JP2004311136A - Portable electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide portable electronic equipment capable of automatically executing power control in line with a characteristic of a battery by using a wireless tag attached to the battery even when various types of batteries having the same size and made by various makers are used. <P>SOLUTION: A data reading part 20 reads information about the battery 16 stored in the wireless tag 32. The wireless tag 32 is attached to the battery 16 by sticking or embedding it. A CPU 22 recognizes information about the battery 16 read by the reading part 20 such as the type of the battery, for example, a primary battery or a secondary battery, and the maker name of the battery. The CPU 22 transmits a power control command to a power control part 12 and respective control parts 36 and 42 according to the recognized information. Since the battery has a different discharge characteristic depending on the primary battery or the secondary battery, and is different in battery capacity depending on the maker, electric energy consumed by the portable electronic equipment can be reduced in line with the characteristic of the currently used battery when the power control command according to the type of the battery, the maker name of the battery and the like is generated and transmitted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable electronic device, and more particularly to a portable electronic device that can use a battery as a power source.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many portable electronic devices such as digital cameras can be operated with removable batteries because of their portability, and many easily available AA batteries can be used. There are many types of AA batteries, such as a manganese battery as a primary battery, an alkaline battery, a lithium battery, a nickel-cadmium battery as a secondary battery, and a nickel metal hydride battery.
[0003]
Since these AA batteries all have the same shape, for example, a digital camera using an AA battery as a power source cannot easily identify the type even if the type of battery is different. Therefore, the power control of the device is set according to the type of battery bundled at the time of product sales, and when other types of batteries are used, it is not possible to perform power control according to the characteristics of the battery, There was a difference in the usable time due to the characteristics of the battery. For example, portable electronic device products that include nickel metal hydride batteries have power control settings that match the characteristics of nickel metal hydride batteries. In some cases, there was no remaining capacity.
[0004]
In addition, even when the power control settings corresponding to the battery type are stored in the device, the user needs to check the battery type or set the power control setting every time the battery is replaced. It was.
[0005]
On the other hand, recently, a wireless tag storing product information is attached to a product, and information management of the product is performed by reading the information of the wireless tag with a reader.
[0006]
The following Patent Document 1 proposes an input / output management ID card using a wireless tag and an inventory management system, and the following Patent Document 2 discloses a means for identifying a secondary battery pack. However, none solves the above problems.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-22578
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-135804
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In consideration of the above facts, the present invention uses batteries of the same size, various types, manufacturers, etc. in the hope that the battery will be equipped with a wireless tag storing the battery information in the future. Even in such a case, an object is to provide a portable electronic device that can automatically perform power control in accordance with the characteristics of the battery by using the wireless tag.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention of claim 1 is a portable electronic device that can use a battery as a power source,
Reading means for reading information about the battery stored in the wireless tag attached to the battery;
Recognition means for recognizing information about the battery read by the reading means;
Power control means for controlling the amount of power consumed by the portable electronic device;
It comprises a portable electronic device comprising control command generation means for sending a power control command to the power control means in accordance with information recognized by the recognition means.
[0011]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the reading means reads information about the battery stored in the wireless tag. A wireless tag is attached to the battery by pasting or embedding. The recognition means recognizes information about the battery read by the reading means. The battery information includes the type of battery such as a primary battery and a secondary battery, and the name of the battery manufacturer. The control command generation unit sends a power control command to the power control unit according to the information recognized by the recognition unit. For example, the battery has different discharge characteristics depending on the primary battery and the secondary battery, and the capacity of the battery varies depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, the power control command is generated according to the type of battery, the battery manufacturer name, etc. If it is sent to the control means, the amount of power consumed by the portable electronic device can be controlled in accordance with the characteristics of the currently used battery.
[0012]
The present invention of claim 4 is a portable electronic device that can use a battery as a power source,
Reading means for reading information about the battery stored in the wireless tag attached to the battery;
Recognition means for recognizing information about the battery read by the reading means;
Power control means for controlling to reduce the amount of power consumed by the portable electronic device;
It comprises a portable electronic device comprising control command generation means for sending a command for controlling the power control means to reduce the amount of power according to information recognized by the recognition means.
