JP4073883B2 - Portable information terminal, output control program, and output control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information terminal, an output control program, and an output control method, and more particularly to a portable information terminal that is connected to an output device such as a television receiver and outputs a moving image, an output control program that is executed by a computer, and an output control method. .

  Television receivers and video recorders are remotely operated with a remote controller. However, since each operates independently, the user has to operate the television receiver and the video recorder separately. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-27557 (Patent Document 1) is a technique for simultaneously operating a television receiver and a video recorder by one operation.

  In JP-A-11-27557, when an arbitrary key is selected and input by operating a video remote controller connected to an external input terminal of a television receiver, a signal transmitted from the remote controller is transmitted. It is held in the remote control key memory unit in the microcomputer through the receiver. After that, when a selected key is input from among the remote control operation keys of the remote controller, the signal transmitted from the remote controller is received by the receiver, and does it match the signal held in the remote controller key memory unit? It is determined whether or not. If they do not match, the external input channel remains as it is, but if they match, a multiplexer is operated to switch the external input channel so that the video output signal is input.

  On the other hand, portable information terminals capable of recording and reproducing moving images are in circulation. This portable information terminal is connected to a television receiver in the same manner as a conventional video recorder, and can output a reproduced moving image to the television receiver.

  However, the remote-control electronic device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-27557 requires the user to operate the remote control without fail. A portable information terminal represented by a mobile phone capable of recording and reproducing a moving image is driven by a battery made of a secondary battery, so that the remaining amount of the battery cannot supply power necessary for outputting the moving image. If it is reduced to, the moving image cannot be output. For this reason, the output of the moving image is suddenly interrupted against the user's intention. In this case, since the television receiver is still turned on, the user must perform an operation of turning off the power of the television receiver or change the state of the output device such as switching the input source.

In addition, since the portable information terminal has a call function, if the remaining amount of the battery is reduced by outputting a moving image, the call function does not function.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-27557

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to change the state of the output device before the portable information terminal stops operating without any special operation by the user. A portable information terminal that can be switched, an output control program that is executed by a computer, and an output control method.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal capable of notifying the user whether or not the output of the moving image is interrupted before or during the output of the moving image, or output control executed by the computer. It is to provide a program and an output control method.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, the portable information terminal is a portable information terminal that receives power supply from a battery, and includes a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and a moving image. Output to an external output device, control signal output means for outputting a control signal for controlling the output device, and when the output means outputs a moving image, the remaining amount is detected by the remaining amount detection means. When the remaining amount falls below a predetermined value, the control signal output means includes control means for outputting a control signal for switching the state of the output device to the output device.

  According to the present invention, when a moving image is being output, if the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined value, a control signal for switching the state of the output device is output. The state of the output device is switched before the operation stops. Therefore, it is possible to provide a portable information terminal that can switch the state of the output device before the portable information terminal stops operating without any special operation by the user.

  Preferably, when the output unit outputs a moving image, and the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit falls below a predetermined value, the control unit outputs the moving image to the output unit. Stop.

  According to the present invention, when the moving image is output, if the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined value, the output of the moving image is stopped, so that all the functions of the mobile phone function. A portable information terminal that can be prevented from disappearing can be provided.

  Preferably, when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit returns to a predetermined value, the control unit causes the output unit to output the moving image whose output has been stopped from the stop position.

  According to this invention, when the remaining amount of the battery returns to a predetermined value, the moving image whose output has been stopped is output from the stop position. Thereby, after the remaining amount of the battery is recovered, the moving image whose output has been interrupted can be output from the continuation before the interruption.

  Preferably, when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit returns to a predetermined value, the control unit outputs a control signal for switching the state of the output device to the state before switching to the control signal output unit. Output.

  According to the present invention, when the remaining amount of the battery returns to a predetermined value, the state of the output device is switched to the state before switching. For this reason, after the remaining amount of the battery is recovered, the state before the interruption can be switched without operating the output device.

  Preferably, the control means causes the control signal output means to output a control signal for the output device to turn off the power.

  Preferably, the control means causes the control signal output means to output a control signal for switching a moving image output from the output device.

  Preferably, the control unit causes the control signal output unit to output a control signal for switching a moving image output from the output device from a moving image input from the portable information terminal to a moving image input from another device.

  Examples of other devices include a television tuner and a video recorder.

