JP2003330579A - Portable electronics apparatus, electric power control method, electric power control program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable electronics apparatus which can make effective use of a battery according to each function. <P>SOLUTION: Significance degree of each function is regarded as an element, and this constitution allows the intention of a user himself to be directly input and set. This apparatus prevents a situation from occurring where a function with high significance degree cannot be used because a function with lower significance degree is being used without any particular intention, by conducting a battery management by a method to control a usable region of a battery capacity, according to the level of significance degree of a motion of each function part by significance degree. Also, a correction function by a consumption current is mounted while as a principle a utilization restriction of a battery is set at the apparatus side according to the significance degree. The correction function is conducted inside the apparatus. Also, convenience is improved by realizing a function which can conduct a setting alternation of the significance degree of the initial setting before the utilization restriction starts. Also, by making information itself hold significance degree, a battery management is realized according not to the significance of the function but to the information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applied to a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant having various functions, and a plurality of functions can be obtained by associating a priority of personal information of a user with a battery usage method. It is possible to effectively use the portable electronic device within a limited battery capacity range and improve the usability of the portable electronic device in a manner that reflects the intention of the user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-253587 discloses an example of an electronic device capable of controlling the function of each functional unit that reflects the user's intention. FIG. 13 is an example of the operation based on the flowchart shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-253587, for example, step S4.
1 is the reading of the value X from the memory storing the number of functions for which use is desired to be secured, step S42 is for determining whether or not there is a function for which use is to be secured, step S43 is the control end, and step S44 is The total required current accumulated remaining amount of the functional unit set to secure the use is read, and in step S45, the battery remaining capacity Qc is the total required accumulated remaining amount Qrr.
It is determined whether or not it is equal to (X-1), step S46 stops the function other than the function that secures the use, step S47 erases the icon of the stopped function from the LCD display, and step S48 secures the use. A process of excluding a function having a lower priority from the functions for which use is secured, step S49 is the same as step S42, it is determined whether or not there is a function for which use is desired to be secured, and step S50 is a power-down state.

Next, the operation will be described. In the initial setting, the user selects a function to be reserved for use and a time to be reserved for a function to be reserved when the battery level is low. In the conventional example, the required battery residual amount Qc is individually calculated from the time when it is desired to secure the use and the power consumption of the device, and the total of each function is obtained. Further, when there are a plurality of functions for which use is desired to be secured, the priorities of those functions are also set. First, in step S41, the value X stored in the memory [MEMX] storing the selected number of functions to be used is read. In step S42, it is determined whether X is 1 or less. When X is 1 (initial value) or less, it means that there is no setting of the functional unit for ensuring the use, and the process proceeds to step 43 to end the control.

On the other hand, when X is 2 or more in step S42, it means that one or a plurality of functional units for which use is to be ensured is set, and the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the memory [MEMQrr (X-1)]
Read Qrr (X-1) [total required current accumulated remaining amount of functional units up to the X-1th order set to secure use] stored in the memory, and in step S45, the remaining battery charge Qc Is equal to the total required current integrated remaining amount Qrr (X-1). Qc = Qr in step S45
If r (X-1), then in step S46, X-1
Stop the functions of all the functional units except the functional units in the order up to. Then, in step S47, the user is notified by deleting the icon of the functional unit that has stopped functioning.
In step S48, a function having a lower priority is excluded from the functions to be secured, among the functions to be secured next.
The process of X = X-1 is executed. Further, in step 49, it is determined whether or not the function to be reserved for use still exists. If X = 0 in this determination, the process proceeds to step S50, and the power is turned off. If X = 0 is not satisfied in S49, the process returns to S44 and the processes of S44 to S49 are repeated.

[0005]

Since the conventional portable electronic equipment is controlled as described above, it is necessary to directly set the usage time secured by the user, and the power consumption of each function and each function. It is difficult for a user who has little electrical knowledge to understand the relationship between the battery capacities required to secure the usage time of, and there is a problem that the setting considering the balance of each function is not always successful. For example, if the user is not aware of the battery capacity, the sum of the set values of the respective functions may be set up to a state where the battery capacity is relatively large (for example, the battery capacity is about 50%). Also, by changing the settings for high-priority functions, the control method changes how much of the battery the low-priority functions can actually use, which is a complicated function for the user. Difficult.

For the original battery management function, it is important that the battery capacity can be used more efficiently and easily. However, since the setting becomes complicated and the user sets a high-priority function with an element of usage time, for example, when the usage time for securing a high-priority function is set to be large, power consumption is reduced. Even if there are few low-priority functions and the battery level is sufficient, there is the inconvenience that they cannot be used. This means that it is possible to set the usage time finely and perform accurate control, but on the other hand, if the user has no electrical knowledge, improper settings are likely to occur, and there is a large difference in usability due to individual differences among users. There is a problem that becomes.

Further, in this method, since the use is limited to the preset function of each device and the data itself handled by the user is not an element for determining the priority, There is a problem that the control method does not necessarily reflect the user's intention. In addition, there are cases where one function handles important information and cases where unimportant information is handled, and there is the problem that it is not possible to reflect the user's intention simply by determining the priority for each function. It was

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and realizes battery management by using information that does not require the user to have electrical knowledge as a setting factor. To aim. Specifically, the purpose is to prevent the user from not using other less important functions by overusing less important functions without having electrical knowledge. Also,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a power saving control method that reflects the user's intention to the maximum extent with respect to the functions used by the user.

[0009]

A portable electronic device according to the present invention is a portable electronic device which is operated by a power source which supplies a finite amount of electric power. Multiple importance levels corresponding to the department,
An importance level setting unit that sets a plurality of function limit capacity values that define the remaining amount of electric power that limits the execution of functions in association with the plurality of importance levels, and the plurality of importance levels and the plurality of function restrictions. Corresponding to the one function unit with respect to at least one function unit of the plurality of function units, the importance storage unit that stores the capacity value, the remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of power of the power source, and the at least one function unit. By using the importance level, the function limit capacity value corresponding to the one functional unit is acquired from the importance level storage unit,
Using the acquired function limit capacity value and the remaining amount of power detected by the remaining amount detection unit, it is determined whether or not to stop the operation of the one functional unit, and based on the determined result, the above And a control unit for stopping the operation of one functional unit.

The control unit is characterized in that the plurality of functional units stored in the importance storage unit are sequentially determined from the corresponding functional units in the ascending order of importance, and the operation is stopped for each functional unit. .

The portable electronic device further displays an importance level setting screen for inputting the plurality of importance levels, accepts the input of the plurality of importance levels, and accepts the received importance levels and function restrictions corresponding to the importance levels. The battery availability range calculated using the capacity value and a display unit that displays the importance setting screen on the importance setting screen, the importance setting unit, the importance storage unit stores the plurality of importance received by the display unit. It is characterized by storing in.

The portable electronic device further includes a power storage unit for storing a plurality of power amount values necessary for the plurality of functional units to operate, and the control unit has a plurality of power storage units stored in the power storage unit. It is characterized by having a power analysis correction function for correcting the plurality of function limiting capacity values by using the power amount value.

