TWI386794B - Electronic apparatus and power management method thereof - Google Patents

Description

Electronic device and power management method thereof

The invention relates to an electronic device with satellite positioning function and a power management method thereof, and particularly relates to a satellite positioning function capable of saving power consumption and maintaining a hot start state by power management. Electronic device and its power management method.

Many manufacturers in the market have introduced electronic devices with satellite positioning functions, such as car positioning systems, notebook computers, smart phones, mobile phones or personal digital assistant mobile phones. When users go out to travel or play, they borrow Assisted by electronic devices with satellite positioning and navigation systems, users can avoid getting lost and getting to their destination more easily.

However, in the first positioning of the satellite positioning module for performing the satellite positioning function in the electronic device, for example, Cold Start, it takes time-consuming searching for available satellites and obtaining satellite data. If the user is eager to use the satellite positioning function, the satellite positioning module needs to wait for the cold positioning to enter the positioning state before receiving the positioning information and starting to use. Moreover, the electronic device can perform cold booting by pre-controlling the satellite positioning module before the user has activated the positioning related application, such as the navigation system. In this way, although the satellite positioning module can be kept in a continuously positioned state to provide the user with quick positioning information, the power consumption of the electronic device is increased, which affects the standby time and performance.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a power management method thereof. According to an embodiment of the invention, the electronic device includes a satellite positioning module. Before the user has performed the positioning related application, such as the navigation system, the satellite positioning module performs a cold boot in advance to search for available satellites and receive their satellite data. If the positioning is successful and the user still does not execute the satellite positioning related application, the satellite positioning module enters the power saving state and returns to the enabling state to update the satellite data within the effective time of the satellite data, so the satellite positioning module can remain In the state of Hot Start, the user is provided to quickly achieve the positioning without re-booting the cold to save the user's time for obtaining the positioning information. If the positioning fails and the number of failures is greater than the predetermined condition, the user may be located in a poorly received location. Therefore, the satellite positioning module enters a power saving state that lasts for a long time, so that the user cannot perform the poor reception. Where the satellite is located, the satellite positioning module can avoid the power consumption caused by the power saving and enabling state, thus saving the power consumption of the electronic device.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a power management method is provided, which is applicable to an electronic device having a satellite positioning function, the electronic device includes a satellite positioning module, and the power management method includes the following process steps. First, the satellite positioning module is controlled to operate in an enabled state to obtain satellite data and to locate the electronic device in a first time. Then, if the electronic device is successfully positioned in the first time, the satellite positioning module is controlled to enter a power saving state for a second time, and the satellite data is stored, wherein during the second time, when the satellite positioning module returns to enabling In the state, the satellite positioning module uses satellite data to avoid cold booting. Then, after the second time, the satellite positioning module is controlled to return from the power saving state to the enabled state, and the satellite positioning module obtains the updated satellite data according to the satellite data, and attempts to locate the electronic device according to the third time, wherein The third time is less than the first time. Then, if the electronic device attempts to locate the failure in the third time, the satellite positioning module is controlled to return to the power saving state for the fourth time, and then try to locate the electronic device at least once after the fourth time, wherein, when the electronic device If the number of positioning failures is greater than a predetermined condition, the satellite positioning module returns to the power saving state and continues for the fifth time, wherein the fifth time is greater than the fourth time.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a power management method is provided, which is applicable to an electronic device having a satellite positioning function, the electronic device includes a satellite positioning module, and the power management method includes the following process steps. First, the satellite positioning module is controlled to operate in an enabled state to obtain satellite data and to locate the electronic device in a first time. Then, if the electronic device is successfully positioned in the first time, the satellite positioning module is controlled to enter a power saving state for a second time, and the satellite data is stored, wherein during the second time, when the satellite positioning module returns to enabling In the state, the satellite positioning module uses satellite data to avoid cold booting. The second time is less than a predetermined time, and the predetermined time is the effective time of the satellite data.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, including a storage device, a satellite positioning module, and a processor. The processor is configured to control the satellite positioning module to operate in an enabled state to obtain satellite data and to locate the electronic device in a first time. If the electronic device is successfully positioned in the first time, the processor controls the satellite positioning module to enter a power saving state for a second time, and stores the satellite data to the storage device, wherein in the second time, when the satellite positioning module returns When enabled, the satellite positioning module uses satellite data to avoid cold booting. After the second time, the processor controls the satellite positioning module to return to the enabled state from the power saving state, and the satellite positioning module obtains the updated satellite data according to the satellite data, and attempts to locate the electronic device according to the third time, wherein The third time is less than the first time. If the electronic device attempts to locate the failure in the third time, the processor controls the satellite positioning module to return to the power saving state for the fourth time, and after the fourth time, the satellite positioning module attempts to locate the electronic device at least once, wherein When the number of failed positioning of the electronic device is greater than a predetermined condition, the satellite positioning module is controlled to return to the power saving state for a fifth time, wherein the fifth time is greater than the fourth time.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, including a storage device, a satellite positioning module, and a processor. The processor is configured to control the satellite positioning module to operate in an enabled state to obtain satellite data and to locate the electronic device in a first time. If the electronic device is successfully positioned in the first time, the processor controls the satellite positioning module to enter a power saving state for a second time, and stores the satellite data to the storage device, wherein in the second time, when the satellite positioning module returns When enabled, the satellite positioning module uses satellite data to avoid cold booting. The second time is less than a predetermined time, and the predetermined time is the effective time of the satellite data.

