving mode” can be divided into a plurality of stages depending on the remaining battery level.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a change in battery voltage over time. Unlike FIG. 4, in addition to the determination reference voltages VH and VL, a determination reference voltage VM which is an intermediate voltage between VH and VL is used. When the battery voltage is VH or higher, the mobile phone is in “normal mode”, when it is lower than VH and higher than VM, “power saving mode 1”, when it is lower than VM and higher than VL, “power saving mode 2”, VL When it is lower, “stop mode” is set. The states of “normal mode” and “stop mode” are the same as those described in the best embodiment.

  In “power saving mode 1” and “power saving mode 2”, each function is restricted based on the power saving designation information corresponding to each. In the case where a plurality of “power saving modes” are provided, the function restricted in each “power saving mode” can be set in stages. For example, a setting method is possible in which the lighting time of the backlight 10 is shortened by one step in the “power saving mode 1” than in the “normal mode” and is further shortened in the “power saving mode 2”. As described above, the “power saving mode 2” restricts the range of functions or parameters that can be set as compared with the “power saving mode 1”. Although the values to be actually set may be the same, it is desirable to narrow the selection range in the “power saving mode 2”.

  For mobile phones with three battery level indications, the full charge state is “normal mode”, one power reduction mode is “power saving mode 1”, two battery levels are low, and the remaining battery level is “ The power saving mode 2 ”may be set. Of course, the determination reference voltage may be set separately from the display of the remaining battery level to select the mode. Further, a different determination reference voltage may be set for each function. The stage of “power saving mode” is not limited to two stages, and may be divided into an arbitrary number of stages.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the power saving setting information of the first embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to “power saving mode 1” and “power saving mode 2”. The column “permit power saving mode” is a check column for whether to apply each of “power saving mode 1” and “power saving mode 2”. In the example of FIG. 7, since only “power saving mode 1” is checked, “power saving mode 2” is not set. In other words, “power saving mode 1” is set when the battery voltage falls below VH, but “power saving mode 2” is not set even when the battery voltage falls below VM. When the battery voltage drops to below VL, the “stop mode” is set.

  Note that both “power saving mode 1” and “power saving mode 2” may be selected or not selected. Alternatively, the “power saving mode permission” field may not be provided, and the “power saving mode 1” and “power saving mode 2” may be always set.

  In the example of the power saving setting screen of FIG. 7, options are displayed for each function and for each “power saving mode”. Options for “power saving mode 2” are narrow, and for example, 60 seconds cannot be set for the backlight illumination time. In “power saving mode 2”, there is a function that is in one type of restriction state. For example, the vibrator function is only “OFF”, and the selection cannot be changed. Items that have no room for selection are displayed in parentheses.

The content specified by the user is underlined so that the specified content can be confirmed. For example, “ON” is selected as the incoming call illumination in the “power saving mode” 1.
(Effect of the first embodiment)
According to the first embodiment, by providing a plurality of “power saving modes”, the functions can be sequentially limited as the remaining battery level decreases. Then, on the power saving mode setting screen, the limitation contents selectable in each “power saving mode” are displayed. This facilitates the setting of stepwise function restrictions. Thus, in the first embodiment, the usable time can be efficiently extended while maintaining the usability.

  As described above, the reference battery voltages VH and VL for distinguishing between “normal mode”, “power saving mode”, and “stop mode” can be changed for each function. In this case, it is possible to perform control such that the function with large power consumption is shifted to the “power saving mode” early, and the function with small power consumption is maintained in the “normal mode” until just before the “stop mode”. When VH and VL are set for each function, at a certain point in time, the function A is set to the “power saving mode”, but the function B may remain in the “normal mode”.

  Therefore, it is effective to display the restriction contents set for each function at a certain point in time, or to display the restriction range of each function when the “power saving mode” is set. In the second embodiment, the display content of the list of options on the power saving mode setting screen is changed based on the battery voltage at that time.