[0013]
According to the present invention of claim 4, the reading means reads information about the battery stored in the wireless tag. A wireless tag is attached to the battery by pasting or embedding. The recognition means recognizes information about the battery read by the reading means. The battery information includes the type of battery such as a primary battery and a secondary battery, and the name of the battery manufacturer. The control command generation unit sends a power reduction control command to the power control unit according to the information recognized by the recognition unit. For example, since the battery has different discharge characteristics depending on the primary battery and the secondary battery, and the capacity of the battery varies depending on the manufacturer, the power reduction control command corresponding to the type of the battery, the battery manufacturer name, etc. If it is sent to the power control means, the amount of power consumed by the portable electronic device can be reduced and controlled in accordance with the characteristics of the currently used battery.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of a digital camera functioning as a portable electronic device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the digital camera 2.
[0016]
The camera 2 is a digital camera having image recording and playback functions, and the overall operation of the camera 2 is controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 22. The CPU 22 functions as a control unit that controls the camera system according to a predetermined program, and also serves as a control command generation unit that generates a command to control the power consumption of the digital camera 2 in accordance with the determined battery type. Function.
[0017]
The ROM 7 connected to the CPU 22 via the bus 35 stores programs executed by the CPU 22, various data necessary for control, and the like. Note that the ROM 7 as the nonvolatile storage means may be non-rewritable, or may be rewritable like an EEPROM.
[0018]
The storage unit 8 is used as a program development area and a calculation work area for the CPU 22, and is also used as a temporary storage area for image data and audio data.
[0019]
The camera 2 is provided with operation buttons 30 such as a mode selection switch, a shooting button, a menu / OK key, a cross key, and a cancel key. Signals from these various operation buttons 30 are input to the CPU 22, and the CPU 22 controls each circuit of the camera 2 based on the input signals. For example, lens drive control, shooting operation control, image processing control, image data recording / recording Playback control, display control of the display unit 26 via the display control unit 24, control of the strobe 34 via the strobe control unit 36, and the like are performed.
[0020]
The mode selection switch is an operation means for switching between a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, and a playback mode.
[0021]
The shooting button is an operation button for inputting an instruction to start shooting, and functions as a recording start (start) / stop (stop) button in moving image shooting, and functions as a release button in still image shooting. The photographing button is composed of a two-stroke switch having an S1 switch that is turned on when half-pressed and an S2 switch that is turned on when fully pressed.
[0022]
The menu / OK key is an operation key having both a function as a menu button for instructing to display a menu on the screen of the display unit 26 and a function as an OK button for instructing confirmation and execution of selection contents. It is. The cross key is an operation unit for inputting instructions in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and functions as a button (cursor moving operation means) for selecting an item from the menu screen or instructing selection of various setting items from each menu. To do. The up / down key of the cross key functions as a zoom switch at the time of shooting or a playback zoom switch at the time of playback, and the left / right key functions as a frame advance (forward / reverse feed) button in the playback mode. The cancel key is used when deleting a desired item such as a selection item, canceling an instruction content, or returning to the previous operation state.
[0023]
A signal from the power switch 28 is also input to the CPU 22.
[0024]
The display unit 26 is configured by a liquid crystal display capable of color display. The display unit 26 can be used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view at the time of shooting, and is used as a means for reproducing and displaying a recorded image. The display unit 26 is also used as a display screen for a user interface, and displays information such as menu information, selection items, setting contents, and a battery remaining amount warning as necessary. Instead of the liquid crystal display, other types of display devices (display means) such as an organic EL can be used. The display control unit 24 performs a predetermined operation for displaying the display contents on the display unit 26 based on a command from the CPU 22. The display unit 26 becomes visible when the backlight 40 disposed inside the display unit 26 is turned on. The backlight 40 is turned on and the brightness is controlled by the backlight control unit 42 based on a command from the CPU 22.
[0025]
The digital camera 2 includes a recording unit 14 having a media socket (media mounting unit) and a media controller, and a recording medium can be mounted on the media socket. The form of the recording medium is not particularly limited, and various media such as a semiconductor memory card represented by XD-PictureCard (registered trademark) and smart media (registered trademark), a portable small hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical disk. Can be used. The media controller performs necessary signal conversion in order to transfer input / output signals suitable for the recording media loaded in the media socket.
