JPH09205736A - Battery driven small-sized electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the shortage of charging, etc., by obtaining the forecast time for charging until the completion of this charging from the past charging history, when charging a secondary battery. SOLUTION: In a portable terminal 1, CPU1-1 updates the charging count CT2, and counts the charging time of a secondary battery. In the charging of the secondary battery, CPU1-1 updates the charging counter CT1, and counts the charging time. A charging history learning table is one which stores the past charging time geared to the discharge time as charging history information, and CPU-1 accesses this charging history learning table CHST, based on this discharging time, and gets forecast time for this charging the forecast time for this charging from that contents and shows it as guide.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery-driven compact electronic device driven by a battery as a power source.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a battery-powered small electronic device using a secondary battery as a power source, when the secondary battery is charged by connecting the main body of the device to a charger, an indicator such as a lamp indicates whether charging is completed or charging is completed. I'm trying to tell you. On the other hand, in battery-powered small electronic devices that use a battery as a power source, switching to the sleep mode consumes unnecessary power when there is no input operation for a certain period while the power is on. I try to keep it to a minimum.

[0003]

By the way, while the secondary battery is being charged, it is possible to know whether it is being charged or completed by the indicator. Charging may be interrupted on the way. An object of the present invention is to prevent a shortage of charge or the like by obtaining a predicted charge time until the current charge is completed based on the past charge history while the secondary battery is being charged. That is. On the other hand, when an input operation is performed in the sleep mode, the slip mode is canceled and the normal operation mode is restored.However, the normal operation mode is set until the sleep mode is switched to. Therefore, electric power is wasted by a heavy load circuit such as a display device. Therefore, if you frequently switch to sleep mode,
The battery may run out faster than I expected, despite the fact that the input time was short. An object of the present invention is to waste power by a heavy load circuit such as a display device until switching to the sleep mode. It is to be able to warn of lack of quantity.

[0004]

The means of the first invention (the invention described in claim 1) is as follows. In a battery-powered small electronic device that incorporates a secondary battery and is driven by the secondary battery as a power source, (1), the discharge time measuring means measures the discharge time of the secondary battery. (2), the charging time measuring means measures the charging time until the charging of the secondary battery is completed. (3) The charging history storage means stores the charging time obtained by the charging time measuring means as the charging history information in correspondence with the discharging time obtained by the discharging time measuring means. (4) The means for obtaining the estimated charge time accesses the charge history storage means based on the current discharge time obtained by the discharge measuring means at the start of the current charge, and the current charge is completed. Now, when the discharge time measurement means measures the discharge time from the end of the previous charge to the start of the current charge (for example, the cumulative time when the power is turned on), the charge history storage means is based on the current discharge time. It is accessed and the estimated charging time for this time is required. Therefore, when the secondary battery is being charged, it is possible to prevent insufficient charging by obtaining the estimated charging time until the current charging is completed based on the past charging history. The means of the second invention (the invention of claim 2) is as follows. When the battery is used as a power supply and the input operation is not performed for a certain period while the power is on, the sleep mode is set and the sleep mode is set when the input operation is performed in this sleep mode. In the battery-powered small electronic device for canceling, (1), the counting means counts the number of times the sleep mode is switched. (2) The comparing means compares the number of sleeps obtained by the counting means with a preset number of times. (3), the notification means notifies the comparison result of the comparison means. When the sleep mode is switched to the condition that the input operation is not performed for a certain period while the power is on, the counting unit counts the number of times of switching. Then, the comparison means compares the number of sleeps with the set number of times, and the comparison result is notified by a message display or the like. Therefore, until switching to the sleep mode, unnecessary electric power is consumed by the heavy load circuit such as the display device. Therefore, by monitoring the number of times of switching to the sleep mode, it is possible to check whether the battery level is insufficient due to the number of times of switching. Can warn.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a portable terminal device 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable terminal device 1 and an I / O box 2 in a separation-type electronic device separated into an I / O box 2 and an I / O box 2. In the portable terminal device 1, C
The PU 1-1 executes predetermined data processing according to various programs, and in addition to controlling various operations of the portable terminal device 1, also controls various operations on the I / O box 2 side. The storage device 1-2 has a storage medium in which programs, data, etc. are stored in advance, and this storage medium is composed of a magnetic or optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory. This storage medium is fixedly provided in the storage device, or is detachably mounted.
Further, the program, data, etc. stored in the storage medium may be configured to be received and stored from another device connected via a communication line or the like, and further connected via a communication line or the like. A storage device provided with the storage medium on the device side, and a program stored in the storage medium,
The data may be used via a communication line.