In order to make the above-mentioned contents of the present invention more comprehensible, the following specific embodiments, together with the drawings, are described in detail below:

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a satellite positioning module. Before the user has executed the satellite positioning related application program, the satellite positioning module performs cold booting in advance to receive satellite data. After the electronic device is successfully positioned, the satellite positioning module can enter the power saving state to save power, and the satellite positioning module is based on The timeliness of the satellite data is returned to the enabled state to update the satellite data so that it can be maintained in the Hot Start state without re-booting the cold. Here, the user can quickly receive the positioning information to save The time when the user obtained the location information. In an embodiment, when the positioning fails and the number of positioning failures is greater than the predetermined condition, at this time, the user may be located in a place with poor reception, such as indoors, in a building, under a bridge, or at a plurality of shelters. The satellite positioning module can enter a long-lasting power-saving state to reduce the power consumption generated by the satellite positioning module back and forth in the enabling and power-saving state.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a power management method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view showing an embodiment of an electronic device applied to the power management method of Fig. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device 100 includes a storage device 10, a satellite positioning module 30, a processor 50, and a user interface device 70. The storage device 10 is configured to store satellite data, such as built-in memory, an external memory card, and the like. The satellite positioning module 30 is configured to receive satellite data. The processor 50 is configured to control the satellite positioning module 30 to receive satellite data, so that even if the satellite positioning module is in an enabled state, or the satellite positioning module 30 stops receiving satellite data, it means to enter a power saving state, such as a sleep state. The processor 50 stores the satellite data in the storage device 10 for use by the satellite positioning module 30 to update the satellite data. The user interface device 70 is configured to detect a user's operation to operate the electronic device 100.

As shown in Figure 1, the power management method includes the following steps. First, as shown in step S102, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to operate in an enabled state to acquire satellite data and to locate the electronic device 100 in a first time. Then, as shown in step S104, if the positioning of the electronic device 100 is successful in the first time, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to enter the power saving state for a second time, and stores the satellite data to the storage device 10. In the second time, when the satellite positioning module 30 returns to the enabling state, the satellite positioning module 30 uses satellite data to avoid cold booting. The enabled state is representative: the satellite positioning module 30 is in a state of attempting to receive satellite data. The power saving state represents that the satellite positioning module 30 is in a state of stopping trying to receive satellite data.