  Preferably, the control means causes the control signal output means to output a control signal for reducing the amount of sound output from the output device or stopping the sound output.

  Preferably, the control means causes the control signal output means to output a control signal for lowering the luminance of the moving image output from the output device.

  According to the present invention, the user who looks at the output device can know that the remaining amount of the battery is low.

  Preferably, the control unit issues a warning when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is lower than the power consumption necessary for outputting the moving image before the output unit outputs the moving image. Includes warning means for output.

  According to the present invention, it is warned that the moving image cannot be output to the end before the moving image is output. For this reason, the user can know whether or not the output of the moving image is interrupted before the output of the moving image.

  Preferably, when the output unit outputs a moving image, the control unit issues a warning when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is lower than the power consumption necessary for outputting the moving image. Includes warning means for output.

  According to the present invention, when a moving image is output, a warning is given that the moving image cannot be output to the end. For this reason, the user can know that the output of the moving image is interrupted halfway, and even if the necessary power is insufficient, the user preferentially views the moving image, or the necessary power is insufficient. This makes it possible to respond flexibly to giving up viewing of moving images.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the portable information terminal is a portable information terminal that receives power supply from a battery, and outputs remaining image detection means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery and a moving image to an external output device. And a control for outputting a warning when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit is lower than the power consumption required for outputting the moving image before the output unit outputs the moving image. Means.

  According to the present invention, it is warned that the moving image cannot be output at a stage before the moving image is output. For this reason, it is possible to provide a portable information terminal that can inform the user whether or not the output of the moving image is interrupted before the output of the moving image.

  Preferably, the wireless communication unit further includes a wireless communication unit for communicating wirelessly, and the control unit wireless communication unit when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit is lower than the power consumption necessary for outputting the moving image. A shut-off means for shutting off the power supply to the power supply.

  According to the present invention, since the power supply to the wireless communication stage is interrupted, it is possible to output a moving image as long as possible while suppressing power consumption.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes display means for displaying predetermined information, and the control means displays when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection means is lower than the power consumption necessary for outputting the moving image. Reducing means for reducing the brightness of the image. When the brightness of the display means is reduced, the power consumption in the display means is reduced. For this reason, it is possible to output a moving image as long as possible while suppressing power consumption.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes input means for inputting a moving image, the output means outputs the moving image input by the input means, and the input means reads out the moving image recorded on the recording medium; At least one of receiving means for receiving a moving image from the outside is included.

  According to the present invention, the moving image to be output to the outside is a moving image recorded in advance on a recording medium, or a receiving means other than the wireless communication means (for example, a television broadcast wave receiving device or a moving image data receiving device by packet communication). It is assumed that the moving image is received at.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an output control program receives power supply from a battery and outputs output means for outputting a moving image to an external output device, and control for outputting a control signal for controlling the output device. An output control program executed by a computer comprising a signal output means, wherein the remaining amount detected when the output means outputs a moving image when the output means outputs a moving image. If the value falls below the value, the control signal output means causes the output device to output a control signal for switching the state of the output device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an output control program capable of switching the state of the output device before the portable information terminal stops operating without any special operation by the user.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the output control program is an output control program that is executed by a computer having output means that receives power supply from a battery and outputs a moving image to an external output device, A step of detecting the remaining amount of the battery and a step of outputting a warning when the detected remaining amount is lower than the power consumption required for outputting the moving image before the output means outputs the moving image. And let the computer run.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an output control program capable of notifying the user whether or not the output of a moving image is interrupted before the output of the moving image.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an output control method includes: an output unit that receives power supply from a battery and outputs a moving image to an external output device; and a control that outputs a control signal for controlling the output device. An output control method executed by a computer having a signal output means, the step of detecting the remaining amount of the battery, and when the output means outputs a moving image, the detected remaining amount is a predetermined amount. When the value is lower than the value, the control signal output means causes the computer to execute a step of causing the output device to output a control signal for switching the state of the output device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an output control method capable of switching the state of the output device before the portable information terminal stops operating without any special operation by the user.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an output control method is an output control method executed by a computer having output means for receiving a power supply from a battery and outputting a moving image to an external output device, A step of detecting the remaining amount of the battery and a step of outputting a warning when the detected remaining amount is lower than the power consumption required for outputting the moving image before the output means outputs the moving image. And let the computer run.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an output control method capable of notifying the user whether or not the output of the moving image is interrupted before the output of the moving image.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mobile phone 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a mobile phone viewed from the user's operation surface side. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a mobile phone viewed from the back side of the operation surface of the mobile phone.

  Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, mobile phone 100 includes a first housing 121 provided with an antenna 135 and a second housing 123. The first casing 121 and the second casing 123 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 122 so as to be freely rotatable.

  The first housing 121 includes a speaker 125, an inner liquid crystal display device 127A, and an internal camera 129A. On the back surface facing the inner liquid crystal display device 127A, an external camera 129B and an outer liquid crystal display device 127B are provided. The infrared communication unit 140 is disposed on the side surface. The second casing 123 is provided with operation buttons 131A, number buttons 131B, and a microphone 133, and a battery 142 that is detachable and built in the second casing 123 is attached to the back of the operation buttons 131A. The video input / output unit 138 is disposed, and an insertion port 139 for inserting the flash memory 137 is provided on the side surface.

  The mobile phone 100 is driven by power supplied from the battery 142. For this reason, when the power stored in the battery 142 decreases and falls below a predetermined remaining power, the mobile phone 100 does not operate. The limit remaining amount at which the mobile phone 100 does not operate is referred to as a limit remaining amount.

  Internal camera 129A and external camera 129B include, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

  The first casing 121 and the second casing 123 rotate about the connecting portion 122 as a rotation axis. Thereby, the cellular phone 100 is folded in a state where the inner liquid crystal display device 127A of the first casing 121 and the numeric buttons 131B of the second casing 123 face each other. When the mobile phone 100 is folded, the external camera 129B and the outer liquid crystal display device 127B are enabled, and when the mobile phone 100 is opened, the internal camera 129A and the inner liquid crystal display device 127A are enabled. Note that whether the internal camera 129A or the external camera 129B is enabled or which of the inner liquid crystal display device 127A and the outer liquid crystal display device 127B is enabled depends on the condition of the open / close state of the mobile phone 100. The external camera 129B and the outer liquid crystal display device 127B may be validated by other conditions, for example, by pressing the operation button 131A in the open state.

  In the present embodiment, a so-called foldable mobile phone is illustrated, but it may be a straight type or a biaxial type (a second rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the connection portion 122). And the first housing 121 may be rotatably provided).

  The operation button 131A includes a movement button for moving the cursor displayed on the inner liquid crystal display device 127A, a determination button for inputting a confirmed instruction, and the like. The number button 131B is a button for inputting numbers, characters, or symbols. The number buttons 131B are composed of a total of 12 buttons to which numbers 0 to 9 and symbols “*” and “#” are attached. Each button is assigned an alphabet, a kana, or a symbol, and numeric input and kana input are possible by switching the input mode.

  The video input / output unit 138 is connected to the other end of a cable 151 whose one end is connected to the television receiver 150. One end of the cable 151 is connected to the video input terminal and the audio input terminal of the television receiver 150. The television receiver 150 receives a moving image from the mobile phone 100 and outputs a moving image and sound. Therefore, the video input / output unit 138 outputs moving images and audio to the television receiver 150 in a state where the video input / output unit 138 is connected to the television receiver 150 with the cable 151. Note that although the mobile phone 100 is connected to the television receiver 150 here, it may be connected to a display device that can display an image without a tuner and a speaker that outputs sound. In addition, the mobile phone 100 may include a TV broadcast receiving unit and another communication means (for example, a wireless LAN) that can receive distributed moving image data, and output the data to a display device that is an external monitor. good.