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing a change in battery voltage over time. A reference voltage VH of a voltage for performing a transition between the “normal mode” and the “power saving mode” is expressed as VHa and VHb in the function A and the function B. Distinguish. When the battery voltage falls below VHa, function A is set to “power saving mode”, and when it falls below VHb, function B is set to “power saving mode”. Therefore, in the period T1 and T2 in FIG. 8, the function A is set to the “power saving mode” (assuming that the function A is set to the “power saving mode” being effective), but the function B is “Normal mode” remains.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a power saving designation information setting screen in the second embodiment. The backlight A, the LCD display time, and the camera are assigned to the function A set to the “power saving mode” with a higher battery voltage. On the setting screen, “(A)” is added and displayed after the name of the function. All others are assigned to function B.

  At this time, in the “normal mode”, as shown in FIG. 9A, all the functions are not subjected to the function restriction, so the choices that can be set are in the maximum range. However, during the period T1 or T2 in FIG. 8, only the function A is set to the “power saving mode”, and the display is as shown in FIG. Thus, in the function assigned to the function A, the number of options is reduced. For example, the backlight luminance is automatically level 2 in the “power saving mode”, and there is no room for the user to select. As for the LCD display time, only 5 minutes or 1 minute can be selected, and 10 minutes cannot be selected.

  In this way, it is possible to display the limit contents in the “power saving mode” that can be set according to the remaining battery level at that time.

Note that the number of functions A and B, the function to be selected, the values of VHa and VHb, and the vertical relationship are arbitrary.
(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the second embodiment, the reference remaining battery level for selecting the “power saving mode” can be changed for each function, so that the transition time to the “power saving mode” can be determined based on the power consumption of each function. It can be precisely controlled. By this control, the usable time can be efficiently extended while maintaining the usability.

  Further, since the restriction contents of each function are displayed in real time according to the remaining battery level at that time, it is possible to know the restriction existence and the restriction contents at that time. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the restriction contents that can be set at that time.

  4 and 6, the battery voltage is shown as being monotonously decreasing or increasing. Long-term fluctuations in battery voltage on the order of minutes and hours, such as a decrease in battery voltage due to energy consumption due to the operation of a mobile phone and an increase due to charging, may be considered monotonous.

  However, actually, when viewed from a short-term viewpoint of the order of microseconds and milliseconds, the battery voltage fluctuates drastically due to the influence of changes in the load current, noise, and the like depending on the operating state of each function and the processing state. Therefore, it is effective to consider short-term fluctuations in the battery voltage when comparing the battery voltage and the determination reference voltage. In particular, since all functions are stopped in the “stop mode”, it is necessary to take measures to prevent unstable operations such as entering the “stop mode” for a short time and immediately returning to the “power saving mode”. There is.

  In the third embodiment, the battery remaining amount determination method of the control unit 12 can cope with short-term fluctuations occurring in the battery voltage. FIG. 10 is a graph of the time variation of the battery voltage when short-term fluctuations are included in the battery voltage.

  In the third embodiment, the battery voltage in the control unit 12 is compared with hysteresis. Therefore, the determination reference voltage of the battery voltage for distinguishing the setting to the “power saving mode” and the setting to the “stop mode” includes the second determination reference voltage VL2 in addition to VL1. The control unit 12 sets the “stop mode” when the battery voltage falls below VL1, and does not return to the “power saving mode” until it exceeds VL2. Thereby, even if a voltage fluctuation smaller than the hysteresis width (voltage difference between VL2 and VL1) occurs in the battery voltage, the determination can be performed stably.

  The hysteresis width must be set larger than the voltage width of noise that does not occur in the short-term fluctuation. Otherwise, if noise occurs when the battery voltage is slightly higher than VH2, it is determined that the voltage is lower than VH1 for a short period of time, and the effect of performing comparison with hysteresis does not occur.

  Since the method for determining the hysteresis width is not related to the gist of the present invention, the method is not particularly limited. For example, the noise voltage width may be obtained experimentally and set to a value having an appropriate margin for the noise voltage width.

  In addition, the expressions “long-term” and “short-term” used to indicate the length of time in the above do not specifically limit the time. In order to change the mode of the mobile phone stably, a time width regarded as noise may be defined and a hysteresis width may be set based on the time width.