The portable electronic device further displays an importance level setting screen for inputting the plurality of importance levels, receives the input of the plurality of importance levels, and accepts the received importance levels and function restrictions corresponding to the importance levels. While displaying the battery usable range calculated using the capacity value on the importance setting screen,
The importance level setting screen has an area for inputting a battery usable range that can be used by each of the plurality of functional units, and is provided with a display unit that receives an input of the battery usable range from a user.

The portable electronic device further includes a timer that counts the usage time until a predetermined time is reached when the one functional unit is started to be used. Is counted, the user is notified that the change of the importance corresponding to the one functional unit is urged.

The control unit instructs the timer to count the usage time when the remaining amount of power detected by the remaining amount detection unit is smaller than a predetermined value, and the timer controls the control The above-mentioned usage time is counted when instructed by the department.

The control unit calculates a predetermined time counted by the timer by using the remaining amount of power detected by the remaining amount detection unit and the amount of power consumption used by the functional unit. To do.

The control unit detects a break of execution of the one functional unit, and when the break is detected, notifies the user of urging to change the degree of importance corresponding to the one functional unit. Is characterized by.

Each of the plurality of function units holds a value indicating the degree of importance corresponding to its own function unit, and the degree of importance setting unit acquires a value indicating the degree of importance from each of the plurality of function units, It is characterized in that the importance is stored in the importance storage unit using the acquired value indicating the importance.

The portable electronic device is characterized by further comprising a display unit for displaying a menu screen for selecting a functional unit and displaying the stopped functional unit on the menu screen.

The control unit detects a break of execution of the one functional unit when stopping the one functional unit,
When the break is detected, the one functional unit is stopped.

The power control method according to the present invention is a power control method for controlling the power of a portable electronic device that executes a plurality of functions by a power source that supplies a finite amount of power. And a plurality of function limit capacity values that define the remaining amount of electric power that limits the execution of the function for each of the plurality of importance degrees, and the plurality of importance degrees and the plurality of function limit capacity values are set to the importance degree. Store in the storage unit, detect the remaining amount of electric power of the power source, and use at least one function of the plurality of functions, using the degree of importance corresponding to the one function, to support the one function. The function limit capacity value is acquired from the importance storage unit, and the acquired function limit capacity value and the remaining amount of the detected power are used to determine whether or not to stop the operation, and based on the result of the determination. The above one machine Wherein the stopping of the operation.

A power control program according to the present invention is a power control program in which power control of a portable electronic device that executes a plurality of functions by a power source that supplies finite power is realized by a processor included in the portable electronic device. , The importance corresponding to each of the above multiple functions,
A process of setting a plurality of function limit capacity values that define the remaining amount of electric power that limits the execution of the function for each of the plurality of importance levels,
Regarding processing of storing the plurality of importance levels and the plurality of function limit capacity values in the importance level storage section, processing of detecting the remaining amount of power of the power source, and at least one function of the plurality of functions , A process of acquiring the function limit capacity value corresponding to the one function from the importance degree storage unit by using the importance level corresponding to the one function, the acquired function limit capacity value, and the detected power A power control program that realizes a process of determining whether to stop the operation using the remaining amount, and a process of stopping the operation of the one function based on the result of the determination. To do.

A computer-readable recording medium for recording a power control program according to the present invention controls the power of a portable electronic device that executes a plurality of functions by a power source that supplies a finite amount of power. In a computer-readable recording medium for recording a power control program realized by a processor included in, a degree of importance corresponding to each of the plurality of functions, and a remaining amount of electric power that limits execution of the function for each of the plurality of degrees of importance. To set a plurality of function limit capacity values that define, a process of storing the plurality of importance and the plurality of function limit capacity values in the importance degree storage unit, and the remaining amount of power of the power source With regard to the processing to be detected and at least one of the plurality of functions, the function corresponding to the one function is used by using the importance corresponding to the one function. A process of obtaining a capacity value from the importance storage unit, a process of determining whether to stop the operation using the obtained function limit capacity value and the detected remaining amount of power, and the result of the determination Based on the above, it is a computer-readable recording medium for recording a power control program that realizes a process of stopping the operation of the one function.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The portable electronic device according to the present invention is provided with an importance level setting section for each function that can be set by the user, and determines the usage range of the remaining battery level according to the set importance level. This function is provided to control the stop of the function from a less important function according to the degree of decrease in the remaining battery level. Also, while the user is using an arbitrary function, with the passage of a certain period of time, by notifying the user of the setting of the importance of the function being used, and by providing an opportunity to change the setting of the importance, It is an attempt to realize that the most important importance can be set for the function being used. In addition, when the function in use meets the use end condition due to the low battery level, the user is notified through an LCD display or the like, and the user is given an opportunity to select whether or not to stop the function in use. . In addition, when it is used continuously, the user is given an opportunity to change the importance setting. Further, the data to be used (for example, a document file, a music file, a moving image file, etc.) is provided with information as a setting element of the importance according to the present invention, thereby setting the importance for each data used by the user. It is made possible to do.

A portable electronic device (for example, a mobile phone or a mobile information terminal) has, for example, a music recording / playback function,
It has functions such as moving image recording / playback function, television reception function, mail creation / transmission / reception function, game function, photography function, network connection function such as the Internet.

Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a flow chart of processing showing implementation of battery management according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a hardware configuration of the portable electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, step S1 shows that the user has selected an arbitrary function and started using it, step S2 shows the reading of the set value of importance set by the user on the initial setting screen, and step S3 Indicates the determination of the operable remaining amount, step S4 indicates the reading of the current remaining battery amount, step S5 indicates the comparison between the operable remaining battery amount and the actual remaining battery amount, and step S6 stops the function in use. Is notified to the user, step S7 shows a determination process as to whether or not the user has obtained permission to stop the function in use, step S8 shows a process for resetting the importance level setting, and step S8
Reference numeral 9 denotes a process for re-determining the remaining battery level in which operation is possible,
10 indicates the end of the function in use.

In FIG. 2, 1 is a battery, 2 is a battery remaining amount detecting section, 3 is a power supply section, 4 is a power supply control section, 5 is a power supply switch, 6 is a main control section, 7 is a CPU (Central P).
8 is a memory (ROM)
(Read Only Memory), 9 is a memory (RAM (Random Access Memory)
y)). Reference numerals 10 to 13 are dedicated circuit units for realizing each function of the mobile terminal. As an example of the dedicated circuit section, 10 is a function A dedicated circuit section (wireless telephone), 11 is a function B dedicated circuit section (music recording / playback function), and 12 is a function C dedicated circuit section (TV (television) receiving function). , 13 are assumed to be function D-dedicated circuit sections (game functions). Reference numeral 14 is an input unit attached to the function D dedicated circuit unit 13, 15 is a key input unit, and 16 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal D).
display) display section.

Function-A dedicated circuit 10 and Function-B dedicated circuit 1
The function dedicated circuits such as 1, the function C dedicated circuit 12 and the function D dedicated circuit 13 are also referred to as a plurality of functional units. The battery remaining amount detecting unit (remaining amount detecting unit) 2 detects the remaining amount of electric power held by the power supply unit 3. The power supply control unit 4 controls supply of electric power to a plurality of functional units for each functional unit. When the power supply control unit 4 receives the value of the remaining amount of power from the battery remaining amount detection unit 2, it controls the power to be supplied based on the received remaining amount of power, and receives an instruction from the main control unit 6. If so, the power supplied is controlled based on the instruction.

