JP2004246600A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance operability and convenience concerned in power saving setting, in an information processor provided with a power saving control function. <P>SOLUTION: This information processor is provided with an operation button 15 constituting an operation means 30, and a control means 31 for controlling stepwise an electric power consumption of a device in response to an operation frequency thereof, and is constituted to easily allow the power saving setting for a user without keeping a complicated operation procedure in user's mind. The operation button 15 is used in common for operations for changing brightness on a display surface and for turning on and off a illumination light source. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a power saving countermeasure technology that enables an information processing apparatus to easily perform a power saving setting operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In information processing apparatuses such as computers, those having a power saving control function (or power saving function) for devices used in the apparatus are known. For example, when a portable small computer or the like is driven by a battery, The power saving effect is exhibited.
[0003]
In an apparatus configuration that can supply commercial AC power using an AC adapter and can be driven by a battery, a user can use a power management application (program) to perform various power settings (including power saving settings) and power management. It is possible to control switching of such a profile (a so-called power profile) and to check the remaining battery power and the like. Regarding the user operation at that time, there is a form in which a pointing device such as a mouse is operated using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) provided on an operating system (“Operating System”, hereinafter referred to as “OS”). No. Alternatively, a user can operate a specific key provided on a keyboard for a predetermined process to activate and use a desired application (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-242395 (paragraph number 0018-0023, FIG. 6)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional apparatus has the following problems with respect to operability and convenience when the user performs the power saving setting.
[0006]
For example, since there is no dedicated operation means (operation buttons, switches, and the like) for setting and canceling the power saving, the user needs to operate using a pointing device in a GUI environment of the OS. In other words, a large number of mouse operations and the like are required to prepare for starting the application and displaying the setting screen, and it takes time and effort for a user who is unfamiliar with such operations or a user who is moving on a train or the like. This may cause a decrease in operability.
[0007]
Further, when the user operation is complicated, the frequency of using the power saving function is reduced, and the user's convenience may be impaired.
[0008]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve operability and convenience related to power saving settings in an information processing device having a power saving control function.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, includes a control unit that controls the power consumption of the device stepwise according to the number of times of operation of the operation unit.
[0010]
Therefore, according to the present invention, since dedicated operation means is provided for controlling power consumption, power saving can be easily set without troublesome user operation.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing device, and can be widely applied to, for example, a computer device such as a personal computer, a personal information terminal device (PDA), a mobile communication terminal device, and the like.
[0012]
According to the present invention, the power saving setting (or power saving setting) is provided with a dedicated operation button, switch, or the like that constitutes an operation unit for a user operation. The purpose is to be able to change.
[0013]
Here, “dedicated” means that the purpose is to set or cancel power saving, and specifically, to use an operation button or the like unique to the device. At this time, it is desirable to provide a single operation button or the like instead of an operation in which existing operation buttons are combined in a complex manner. Note that it is not possible to use a display area on the display screen with a finger (a so-called touch panel or the like) or an operation area on the screen (for example, a button object or an icon displayed on the display unit) designated by a pointing device or the like. However, from the viewpoint of simple and quick operation, operation keys (keys physically provided as a means for configuring the information processing apparatus) and switches are preferable.
[0014]
1 to 3 show a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0015]
The information processing apparatus 1 shown in this example is assumed to be applied to a portable computer. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a view showing an operation unit.
[0016]
The information processing device 1 includes a display unit 2 and a device main unit 3. A housing 4 constituting the display unit 2 forms a cover for the apparatus main body 3, which is connected to the apparatus main body 4 by using a hinge mechanism, and covers an operation surface of the apparatus main body 3. The housing 4 is rotatable between a closed state and an opened state.