The portable terminal device 1 is driven by the secondary battery in the power source unit 1-3 as a power source. When the power switch 1-4 is turned on, the power source unit 1-3 drives various circuits. Supply voltage. Moreover, when the portable terminal device 1 is placed on the I / O box 2, the connection section 1-
Power is supplied to the power supply unit 1-3 via 5, the secondary battery is charged by this power supply, and the portable terminal device 1 is driven by the power supply from the I / O box 2. The charge state detection unit 1-6 detects whether or not the secondary battery is fully charged, and the CPU 1-1 measures the charge time until the charge state detection unit 1-6 detects full charge. Here, the charge time counter CT1 in the work memory 1-7 is reset at the start of charging and counts the charge time until the secondary battery is fully charged. The contents of the charging history learning table CHST in the RAM 1-8 are updated based on the charging time obtained by the time counter CT1.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the charging history learning table CHST. The charging history learning table CHST is shown in FIG.
Indicates the discharge time (use time) of the secondary battery at intervals of 5 minutes, the right side of the figure is discharge time "0 minutes", and the left side is discharge time "6".
It is associated with "0 minutes". When the secondary battery is fully charged and the discharge time is "60 minutes", "120 minutes" is set as the estimated charge time. That is, if the discharge time is 60 minutes or more, the maximum time required for full charge is set to 120 minutes. Similarly, the estimated charging time required for full charge is also set for each square corresponding to the discharge time in 5-minute increments, but FIG. 2A shows the charge history learning table CHS.
The content of the initial setting of T is shown, and "-1" is set as the initial value thereof. In this state, for example,
If the actual discharge time is "22 minutes" and it takes "20 minutes" to fully charge, the square corresponding to the discharge time "20 minutes" in the charge history learning table CHST is
As shown in FIG. 2B, “20 minutes” is set as the estimated charging time. Here, the estimated charging time corresponding to the discharging time is an averaged value, and if the next discharging time is 22 minutes and it takes 22 minutes to fully charge, (20 + 2)
2) ÷ 2 = 21 minutes is calculated, and charging history learning table C
It is set at the corresponding position of HST.

The work memory 1-7 is a sleep counter S.
C, a sleep timer ST, a discharge time counter CT2, a charge time counter CT1 and the like, the sleep counter SC is a counter for counting the number of times of switching to the sleep mode, and the sleep timer ST is an input for switching to the sleep mode. This is a timer for monitoring whether or not an operation has been performed for a certain period of time. The discharge time counter CT2 measures the discharge time of the secondary battery. The discharge time is the actual time when the power is turned on between the time when the secondary battery was fully charged last time and the time when this charge is started. The discharge time (secondary battery usage time).

On the other hand, when inventory data or the like is input from the input unit 1-9, the CPU 1-1 causes the display unit 1-10 to display and output the inventory data or the like and stores it in the RAM 1-8. Then, when the portable terminal device 1 is placed on the I / O box 2, the CPU 1-1 reads inventory data and the like from the RAM 1-8, and the optical communication unit (for example, non-contact) in the connection unit 1-5. Type infrared interface) via I / O
Transfer to Box 2. The buzzer 1-11, for example, generates an alarm sound when the value of the sleep counter SC exceeds a preset number of times, and it is required that the secondary battery be charged by the alarm sound. It

The I / O box 2 has a built-in modem,
The I / O box 2 is connected to a host computer via a telephone line, and the I / O box 2 has a built-in printer device such as a thermal printer, and prints out data transmitted from the portable terminal device 1 by optical communication. Here, the portable terminal device 1 is equipped with a CPU that executes predetermined data processing according to various programs, but the I / O box 2 is not equipped with a CPU, and therefore the portable terminal device 1
The CPU on the side controls the printing operation for the printer device and the data transmission / reception operation with the host computer.
Here, the power supply unit 2-1 is connected to the AC power supply, and the connection unit 2
-2 supplies power to the portable terminal device 1 side. The connection unit 2-2 has an optical communication unit (for example, a non-contact type infrared interface), and transmits / receives data to / from the portable terminal device 1. The I / O unit 2-3 constitutes a modem or a printer device.