The main control unit 6 includes a memory (for example, ROM
Store the program in 8). The program is loaded from the memory and executed by the CPU 7. The program controls the execution of the operations of the plurality of functional units and sends an instruction to the power supply control unit 4. Key input section 15,
The LDC display unit 16 is controlled. The main control unit 6 uses the key input unit 15 and the LDC display unit 16 to control the interface with the user such as the function of setting the importance level (importance level setting unit). The memory (ROM 8 and RAM 9) included in the main control unit 6 is used as a storage area such as an importance degree storage unit that stores the importance degree and the function limit capacity value.

The operation will be described below. The user operates the key input unit 14 to select a desired function from the function menu screen normally displayed through the LCD display unit 15, whereby the function to be used is selected, and the selected function starts operating. . For example, if the user is LC
When the music playback function is selected by the key input unit 14 from the function menu displayed on the D display unit 15, whether the function control of the portable electronic device (mobile terminal) operates will be described with reference to FIGS. .

When the user selects, for example, a music reproduction function by key input, the portable electronic device operates as S1.
As a result, the function control flow is started. Note that FIG.
Each process shown in is executed for each function. That is, the flow shown in FIG. 1 is executed for each function selected by the user. Therefore, when a plurality of functions are carried out, the processing of the flow of FIG. 1 is carried out for each function at the timing of starting use.

In the first and subsequent embodiments, the main control unit 6 (CPU 7) of the portable electronic device will be described.
When the function is selected by the menu screen,
A register (register A) indicating the operation / non-operation of the function is
It is assumed to be set (setting that means operation).
When the user selects to stop the function, the portable electronic device is premised on clearing (setting indicating non-operation) the register (register B) indicating the operation / non-operation of the function. To do. Further, at the start of each function, the register (register E) indicating that the function of each function unit is restricted is cleared. The main control unit 6 sets registers such as the register A and the register E.

Next, in S2, the CPU 7 recognizes the function which has started to be used as the function B (music recording / playback function), and the user inputs it from the memory (RAM) 9 as an initial value via the key input 14. Read the importance of the set function.

Next, in S3, the CPU 7 controls the function control table (FIG. 3) defined in the memory (ROM) 8 in S3.
(B)), the remaining battery level (functional limit capacity value) that matches the importance setting value read in S2 is determined and written in the memory (RAM) 9. The function limited capacity value at this time is a battery remaining capacity value for stopping the corresponding function. The function limit capacity value is calculated and determined for each function.

Next, in S4, the CPU 7 reads from the memory (RAM) 9 in which the latest battery remaining amount value obtained from the output information of the battery remaining amount detector 2 is stored.

Next, in S5, the CPU 7 compares the function limit capacity value read in S2 with the remaining battery capacity value read in S4. The comparison may be performed if the units of the compared values are the same. For example, either the remaining amount ratio (%) or the remaining amount value itself may be used. As a result of the comparison, if the remaining battery level is not lower than the function limit capacity level,
There is no need to limit the functions currently used by the user, and S4 and S5 are repeated in a fixed cycle. This cycle is a cycle that does not affect the processing capability of the main function of the CPU, and an interval of about once / 10 seconds is considered sufficient. If the remaining battery power becomes smaller than the function limit capacity value, the function limit process is performed and S
Go to 6.

In S6, the user is notified via the LCD display unit 16 that the use of the function B being used is restricted, that the remaining battery level has reached the function restriction level of the function B. The notification to the user is not limited to the LCD display. For example, the notification by the vibrator, which is a general function of mobile phones and the like, the notification by the voice from the speaker, or the notification by the light of the LED, etc., are also considered. To be

Next, in S7, the user is asked to enter the LC
It is confirmed through the D display unit 16 whether or not the function can be stopped. The user operates the key input unit 14 to determine whether or not the function can be stopped. Although the flow for the case where the user does not input the key is not described here, the time-out time is set in the key input waiting state as a matter of course, and when there is no key input, Depending on the definition defined in advance, the process shifts to either S8 or S9. If the user permits the stop of the function, the process proceeds to S9.

In step S9, the process of stopping the functional unit is executed. The device performs a process of automatically saving data for a function requiring data saving, or notifying a user of an operation of data saving via the LCD display unit 16 and saving the data, and then stops. If the function does not require any particular processing, the function is terminated as it is. In addition, the processing required when each function ends in normal use is
Everything is done. At the end, a flag (register E) indicating that the function of the corresponding functional unit is restricted is set. By detecting this flag (register E), a means that cannot be selected as a function of the mobile device can be obtained. It is also possible to acquire the value of the flag (register E) and notify the user that the function is restricted. For example, the LCD display unit 15 is notified that the function is restricted, and the function is controlled so that the function cannot be selected.

S10 shows a state in which the function is stopped. Taking a mobile phone as an example, a state in which a standby screen is displayed is shown. In addition, when the function is stopped, as a matter of course, the dedicated circuit section for the function is saved by turning off the power supply control switch 5 for the function, or the dedicated circuit section for the function is saved. The main LSI, I
Power saving is performed by the power saving mode setting held by C or the like. Further, also in the main control unit 6, the power consumption is reduced by stopping the operation of the process-related unit for the corresponding function or reducing the process.

Next, in S7, when the user refuses to stop the function, the process proceeds to S8. CPU7 is S
The function limit capacity value read in step 3 is rewritten to the function limit capacity value corresponding to the importance setting having a high rank of one rank. Here, the 1-rank setting is automatically changed from the viewpoint that the user's input work such as the resetting of the importance level in the situation where the user wants to continue to use is troublesome for the user. However, the user may directly change the importance of the function.

After changing the function limit capacity value in S8, S
4 until the remaining battery level is reduced to S4.
And S5 are repeated.

FIG. 3A shows an example of an initial setting menu for the user to set the importance of each function. Less than,
3A will be described. FIG. 3A has four columns, and the function name is displayed in the first column on the left. Next, the second column from the left is a column in which the degree of importance is set, and is a part set by the user. Next, the third column from the left notifies the user of the function limit capacity value determined by the importance set in the second column by the user, and here the user is more intuitive and understandable. To the battery usage range. Next, the rightmost column is a column for notifying that the set value is obtained when correction is made by the current consumption of each function in determining the function limited capacity value. Processing such as color-coding is performed for the fields set by the user in FIG. 3A and the fields notified by the device side.

The user sets the initial setting menu by operating the key input unit 15 and displaying the initial setting menu on the LCD display unit 16. The setting is made in the column of importance, for example, by pressing the arrow key on the key input section,
It is decided by sequentially selecting B and C and pressing the decision key of the key input section at the relevant importance level. The function limit capacity value can be obtained by referring to the table shown in FIG. 3B based on the set importance. The obtained function limit capacity value is displayed as the battery usage range in the third column as a value of [100% to function limit capacity value], and the user is informed intuitively. From the viewpoint of intuitive understanding, the display of this part is not a numerical value, and the same thing can be realized by notifying by a bar display.