[0017]
A display device (display) 5 using a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or the like is incorporated in the display unit 2, and an image, text information, and the like are displayed on a display screen 6. The display device 5 is provided with a light source (backlight), and its light-on / off state and display luminance are controlled. In this example, even when the backlight is off, the contents of the display screen can be viewed only by external light. It is configured as follows. In other words, in the case of a transmissive liquid crystal utilizing the transmission of light by a backlight, the screen contents become invisible when the backlight is turned off. According to the "type liquid crystal"), it is possible to confirm the display contents of the screen even if the backlight is turned off. Since the form of the display device does not matter in applying the present invention, it goes without saying that a display using various light emitting elements, a cathode ray tube (CRT) or the like can be used.
[0018]
The device main body 3 is provided with a keyboard (or a key input unit) 8 constituting the operation unit 7. The keyboard 8 has a predetermined key arrangement, and has a plurality of operation keys 9, 9,.
[0019]
Further, a pointing device 10 constituting the operation unit 7 is provided, and a pointer displayed on the display screen is moved by the operation, and is used in a GUI environment.
[0020]
Operation buttons 11 and 11 are arranged around the pointing device 10, and are used for switching the resolution of the screen and the like, and for starting a character input application by a simple operation.
[0021]
A speaker 12 is provided at a position slightly distant from the pointing device 10 on the operation surface, and three operation buttons 13 to 15 are arranged between the speaker 12 and the pointing device 10. Further, operation buttons 16 to 18 are provided beside the speaker 12, and these buttons have functions of a left button, a right button, and a middle button corresponding to a mouse button.
[0022]
Among the operation buttons 13 to 15, the operation button 13 close to the speaker 12 is a power button for powering on / off, the operation button 14 located on the right side thereof is a standby button, and the operation button 14 is on standby by the on / off operation. A transition to the (standby) state or a return from the standby state is performed.
[0023]
The operation button 15 has the following three functions in this example, and constitutes the operation means described above.
[0024]
(I) Changing power saving settings
(II) Change of display screen brightness
(III) Turning on / off the light source of the display device.
[0025]
First, regarding (I), when shifting to an operation mode (power saving mode or power saving mode) for realizing power saving, the power consumption of the device is kept low. , Storage device, etc.) is changed to the power saving setting, the capability of the device is suppressed, or the power supply is cut off to disable the device. When the operation mode shifts to the original operation mode (a mode in which control for power saving is not performed or a reduction in power consumption is small), control reverse to the above is performed.
[0026]
As an example, in the case of the toggle type, pressing the operation button shifts to the power saving mode, and pressing the operation button again returns to the original mode. Alternatively, the power saving setting is not divided into ON / OFF, but divided into multiple stages (for example, the power saving effect is divided into three stages of large, medium, and small, or more stages), and the stage is determined according to the number of times the operation button is pressed. Alternatively, the power saving setting may be changed. In the present example, as described below, power saving (power saving) is set when the light source of the display device is off (turned off) in relation to the functions (II) and (III).
[0027]
(II) is a function of changing the luminance by controlling the light source of the display device. For example, a form in which the luminance level is switched between the maximum luminance (or the maximum allowable luminance) or the current luminance and the minimum luminance, or a multi-level. , Or a mode of performing stepwise adjustment. In this example, as described later, when the operation button 15 is pressed in a state where the luminance of the display screen exceeds the minimum level, the state shifts to the state of the minimum luminance.
[0028]
(III) is a function of turning off or turning on the light source of the display device. For example, when the operation button is pressed in a state where the brightness of the display screen is at the lowest level, the illumination light source is turned off. Pressing the operation button again turns on the light source for illumination.
[0029]
It is to be noted that a configuration in which different operation buttons are provided for each of the functions (I) to (III) is also conceivable. However, the number of dedicated buttons is increased, and an occupied area on the operation surface is required, and cost is reduced. This is disadvantageous, and the user must learn the operation procedure for each dedicated button. When performing the respective functions continuously in operation, it is necessary to quickly move or finger the fingers. For example, each operation is performed while holding the device with both hands, such as a portable device. In such a situation, it may be difficult to hold the device or the holding may be unstable.