  The infrared communication unit 140 performs communication using infrared rays with the television receiver 150. The television receiver 150 is normally remotely controlled by a remote controller. The control of the television receiver 150 by this remote controller uses communication using infrared rays. The infrared communication unit 140 outputs a control signal similar to that output by the remote controller of the television receiver 150. Therefore, when a control signal is output from the infrared communication unit 140, the television receiver 150 switches the state according to the control signal. The state of the television receiver 150 is switched by switching the volume, switching the broadcast channel received by the tuner of the television receiver 150, or switching the input destination of the moving image received by the television receiver 150 (for example, from the external input to the tuner). Switching from input to input), and switching of the brightness of the output image. In addition, although the infrared communication part 140 showed the example which outputs a control signal with infrared rays here, you may output an ultrasonic wave, electromagnetic waves, etc. other than infrared rays, for example. In other words, any control signal that outputs the same control signal as the control signal output by the remote controller that remotely operates the television receiver 150 may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the mobile phone 100. Referring to FIG. 2, mobile phone 100 includes a control unit 101 for controlling the entire mobile phone 100, each connected to a bus 117, and a ROM (Read Only) that stores a program executed by the control unit 101. memory) 104, an EEPROM (electrically erasable / programmable read only memory) 102 for storing predetermined initial values, the data processing unit 103 connected to the microphone 133 and the speaker 125, the internal camera 129A, and the external camera 129B Connected to the image processing unit 111 connected to the storage unit 113, the storage unit 113 connected to the flash memory 137, the video processing unit 115 connected to the video input / output unit 138, and the inner liquid crystal display device 127A and the outer liquid crystal display device 127B. Connected to the display control unit 107 and the operation buttons 131A and the numeric buttons 131B. It includes a control unit 109, an infrared communication unit 140, and a remaining amount detecting unit 141 for detecting the remaining amount of the battery 142.

  Mobile phone 100 further includes a communication control unit 105 connected to data processing unit 103. Communication control unit 105 is connected to antenna 135. The communication control unit 105 communicates wirelessly with a mobile phone base station. The communication control unit 105 outputs a signal received from the base station to the data processing unit 103, and transmits the signal received from the data processing unit 103 to the base station. The communication control unit 105 outputs an incoming call signal to the data processing unit 103 when receiving an incoming call signal requesting the start of a call from the base station. When the communication control unit 105 receives an e-mail from the base station, the communication control unit 105 outputs the e-mail to the data processing unit 103. Reception of an incoming call signal and reception of an e-mail are reception of a connection request signal for requesting the mobile phone 100 to establish a wireless communication connection.

  The data processing unit 103 is controlled by the control unit 101. The data processing unit 103 converts the audio signal input from the microphone 133 into a digital signal, performs a predetermined compression process on the digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the communication control unit 105. Also, the audio signal input from the communication control unit 105 is expanded, converted into an analog signal, and output to the speaker 125. The image data received from the communication control unit 105 is stored in the storage unit 113. Further, when an electronic mail is input from the communication control unit 105, the input electronic mail is stored in the storage unit 113.

  The image processing unit 111 is controlled by the control unit 101. The image processing unit 111 inputs image data obtained by imaging with the internal camera 129A or the external camera 129B from the internal camera 129A or the external camera 129B in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 101. The image processing unit 111 compresses the input image data using a compression method such as JPEG (joint photographic experts group) or MPEG (moving picture experts group), and stores the compressed image data in the storage unit 113.

  A flash memory 137 is attached to the storage unit 113. The storage unit 113 is controlled by the control unit 101 and writes data to the attached flash memory 137 or reads data stored in the flash memory 137 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 101. When a moving image is recorded in the flash memory 137, the storage unit 113 can read the moving image.

  The display control unit 107 is controlled by the control unit 101. The display control unit 107 outputs a video signal to one or both of the inner liquid crystal display device 127A and the outer liquid crystal display device 127B in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 101. The video signal includes a moving image and a still image.

  The video processing unit 115 is controlled by the control unit 101. The video processing unit 115 converts the moving image and audio input from the video input / output unit 138 into digital signals according to instructions from the control unit 101, and compresses them into a storage unit 113 by using a compression method such as MPEG2. Remember. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 101, the compressed data stored in the storage unit 113 is expanded and a moving image and audio are output to the video input / output unit 138. Since the video input / output unit 138 is connected to the television receiver 150 via the cable 151, the moving image and sound input to the video input / output unit 138 are output to the television receiver 150 and are output from the television receiver 150. Is output. When the mobile phone 100 includes a television broadcast receiving unit and another communication unit (for example, a wireless LAN) that can receive the distributed moving image data, the video processing unit 115 receives an instruction from the control unit 101. Accordingly, the moving images received by them may be output to the video input / output unit 138.

  The video processing unit 115 also outputs the image received by the communication control unit 105 to the video input / output unit 138. The image received by the communication control unit 105 includes a still image and a moving image. The image received by the communication control unit 105 includes an image received when videophone communication is executed and an image attached to an e-mail. These images are output from the video input / output unit 138 to the television receiver 150 and output from the television receiver 150.

