JPH04279918A - Battery exchange informing device for electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To inform battery exchange time to a user with allowance at a stage before than a final stage where the service life of a battery expires and to heighten an appealing effect for the battery exchange time. CONSTITUTION:A clock circuit 7 which starts clock by a clock start switch 10 depressed at a time when the battery 6 is exchanged is provided. A time before the final stage of the service life of the battery in the discharge characteristic curve of the battery is set as a prescribed time to be compared with the count time of the clock circuit 7. When the count time arrives at the prescribed time, the exchange time of the battery is informed. In other words, the density of display on a liquid crystal display device 13 is shifted so as to be clearly recognized, or an electronic buzzer 16 is rung, or message display to inform the exchange time of the battery is performed.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for notifying a user of a battery set in a mainly portable electronic device such as an electronic notebook when it is time to replace it.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 shows a conceptual diagram of a conventional battery replacement notification device for this type of electronic equipment. In the figure, 2
1 is an LSI equipped with a microcomputer consisting of a CPU, ROM, and RAM; 22 is a liquid crystal display driver;
23 is a liquid crystal display device, 24 is a battery as a power source, and 25 is a voltage detection element.

The voltage of the battery 24 is directly detected by a voltage detection element 25, and the detected battery voltage is input to the LSI 21. The LSI 21 compares the inputted detected battery voltage with a specified voltage stored in advance in the internal ROM, and determines that it is time to replace the battery when the detected battery voltage falls below the specified voltage. When the LSI 21 makes this determination, the LSI 21 controls the liquid crystal display driver 22 to display the liquid crystal display device 2.
3. Temporarily display a specific message (for example, "It's time to replace the battery. Please replace it as soon as possible.").

FIG. 12 shows a discharge characteristic curve of a lithium battery.

[0005] Since the conventional battery replacement notification device directly detects the voltage of the battery 24 by the voltage detection element 25 as described above, the specified voltage needs to be set at a point in time when a voltage drop becomes apparent in the discharge characteristic curve. There is. It is also necessary to consider that there are variations in the discharge characteristic curve and battery voltage detection. This means that the specified voltage must be set to the voltage at the end of the battery life, which corresponds to approximately 90% of the battery life (
P point).

[0006] The above-mentioned replacement time message is displayed when the power switch is turned on and use of the electronic device is started. Users who notice this message display will have to replace the battery, but even if they leave it as is, for a certain period of time, a message will be displayed every time the power is turned on, indicating that it is time to replace the battery. However, once that period has elapsed, the internal RAM is backed up by forcibly prohibiting the operation of the LSI 21 itself.

For example, if the predetermined battery voltage is 6V,
When the voltage falls below the specified voltage of 5V, a message is displayed indicating that it is time to replace it, and if the voltage drops to 4.5V without being replaced, operation is forcibly prohibited and backup is performed.

[0008]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the case of the above-mentioned conventional example, the message indicating the time to replace the battery is displayed at the end of the battery life and after a considerable voltage drop has occurred. The message display itself in 23 is a thin display that is difficult for the user to see, and the situation is such that it cannot be said that the effect of appealing to the user to replace the battery is sufficient.

The liquid crystal display device 2 starts from the Q point where the voltage drop starts.
The density of the display 3 (the normal display, not the message to replace the battery) gradually becomes lighter over time, but the change in density is very slow, so the user is alerted that it is time to replace the battery. The reality is that we don't know.

[0010] It would be highly effective to notify the battery replacement time by sounding an electronic buzzer, but due to the large voltage drop as mentioned above, the electronic buzzer is under heavy load and cannot actually be sounded. . Currently, the only way to do so is to display a message that has to be dimly displayed.

[0011] Furthermore, the specified voltage is set at the end voltage of the battery life, and when this voltage is reached, there is almost no time left and the battery must be replaced immediately. However, it is troublesome because there are no replacement batteries on hand and the user has to stop working and go out to purchase batteries.

In short, in the case of conventional electronic devices, the time to replace the battery is suddenly announced at a certain point (at the end of the battery's life), so the user has no leeway in determining the remaining usable time. It's almost like there aren't any.

[0013] The present invention was devised in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of informing the user that the time for battery replacement is approaching well in advance of the end of the battery life. In other words,
The purpose is to increase the effectiveness of promoting the timing of battery replacement.

[0014]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A battery replacement notification device for an electronic device according to the present invention includes a clock means that starts timing when a battery is replaced, and a timer that starts counting time before the end of the battery life. means for determining whether a predetermined time set for the step has been reached, and
The device is characterized in that a battery replacement time notification is given when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0015] Any format can be used to notify the battery replacement time, such as forcibly shifting the display density, outputting an alarm sound with an electronic buzzer, or displaying a message indicating the battery replacement time. I do.