[0026]
A photographing function of the digital camera 2 will be described.
[0027]
When the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode is selected by the mode selection switch, power is supplied to the image pickup unit 4 including a CCD solid-state image pickup device (hereinafter referred to as CCD), and the camera is ready for shooting.
[0028]
The imaging unit 4 includes a lens unit, and the lens unit is an optical unit including a photographing lens including a focus lens and a mechanical shutter serving as an aperture. The lens unit is electrically driven by a lens driving unit and a diaphragm driving unit that are controlled by the CPU 22, and zoom control, focus control, and iris control are performed.
[0029]
The light that has passed through the lens unit forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD. A number of photodiodes (light receiving elements) are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the CCD, and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) primary color filters corresponding to the photodiodes. They are arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure (Bayer, G stripe, etc.). The CCD has an electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photodiode. The CPU 22 controls the charge accumulation time in the CCD via a timing generator (not shown). Note that another type of image sensor such as a MOS type may be used instead of the CCD.
[0030]
The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD is converted into a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photodiode. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse given from the timing generator in accordance with a command from the CPU 22.
[0031]
The signal output from the CCD is amplified by sampling and holding (correlated double sampling processing) R, G, and B signals for each pixel. Thereafter, the R, G, and B signals that are sequentially input are converted into digital signals and output to the signal processing unit 6.
[0032]
The signal processing unit 6 processes a digital image signal input via an image input controller (not shown) according to a command from the CPU 22. That is, the signal processing unit 6 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with the color filter array of the single CCD), and a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit. , Functions as image processing means including a gamma correction circuit, contour correction circuit, white balance correction circuit, etc., and performs predetermined signal processing using the storage unit 8 in accordance with commands from the CPU 22.
[0033]
Note that the image input controller includes a memory controller that performs data read control and write control of the storage unit 8.
[0034]
The RGB image data input to the signal processing unit 6 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal) by the signal processing unit 6 and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction. The The image data processed by the signal processing unit 6 is stored in the storage unit 8.
[0035]
When the captured image is output to the display unit 26 on the monitor, the image data is read from the storage unit 8 and sent to the display control unit 24 via the bus 35. The display control unit 24 converts the input image data into a predetermined display signal (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) and outputs the converted signal to the display unit 26. When the captured image is output to the display unit 26 on the monitor, the backlight 40 is lit in conjunction. The backlight 40 is lit while shooting. The backlight 40 is lit during playback, but is turned off to save power if there is no key operation for a certain period of time during playback.
[0036]
In response to the operation of the power switch 28 and the operation button 30, the CPU 22 sends a control signal for controlling the power to the power control unit 12, the power control unit 12 controls the power circuit 10, and the power circuit 10 is necessary for each block. Supply the amount of power.
[0037]
As a power source, a DC power source can be used, but a battery is usually used. As shown in FIG. 4, in the battery 16, a chip-like wireless tag 32 in which information on the battery is stored is embedded in the center in the longitudinal direction of the battery 16. The information of the battery that the wireless tag 32 has is a primary battery or a secondary battery, and if it is a primary battery, it is a manganese battery, an alkaline battery, or a lithium battery, or if it is a secondary battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, nickel-metal hydride The battery type such as whether it is a battery, the manufacturer name of the battery, and the like.
[0038]
The wireless tag 32 is not limited to the chip shape, but may be a band formed around the battery.
[0039]
The data reading unit 20 is disposed at a position where the wireless tag 32 embedded in the battery 16 can be detected when the battery 16 is accommodated in the battery box in the digital camera 2. 32 is detected and the battery information is read. The read information is sent to the CPU 22. The CPU 22 determines the battery type, manufacturer name, etc. from the read battery information.
[0040]
The digital camera 2 of this embodiment is configured to accommodate two AA batteries in a battery box with the longitudinal direction reversed. As shown in FIG. 4, the data reading unit 20 is formed on the inner wall of the battery box, but is disposed at one place in the center in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the battery box. Thereby, the wireless tag 32 of two batteries can be detected by one data reading unit 20.