Furthermore, when all the importance levels are set,
The power analysis correction shown in FIG. 4 is performed, and when it is determined that the function limiting capacity value needs to be corrected, the correction is performed.
Even if the function is set to a level of low importance and the power consumption is sufficiently low, this correction will prevent the user from using other functions even if the function limit capacity value is set lower. Make use of the fact that the problem of obstruction is unlikely to occur. That is, even if the function has a low importance setting, the function with low power consumption corrects the function limit capacity value to a value lower than the normal setting, and is an electronic device in which the convenience of each function of the user is improved.

The power analysis correction processing of FIG. 4 will be described below. In the power analysis correction, since the correction is performed for the function having the setting of low importance, a means for realizing the importance C level of the lowest importance as an example will be described in the present embodiment.

In step S3-1, the function name and the consumption current value set to the importance C are detected from the initial setting value set by the user by the initial setting menu, and sequentially,
The data is stored in the memory (RAM) in X (n) and Y (n). In the case of the initial setting example shown in FIG. 3A, X (1): current consumption value Y (1): function C X (2): current consumption value Y (2): Function D The current consumption value when each function operates is assumed to be stored in the memory (ROM) as the initial value of the device.

Next, in step S3-2, the importance C
The number of detections of the function set to is stored in K. K is the number of cases to be corrected, which indicates that it is necessary to carry out the suitability of the correction for the number of times defined in K, and is a control condition for the number of loops for the correction determination.

Next, in step S3-3, the importance C
In order to make a correction determination target for the function of, the current consumption of the function set to the importance B is detected, and the smallest current consumption value is stored in the coefficient B as a set value.

Next, in step S3-4, a reference for determining whether or not the power correction can be executed is obtained. Since the correction is performed when the current consumption of the function of importance C is sufficiently small with respect to the importance B, in this example, 10% of the current consumption of importance B is set as a reference. S3-3
The reference value is obtained by multiplying the coefficient B obtained in step 1 by 0.1, and this value is stored in Z. Z is a reference value for determining whether or not to perform power correction.

Step S3-5 is a variable setting process for designating the storage location in order to sequentially compare the function detected as the importance C with Z obtained in S3-4.

In step S3-6, the current consumption of the function detected as the importance C is compared with the reference value Z defined in S3-4, and it is determined whether or not the power analysis correction is executed. For all the functions designated by the importance level C, the variable n changes, and thus it is determined in this step whether or not to perform the power analysis correction. For the function that is determined to execute the power analysis correction with the function that consumes very little power, the process proceeds to S3-7 and the correction is executed. Further, since the power is large, nothing is changed when the power analysis correction is not executed. This processing repeatedly executes the same processing for the next function. Step S3-11 is a determination as to whether or not there is still a function to be determined, and the number of determinations n becomes equal to the number K that requires determination,
The power analysis correction process ends, assuming that all determination work has been completed. If there is a function to be determined in S3-11, n + 1 is stored in n, the next corresponding function is designated, and the determination process of whether to execute the power analysis correction in S3-6 is performed. Loop.

Next, when it is determined in step S3-6 that the power analysis correction is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S3-7.
In S3-7, the function name stored in Y (n) is read. Next, in S3-8, the function limit capacity value set by the user in the initial setting for the corresponding function is changed to a value corresponding to a level (B in the case of the present embodiment) of which the importance is one rank higher. . By this processing, the function limit capacity value in which the power analysis is added to the importance is set to the corresponding function.
Next, the process proceeds to S3-9, and the corresponding function column of the battery usage range notification of the importance degree initial setting menu shown in FIG. 3 (A) is changed from [100% to function depending on the newly set function limit capacity value. Limit capacity value (updated value)] is displayed.

Further, in S3-10, in order to notify the user that the battery utilization range determined here is not only the importance but also the power analysis correction is added, for example,
☆ mark is displayed in the corresponding function column of power analysis correction (Fig. 5). By the processing of S3-10, the processing of power analysis correction for the relevant function is completed, and the process proceeds to step S3-11.
If there is a function for which it is necessary to determine the suitability for power analysis correction, the process loops to S3-6. If not, the process ends. It is assumed that the power analysis correction process always operates when the user changes the importance initial setting menu of FIG. 3 (A).

As described above, in the present invention, by controlling each function based on the flow described above, the usable area of the battery is limited as shown in FIG. 5 according to the importance of the function. It is possible to prevent overuse of a less important function and protect the use of an important function in an overall balanced state. The feature of the present invention is only general judgment ability, which is important when the user considers the function to function without considering the battery capacity and power consumption. With this, it is possible to link to the condition setting of the device. Since the user never uses electrical knowledge, it is possible to realize optimal battery management regardless of the user's electrical knowledge.

Further, as the equipment becomes multi-functional, the information handled by the equipment also becomes miscellaneous. Whether or not it is an important function depends not only on the function actually possessed by the device but also on the information handled using that function. In the above-described embodiment, S7, S8
By configuring the above steps, when the remaining battery capacity falls below the function limit capacity value, the user's intention can be reflected again.Therefore, not only the function used by the user but also the information handled on it is taken into consideration. And, it is possible to realize battery management that is more in line with the user's intention. Also, regarding the setting of the function limit capacity value, unnecessary power limitation can be prevented by using power analysis correction based on the power consumption ratio of the function with high importance and the function with low importance, etc. While protecting the use of many functions, it is possible to protect the use of important functions, and it is possible to realize a portable electronic device that is very easy for the user to use.

This method realizes a simpler and more user-friendly setting than the method of setting the power consumption of each function and the time to be used as shown in the prior art, so that anyone can make an appropriate setting. Can be According to the present invention, it is possible to remedy the drawback of the prior art in which an inappropriate setting is likely to occur in the case of a user who has little knowledge of power consumption, remaining battery level, and the like.

This flow chart does not describe the user's arbitrary function stop, but this flow chart describes the part related to the function limitation, and the user arbitrarily stopped the function. In this case, it is premised that all the values set in this flowchart are changed to the initial values and the function stop is executed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the portable electronic device has a battery as a main power source having a functional section capable of independently operating a plurality of functions, and the user has independent functions. Section, importance setting means for determining respective importance levels, means for detecting the remaining battery level of the main power source, function stopping means for independently stopping the operation of the functional section, and the importance level setting means Means for detecting the operation / non-operation of each function part, having each function part operation stop control means for controlling the function stop means from the relationship between the importance set by The means for detecting that the notification time of the [importance notification / change function] has been reached, the means for detecting information breaks (for example, the intervals between music reproductions, CMs for TV reception, etc.), and the respective functional units of the present invention. Function to be executed according to the priority setting And means for detecting that it has been stopped by the stop means, also has been described a portable electronic device having an importance setting menu the user can initially set.

Further, the above-mentioned respective functional section operation stop control means are
Each functional unit operation stop control means for controlling the function stopping means set to independently stop the function when the remaining battery level is high in the order of low importance set by the importance setting means Is characterized in that.

Further, the setting menu screen has a column for notifying the user of the range of use of the battery in which the corresponding function can be used when the setting is performed by the importance setting menu.