[0016]

[Operation] The predetermined time to be compared with the count time by the clock means can be set independently of the voltage drop stage of the battery's discharge characteristic curve, and can be set at a stage earlier than reaching the end of the battery life. can do. When the predetermined time period before the final stage is reached, the battery still has some remaining power. The battery replacement period is notified when there is sufficient power.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a battery replacement notification device for an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is a CPU, 2 is a ROM, and 3 is a CPU.
is RAM, 4 is a microprocessor consisting of CPU 1, ROM 2, and RAM 3, 5 is a backup battery for RAM 3, 6 is a battery as a power source for the entire system, 7 is a clock circuit, 8 is an input/output interface, 9 is a key operation unit, 10 11 is a clock start switch, 11 is a notification mode setting unit for battery replacement time, 12 is a liquid crystal display driver, 13 is a liquid crystal display device (LCD), 14 is a supply voltage control circuit for the liquid crystal display driver 12, 15 is a buzzer drive unit, 16 17 is an electronic buzzer, and 17 is a frequency setting volume consisting of a variable resistor.

The frequency setting volume 17 is used to adjust the time setting in accordance with variations in electronic equipment and differences in functions of electronic equipment. Power is supplied from the battery 6 to the microprocessor 4, clock circuit 7, liquid crystal display driver 12, supply voltage control circuit 14, and buzzer drive unit 15, respectively. Note that the battery 6 may be either a non-rechargeable primary battery or a rechargeable secondary battery.

When various keys on the key operation unit 9 are operated, the CPU 1 in the microprocessor 4
In cooperation with M2 and RAM3, necessary display operations and calculation operations are performed according to key operations. During the display operation, the liquid crystal display driver 12 is driven to display input results and calculation results on the liquid crystal display device 13.

Even if the battery 6 whose life has expired is removed,
The data stored in the RAM 3 is saved by the backup battery 5. A backup capacitor may be used instead of the backup battery 5.

Next, the operation of the battery replacement notification device in the electronic device configured as described above will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 6.

After installing the new battery 6, the user presses the clock start switch 10, but the CPU
1 waits for the clock start switch 10 to be pressed in step S1, and then starts the clock circuit 7 in step S2. As a result, the clock circuit 7 starts a timekeeping operation.

[0024] The user can also set the frequency setting volume 1.
7, the time correction frequency k is set, and the notification mode setting section 11 sets the notification mode to one of modes A to D. The CPU 1 reads the time-corrected power k from the power setting volume 17 via the input/output interface 8 in step S3, stores it in the RAM 3, and stores it in the RAM 3.
Load the notification mode from the notification mode setting section 11 with R
Store on AM3.

[0025] Then, in step S5, the notification mode is set to A~
D is determined, and the process proceeds to a routine corresponding to each notification mode.

In the notification mode A, the routine shown in FIG.
When notification mode B is selected, the routine shown in Figure 4 is executed, and when notification mode C is selected,
When the mode is D, the routine shown in Figure 5 is used, and when the notification mode is D, the routine shown in Figure 6 is used.
Proceed to each routine.

First, the control operation when the notification mode is A will be explained based on FIGS. 3 and 7.

In step S11, four predetermined times T1 to
Set T4. The reference time t0 is stored in ROM2, and this and the time correction frequency k stored in RAM3 are read out, T1 = k・t0 T2 = 2・k・t0 T3 = 3・k・t0 T4 = 4・k・t0 are calculated and each is stored in the RAM 3 again.

The fourth predetermined time T4 is the time immediately before the voltage drop starts in the discharge characteristic curve shown in the timing chart of FIG.
% of the time. Then, the first predetermined time T1
is the time equivalent to 20% of the battery life, the second predetermined time T2
is the time equivalent to 40%, and the third predetermined time T3 is the time equivalent to 60%.

Next, in each of the next steps, the clock circuit 7
The count time t is compared with predetermined times T1 to T4. First, in step S12, it is determined whether the count time t is smaller than the first predetermined time T1 (t<
T1). If this judgment is positive, step S1
3, S0 is sent to the supply voltage control circuit 14 via the input/output interface 8 as a level setting signal.

As shown in the timing chart of FIG.
The supply voltage control circuit 14 sets a driving voltage V0 to the liquid crystal display driver 12 based on this level setting signal S0.
supply. This initial driving voltage V0 is the new battery 6
is the maximum voltage supplied by

If the determination in step S12 is negative, the process proceeds to step S14, where it is determined whether the count time t is between the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2 (T1≦ t<T2). If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S15, where S1 is sent to the supply voltage control circuit 14 as a level setting signal. Figure 7
As shown, the supply voltage control circuit 14 outputs the level setting signal S
1, the drive voltage V1 is applied to the liquid crystal display driver 12 based on
supply.