  The input control unit 109 is controlled by the control unit 101. The input control unit 109 accepts inputs from the operation buttons 131A and the numeric buttons 131B in accordance with instructions from the control unit 101. The input control unit 109 outputs an input signal assigned to each button to the control unit 101 in response to receiving an input from the operation button 131A and the numeric button 131B.

  The infrared communication unit 140 is controlled by the control unit 101. The infrared communication unit 140 outputs a control signal for controlling the television receiver 150 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit. The control signal is a signal for switching the state of the television receiver 150, and examples thereof include the following.

  (1) A control signal for turning on or off the power of the television receiver 150.

  (2) A control signal for changing the volume of the television receiver 150.

  (3) A control signal for changing the tuner channel of the television receiver 150.

  (4) A control signal for designating an input destination of an image output from the television receiver 150. The input destination includes a tuner included in the television receiver 150 and an external input. The external input includes, for example, an input terminal to which the mobile phone 100 is connected and an input terminal to which a video recorder is connected.

  (5) A control signal for changing the luminance value of the television receiver 150.

  The output control program recorded in the flash memory 137 is read and executed by the control unit 101. Although the output control program executed by the control unit 101 is stored in the flash memory 137 and distributed, other recording media such as a flexible disk, cassette tape, CD-ROM, hard disk, optical disk (MO ( Magnetic Optical Disc (MD) / Mini Disc (DVD) / Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), IC card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash ROM, and other semiconductor memories It may also be a medium carrying

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The remaining amount detection unit 141 is controlled by the control unit 101, detects the remaining amount of the battery 142 in response to a request from the control unit 101, and outputs the detected remaining amount to the control unit 101. The remaining amount detection unit 141 includes a voltmeter that measures the voltage of the battery 142 and a prediction unit that predicts the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 142 from the voltage measured thereby. Further, the prediction unit may measure the power output from the battery 142 and predict the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 142 from the accumulated value of the measured power. In this case, the remaining amount detection unit 141 may be configured to include an ammeter and a voltmeter.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of output control processing executed by the control unit. Referring to FIG. 3, first, it is determined whether or not an instruction to output a moving image by the user is input from operation button 131A (step S01). If such an instruction is input, the process proceeds to step S02, and if not, a standby state is entered. That is, the output control process is a process executed by the control unit 101 when an instruction to output a moving image is input by the user. The instruction to output a moving image by the user includes specification of a moving image file stored in the flash memory 137 and specification of the brightness of the backlight provided in the inner liquid crystal display device 127A or the outer liquid crystal display device 127B.

  In step S02, a pre-output setting process is executed. This pre-output setting process will be described later in detail. In the pre-output setting process, it is determined whether or not to output the moving image instructed in step S01. When the output is permitted, the output permission is set, and when the output is not permitted, the output stop is set. Is done.

  In step S03, it is determined whether or not the result of the pre-output setting process executed in step S02 is set to output permission. If the output permission is set, the process proceeds to step S04. If the output is not set, the process ends. Even when the user inputs an instruction to output a moving image, the moving image is not output if output stop is set in the pre-output setting process.

  In step S04, the moving image file instructed in step S01 by the storage unit 113 is read from the flash memory 137 and output to the video processing unit 115. The video processing unit 115 outputs the input moving image to the television receiver 150 via the video input / output unit 138. Thereby, a moving image is displayed on the television receiver 150.

  In the next step S05, the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 142 is detected by the remaining amount detection unit 141. At this time, it may be warned by detecting that the moving image cannot be output to the end with the current remaining amount of the battery 142. As a result, the user can know in advance that the output of the moving image is interrupted in the middle, and even if the necessary power is insufficient, the user preferentially views the moving image, or the necessary power is insufficient. If it does, it becomes possible to respond flexibly to giving up viewing of moving images. Further, the warning may display the time that can be reproduced from that time.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount detected in step S05 is below a predetermined threshold value T (step S06). If true, the process proceeds to step S07, and if false, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the moving image is finished. If finished, the process proceeds to step S14, and if not finished, the process returns to step S05. For this reason, step S05 and step S06 are repeated unless the two conditions of the condition that the moving image ends and the condition that the remaining amount of the battery 142 falls below the threshold value T are satisfied. The threshold value T is a value higher than the limit remaining amount.