The above-mentioned function unit operation stop control means are
It has a storage circuit (power storage unit) for preliminarily storing, as information, operating power or operating current when each functional unit operates, and according to the operating power, the importance level set by the importance level setting means is set. On the other hand, it is characterized by having a power analysis correction function that automatically corrects the function limit capacity value determined by the importance by comparing the power consumption with other functions.

Further, the setting menu screen has means for notifying that the power analysis correction has been applied in calculating the battery usage range to be notified to the user at the time of setting by the importance setting menu.

Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are one flow charts for connecting the terminals A and B. 6 and 7, step S1 shows that the user has selected an arbitrary function and started using it, and step S2 shows the reading of the set value of the importance set by the user on the initial setting screen. , Step S3 shows the start processing of the timer for counting the usage time of the function, step S4 shows the determination of the function limit capacity value, step S5 shows the reading of the current battery remaining amount, and step S6 shows the user. Step S7 shows a function limitation suitability determination, step S8 shows a stop notification process of the corresponding function, step S9 shows a user stop permission determination process, and step S10 shows a function. The change of the limit capacity value is shown, and step S11 shows the process of notifying the user of the current importance setting value for the function in use, and step S1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a user's intention confirmation processing regarding suitability of resetting the importance, step S13 shows importance setting change processing, step S14 shows function limiting capacity value determination processing, and step S15 is until next notification. The time setting value setting process of step S16 is shown, and step S16 shows the end process of the function.
Step S17 indicates the stop of the function.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the second embodiment. This is an example in which a timer 17 is further added to the first embodiment. The operation of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8.

Similar to the first embodiment, a case where the user selects and uses the music reproducing function will be described as an example. S1 is
Indicates a function control flow start. Next, in S2, as in the first embodiment, the importance of the function is read.

Next, in S3, the timer 17 is started. The timer 17 notifies the CPU when a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, the timer 17 is shown as a hardware configuration, but it is needless to say that the timer does not have to be a clock function that allows real time to be understood, and it can be realized by a simple means such as a loop count or the number of times a certain function is used. is there. Next, the process proceeds to S4 and S3 of the first embodiment.
Similarly, the function limit capacity value is determined from the read importance. Next, in S5, the actual remaining battery level is read in the same way as in S4 of the first embodiment. Next, it progresses to S6 and S
It is determined whether the timer 17 started in 3 has passed a predetermined time. For example, when the signal input indicating the timer status is low level, the timer 17
Determines that the timer time has passed the specified value if the specified time has not yet been reached and the signal input is at a high level. Further, even in the case of counting by software, it can be realized by determining the flag value of the corresponding register by providing a register indicating the timer status flag.

Next, when proceeding to S7, S5 to S7 are repeated. When the timer 17 has passed the notification time, the process proceeds to S11 to reflect the user's intention in the battery management. The feature of the second embodiment is the portion shown in steps S11 to S15. The notification time is
This notification time is defined as the program value of this flow, but this notification time is the time for detecting the case where the user continuously uses the function to some extent.
A setting of about 10 minutes is assumed. This is because it is not necessary to treat it as a subject of battery management that limits functions with a little usage. This is because it is assumed that the continuous usable time of the device (time from the fully charged state of the battery to the empty state) is about several hours or more, and the continuous usable time of the device is extremely short. in case of,
Obviously, this notification time needs to be shortened.

In S11, the portable electronic device according to the present invention notifies the user via the LCD display unit 16 of the setting of the importance of the function in use, which is set as the initial setting value by the user. Next, in S12, a setting screen is displayed so that the user can change the setting of the importance as required. When the user operates the key input unit 15 and selects not to change the setting, the process proceeds to S15. If the user selects to change the setting of importance, the process proceeds to S13,
The importance level setting change screen is displayed on the LCD display unit 16, the user arbitrarily selects the importance level, and the importance level is reset. However, the setting change here does not change the value of the initial value on the memory (RAM), but changes the value read in S2. Depending on the specifications of the device, it is possible to change the initial value as well by rewriting the initial value stored in the memory (RAM).

Next, the process proceeds to S14, and the function limit capacity value (the battery remaining amount value for stopping the use of the corresponding function and limiting the function) based on the importance changed in S13 as in step S4. Is determined by referring to the predetermined function control table (FIG. 5).

Next, in S15, the notification time is set to, for example, 24 hours (time when the function is not continuously used).
When the setting is made, and the user is prompted to reset again, it is processed so that the notification to the user is not repeated again. Although the notification time is set to 24 hours as an example above, the notification time is set so that the notification to the user is not re-executed as long as possible during continuous use of the function, and the maximum value that can be set is set. There is no problem in doing so.

With the setting of the timer 17 being practically invalid, the process returns to S5, and S5 to S7 are repeated until the remaining amount of the battery falls below the function limit capacity value.

This flow chart does not describe the user's arbitrary function stop, but this flow chart describes the part related to the function limitation, and the user arbitrarily stops the function. In that case, it is premised that all the values set in this flowchart are changed to the initial values and the function stop is executed. In addition, even when the end stop condition of the function in use is met, the user is given the opportunity to execute the end process after obtaining the user's permission, and to change the setting so that it can continue to be used at that time. As a result, it is possible to reflect the priority of the data itself being handled, and it is possible to perform power control that reflects the intention of the user as compared with the related art.

According to the present invention, when the user starts to use the function and continuously uses the function, the importance level is automatically notified so that the current setting can be re-recognized and the actual setting can be performed. Depending on the importance of the function assumed when the user set the initial value, for example, when handling more important information, the importance depends on the information currently handled by the user. It can be reset with high importance. On the contrary, it is naturally possible to reduce the importance. As described above, the portable electronic device according to the present invention is not limited to the function thereof, but may be based on the information handled by the user on the function,
It is possible to limit functions, and battery management that reflects the user's intention can be realized.

As described above, in this embodiment, the importance level setting means can be set as an initial setting when the user is not using the function. Has a functional operation start detection unit that detects the start of use, and at the same time the functional operation start detection unit starts the functional operation, a time measurement unit that starts time calculation and an arbitrary fixed time measured by the time measurement unit. The portable electronic device having the notification function of notifying the user of the currently set importance after a lapse of time and the importance changing function of newly changing the setting of the importance has been described.

Further, in the time measurement by the time measurement unit, when the remaining battery level is sufficient, this time measurement is not executed or the time measurement is cleared so that an arbitrary time does not elapse. Alternatively, it is characterized by having a notification function for notifying the importance or a function for stopping the importance changing function so as not to operate.

Embodiment 3. FIG. Regarding step S6 in FIG. 6, in the second embodiment of the invention, the notification time is set and realized in advance as a judgment value of the program, but in the third embodiment, a more appropriate notification time is obtained. It was realized as follows. The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In this description, the step 6 (S6) of FIG. 6 of the second embodiment will be described, and the step numbers will be described as S6-1, S6-2.