This driving voltage V1 is the initial driving voltage V0.
lower than. From this driving voltage V0 to driving voltage V1
The lowering is to forcibly shift the display density on the liquid crystal display device 13, and the change in display density to the lighter side is clearly visible to the user. V1 → V2, V2 explained below
The same applies to the shifts from →V3 and V3 →V4.

If the determination in step S14 is negative, the process proceeds to step S16, where it is determined whether the count time t is between the second predetermined time T2 and the third predetermined time T3 (T2≦ t<T3). If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S17, where S2 is sent to the supply voltage control circuit 14 as a level setting signal. Figure 7
As shown, the supply voltage control circuit 14 outputs the level setting signal S
2, the drive voltage V2 is applied to the liquid crystal display driver 12 based on
supply. As a result, the density of the display on the liquid crystal display device 13 shifts to a lighter level to the extent that it can be clearly recognized.

Furthermore, if the determination in step S16 is negative, the process proceeds to step S18, where it is determined whether the count time t is between the third predetermined time T3 and the fourth predetermined time T4 ( T3≦t<T4). If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S19, where S3 is sent to the supply voltage control circuit 14 as a level setting signal. As shown in FIG. 7, the supply voltage control circuit 14 supplies the driving voltage V3 to the liquid crystal display driver 12 based on the level setting signal S3. As a result, the liquid crystal display device 1
The density of the display in 3 is further shifted to the lighter side to the extent that it can be clearly recognized.

Finally, when the determination in step S18 is negative, that is, when the count time t exceeds the fourth predetermined time T4 (when the time equivalent to 80% of the battery life has exceeded), the process proceeds to step S20. Then, S4 is sent to the supply voltage control circuit 14 as a level setting signal. As shown in FIG. 7, the supply voltage control circuit 14 applies a driving voltage V4 to the liquid crystal display driver 12 based on the level setting signal S4.
supply. This driving voltage V4 is applied to the liquid crystal display device 1.
The density of the display at No. 3 is considerably light to the extent that it clearly indicates that the battery is at the end of its life.

[0037] As time passes, step S13
, S15, S17, S19, and S20, and after each of these steps, the process returns to the main routine.

Next, the control operation when the notification mode is B will be explained based on FIGS. 4 and 8.

In step S31, two predetermined times T5,
Set T6. Read out the reference time t0 and predetermined coefficient n from ROM2, read out the time correction frequency k from RAM3, calculate T5 = k・n・t0 T6 = k・(n+1)・t0, and save each to RAM3 again. Store it.

The second predetermined time T6 is a time corresponding to, for example, 80% of the battery life in the discharge characteristic curve shown in the timing chart of FIG.
It is assumed that the time is equivalent to 0%.

Next, in step S32, the count time t
is smaller than a first predetermined time T5 (t<T5). If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S33, where S0 is sent to the supply voltage control circuit 14 via the input/output interface 8 as a level setting signal. As shown in FIG. 8, the supply voltage control circuit 14 controls the liquid crystal display driver 1 based on this level setting signal S0.
2, a driving voltage V0 is supplied to it. This initial drive voltage V0 is the maximum voltage provided by the new battery 6.

If the determination in step S32 is negative, the process proceeds to step S34, where it is determined whether the count time t is between the first predetermined time T5 and the second predetermined time T6 (T5≦ t<T6). If this determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S35, and S5 is sent to the supply voltage control circuit 14 as a level setting signal. Figure 8
As shown, the supply voltage control circuit 14 outputs the level setting signal S
5, the drive voltage V5 is applied to the liquid crystal display driver 12 based on
supply. The reduction of the drive voltage V0 to the drive voltage V5 forcibly shifts the display density in the liquid crystal display device 13, and as a result, the user can clearly recognize the change in display density to the lighter side.

When the judgment in step S34 is negative, that is, when the count time t exceeds the second predetermined time T6 (when the time corresponding to 80% of the battery life is exceeded), the process proceeds to step S36, and the level S6 is sent to the supply voltage control circuit 14 as a setting signal. As shown in FIG. 8, the supply voltage control circuit 14 supplies the driving voltage V6 to the liquid crystal display driver 12 based on the level setting signal S6. This drive voltage V6 is so low that the display density on the liquid crystal display device 13 clearly indicates that the battery is at the end of its life.

Note that as time passes, step S33
, S35, and S36, and after each of these steps, the process returns to the main routine.

Next, the control operation when the notification mode is C will be explained based on FIGS. 5 and 9.

[0046] In step S41, a predetermined time T7 is set. The reference time t0 and the predetermined coefficient m are read out from the ROM2, and the time-corrected frequency k is read out from the RAM3 to calculate T7=k·m·t0 and stored in the RAM3.

It is assumed that this predetermined time T7 corresponds to, for example, 75% (3/4) of the battery life in the discharge characteristic curve shown in the timing chart of FIG.