The comparison with hysteresis may be applied not only to the determination of “power saving mode” and “stop mode” but also to the determination of “normal mode” and “power saving mode”.
(Effect of the third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, since hysteresis is provided in the comparison between the battery voltage and the determination reference voltage, even if the battery voltage fluctuates in a short period due to noise or the like, the comparison result is not affected by it. . As a result, unstable operations such as frequent mode changes in a short time can be prevented.

  The power saving designation information designates the restriction function in the power saving mode, but the designation content may be changed according to the use situation of the mobile phone.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a display screen for power saving designation information in which the restriction function in the power saving mode can be switched according to the use scene. In this example, two sets of power-saving designation information are provided: a power-saving setting A that mainly assumes a scene of shooting with a camera, and a power-saving setting B that is mainly assumed to be used as a normal mobile phone. Yes. In the power saving setting A, in order to use it as a camera, the camera can be activated, and illumination, vibrator operation, and the like are prohibited. On the contrary, in the power saving setting B, it is assumed that only calls and mail transmission / reception are performed, and the camera function cannot be activated.

  The setting contents of the power saving settings A and B in FIG. 11 are examples. Of course, it is possible to make settings assuming other scenes in addition to dedicated calls and cameras.

  The user selects the power saving setting A or the power saving setting B on the power saving mode setting screen according to the usage scene of the mobile phone.

It should be noted that both the power saving setting A and the power saving setting B may be provided with check fields so that not only one is selected and the other is not selected, but both are not selected. When both are not selected, the power saving mode is disabled.
(Effect of the fourth embodiment)
According to the method for specifying the power saving mode of the fourth embodiment, it is specified that necessary functions are not subjected to operation restriction depending on the use situation of the mobile phone, and unnecessary functions are subjected to power saving operation as necessary. It can be carried out. Furthermore, since the setting can be performed collectively, the setting in the power saving mode can be performed very efficiently. This is particularly effective when the usage scene changes and it is desired to completely change the setting in the “power saving mode”.

  In the “power saving mode”, when the function is restricted and the activation itself is prohibited, it is possible that the function is erroneously activated. For such a case, a fifth embodiment for displaying an alarm will be described.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an alarm display when an attempt is made to activate game software whose activation is restricted during the “power saving mode”. In this example, it is displayed that the game software cannot be activated and that the function restriction should be released for activation. Of course, the display content is not limited to this. For example, a link that can jump to the power saving mode setting screen and facilitate the change of the setting may be provided.
(Effects of the fifth embodiment)
According to the fifth embodiment, during the “power saving mode”, when trying to activate a function that has been restricted by mistake, it is displayed that the activation is not possible, its cause, and how to deal with it. This has the effect of being able to take appropriate countermeasures.

  In the sixth embodiment, when at least one function is permitted to shift to the “power saving mode”, this is displayed to notify the user. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an icon display of the remaining battery level.

  The function limitation by the “power saving mode” is executed when the remaining battery level is below a certain level. Therefore, when in the “normal mode”, it is not possible to recognize that the transition to the “power saving mode” is permitted (the “power saving mode” is set for at least one function).

Therefore, a battery icon with the characters “saving” added is displayed on the LCD display unit 9. It can be easily recognized that the “power saving mode” is permitted by the characters “saving”.
(Effect of the sixth embodiment)
According to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to always confirm that any function is set as a function restriction target in the “power saving mode”. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an attempt to activate a function that is restricted by mistake. Alternatively, when a certain function cannot be used, it is possible to know that the cause is in the “power saving mode”.

  In addition, if it is inappropriate to switch to “power saving mode” or “power saving mode” is permitted, cancel “power saving mode” (cancel all function restrictions). There is an effect that it is possible to take correspondence.