The step S6-1 in FIG. 9 corresponds to the step S5 in FIG. S6-2 indicates a process for determining whether or not the remaining battery level is 50% or more, S6-3 indicates a process for setting the maximum time as the setting of the notification time, and S6-4 indicates the setting of the notification time setting flag. Setting determination processing is shown, S6-5 is processing for obtaining the operable time of the function in use by calculation, and S6-6 is shown.
Indicates a process of obtaining the notification time from the operable time, and S
6-7 shows the process of setting the flag that the notification time has been set, S6-8 shows the process of resetting the use time count of the function in use to zero, and S6-9 shows the reading of the use time. In step S6-10, a process of comparing the usage time and the notification time is shown. If the usage time exceeds the notification time, the process proceeds to step S6-11, otherwise the process proceeds to step S6-12. S6-11 corresponds to S11 of FIG. 7, and S6-12
Corresponds to S7 in FIG. The processing up to S6-1 in FIG. 9 and the processing after S6-11, S6-12 in FIG. 9 are the same as those in FIGS.

Next, the calculation process of the notification time for notifying the importance degree to the user and the operation up to the notification according to the third embodiment will be described. Similar to the second embodiment, at the time of proceeding to S5, the importance determined by the user in the initial setting, and the function limit capacity value and the current battery remaining amount determined from the importance are read. There is. Here, S6-
In 2, the comparison process is performed to determine whether the battery level is below 50%. If the battery level is 50% or higher, it is determined that the user does not need to be aware of the battery level and still use this device. , S6-3, the notification time is provisionally set to a time that does not actually occur. The maximum time should be set. For example, it would be sufficient if the setting of about 24 hours is possible. Further, here, 50% is used as the criterion for determining whether or not the notification time is set, but this value itself is a value set according to the characteristics of the device, and particularly 5
It does not have to be 0%.

Next, proceeding to S6-9, the CPU 7 reads from the timer 17 which counts the time during which the function in use continuously operates. Then, proceed to S6-10,
It is determined whether the continuous operation time of the function in use has exceeded the notification time setting. When branching from S6-3, the determination here is basically NO, and S6−
Proceed to 12. S6-12 corresponds to step S7 in FIG. 6 of the second embodiment. When the remaining battery level is sufficient, the steps S5 to S7 of FIG. 6 of the second embodiment are repeated, and the entire flow chart of the present embodiment (FIG. 9) is changed to the step S of FIG.
It will be repeated in the loop of 5 to S7.

Next, if the remaining battery level falls below 50% at the judgment branch of S6-2, the procedure proceeds to S6-4, S6-4.
As the processing of (1), it is determined whether the time for notifying the user of the importance is set, or whether the flag indicating whether or not is set. If the flag is set,
Since the time to notify the importance has already been set, S6
Go to -9. The steps after S6-9 are the same as above. If the flag is not set, the process proceeds to S6-5. The flag is set in advance by the user via the key input unit 15.

In step S6-5, in order to determine the notification time, an approximate value of the time when the function in use is continuously used is calculated. As the calculation, the usable battery remaining amount value is obtained by subtracting the function limiting capacity value from the current battery remaining amount and multiplying by a coefficient such as discharge efficiency. The obtained battery remaining amount value is obtained by dividing by the current consumption value defined in the table for obtaining the function limited capacity value.

Next, in S6-6, the notification time for notifying the user of the importance is determined by the ratio with the continuous usable time obtained in S6-5. In this embodiment, 20%
Is set as the notification time, and the value obtained by multiplying the operable time of the function in use obtained in S6-5 by 0.2 is set as the notification time for notifying the user of the importance. Furthermore,
A flag is set which means that the notification time is set in S6-7.

Next, in order to measure the time set in S6-6, the operation time counter, which has been measured so far, is reset, the measurement is restarted from zero, and the process proceeds to S6-9. After S6-9, it is as described above.

In the third embodiment, the means for notifying the user of the degree of importance is uniformly set and decided in the initial stage, which is different from the second embodiment, in which the state of the battery which the user has started to use. In addition, the notification time that seems to be optimal is calculated from the current consumption of the function, etc., and the user is notified of the degree of importance.If the battery is sufficient, the user will be bothered to notify the user. This is an example in which the user can be notified promptly in a state where the remaining battery level is low or the battery capacity is high, and more effective function restriction can be implemented.

As described above, in this embodiment, the notification means has means for calculating and notifying the setting of the notification time in accordance with the remaining battery level, the consumption current of the function used, and the like. The portable electronic device characterized by the above has been described.

Fourth Embodiment The fourth embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the second embodiment, and the difference is that in the second embodiment, by counting the continuous use time of the function, when the predetermined time is reached, the user is informed. It notifies the user of the importance setting value, and gives the user an opportunity to change the setting value according to the importance of the information handled by the user on the function currently in use. On the other hand, the present embodiment is characterized in that the break of the information handled in the function is detected, and when the specified number of times is reached, the notification of the importance degree and the opportunity of the change are similarly obtained. For example, in the case of a music recording / playback function (music playback function), notification is made by detecting that a specified number of music pieces have been played, and in the case of TV, notification is made by detecting the number of transitions to CM. In a game, this means that the number of game overs is detected and a notification is given. The fourth embodiment will be described as an embodiment in the case of music reproduction.

The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
0, which will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are one flow charts for connecting the terminals A and B.
Further, the same steps as those in the second embodiment are given the same step numbers as those in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the description thereof will be omitted. The process peculiar to Embodiment 4 uses the step number S8.
-1 to S8-7. This will be described below.

Step S8-1 shows a process for setting the number of songs to be listened to continuously, and shows that three songs are set in the embodiment. Next, step S8-2 shows that the initial value of the register for counting the number of songs that have been reproduced is set to zero. Next, step S8-3
Is the initialization of the end status flag of the music set in the control register of the music recording / playback unit (function B dedicated circuit unit 11 in FIG. 2) and the status flag is read and stored. This shows the digitization process. Here, it is assumed that the setting of the end status flag is set in a main function control routine different from this processing routine, and this flag is set by the end of the song as a trigger, and then, If the flag is removed from the outside, it is assumed that it has the property that it is not set until the end of the next song.

Next, through S4 to S5, step S8-
4, the end status flag of the music is read and set in the register C (FIG. 2). Here, the status flag is reset at the same time as it is read. Next, the set value is determined in S8-5. The register C = 1 indicates that the song has ended, and the register C = 0 indicates that the song is being reproduced. Here, in the case of register C = 0, the process proceeds to S7, and no special process is performed until the music ends or the battery capacity falls below the function limit capacity value, and a loop between S5 and S7 is performed.

Next, in S8-5, when the register C = 1 is set and it is detected that the music has ended, the process proceeds to S8-6, and the count of the music number is incremented by one. Also, register C
For, initialize the value to zero to detect the end of the next song. Also, the status flag is already S8-4.
Since it is reset at the time of execution, this process is not necessary. Next, in S8-7, the number S of pieces of music that has counted the end of reproduction of the piece of music is compared with a value K that defines the number of pieces of music that can be continuously listened to,
If they are the same, the process branches to the terminal A in FIG. 6 and shifts to the notification process to the user. The importance notification / importance reset processing is the same as in the second embodiment, and is performed in S11 to S14. Next, it progresses to S8-8. Here, since the notification to the user is set not to be executed again, as in the second embodiment, in order to realize a value that is not possible in reality as a notification condition, as an example, the number of songs continuously listened to Set K as 100 songs and return to S7. If the remaining battery level is below the function limit capacity value set based on the set importance level, the steps from S7 onward are performed in the first embodiment.
And 2 are processed in the same manner.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in the notification that the user is using the function, for example, it is possible to exclude that the notification of this importance level is given while listening to music, and the end of the song. It is possible to notify while the user is doing so, and it is possible to notify without giving the user discomfort.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the notification means does not measure the time by the timer unit, but measures the number of times when the information handled by each function is switched, thereby hindering the user's use. Notification means without performing (for example, in the case of the music reproduction function, the number of songs of music reproduction is measured and notified between the songs, and in the case of the TV function, the number of CMs is measured and notified during the CM) The portable electronic device having the above has been described.