[0030]
Therefore, by using the single operation button for the functions (I) to (III), the operability is improved, and the number of operation buttons and the occupied space can be reduced. And miniaturization.
[0031]
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a hardware configuration example 19 of the information processing apparatus 1.
[0032]
The components shown below are connected to a CPU (central processing unit) 20, which is a control center, by using a bus (bus controller) (numbers in parentheses indicate symbols).
[0033]
.Main storage device (21)
.Auxiliary storage device (22)
.Display control unit (23)
An embedded controller (24).
[0034]
First, the main storage device 21 and the auxiliary storage device 22 constitute storage means in a broad sense, and the main storage device is provided with a ROM (read only memory) and a RAM (random access memory).
[0035]
Further, examples of the auxiliary storage device 22 include a fixed disk (so-called hard disk) drive device, a drive device for an optically readable disk (such as an optical disk and a magneto-optical disk), and a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk) drive device. The auxiliary storage device 22 includes a detachable portable semiconductor memory (for example, a stick-shaped storage medium) and an interface unit.
[0036]
The display control unit 23 controls the display device 5 (for example, includes the display panel 25 and the light source 26 for illumination), and includes a display device controller, a video memory (VRAM), and the like.
[0037]
The embedded controller (Embedded Controller) 24 is located above a physical layer (Physical Layer) including various operation means constituting the above-described operation unit 7, that is, a keyboard, various operation buttons, a pointing device, and the like. It has a function as an interface for operation input processing, such as monitoring the state of each unit, performing interrupt processing to the CPU 20 in response to operation information and the like. The target of the status monitoring includes the connection status of the AC adapter and the battery pack, the power supply voltage, the power consumption of the device, and the like. In the embedded controller 24, a keyboard controller that performs processing of a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like, and processing related to special operation keys, for example, functions corresponding to pressing a desired function key or the like while pressing a specific key on the keyboard are provided. A control unit is provided for performing processing such as a hot key (Hotkey, simultaneous operation of a “Fn” key and a function key) to be realized.
[0038]
Although the configuration is simplified in FIG. 3 for easy understanding, for example, in an AT compatible machine, a main memory and a graphic card are connected to a chipset (north bridge), and the embedded controller 24 includes: It is connected to another chipset (southbridge), and the chipset has a function of bridging a high-speed bus connected to the northbridge to a low-speed bus.
[0039]
Although not shown, a modem for connection to a public telephone line, a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, and the like are provided as necessary.
[0040]
FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the embedded controller 24 and the operation buttons 15, a dynamic link library (DLL) 27, and application programs 28 and 29.
[0041]
The operation button 15 constitutes the operation means 30, and its depression or release (release) is detected by the embedded controller 24 (indicated by “EC” in the figure), and is notified to the dynamic link library 27. Note that this process is performed through a control unit that handles key operation such as a hot key in the built-in controller 24, and the control unit constitutes a detection unit for detecting an operation event of the operation button 15.
[0042]
The dynamic link library 27 is a group of subroutines for performing various service processes on a program located in an upper application layer, and is called and linked by an application at the time of execution. For example, it receives a function call from the application and notifies the application of a message as needed.
[0043]
A first program 28 shown in the figure is a utility “HS” (Hotkey Serv in this example) for processing special operation keys such as hot keys, and is in charge of setting and changing processing using the operation buttons 15. This operation itself is processed in the same manner as the operation of the hot key or the like.
[0044]
The second program 29 is a power management application “PP” (in this example, Power Panel: a trademark of Phoenix Technologies, Inc. in the United States), and is a program for performing a setting change in power supply and battery management. For example, automatic or manual switching of profiles (settings for managing devices), display of remaining battery capacity and predicted discharge time, warning of low battery level, and the like are performed.
[0045]
When notified of the operation information of the operation buttons 15 from the dynamic link library 27, the program 28 performs the following processing as necessary.
[0046]
-Notification of profile change to program 29 ("PP")
・ Change of brightness related to display screen
-Turn on or off the display lighting.