Next, the operation of the battery-powered small electronic device will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the portable terminal device 1. The programs that execute the functions described in this flowchart are stored in the storage medium in the form of program codes that can be read by the CPU. First, it is checked whether or not the portable terminal device 1 is separated from the I / O box 2 (step A1). Here, whether the portable terminal device 1 is placed on the I / O box 2 or disconnected is detected by a micro switch (not shown) or the like provided on the portable terminal device 1 side. Now, when the portable terminal device 1 is separated from the I / O box 2, the portable terminal device 1 is driven by using a secondary battery as a power source. Here, when the power switch 1-4 is turned on (step A2), the CPU 1-1 updates the discharge time counter CT2 (step A3),
The presence / absence of a key input operation is checked (step A4).

If there is no key input, the CPU 1-1
Updates the sleep timer ST (step A
5) Then, it is checked whether the value of the sleep timer ST is a certain time or more (step A6). Here, when the key input is not performed for a certain period of time or more, the CPU 1-1 adds "1" to the value of the sleep counter SC to update the value (step A7), and changes from the normal operation mode to the sleep mode. (Step A8). On the other hand, if the value of the sleep timer ST is less than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step A9, and it is checked whether or not the portable terminal device 1 has just been disconnected from the I / O box 2. When the power switch 1-4 is operated first after disconnecting from the box 2, it is determined to be immediately after disconnecting. As a result, immediately after disconnection, the discharge time counter CT2 is reset (step A10). Then, the process returns to step A1. If there is a key input (step A4), the sleep timer ST is cleared (step A11). If the current mode is not the sleep mode (step A12), the process corresponding to the key input is executed (step A14). Also, if it is sleep mode,
In response to the key input, the sleep mode is canceled and the normal operation mode is switched to (step A13), and then the process corresponding to the key input is executed (step A14). Then, the process returns to step A1. On the other hand, when the sleep mode is switched to in step A8 described above, step A
In step 15, it is checked whether or not the value of the sleep counter SC exceeds a preset number of times. If it does not exceed the preset number of times, the process returns to step A1. Generates an alarm sound and displays a message indicating that the battery should be charged (step A16). If such a warning is ignored, the sleep counter SC continues to be used without being charged, and when the value of the sleep counter SC exceeds the limit set value (step A17), the mode is forcibly switched to the sleep mode and fixed (step A18). . That is, this fixed sleep mode means that if the secondary battery is not charged, the sleep mode is not canceled even if a key input is made in the sleep mode, and the sleep mode is fixed.

On the other hand, when the portable terminal device 1 is placed on the I / O box 2, the portable terminal device 1 is placed on the I / O box 2.
It is driven by the power supply from. Here, when the portable terminal device 1 is placed on the I / O box 2 in step A1, the CPU 1-1 resets the sleep counter SC (step A19). Then, if it is currently in the sleep mode (step A20), the sleep mode is canceled to switch to the normal operation mode (step A21).
Here, when a key input is performed (step A22), the process corresponding to the key input is executed (step A23).
Next, the process proceeds to a process of acquiring the estimated charging time required for the current charging (step A24), and this acquisition process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

That is, the charge history learning table C is based on the discharge time obtained by the discharge time counter CT2.
The HST is accessed to find the position in 5-minute increments corresponding to the discharge time (step B1). Then, if a positive value is set in the corresponding position (step B2), this value is taken out from the charging history learning table CHST as the current estimated charging time (step B3). If there is no positive value at the corresponding position in the charge history learning table CHST, the process proceeds to step B4 to check whether the value of the discharge time counter CT2 exceeds 60 minutes, and if it is less than 60 minutes, the charge history learning table. A position shifted by one frame to the left of the corresponding CHST position is designated (step B5), and it is checked whether or not the designated position has a positive value (step B2). As a result, if the designated position has a positive value, that value is taken out as the estimated charging time (step B3). On the other hand, if the value of the discharge time counter CT2 exceeds 60 minutes, the maximum charge value 120 minutes is read as the estimated charge time (step B6).