  In step S07, the video processing unit 115 is controlled to stop outputting the moving image being output. And the stop position is memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 113 (step S08). Further, the infrared communication unit 140 is caused to output a control signal (step S09). The control signal output here may be any of the control signals described above. One control signal described above may be output, or two or more of them may be output in combination. For example, a control signal for reducing the volume and a control signal for reducing the luminance may be output. Here, a case where a control signal for turning off the power of the television receiver 150 is output will be described as an example. When the control signal is output in step S05, the television receiver 150 that has received the control signal turns off the power. Thereby, the user who was watching the television receiver 150 can know that there was an incoming call with the mobile phone 100.

  In step S10, the remaining amount detection unit 141 detects the remaining amount of the battery 142, and it is determined whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value T. If true, the process proceeds to step S11. If false, the process enters a standby state. That is, the output of the moving image is stopped until the remaining amount of the battery 142 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value T, and the television receiver 150 is kept off. Note that the processing may be terminated by a user instruction without entering the standby state.

  In step S11, the infrared communication unit 140 is caused to output a control signal for returning the television receiver 150 to the original state. The control signal for returning to the original state is a control signal opposite to the control signal output in step S09. In step S09, since the power of the television receiver 150 is turned off, a control signal for turning on the power opposite to this is output. Thereby, the power supply of the television receiver 150 is turned on.

  If a control signal for decreasing the volume of the television receiver 150 is output in step S09, a control signal for increasing the volume is output in step S11. If a control signal for changing the tuner channel of the television receiver 150 or changing the input destination is output in step S09, a control signal for returning the channel or the input destination is output in step S11. . When a control signal for decreasing the luminance value of the television receiver 150 is output in step S09, a control signal for increasing the luminance value is output in step S11.

  In the next step S12, the stop position stored in step S08 is read, and the video processing unit 115 is caused to output a moving image from the stop position. Thus, the moving image stopped in step S07 is continuously output from the television receiver 150 from the stop position. This eliminates the need for the user to search for the position of the moving image whose output has been stopped.

  In step S13, it is determined whether or not the moving image output by the video processing unit 115 is completed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process returns to step S05. In step S14, the infrared communication unit 140 is caused to output a control signal for turning off the power of the television receiver 150. As a result, the power of the television receiver 150 is turned off. When the reproduction of the moving image is finished, it is not necessary to turn on the television receiver 150. When the reproduction of the moving image is finished, the power of the television receiver 150 is turned off, so that the user of the mobile phone 100 does not need to operate the television receiver 150.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pre-output setting process executed by the control unit in step S02 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, the remaining amount of power stored in battery 142 is detected by remaining amount detecting section 141 (step S21). Then, the playback time is detected from the size of the moving image file specified by the user in step S01 in FIG. 3, and the power consumed by the mobile phone 100 is calculated during this playback time. The power consumed by the mobile phone 100 is calculated as follows.

(1) Reproduction power consumption Necessary for the storage unit 113 to output the moving image read out from the flash memory 137 and the moving image read out from the storage unit 113 by the video processing unit 115. It is a value obtained by adding power.

(2) Display power consumption This is the power consumed for display in the inner liquid crystal display device 127A or the outer liquid crystal display device 127B. This display power consumption accounts for a relatively large proportion of the power consumed by the backlight of the inner liquid crystal display device 127A or the outer liquid crystal display device 127B. The power consumption of the backlight is determined by the brightness of the backlight. The display power consumption increases as the backlight is brighter and decreases as the backlight is darker.

(3) Communication power consumption This is the power consumed by the communication control unit 105 in the standby state. The communication control unit 105 periodically communicates with the base station even in a standby state that is not in a call state. For this reason, power is consumed even in the standby state.

  In step S23, reproduction power consumption, display power consumption, communication power consumption, and total power consumption are calculated. Then, the total power consumption is compared with the remaining amount of the battery 142 detected in step S21. If the remaining amount of the battery 142 is lower than the total power consumption, the process proceeds to step S24. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S31. move on. Note that it is not necessary to calculate all of the reproduction power consumption, display power consumption, and communication power consumption, and at least the reproduction power consumption may be calculated.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not the power saving mode is set. The power saving mode refers to one of operating states during which the mobile phone 100 outputs a moving image. The mobile phone 100 outputs a moving image with reduced power consumption in the power saving mode. The setting of the power saving mode is set by the user of the mobile phone 100 operating the operation button 131A, and is stored in advance in the EEPROM 102 or the like. The state in which the mobile phone 100 has reduced power consumption is a state in which the power supply of the communication control unit 105 is shut off, and a state in which the backlight of the inner liquid crystal display device 127A or the outer liquid crystal display device 127B is darkened.