[0047]
Note that the profile here relates to the setting status of power saving, and in the example described later, whether the device is driven by an AC adapter or a battery, and whether to save power by setting power saving. The profile is switched according to the above (see FIG. 6).
[0048]
In addition, the above “HS”, “PP”, and “DLL” are incorporated in the apparatus as software, and a function (a command or the like) for controlling the power consumption of the device stepwise according to the operation of the operation unit 30 and the number of operations. Is interpreted and executed.), And constitutes the control means 31 together with the CPU 20. Examples of the power saving method of the device by the power saving setting include the following examples.
[0049]
(A) Method of changing CPU performance
(B) Method of changing image display performance
(C) How to change the brightness of the display screen
(D) How to change the method of heat dissipation control
(E) A method for electrically disconnecting a stick-shaped semiconductor memory or the like or an auxiliary storage device in an unused state
(F) A method of stopping power supply to a power-suppliable link, connection port, wireless (wireless) LAN board, or the like.
[0050]
Regarding the CPU control of (a), power consumption can be reduced by lowering the clock frequency and the power supply voltage to the minimum. For example, the optimum clock frequency and power supply voltage can be automatically set according to the usage status of the apparatus, or the processing speed can be limited to save power, thereby extending the battery life.
[0051]
In (b) and (c), the power of the illumination light source is turned off when the brightness of the display illumination is reduced or when the operation of the keyboard or the like is not performed for a predetermined time or more. Or setting change such as lowering the display processing speed.
[0052]
Regarding the method of heat radiation control in (d), when the temperature of the device body rises, the heat is released by operating the cooling fan. At that time, it is possible to specify what to focus on and to control the heat radiation. it can. For example, in the fan control of the CPU, the number of revolutions of the fan can be controlled to suppress the sound of the fan.
[0053]
In (e), when a memory medium is not inserted into the slot, power supply to the slot is automatically cut off to reduce power consumption, or in the case of a hard disk drive, access to a hard disk is restricted. If the operation is not performed for a specified time or more, the power supply is cut off. In addition, when the user does not use the optical disk drive device built in the main body for a while, or when the disk is not mounted on the drive device, the power supply to the device is cut off, so that the power consumption can be reduced.
[0054]
In (f), for example, a port or the like compliant with the IEEE 1394-1995 specification and its extended specification may be set to off.
[0055]
In FIG. 4, the message flow when the operation button 15 is pressed is as follows.
[0056]
(1) An operation signal due to pressing of the operation button 15 is detected by the embedded controller 24
(2) A message is notified from the embedded controller 24 to the program 28 (“HS”) via the dynamic link library 27.
(3) The program 28 notifies the program 29 (“PP”) of the change of the profile.
(4) The program 29 controls various devices according to the set values related to the profile. For example, when switching to the setting for saving power, the processing capacity of the device is changed, the use of the device is stopped, or the power supply is cut off. In addition, when switching to a setting in which power saving is not performed, the processing capability of the device is restored, the use of the device is stopped, and the power is cut off.
[0057]
The brightness of the display screen and the turning on and off of the light source for illumination are performed according to the instruction of the program 28, and the embedded controller 24 controls using, for example, a predetermined control command.
[0058]
FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing a main function changed by the operation of the operation button 15. The bar graph shown in the figure represents the luminance level of the display screen. “Dark” indicates the lowest luminance, and “Off” indicates the state of turning off the light source (the backlight of the liquid crystal display device in this example) and the power saving setting.
[0059]
(S1) to (S3) indicated by arrows in the figure represent three transition states, and their meanings are as follows.
[0060]
(S1) Transition to “dark”
(S2) Transition from “dark” to “off”
(S3) Transition from “off” to “bright”.