Embodiment 5. The embodiment of the present invention is different from the above 1 to 4 in the method of setting the importance. The first to fourth embodiments are embodiments in which the importance of the function of the device is controlled based on the information set by the user in the device. However, in the fifth embodiment,
This is a method to realize the setting of the importance by holding data that determines the importance on the side of the information file that is actually handled in terms of functions, detecting it, and reading it into the device side.
For example, when browsing a document, the data structure has a document property that holds the setting of importance inside the data of the document file, and when opening the document,
It is conceivable that the device side detects the importance of the relevant document from the property data of the document and reflects it in the device-side importance setting.

In the present embodiment, the electronic program guide holds the data as a reference for determining the importance of each television broadcast, and downloads it to the portable device to set the importance on the device side. Here is an example. The data used as a criterion for determining the degree of importance can be realized by directly defining the value set as the degree of importance as data, or the type of TV broadcast (news, weather forecast,
It is also possible to determine the importance by drama, variety, movie, education). Further, in this case, the setting menu for the user to set the degree of importance for each category of TV programs can be realized as in the case of FIG.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 12, steps for carrying out the same processing as in Embodiment 1 are assigned the same step numbers as in FIG. 1, and the following description will be omitted. In addition, the fifth embodiment
The peculiar processing will be described below with step numbers S9-1 and S9-2.

In step S9-1, the user starts using the TV receiving function. The TV here shows reception of a terrestrial digital television whose main broadcasting is started after 2003 as an example of use. In step S9-2, the user downloads the electronic program guide for receiving and selecting the TV. Next, in step S9-3, the user selects a desired program by channel selection. At this point, the TV broadcast is started to be browsed. Next, step S9-4
Then, the portable electronic device according to the present invention detects the type of broadcast of the selected channel from the data of the electronic program guide (for example, data of news, weather forecast, drama, variety). Next, proceeding to step S9-5, the importance degree according to the broadcast type is determined from the importance degree setting data set by the user as the initial setting of the TV function from the read broadcast type. The setting of the importance level can be configured in the same manner so that the function column of FIG. 3A corresponds to the TV broadcast type column, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

After the importance is set according to the TV broadcast type in step S9-5, the function limit capacity value of the battery is determined from table 2 in step S4, which is basically the same as that in the first embodiment. Next, it progresses to S9-6. Check to see if the TV channel has changed, and if so, press S again.
Return to 9-4 and set the importance. If the channel is not changed, the process proceeds to S5, and the function limit capacity value and the battery remaining amount are compared. If the battery remaining amount is large, no special processing is performed until the battery remaining amount decreases, and the comparison is performed. repeat. When the remaining battery power is low, the process proceeds to the stop process after S6. Since S6 and subsequent steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, it is possible to set the importance of the function based on the data set in the information used by the user. It is natural that whether the function of the mobile device is important or not is determined by the information handled on the function, and the function restriction for battery management is not decided by the function but by the function. More ideally, it is determined by the information used. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to set the function restriction in the ideal battery management, and it is possible to realize the portable electronic device in which the intention of the user is further reflected.

As described above, in this embodiment, the importance level is stored in the information handled by each function, and the importance level set in the device is read by reading the importance level stored on the information side. The portable electronic device that the user has has been described. According to this invention, based on each function,
Settings can be made to control power consumption.

Sixth Embodiment The power control of the mobile electronic device described in the above embodiments can also be realized by a program (power control program). The program is stored in the memory (ROM 8 and RAM 9 in FIG. 2). The program stored in the memory is loaded and C
It is executed by PU7. The program can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The program recorded in the recording medium is loaded in the same manner, and the CPU 7
Executed by

Seventh Embodiment It is also possible to add the function of changing the value of the function limit capacity value stored in the function limit capacity value table shown in FIG. 3B to the portable electronic device described in the first embodiment. An example will be described below.
The importance level is displayed, and the function limit capacity value screen is displayed with a column for inputting the function limit capacity value corresponding to the importance degree.
The user inputs the function limit capacity value in the column for inputting the function limit capacity value. The key input unit 15 receives the function limit capacity value input by the user and passes it to the main control unit 6.
The main control unit 6 stores the input function limit capacity value in the function limit capacity value table. In this way, the function limit capacity value table can be updated. After that, the main control unit 6 calculates the usage range by using the updated function limit capacity value table.

The above-mentioned function is effective when the user who has become accustomed to using the portable electronic device wants to adjust the function limit capacity value in accordance with his / her own use situation. Moreover, since the function limit capacity value can be easily changed, the power source of the portable electronic device can be effectively used.

[0104]

According to the present invention, based on each function,
Settings can be made to control power consumption. Also,
The power consumption can be controlled based on the importance level set by the user. Specifically, in the portable electronic device, the degree of importance of the function is set by the user, and the device side is provided with a part of electric knowledge for controlling the function restriction corresponding to the actual battery capacity. The degree of importance (the degree of importance of the function) is set based on the judgment of each individual, and is an element that does not require the user to have any electrical knowledge in general daily life. By setting the importance level by the user,
The variation and inconvenience of setting by the user is improved, and anyone can use the battery efficiently and conveniently.

Further, the functions can be stopped in the order of low importance.

Further, by providing a screen for inputting the importance level and the function limit capacity value, the user can easily set the importance level,
It is possible to specify and change the function limit capacity value. Therefore, it is possible to limit the remaining battery level that can be used by each function based on the degree of importance set by the user for each function.

Further, by holding the electric energy value necessary for each functional unit to operate, it is possible to calculate an appropriate function limiting capacity value using the electric energy value.

Further, by displaying the range of use of electric power that can be used by each functional unit together on the importance setting screen for setting the importance, a more appropriate importance can be set.

Further, by prompting the user to change the degree of importance after a lapse of a predetermined time, it is possible to execute a function reflecting the intention of the leaning user. Further, it becomes easy to reflect the intention of the user.

Further, by prompting the user to change the degree of importance based on the remaining amount of electric power, it becomes possible to change the degree of importance according to the remaining amount of electric power.

In addition, the remaining amount of power and the amount of power consumption used by each functional unit are used to prompt the user to change the degree of importance so that the remaining amount of power and the expected amount of power consumption can be adjusted. It is possible to change the importance.

Further, it is possible to detect the break of the operation of the function and prompt the change of the importance according to the break of the operation of the function.

Further, by storing the importance information in each of the plurality of functional units, the importance information can be directly obtained from the plurality of functional units.