Then, as shown in step S106, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to return to the enabled state from the power saving state after the second time, and the satellite positioning module 30 obtains the updated satellite data according to the satellite data, and accordingly The third time is attempted to locate the electronic device 100, wherein the third time is less than the first time. Then, as shown in step S108, if the electronic device 100 attempts to locate the failure in the third time, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to return to the power saving state for the fourth time, and then attempts to locate after the fourth time. The electronic device 100 is at least once. Finally, as shown in step S110, when the number of positioning failures of the electronic device 100 is greater than the predetermined condition, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to return to the power saving state for a fifth time, wherein the fifth time is greater than the fourth time. An example will be given to explain the relationship between the time of the first time and the fifth time in steps S102 to S110.

Please refer to FIG. 3, which shows an example of the time and size of the first time to the fifth time in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the abscissa represents time t, for example, to illustrate the duration of time that satellite positioning module 30 is in each state. The ordinate system represents the state S, for example, to indicate that the satellite positioning module 30 is in the enabled state A or the power saving state B. The first time t1 represents the first positioning of the satellite positioning module 30 in the enabled state A, that is, Cold Start, and the required time is, for example, preset to 8 minutes.

For example, the second time t2 represents the time when the satellite positioning module 30 can enter the power saving state B after the positioning of the electronic device 100. In other words, the second time t2 corresponds to allowing the satellite positioning module 30 to remain in the The effective time of the satellite data in the hot boot state. The satellite data received by the satellite positioning module 30, for example, the ephemeris data of the satellite in the Global Positioning System (GPS), has an effective time of about 4 hours, so the second time t2 can be preset. Within 4 hours. In this way, if the user does not use the satellite positioning related application, such as the navigation function, the satellite positioning module 30 only needs to return to the enabled state to update the satellite data in the second time t2, so that the satellite positioning module 30 can be made. Keep it warm at any time. In this way, in addition to reducing the power consumption of the electronic device 100, the satellite positioning module 30 can also be kept in a hot boot state, saving time for obtaining positioning information, and ensuring the reliability of the satellite data.

However, the setting of the second time t2 can be adjusted according to the specifications of other satellite systems, such as the upcoming Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or other satellite systems in development, and not For the limit.

The third time t3 represents the time required for the satellite positioning module to perform a warm boot, for example, set to 10 seconds. The fourth time t4 represents the time during which the satellite positioning module enters the power saving state after the electronic device 100 fails to locate. The fifth time t5 represents the time during which the satellite positioning module enters the power saving state after the plurality of positioning failures of the electronic device 100. A detailed explanation is given below.

For example, when the number of failed positioning of the electronic device 100 is greater than a predetermined condition, that is, the user may be located in a poorly received location. At this time, the satellite positioning module 30 enters the power saving state and continues for a longer fifth time t5, wherein the fifth time t5 is greater than the fourth time t4, and the fifth time t5 is, for example, 30 minutes. As described above, the third time t3 is less than the first time t1, which represents that the hot start time is less than the cold start time, and the fifth time t5 is greater than the fourth time t4, where the electronic device 100 is in poor reception and cannot perform the satellite positioning function. The power saving state of the electronic device 100 can be saved by entering a power saving state for a long time. In accordance with an embodiment of the power management method of FIG. 1, the following further illustrates an example of a detailed flowchart.

Please refer to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, which illustrate an example of a detailed flowchart according to an embodiment of the power management method of FIG. 1. First, as shown in step S402, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to operate in an enabled state to obtain satellite data, and accordingly locates the electronic device 100 within the first time t1. For example, when the electronic device 100 is started, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to receive satellite data, that is, before the user starts to execute the satellite positioning related application, the satellite data is obtained in advance and Performing a long time-consuming first positioning of the electronic device 100, that is, Cold Start; or the user starts the satellite positioning function of the electronic device 100 to start the cold booting; or the user starts the self-starting Satellite positioning related applications, such as navigation systems, cause the electronic device 100 to begin performing satellite positioning functions and begin cold booting.

Next, as shown in step S404, it is determined whether the electronic device 100 is successfully located within the first time t1. If yes, step S406 is performed, and if no, step S412 is performed. For example, when the first positioning is completed, the electronic device 100 already has available satellite data, such as ephemeris data of the satellite in the global positioning system, that is, the electronic device 100 can enter the hot boot state from the cold boot state.