[0061]
For example, when the luminance of the display screen is higher than the “dark” state and equal to or lower than the “bright” state (that is, when the luminance exceeds the minimum luminance and is equal to or lower than the maximum luminance), the operation button 15 is pressed. And transition to the “dark” state. When the operation button 15 is further pressed, the state shifts to the “off” state, the backlight of the liquid crystal display device is turned off (however, the display screen is made visible by natural light or the like), and the “power saving” is automatically performed. Thus, the power consumption is suppressed (when the battery is driven, the battery operating time can be extended).
[0062]
Thereafter, when the operation button 15 is further pressed, the display light source is turned on, and the state shifts to the “bright” state. At that time, the setting of the “power saving” is canceled or relaxed. That is, by operating the operation button 15 when the light source is turned off, the light source is turned on and the power saving is not performed, or the power saving degree is reduced (for example, only some devices are used). Power saving is set, or the processing capacity of the device is increased by a certain percentage or partially recovered.)
[0063]
Incidentally, it is of course possible to store the luminance level set by the user and change the state from the "off" state to the state of the luminance level. Can be done with
[0064]
As described above, when the brightness of the display screen is changed according to the operation of the operation button 15 or the light source is turned on or off, the setting is changed according to the number of times of operation of the operation button 15 (the number of presses in this example). In this example, every time the operation button 15 is depressed, it is easy to understand the operation by taking a cyclical form such as “off” → “bright” → “dark” → “off”. Has become. In the “off” state, it is preferable to display or notify the user that power is being saved.
[0065]
In the present example, only two steps of “bright” and “dark” are considered when changing the brightness of the display screen of the display unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and “bright”, “medium”, “dark” It is needless to say that the present invention can be implemented in various forms, for example, by setting or adjusting the luminance in three or more steps.
[0066]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a state transition between the six states (State) shown in (ST1) to (ST6) in the power management state, and includes a change in display screen luminance, turning on / off of a light source for illumination, and power saving. In order to prevent inconsistency between setting changes, no matter what state the operation button 15 is pressed, no problem occurs.
[0067]
The four rows shown in the rectangular frame in each state are, in order from the top, “current profile”, “stored profile”, “brightness level” (levels 1 to 9 and turning off of the illumination light source (off). ), And “power state” (whether AC drive or battery drive).
[0068]
First, the state (ST1) is “AC profile”, the power from the AC adapter is used, and nothing is stored as a profile, and the brightness of the display screen is the maximum level “9”.
[0069]
Further, in the state (ST2), the status is “AC profile”, the power from the AC adapter is used, and nothing is stored as a profile, and the brightness of the display screen is at the lowest level “1”.
[0070]
In the state (ST3), the “maximum power saving profile” (the profile capable of obtaining the maximum power saving effect) uses the power supply from the AC adapter, and the stored profile is “AC The profile is a “profile”, and the light source for illumination on the display screen is in an off (off) state.
[0071]
In each of (ST1) to (ST3), the apparatus is driven using a commercial AC power supply using an AC adapter.
[0072]
On the other hand, in (ST4) to (ST6), the device is driven using the battery.
[0073]
That is, in the state (ST4), the profile is the “normal power saving profile” (a profile having a smaller power saving effect than the maximum power saving profile), and there is no profile stored, and the brightness of the display screen is at the maximum level “9”. is there.
[0074]
In the state (ST5), the profile is the “normal power saving profile”, there is no profile stored, and the luminance of the display screen is the lowest level “1”.
[0075]
Then, in the state (ST6), the profile is the “maximum power saving profile”, the stored profile is the “normal power saving profile”, and the light source for illumination on the display screen is off (off).
[0076]
The “maximum power saving profile” is automatically selected when the light source for illumination on the display screen is turned off by pressing the operation button 15 (see “OFF” in FIG. 5), and the set value of the brightness of the display screen is set. Cannot be changed, and the user cannot specify or select this profile by any method other than the operation of the operation button 15. On the other hand, as for the “AC profile” and the “normal power saving profile”, as shown in parentheses in FIG. 6, explicit selection and setting change can be performed by a user operation.