  In step S25, the sum of display power consumption and communication power consumption in the power saving mode is calculated as power saving. Then, a value obtained by subtracting the power saving calculated in step S25 from the power consumption calculated in step S22 is calculated as the predicted power consumption (step S26). This predicted power consumption indicates the power that is expected to be consumed by the mobile phone 100 before the mobile phone 100 operating in the power saving mode finishes outputting the moving image specified in step S01.

  In step S27, the remaining amount of the battery 142 detected in step S21 is compared with the predicted power consumption calculated in step S26. If the remaining amount is lower than the predicted power consumption, the process proceeds to step S28; Proceed to S30.

  In step S30, the mobile phone 100 is operated in the power saving mode. Thereby, the mobile phone 100 operates in a state where one or both of the display power consumption and the communication power consumption are suppressed. In a state where the mobile phone 100 suppresses display power consumption, the mobile phone 100 reduces the brightness of the backlight of the inner liquid crystal display device 127A or the outer liquid crystal display device 127B. Therefore, the control unit 101 causes the display control unit 107 to darken the backlight brightness of the inner liquid crystal display device 127A or the outer liquid crystal display device 127B. When the mobile phone 100 suppresses communication power consumption, the mobile phone 100 cuts off the power supplied to the communication control unit 105. For this reason, the control unit 101 blocks power supplied to the communication control unit 105 and the data processing unit 103 with respect to a power supply circuit (not shown).

  When the process proceeds to step S28, the moving image cannot be output to the end with the current remaining amount of the battery 142. In this case, a warning for notifying the user of the mobile phone 100 is output. As this warning, a buzzer sound or a voice message may be output from the speaker 125, or a warning message may be displayed on the inner liquid crystal display device 127A or the outer liquid crystal display device 127B.

  In the next step S29, it is determined whether or not an instruction to output a moving image from the user is input from the operation button 131A. If such an instruction is input, the process proceeds to step S31, and if not, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S31, the process is returned to the output control process after setting the output permission, and in step S32, the process is returned to the output control process after setting the output to be stopped. This is to confirm the user's intention after the warning in step S28. Even if the remaining amount of the battery 142 is lower than the power required to output the moving image to the end, and it is predicted that the output of the moving image is interrupted in the middle, the output of the moving image is desired. This is to reflect the user's intention. For this reason, the user need not bother to charge the battery 142 and output the moving image, and can immediately output the moving image.

  As described above, in the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment, when the video input / output unit 138 outputs a moving image recorded in the flash memory 137, the moving image is displayed on the television receiver 150. When a moving image is output, if the remaining amount of the battery 142 falls below a predetermined value, a control signal for switching the state of the television receiver 150 is output, so that the mobile phone 100 operates. Before it stops, the state of the television receiver 150 is switched to, for example, power off. Therefore, the state of the television receiver 150 can be switched before the mobile phone 100 stops operating without any special operation by the user.

  In addition, when the moving image is output, if the remaining amount of the battery 142 falls below a predetermined value, the output of the moving image is stopped, so that the function of the mobile phone 100, for example, the communication control unit 105 It is possible to prevent the communication function from functioning.

  Further, when the remaining amount of the battery 142 returns to a predetermined value, for example, enough power to output a moving image, the moving image whose output has been stopped is output from the stop position. Can be output from the continuation before the interruption.

  Further, when the remaining amount of the battery 142 returns to a predetermined value, the state of the television receiver is switched to the state before the switching, so that the state before the interruption, for example, the power supply, is operated without operating the television receiver 150. Can be switched on.

  The cellular phone 100 inputs from the cellular phone 100 a control signal for turning off the power of the television receiver 150, a control signal for switching a moving image output from the television receiver 150, and a moving image output from the television receiver 150. Control signal for switching from a moving image to a moving image input from another device, a control signal for reducing the amount of sound output from the television receiver 150 or stopping sound output, and the television receiver 150 Outputs a control signal for lowering the luminance of the moving image output by the. For this reason, the user who watches the television receiver 150 can know from the visual information or the auditory information that the remaining battery level is low.