It is a block diagram which shows the best embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the power saving designation | designated information in the best embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the power saving designation | designated information in the best embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the time change of the battery voltage in the best embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the best embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the time change of the battery voltage in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the power saving designation | designated information in a 1st Example. It is a graph which shows the time change of the battery voltage in a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the power saving designation | designated information in a 2nd Example. It is a graph which shows the time change of the battery voltage in a 3rd Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the power saving designation | designated information in a 4th Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the alarm screen display in a 5th Example. It is a figure which shows an example of the icon display of the battery remaining charge in a 6th Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Antenna 2 Radio | wireless part 3 Signal processing part 4 Speaker 5 Microphone 6 Key operation part 7 Lamp 8 Vibrator 9 LCD display part 10 Backlight 11 Camera part 12 Control part 13 Battery voltage measurement part 14 Battery

Claims (20)

An electronic device comprising means for executing a plurality of functions and means for setting a power saving mode for restricting execution of a part of the plurality of functions, wherein the power supply state (power supply state) is monitored Power supply monitoring means, means for creating power saving designation information for designating the function that restricts execution, and means for setting the power saving mode based on the monitoring result of the power state and the power saving designation information Electronic device. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for using a battery as the power source; and power supply monitoring means for monitoring a remaining amount of the battery as the power state. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply monitoring unit configured to monitor the power supply state based on a comparison result between the voltage of the power supply (power supply voltage) and a predetermined determination reference voltage. The power source based on a comparison result between the power-saving mode of the plurality of power-saving modes having different functions for limiting the execution, and the power-supply voltage and the plurality of determination reference voltages having different values. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising power supply monitoring means for determining a state into a plurality of states. 5. The power supply monitoring unit according to claim 3, further comprising a power supply monitoring unit configured to monitor the power supply state based on a comparison result between the power supply voltage and the determination reference voltage set for each function whose execution is restricted. Electronic equipment. 6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for displaying the function whose execution is restricted based on the power state. When the power supply voltage falls below the determination reference voltage, it is determined that the power supply state has shifted to a predetermined state, and the power supply voltage has exceeded a second determination reference voltage that is higher than the determination reference voltage by a predetermined voltage. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a power supply monitoring unit that determines that the power supply state has deviated from the predetermined state. A means for creating a plurality of the power saving designation information, a function for restricting execution in the power saving mode based on the monitoring result of the power state and the power saving designation information selected from the plurality of power saving designation information is determined. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising means. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a unit that performs a predetermined warning display when an instruction to execute a function restricted in the power saving mode is issued. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that permits or prohibits the setting of the power saving mode; and a unit that performs a predetermined display when the setting of the power saving mode is permitted. A step of creating power saving designation information for designating a function to restrict execution, a step of monitoring a power supply state (power supply state), and a part of function based on the power saving designation information and the monitoring result of the power supply state A method for controlling an electronic device comprising a step of setting a power saving mode for restricting execution of the electronic device. The method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising a step of monitoring a remaining amount of a battery used as a power source as the power state. 13. The method of controlling an electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising the step of monitoring the power supply state based on a comparison result between the power supply voltage (power supply voltage) and a predetermined determination reference voltage. The step of setting to one power saving mode among the plurality of power saving modes having different functions for limiting the execution, and the power supply based on a comparison result between the power supply voltage and the plurality of determination reference voltages having different values. The method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 13, further comprising a step of discriminating the state into a plurality of states. The electronic device according to claim 13, further comprising a step of monitoring the power supply state based on a comparison result between the power supply voltage and the determination reference voltage set for each function whose execution is restricted. Control method. The electronic device control method according to claim 15, further comprising a step of displaying the function whose execution is restricted based on the power supply voltage. Determining that the power supply state has shifted to a predetermined state when the power supply voltage falls below the determination reference voltage; and a second determination reference voltage that is higher than the determination reference voltage by a predetermined voltage. The method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 13, further comprising a step of determining that the power supply state has deviated from the predetermined state when the power supply is exceeded. A step of creating a plurality of the power saving designation information, a monitoring result of the power state, and a function for restricting execution in the power saving mode based on the power saving designation information selected from the plurality of power saving designation information are determined. 18. The method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising a step. The method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising a step of performing a predetermined warning display when an instruction to execute a function restricted in the power saving mode is given. 20. The control of the electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising: a step of permitting or prohibiting the setting of the power saving mode; and a step of performing a predetermined display when the setting of the power saving mode is permitted. Method.

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