When the estimated charging time is obtained in this way, this is displayed and output as the required time required for the current charging (step A25). Next, the CPU 1-1 resets the charging time counter CT1 (step A2
6), the charging time measuring operation for updating the charging time counter CT1 (step A27) is performed until the secondary battery is fully charged (step A28). Here, the charge state detection unit 1
When the full charge of the secondary battery is detected by -6, the process moves to the process of updating the contents of the charge history learning table CHST based on the value of the charge time counter CT1 (step A29).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the update processing of the charging history learning table CHST. First, CPU1
-1 obtains the corresponding position of the charging history learning table CHST based on the current discharge time obtained by the discharge time counter CT2 (step C1), and if there is no positive value at this corresponding position (step C2), the value Is the default value "-
Since it is "1", the value of the current charging time counter CT1 is written as it is in the corresponding position (step C3). on the other hand,
If there is a positive value at the corresponding position, that value is added to the current charging time obtained by the charging time counter CT1 and the addition result is divided by "2" to obtain the average charging time. The average value is written in the corresponding position (step C4). Then, the process proceeds to step A30, and the completion of charging is displayed. Then, the process returns to step A2.

As described above, the discharging time after the secondary battery provided in the portable terminal device 1 is fully charged is counted, and when the charging is started this time, based on the discharging time up to that time. Since the charge history learning table CHST is accessed and the value set at the position corresponding to this discharge time is acquired and displayed as the current estimated charge time, the time required to complete the charge can be known. . In addition, the number of times each time the sleep mode is switched is counted, and when the number of sleeps exceeds a preset number of times, a warning is issued to prompt charging, so switching to the sleep mode is complicated. It is possible to prevent the battery from running out due to the above. Also, when the number of sleeps reaches the limit value, it switches to the fixed sleep mode, and this fixed sleep mode is canceled on condition that charging is started, so even if the warning is ignored and the number of sleeps reaches the limit value, the battery runs out. It is possible to prevent input data from being destroyed due to the above.

When the estimated charging time is obtained, the charging history learning table CHST is associated with the discharging time in 5 minute increments.
Although the average charging time is read out from, the past charging time may be stored in correspondence with the discharging time in 5 minute intervals, and the intermediate value among them may be read out as the predicted charging time. Further, it goes without saying that the discharge time of the charge history learning table CHST is not limited to the interval of 5 minutes. Further, although the estimated charging time is displayed, the estimated charging time may be read from the charging history learning table CHST and the charging may be automatically performed for that time. Furthermore, when the sleep mode is released, the number of sleeps up to the present time may be displayed to warn.

[0019]

According to the present invention, when the secondary battery is being charged, the estimated charging time until the current charging is completed is obtained based on the past charging history, so that insufficient charging can be prevented. Since this can be prevented, reliable charging is possible. In addition, since the heavy load circuit such as the display device consumes unnecessary power until the switching to the sleep mode, the number of switching to the sleep mode is monitored to check the shortage of the battery level due to the switching. Can warn.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a portable electronic device 1 and an I / O box 2 which are separated into a portable electronic device 1 and an I / O box 2.
The block diagram which showed the structure of the / O box 2.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a charging history learning table CHST,
FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the contents at the time of initial setting, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the contents when the charging time is “20 minutes” in the state at the time of initial setting.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the portable terminal device 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing step A24 (charging estimated time acquisition process) of FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing step A29 (charging / discharging learning table update processing) of FIG. 3. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Portable Terminal Device 1-1 CPU 1-2 Storage Device 1-3 Power Supply Unit 1-4 Power Switch 1-5 Connection Unit 1-6 Charging State Detection Unit 1-7 Work Memory 1-8 RAM 1-9 Input Unit 1-10 Display 1-11 Buzzer 2 I / O Box CT1 Charging Time Counter CT2 Discharging Time Counter SC Sleep Counter ST Sleep Timer CHST Charging History Learning Table

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A battery-powered small electronic device having a built-in secondary battery and driven by using the secondary battery as a power source, comprising: discharge time measuring means for measuring a discharge time of the secondary battery; Charging time measuring means for measuring the charging time until the charging is completed, and the charging time obtained by the charging time measuring means corresponding to the discharging time obtained by the discharging time measuring means is stored as charging history information. Charge history storage means, and means for accessing the charge history storage means based on the current discharge time obtained by the discharge measuring means at the start of the current charge, and obtaining a predicted charge time until the current charge is completed. A battery-operated small electronic device comprising: 2. A battery is used as a power source, and switching to a sleep mode is performed on condition that no input operation is performed for a certain period while the power is on, and the input operation is performed in this sleep mode. In this case, in the battery-powered small electronic device that releases the sleep mode, the counting means that counts the number of times the sleep mode is switched is compared with the number of sleep times obtained by this counting means and the preset number of times. A battery-operated small electronic device, comprising: a comparison means for performing the comparison and a notification means for reporting the comparison result of the comparison means.