Next, in step S42, the count time t
is smaller than a predetermined time T7 (t
<T7). If this judgment is positive, nothing is done and the process returns to the main routine.

If the judgment in step S42 is negative, the process advances to step S43, and the input/output interface 8
The buzzer drive unit 15 is controlled via the electronic buzzer 16 to sound the electronic buzzer 16. By sounding the electronic buzzer 16, it is possible to clearly notify the user that the time for battery replacement is approaching.

[0050] Then, in step S44, it is determined whether there has been any other processing such as input or calculation, and if there has been, the process advances to step S46 and the sounding of the electronic buzzer 16 is stopped.
If not, the process proceeds to step S45 to perform idling for a certain period of time (during which time, the electronic buzzer 16 continues to sound), and then proceeds to step S46 to stop the electronic buzzer 16. After the electronic buzzer 16 stops, the process returns to the main routine.

[0051] If the pattern of the alarm sound for notifying the battery replacement time by the sound of the electronic buzzer 16 is set to be clearly different from the pattern of the alarm sound for other error messages, it is possible to The appeal effect of the replacement period notification can be made even higher.

Next, the control operation when the notification mode is D will be explained based on FIGS. 6 and 10.

[0053] In step S51, a predetermined time T7 is set similarly to step S41. This is a time corresponding to, for example, 75% of the battery life.

Next, in step S52, the count time t
is smaller than a predetermined time T7 (t
<T7). If this judgment is positive, nothing is done and the process returns to the main routine.

If the determination in step S52 is negative, the process advances to step S53, and the input/output interface 8
Voltage control circuit 14 supplies level setting signal S0 via
Send to. As a result, the supply voltage control circuit 14 supplies the liquid crystal display driver 12 with the same drive voltage V0 as initially. This is to make the display density sufficiently high. Note that even if the drive voltage gradually decreases, the initial drive voltage V0 can be easily created by boosting the voltage.

[0056] In step S54, a message code for notifying battery replacement time (for example, "It is time to replace the battery. Please replace it as soon as possible") is read from the ROM 2, and in step S55, the code is read out from the ROM 2 via the input/output interface 8. The liquid crystal display driver 12 is controlled to display a message notifying the battery replacement time on the liquid crystal display device 13. This message is sufficiently dark to clearly inform the user.

[0057] Then, in step S56, it is determined whether there has been any other processing such as input or calculation, and if there has been no other processing, the process proceeds to step S57 and is idled for a certain period of time (during which time a message is displayed), after which the process proceeds to step S58. move on. If there is other processing, the process immediately advances to step S58.

In step S58, in order to suppress consumption of the battery 6, the level setting signal S to the supply voltage control circuit 14 is
Cancels sending of 0. Then, the liquid crystal display driver 12
, the voltage of the battery 6 returns to the state where it is supplied without being boosted. After canceling the message display in step S59, the process returns to the main routine.

In any of the above modes, since the predetermined time to be compared with the count time t can be set independently of the voltage drop stage of the discharge characteristic curve of the battery 6, the notification of battery replacement time can be made at the end of the battery life (90 This can be done at a stage earlier than the time when % has elapsed and there is still some margin in terms of voltage. Even if you don't have a replacement battery on hand at the moment, you still have time to continue using it, and you can purchase batteries soon.

[0060] In the above embodiment, four modes can be selected, but in other embodiments, the above four modes can be selected.
It may be configured so that any three out of the two modes can be selected, or configured so that any two modes can be selected, or configured so that only one mode can be selected.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention, the notification of battery replacement time is not made through detecting the battery voltage, but is made after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. It becomes possible to set the voltage at a stage earlier than the end of the battery life regardless of the voltage drop stage. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user that it is time to replace the battery while the battery has remaining power, and it is possible to increase the appeal to the user of the time to replace the battery.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a battery replacement notification device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart up to mode determination in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart in mode A in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart in mode B in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart in mode C in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart in mode D in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart in mode A in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart in mode B in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart in mode C in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart in mode D in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a battery replacement notification device in a conventional electronic device.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing the operation of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 4. Microprocessor 6 Batteries 7 Clock circuit 10 Clock start switch 11 Notification mode setting section 12 Liquid crystal display driver 13 Liquid crystal display device 14 Supply voltage control circuit 15 Buzzer drive unit 16 Electronic buzzer 17 Frequency setting volume

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Clock means that starts timing when the battery is replaced, and means for determining whether the count time by the clock means has reached a predetermined time set before reaching the end of the battery life. What is claimed is: 1. A battery replacement notification device for an electronic device, characterized in that the battery replacement notification device for an electronic device is characterized in that the battery replacement notification device is characterized in that the battery replacement time notification is performed when the predetermined time is reached.