As shown in step S406, the processor 50 determines whether the electronic device 100 is executing an application to use the satellite positioning function. If so, the satellite positioning module 30 remains in the enabled state, and is re-executed in step S406 after a predetermined time, for example, 5 minutes; if not, step S408 is performed.

The processor 50 determines whether the electronic device 100 is executing an application to use the satellite positioning function. For example, the behavior or method of using a hardware module by a general application may be applied to perform a polling, checking, or event-driven manner in the electronic device 100 to determine whether to utilize the satellite positioning function. For example, an application that uses satellite positioning will generally load the relevant drivers for the satellite positioning module when it is turned on. When the application is installed, the hardware driver to be used is recorded in a special file in the operating system, such as a login file in the operating system of the Windows or Windows Mobile series. In response to the above-mentioned application using the hardware module, in an example, the driver can be implemented in a software implementation to determine whether the current system is executing or loading the satellite positioning module by polling or checking. In another example, the software may also be used to record the file name of the application that uses the driver in the login file to determine whether the application is executing.

In addition, the user can execute the application by pressing the user interface device corresponding to the satellite positioning function to use the satellite positioning function, and the software for implementing the embodiment of the method of the present invention can also be adapted to the instructions of the user. It is known that the electronic device 100 is to execute an application to use the satellite positioning function. The user interface device, such as a button or a touch panel, launches the application.

In another example, the user interface device includes a voice input device (not shown), and the user can make a sound and use the user interface to activate the satellite positioning function or execute the application to use the satellite positioning function. In addition, in other examples, the user can select a condition for starting the satellite positioning function or executing the application to use the satellite positioning function by setting the software in the electronic device, such as a time point or a place, when the condition is met, the electronic device 100 will automatically execute the app to use satellite positioning.

As shown in step S408, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to enter the power saving state for the second time t2, and stores the satellite data to the storage device 10. For example, if the user has not enabled the satellite positioning function or its related application, that is, when the electronic device 100 does not execute the related application, the satellite positioning module 30 of the electronic device 100 enters the power saving state and continues to be the first. Two times t2 to keep it in a hot bootable state. A detailed explanation is given below.

For example, the second time t2 is, for example, the effective time of the satellite ephemeris data of the Global Positioning System (GPS). For example, the second time is substantially four hours. Therefore, the satellite positioning module 30 returns to the enabled state to update the satellite data during the second time t2, and in addition to maintaining the correctness of the satellite data, it can remain in the hot boot state. In this way, when the user enables the satellite positioning function or related application execution, the electronic device 100 can be quickly located without waiting for a long-time positioning (cold boot) process. However, this second time t2 is not limited thereto, and it can also be adjusted according to other positioning systems.

As shown in step S410, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to return from the power saving state to the enabled state after the second time t2.

As shown in step S412, the processor 50 determines that the satellite positioning module 30 obtains the updated satellite data based on the satellite data, and accordingly attempts to locate whether the electronic device 100 is successfully located within the third time t3. If no, step S414 is performed; if yes, step S420 is performed. The third time t3 is smaller than the first time t1 in step S404. For example, the satellite positioning module 30 can quickly obtain updated satellite data according to the satellite data in the second time t2 (ie, the effective time of the satellite data) to try to locate (ie, hot boot).

As shown in step S414, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to return to the power saving state for the fourth time t4, and attempts to locate the electronic device 100 at least once after the fourth time t4. For example, the fourth time t4 is, for example, 30 seconds, that is, the satellite positioning module 30 quickly attempts to locate the electronic device 100 in a short time, thereby determining whether the environment in which the electronic device 100 is located can perform satellite positioning function. .

As shown in step S416, the processor 50 determines whether the number of positioning failures of the electronic device 100 is greater than a predetermined condition, and if so, proceeds to step S418, and if not, re-executes step S408.