  Further, since the user is warned that the moving image cannot be output at a stage before the moving image is output, the user can determine whether or not the output of the moving image is interrupted before the moving image is output. Can know.

  Further, the cellular phone 100 cuts off the power supply to the communication control unit 105 when the remaining amount of the battery 142 is lower than the power consumption necessary for outputting the moving image, or the inner liquid crystal display device 127A or the outer side. Since the brightness of the backlight of the liquid crystal display device 127B is reduced, a moving image can be output as long as possible while suppressing power consumption.

  In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 has been described as an example. However, the output control process and the pre-output setting process executed by the mobile phone 100 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 are executed by a computer. Also good. In this case, a program for causing the computer to execute the output control process and the pre-output setting process is recorded on a recording medium such as the flash memory 137, and the program is read from the flash memory 137 and is stored in the random access memory of the computer. (RAM). Then, the program is executed by the central processing unit of the computer.

  As a program for causing a computer to execute the output control process and the pre-output setting process executed by the mobile phone 100 described in the present embodiment, and the method for causing the mobile phone 100 to execute the output control process and the pre-output setting process, the invention is provided. Can be grasped.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a mobile phone 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of a mobile telephone. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the output control process performed with a control part. It is another flowchart which shows the flow of the pre-output setting process performed with a control part.

Explanation of symbols

  100 mobile phone, 101 control unit, 103 data processing unit, 105 communication control unit, 107 display control unit, 109 input control unit, 111 image processing unit, 113 storage unit, 115 video processing unit, 117 bus, 121 first housing Body, 122 connection section, 123 second housing, 125 speaker, 127A inner liquid crystal display device, 127B outer liquid crystal display device, 129A internal camera, 129B external camera, 131A operation button, 131B numeric button, 133 microphone, 135 antenna, 137 Flash memory, 138 Video input / output unit, 139 insertion port, 140 infrared communication unit, 141 remaining amount detection unit, 142 battery, 150 TV receiver, 151 cable.

Claims (13)

A portable information terminal that receives power from a battery,
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery;
Output means for outputting a moving image to an external output device;
Control signal output means for outputting a control signal for controlling the output device;
When the output means outputs a moving image, if the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection means falls below a predetermined value, the control signal output means is sent to the output device. A portable information terminal comprising control means for outputting a control signal for switching the state of the output device.   When the output means outputs a moving image, and the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection means falls below a predetermined value, the control means outputs a moving image to the output means. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein output is stopped.   When the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit returns to the predetermined value, the control unit controls the control signal output unit to switch the state of the output device to the state before switching. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein a signal is output.   When the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit returns to the predetermined value, the control unit controls the control signal output unit to switch the state of the output device to the state before switching. The portable information terminal according to claim 2, wherein a signal is output.   The portable information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the control signal output unit to output a control signal for turning off the power of the output device.   The portable information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the control means causes the control signal output means to output a control signal for switching a moving image output from the output device.   The control means causes the control signal output means to output a control signal for switching a moving image output from the output device from a moving image input from the portable information terminal to a moving image input from another device. The portable information terminal according to claim 6.   The portable information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the control signal output unit to output a control signal for reducing the amount of sound output from the output device or stopping the output of the sound.   The portable information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the control signal output unit to output a control signal for lowering the luminance of the moving image output from the output device.   The control means gives a warning when the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means is lower than the power consumption required for outputting the moving image before the output means outputs the moving image. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, comprising warning means for outputting.   When the output means is outputting a moving image, the control means issues a warning if the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection means is less than the power consumption required to output the moving image. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, comprising warning means for outputting. An output control program executed by a computer having output means for receiving power supply from a battery and outputting a moving image to an external output device; and control signal output means for outputting a control signal for controlling the output device Because
Detecting the remaining amount of the battery;
When the output means outputs a moving image, if the detected remaining amount falls below a predetermined value, the state of the output device is switched with respect to the output device to the control signal output means. Output control program for causing a computer to execute a step of outputting a control signal for An output control method executed by a computer comprising output means for receiving a power supply from a battery and outputting a moving image to an external output device and control signal output means for outputting a control signal for controlling the output device Because
Detecting the remaining amount of the battery;
When the output means outputs a moving image, if the detected remaining amount falls below a predetermined value, the state of the output device is switched with respect to the output device to the control signal output means. Output control method for causing a computer to execute a step of outputting a control signal for

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