Further, by displaying the stopped function in the function selection menu, the user can be notified of the operation status of the function.

Further, when the operation of the function is stopped, it is possible to avoid the stop of the function in the middle of the operation by using the break of the operation of the function.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of processing showing implementation of battery management according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a hardware configuration of the portable electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of an importance initial setting menu. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a function limit capacity value setting table.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process showing the implementation of a correction function for calculating the functional limit capacity value of the battery used for battery management according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a concept of function restriction that can be realized by the battery management according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process showing implementation of battery management according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process showing implementation of battery management according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a hardware configuration of a portable electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process showing implementation of battery management according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process showing implementation of battery management according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the process showing the implementation of battery management according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process showing implementation of battery management according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of processing showing conventional battery management.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 battery, 2 battery remaining amount detection section, 3 power supply section, 4 power supply control section, 5 power supply control switch, 6 main control section, 7 C
PU, 8 memory (ROM), 9 memory (RAM),
10 Function A dedicated circuit section (eg wireless telephone section), 11 Function B dedicated circuit section (eg music recording / playback section), 12 Function C
Dedicated circuit section (eg: TV reception section), 13 function D dedicated circuit section (eg: game function section), 15 key input section (input interface), 16 LCD display section (output interface), 17 timer.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. In a portable electronic device operated by a power source that supplies finite electric power, a plurality of functional units that perform a predetermined function, a plurality of importance levels corresponding to the plurality of functional units, and execution of the function. The importance level setting unit that sets the remaining amount of power to limit the remaining amount of power and the plurality of function limit capacity values that are defined in association with the plurality of importance degrees, and the plurality of importance degrees and the plurality of function limit capacity values. An importance degree storage unit that stores the, a remaining amount detection unit that detects the remaining amount of power of the power source, and an importance degree corresponding to the one functional unit with respect to at least one functional unit of the plurality of functional units. Using, the function limit capacity value corresponding to the one function unit is obtained from the importance degree storage unit, and the obtained function limit capacity value and the remaining amount of power detected by the remaining amount detection unit are used. , Whether to stop the operation of one of the above function parts Portable electronic device or a determined, based on the determination result, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for stopping the operation of the one functional unit. 2. The control unit sequentially determines from the functional units corresponding to the plurality of importance levels stored in the importance level storage unit in order of decreasing importance, and determines to stop the operation for each functional unit. The portable electronic device according to claim 1. 3. The portable electronic device further displays an importance level setting screen for inputting the plurality of importance levels, accepts input of the plurality of importance levels, and responds to the received importance levels and the importance levels. The battery pack has a display unit that displays the battery usable range calculated using the function limit capacity value on the importance level setting screen, and the importance level setting unit is configured to display the plurality of importance levels received by the display unit as the importance level. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is stored in a storage unit. 4. The portable electronic device further includes a power storage unit that stores a plurality of power amount values required for the plurality of functional units to operate, and the control unit is stored in the power storage unit. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a power analysis correction function that corrects the plurality of function limiting capacity values by using a plurality of power amount values. 5. The portable electronic device further displays an importance level setting screen for inputting the plurality of importance levels, accepts the input of the plurality of importance levels, and responds to the received importance levels and the importance levels. The battery usable range calculated using the function limit capacity value is displayed on the importance setting screen, and the importance setting screen has an area for inputting the battery usable range that can be used by each of the plurality of functional units. Have,
The portable electronic device according to claim 4, further comprising a display unit that receives an input of a battery usable range from a user. 6. The portable electronic device further includes a timer that counts a usage time until a predetermined time is reached when the one functional unit is started to be used, and the control unit includes the predetermined timer. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the time is counted, the user is notified that the importance corresponding to the one functional unit is changed. 7. The control unit instructs the timer to count the usage time when the remaining amount of power detected by the remaining amount detection unit is smaller than a predetermined value, and the timer 7. The portable electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the usage time is counted when instructed by the control unit. 8. The control unit sets a predetermined time counted by a timer to a remaining amount of electric power detected by the remaining amount detection unit,
The portable electronic device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the calculation is performed using the power consumption amount used by the functional unit. 9. The control unit detects a break of execution of the one functional unit, and when the break is detected, notifies the user of urging to change the degree of importance corresponding to the one functional unit. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 10. Each of the plurality of function units holds a value indicating the degree of importance corresponding to its own function unit, and the degree of importance setting unit acquires a value indicating the degree of importance from each of the plurality of function units. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the importance is stored in the importance storage unit using the acquired value indicating the importance. 11. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a menu screen for selecting a functional unit and displays the stopped functional unit on the menu screen. Portable electronic devices. 12. The control unit detects a break of execution of the one functional unit when stopping the one functional unit, and stops the one functional unit when a break is detected. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 13. A power control method for controlling the power of a portable electronic device that executes a plurality of functions by a power source that supplies a finite amount of power, the importance corresponding to each of the plurality of functions, and the plurality of importance degrees. Set a plurality of function limit capacity values that define the remaining amount of power that limits the execution of the function for each, and store the plurality of importance degrees and the plurality of function limit capacity values in the importance degree storage unit, Detecting the remaining power of the power source, and regarding at least one of the above functions,
Using the importance level corresponding to the one function, the function limit capacity value corresponding to the one function is acquired from the importance degree storage unit, and the acquired function limit capacity value and the detected remaining power level Is used to determine whether to stop the operation, and based on the result of the determination, the operation of the one function is stopped. 14. A power control program realized by a processor included in the portable electronic device for controlling power of a portable electronic device that executes a plurality of functions by a power source that supplies a finite amount of power, to each of the plurality of functions. A process of setting a corresponding importance level and a plurality of function limit capacity values that define the remaining amount of electric power that limits execution of a function for each of the plurality of importance levels, the plurality of importance levels and the plurality of function restrictions. Regarding the process of storing the capacity value and the importance degree storage unit, the process of detecting the remaining amount of power of the power source, and the at least one function of the plurality of functions,
Using the importance level corresponding to the one function, a process of acquiring the function limit capacity value corresponding to the one function from the importance degree storage unit, the acquired function limit capacity value, and the remaining power of the detected power A power control program that realizes a process of determining whether or not to stop the operation using the amount, and a process of stopping the operation of the one function based on the result of the determination. 15. A computer that records a power control program realized by a processor included in the portable electronic device can read the power control of the portable electronic device that executes a plurality of functions by a power source that supplies a finite amount of power. In the recording medium, a process of setting a degree of importance corresponding to each of the plurality of functions and a plurality of function limit capacity values that define a remaining amount of electric power that limits execution of the function for each of the plurality of degrees of importance; Regarding a process of storing a plurality of importance levels and the plurality of function limit capacity values in the importance level storage unit, a process of detecting the remaining amount of power of the power source, and at least one function of the plurality of functions,
Using the importance level corresponding to the one function, a process of acquiring the function limit capacity value corresponding to the one function from the importance degree storage unit, the acquired function limit capacity value, and the remaining power of the detected power It is readable by a computer that records a power control program that realizes the process of deciding whether to stop the operation using the amount and the process of stopping the operation of the one function based on the result of the judgment. Recording medium.