As shown in step S418, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to return to the power saving state for the fifth time t5. After the execution of step S418 is completed, step S402 is re-executed. An example of the steps S416 to S418 will be described in detail below.

For example, the predetermined condition is, for example, 100 times, that is, if the number of positioning failures of the electronic device 100 is greater than 100 times, it means that the user may be located in a poorly received place, such as indoors, in a building, under a bridge, or Where there are more shelters, at this time, the processor 50 controls the satellite positioning module 30 to enter a power saving state and maintains a long time, for example, the fifth time is 30 minutes, and the fifth time t5 is greater than the fourth time t4.

In an example, as shown in step S420, the processor 50 determines whether the electronic device 100 is executing an application to use the satellite positioning function. If so, the satellite positioning module 30 remains in the enabled state, and for a preset time, for example, 5 minutes, then step S420 is re-executed; if not, step S408 is re-executed. In this example, processor 50 is determined in a polling manner. In other examples, the manner of judgment may be event-driven. When an event occurs, such as a user's instruction or the system is to perform a positioning function, the software implementing the method of the above embodiment may be designed to cause satellite positioning as the event occurs. Module 30 is then held or returned to an enabled state.

In addition, the power saving state of the satellite positioning module in the above embodiment may also be one or more power saving states in different examples. For example, the standby power saving state (standby), the power-off state of the power-off state, and the sleep state, and the power consumption of the satellite positioning module is different in a plurality of different power-saving states. Therefore, it can be designed according to the characteristics of the module. According to the embodiment of the foregoing power management method, in other embodiments, when entering the power-saving state from the enabled state, it may be regarded as one of a plurality of power-saving states; in addition, depending on the duration or other conditions, such as the power state. And decided to save more power saving state.

The electronic device and the power management method thereof according to the above different embodiments of the present invention have the following effects:

(1) In the above embodiment, before the user performs the satellite positioning related application, the satellite positioning module performs cold booting to receive the satellite data, and then the satellite positioning module can enter the power saving state to save Power consumption, which updates the satellite data according to the effective time of the satellite data to enable the satellite positioning module to remain in the Hot Start state, so that satellite positioning information can be accepted at any time without Will excessively increase the power consumption of the electronic device. In this way, after the user starts the positioning function, there is no need to wait for a time-consuming cold boot.

(2) As shown in the above embodiment, the number of failed positionings can be used to determine whether the user is located in a poorly received location, so that the satellite positioning module can enter a long-term power saving state, saving the satellite positioning module. The power consumption generated in the state of enabling and power saving is constantly going back and forth, and thus the power consumption of the electronic device is greatly saved.

Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention has higher applicability and convenience than the conventional method of continuously updating the satellite data to achieve the positioning, so that the user can achieve rapid positioning under the condition of saving power. effect.

In conclusion, the present invention has been disclosed in the above embodiments, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. A person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

10. . . Storage device

30. . . Satellite positioning module

50. . . processor

70. . . User interface device

100. . . Electronic device

S102~S110, S402~S420. . . step

T1~t5. . . First time to fifth time

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a power management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a view showing an embodiment of an electronic device applied to the power management method of Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the time from the first time to the fifth time in Figure 1.

FIG. 4A is a detailed flow chart showing an embodiment of the power management method of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a detailed flow chart showing an embodiment of the power management method of FIG. 1.

Claims (14)