[0077]
The transition between the states is performed as shown by arrows, and the relevant operation or operational cause (or trigger) is as follows.
[0078]
-Depression of the operation button 15 (indicated by "Push" in the figure)
・ Profile switching
・ Removal and insertion of AC adapter
-Hot key operation (indicated by "Htky" in the figure).
[0079]
First, the state transition based on the depression of the operation button 15 will be described. In the case of AC drive, the state transitions in a cyclic manner according to the depression in the order of (ST1) → (ST2) → (ST3) → (ST1). I do. Similarly, in the case of battery drive, the state changes in a cyclic manner in accordance with the depression in the order of (ST4) → (ST5) → (ST6) → (ST4). That is, in comparison with FIG. 5, (ST1) and (ST4) correspond to “bright”, (ST2) and (ST5) correspond to “dark”, and (ST3) and (ST6) correspond to “off”. .
[0080]
For example, when the illumination light source shown in (ST3) or (ST6) shifts to the “OFF” state, the power supply to the light source is cut off by the program “HS”, and “HS” is changed to “PP”. , The current profile (AC profile or normal power saving profile) is stored, and then the setting is changed to the “maximum power saving profile”. Further, at the time of the transition from (ST3) to (ST1) or (ST6) to (ST4), the power is supplied to the illumination light source by the program “HS”, and the display screen is set to the highest luminance. The setting is changed to the profile (AC profile or normal power saving profile) based on the notification to the “PP”.
[0081]
Regarding the state transition based on the profile switching, the transition is made from (ST3) to (ST1) in the case of AC drive, and the transition is made from (ST6) to (ST5) in the case of battery drive. In other words, in the case of battery drive, the consumption of the battery is suppressed by making a transition to the lowest luminance (ST5) in consideration of the power supply capacity.
[0082]
Regarding the state transition based on the removal and insertion of the AC adapter, “AC removal” in the figure indicates that the connection of the AC adapter has been disconnected, and “AC insertion” indicates the connection of the AC adapter (to the device). That is, in (ST1) to (ST3), the operation transits to (ST5) when “AC is removed”, and when (AC4) is performed in (ST4) to (ST6), the operation transits to (ST1). When the AC adapter is removed from the apparatus, it is preferable to change to (ST5) with the lowest luminance in consideration of the power supply capacity of the battery (or to change to (ST6)).
[0083]
In the case of switching the profile or connecting / disconnecting the AC adapter, the illumination light source (backlight or the like) is always turned on, and the brightness of the display screen is defined by the set value of the selected profile.
[0084]
Regarding the state transition based on the hot key operation (in this example, the operation by simultaneously pressing the “Fn” key and the “F5” key; see FIG. 2), the transition from (ST3) to (ST2) is performed in the case of the AC drive. Transitions from (ST6) to (ST5) in the case of battery drive. That is, if this hot key operation is performed when the illumination light source is turned off, the light source is always turned on (in this example, the display screen is set to the lowest brightness).
[0085]
According to the above configuration, the following advantages can be obtained.
[0086]
Pressing the dedicated operation button for changing power consumption saves time and effort required for changing settings in the GUI of the OS, thereby facilitating power saving operations. Further, after the user sets the power saving by pressing the operation button, the user again operates the operation button to return to the original setting in which the power saving is not performed.
[0087]
-Since the power consumption and processing capacity of the device can be instantaneously changed by operating the dedicated button, the intention of the user can be directly reflected on the operation state of the device. That is, if the user wants to extend the operating time of the battery, the user may set the power saving (power saving setting). If the user wants to give priority to the processing capability of the apparatus, the setting may be canceled. In addition, the operation for that purpose does not take time and effort.
[0088]
-Power saving settings and control can be performed according to the usage environment and conditions of the device.
[0089]
-Arbitrary settings and changes can be made for the user by operating the profile.
[0090]
・ Improvement of operability, reduction of operation time, and occupation of operation buttons by changing the brightness of the display screen, turning on / off the light source for illumination, and changing the power saving setting with one dedicated operation button Space and cost can be reduced.
[0091]
-The brightness of the display screen can be changed in the order of maximum to minimum and then off. That is, in the above example, when the operation button is pressed in the “dark” state where the brightness is the lowest, the illumination light source is turned off, and when the operation button is pressed when the light source is turned off, the lighting and the change to the highest brightness are performed. It is possible to grasp a function in which the brightness changing function and the function of turning off the illumination light source are integrated with an intuitively easy-to-understand operation without an uncomfortable feeling.
[0092]
When the light source for lighting is turned off, the setting is automatically changed to save power, and it can be explicitly provided to the user that turning off the lighting is directly linked to power saving. In other words, in a specification in which the lighting is automatically turned off or the brightness is reduced in accordance with the operation status for the purpose of power saving, a user who does not know the cause of the turning off or the brightness reduction misunderstands (for example, recalls a failure). However, according to the above configuration, such a disadvantage does not occur. Further, even when the user is not particularly conscious of power saving, the maximum power saving effect is exhibited when the light source for illumination is turned off, so that the convenience is improved particularly when the battery is driven.
[0093]
-When a liquid crystal display device is used as a display device, no information is displayed due to power saving settings by using a liquid crystal display device that can be displayed by natural light or external light even when the backlight for liquid crystal illumination is turned off. Can be prevented from occurring.
[0094]
-It is possible to coexist with a mechanism or a method for adjusting the brightness of the display screen in multiple steps, and it is possible to expand the options of the setting method. Of course, if the brightness adjustment is performed in a small number of steps, it is possible to instantaneously change the brightness to the target brightness.
[0095]
The present invention is not limited to the information processing apparatus described above, and a program for realizing the above-described power saving setting, changing the luminance, and turning on / off the illumination light source using a dedicated operation unit, or a program for realizing the same. The present invention can be widely applied to information storage media storing programs.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the dedicated operation means is provided for controlling the power consumption of the device, the operation time can be reduced without the user's operation being troublesome. Can be shortened, and the operability is improved. Further, since the power saving setting can be easily performed, the user's convenience can be improved with respect to the power saving control function of the apparatus.
[0097]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the change of the brightness of the display screen and the change of the power saving setting can be performed by the same operation means, which is convenient.
[0098]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to turn on / off the light source and change the power saving setting using the same operating means.
[0099]
According to the invention according to claim 4, since the power saving setting is performed when the light source is turned off, the relationship between the two is easy for the user to understand, and the operation of turning off the light source without the user having any special awareness of power saving is power saving. It is easy to use because it is directly connected to.
[0100]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the power saving effect can be sufficiently exhibited by cutting off the power supply to the device when the power saving is set.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention, together with FIG. 2, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the whole;
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation unit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a main part including software.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining functions related to the system.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing various states related to power saving settings and screen luminance and transitions between the states.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus, 2 ... Display part, 6 ... Display screen, 26 ... Light source, 30 ... Operating means, 31 ... Control means

Claims (6)

In an information processing apparatus having a power saving control function by changing an operation or a control state of a device by an operation unit,
An information processing apparatus, further comprising control means for controlling the power consumption of the device stepwise according to the number of times the operation means is operated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
An information processing apparatus, comprising: a display unit for displaying information; wherein a luminance of a display screen of the display unit is changed according to an operation of the operation unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
An information processing apparatus, comprising: a display unit for displaying information, wherein a light source of the display unit is turned on or off according to an operation of the operation unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
An information processing apparatus, wherein when the brightness of the display screen is set to a minimum, the light source of the display unit is turned off by operating the operation unit, and the device is changed to a power saving setting. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
An information processing apparatus, wherein when the light source is turned off, the light source is turned on by the operation of the operation means, and the power saving setting of the device is released or relaxed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,
An information processing apparatus, wherein when the device is changed to a power saving setting, power supply to the device is cut off.

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