A power management method is applicable to an electronic device having a satellite positioning function, the electronic device comprising a satellite positioning module, the method comprising: controlling the satellite positioning module to operate in a consistent state to obtain a satellite data and Positioning the electronic device in a first time; if the electronic device is successfully located in the first time, controlling the satellite positioning module to enter a power saving state for a second time, and storing the satellite data, wherein During the second time, when the satellite positioning module returns to the enabled state, the satellite positioning module uses the satellite data to avoid cold start; and controls the satellite positioning after the second time. The module returns from the power saving state to the enabled state, and the satellite positioning module obtains an updated satellite data according to the satellite data, and attempts to locate the electronic device according to a third time, wherein the third The time is less than the first time; and if the electronic device attempts to locate the failure within the third time, controlling the satellite positioning module to return to the power saving state and continue for one And attempting to locate the electronic device at least once after the fourth time, wherein when the number of failed positioning of the electronic device is greater than a predetermined condition, controlling the satellite positioning module to return to the power saving state and continuing for a fifth time Time, wherein the fifth time is greater than the fourth time. The power management method of claim 1, wherein the step of the satellite positioning module entering the power saving state and continuing before the second time comprises: determining whether the electronic device is executing an application to use The satellite positioning function; if so, the satellite positioning module remains in the enabled state; if not, the satellite positioning module enters the power saving state. The power management method of claim 1, wherein the second time is less than a predetermined time, and the predetermined time is an effective time of the satellite data. The power management method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time is substantially 4 hours. The power management method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises: determining, when the electronic device attempts to locate successfully, whether the electronic device is executing an application to use a satellite positioning function, and if so, the satellite positioning module The group remains in the enabled state, and if not, the satellite positioning module returns to the power saving state. The power management method of claim 1, wherein the step of successfully attempting to locate the electronic device during the third time comprises: determining whether the electronic device is executing an application to use the satellite positioning function; if so, The satellite positioning module is maintained in the enabled state; if not, the satellite positioning module is returned to the power saving state for the second time. The power management method of claim 1, wherein the step of failing to locate the electronic device during the first time comprises: attempting to locate the electronic device during the third time. A power management method is applicable to an electronic device having a satellite positioning function, the electronic device comprising a satellite positioning module, the method comprising: controlling the satellite positioning module to operate in a consistent state to obtain a satellite data and Positioning the electronic device in a first time; if the electronic device is successfully located in the first time, controlling the satellite positioning module to enter a power saving state for a second time, and storing the satellite data, wherein During the second time, when the satellite positioning module returns to the enabled state, the satellite positioning module uses the satellite data to avoid cold start; wherein the second time is less than a predetermined time. The predetermined time is the effective time of the satellite data. An electronic device comprising: a storage device; a satellite positioning module; a processor for controlling the satellite positioning module to operate in a consistent state to obtain a satellite data and to locate it in a first time The electronic device; if the electronic device is successfully located in the first time, the processor controls the satellite positioning module to enter a power saving state for a second time, and stores the satellite data to the storage device, where During the second time, when the satellite positioning module returns to the enabled state, the satellite positioning module uses the satellite data to avoid cold booting; after the second time, the processor controls the satellite positioning module. Returning to the enabled state from the power saving state, the satellite positioning module obtains an updated satellite data according to the satellite data, and attempts to locate the electronic device according to a third time, wherein the third time is less than The first time; and if the electronic device attempts to locate the failure within the third time, the processor controls the satellite positioning module to return to the power saving state for a fourth time After the fourth time, the satellite positioning module attempts to locate the electronic device at least once, wherein when the number of positioning failures of the electronic device is greater than a predetermined condition, the satellite positioning module is controlled to return to the power saving state and The fifth time is continued, wherein the fifth time is greater than the fourth time. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the electronic device comprises a user interface device, the processor determining, by the user interface device, whether the electronic device is executing an application to use a satellite positioning function; If yes, the satellite positioning module remains in the enabled state; if not, the satellite positioning module enters the power saving state. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the second time period is less than a predetermined time, and the predetermined time is an effective time of the satellite data. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the predetermined time is substantially 4 hours. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the processor controls the satellite positioning module to attempt to locate the electronic device during the third time after the electronic device fails to locate in the first time. An electronic device comprising: a storage device; a satellite positioning module; a processor for controlling the satellite positioning module to operate in a consistent state to obtain a satellite data and to locate it in a first time The electronic device; if the electronic device is successfully located in the first time, the processor controls the satellite positioning module to enter a power saving state for a second time, and stores the satellite data to the storage device, where During the second time, when the satellite positioning module returns to the enabled state, the satellite positioning module uses the satellite data to avoid cold booting; wherein the second time is less than a predetermined time, the predetermined time is The effective time for the satellite data.