[0041]
In this case, the data reading unit 20 detects the wireless tag 32 of the first battery, and detects the wireless tag 32 of the second battery with a time difference. The CPU 22 simultaneously receives the detected battery information stored in the wireless tag 32 of the first battery and the detected battery information stored in the wireless tag 32 of the second battery.
[0042]
The data reading unit 20 may be formed in a circumferential shape on the inner wall of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the battery box. By doing so, the data reading unit 20 can detect the wireless tag 32 easily and reliably no matter where the chip-like wireless tag 32 is attached at the center in the longitudinal direction of the battery.
[0043]
The battery voltage detector 18 detects the voltage of the battery 16 based on a command from the CPU 22. The voltage detection result is sent to the CPU 22, and the CPU 22 generates a predetermined warning display or a signal for turning off the power based on the detection result.
[0044]
When the battery 16 is a secondary battery, the battery 16 can be charged by operating the battery charging unit 38 based on a command from the CPU 22. In this case, power is separately supplied from a DC power source connected to the digital camera 2.
[0045]
A process for reducing the power consumption of the digital camera 2 will be described.
[0046]
First, as an example, characteristics of an AA alkaline battery that is a primary battery and an AA nickel metal hydride battery that is a secondary battery will be described.
[0047]
FIG. 3 is a table showing discharge characteristics of AA alkaline batteries and AA nickel metal hydride batteries, and a table of pre-end voltage and end voltage setting.
[0048]
In a conventional digital camera, the pre-end voltage of the AA alkaline battery (that is, the battery voltage when displaying that the battery is low on the display unit 26) is 2.2 V, and the end voltage (that is, the battery is exhausted). The battery voltage when displaying this on the display unit 26) was set to 2.0V. With this setting, a warning message was displayed when the AA alkaline battery was 65% used, and a warning message was displayed when the AA nickel metal hydride battery was 96% used. When the battery voltage reaches the end voltage, the battery usage rate is 100% for both batteries.
[0049]
Looking at the discharge characteristics of both batteries, when the same power control is performed on the digital camera 2, the nickel-metal hydride battery lasts longer than the alkaline battery. Alkaline batteries are generally known to have higher internal impedance than nickel metal hydride batteries. When alkaline batteries are used, reducing power consumption reduces voltage drop and prolongs battery life, while at low temperatures. The discharge of can also be reduced.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the wireless tag 32 attached to the battery 16 is detected by the data reading unit 20 of the digital camera 2 to read battery information, thereby reducing power consumption according to the type of battery. is there.
[0051]
The flow will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process of reading the battery type and reducing the power consumption according to the battery type.
[0052]
First, the power switch 28 is turned on (step 50). The data reading unit 20 detects the wireless tag 32 of the battery 16 and reads the battery information stored in the wireless tag 32 (step 52).
[0053]
The battery type is determined from the read battery information (step 54). This is because the read battery information is sent to the CPU 22, and the CPU 22 determines the battery type and determines whether the battery currently used is, for example, an alkaline battery, a nickel metal hydride battery or another type of battery.
[0054]
As a result of the determination, in the case of a battery type having a high internal impedance (for example, an alkaline battery), the current of the backlight 40 of the display unit (liquid crystal monitor) 26 is lowered to darken, and the clock frequency of the CPU 22 is lowered to reduce the processing speed. The charging time is decreased by slowing down the charging current of the strobe 34 (step 56). These operations are performed automatically. As a result, the amount of power consumption is reduced and the rate of battery voltage drop is slowed down. In addition, it can also set beforehand to perform the electric power reduction operation | movement according to the battery type for every battery type.
[0055]
In the case of a battery type with high internal impedance, the digital camera 2 can be used by automatically turning off the display unit 26 when the ambient temperature becomes low in addition to the operation of step 56 as a power consumption reduction operation. It can also be set to lengthen the state.
[0056]
Note that the user can also select not to perform the power reduction operation in step 56 by the digital camera 2. This is done by the user performing automatic power control ON / OFF setting in advance. In this case, a function for detecting whether or not automatic power control ON / OFF is set is added to the digital camera 2. That is, when automatic power control ON / OFF is set by the user's selection, automatic power control ON / OFF detection is performed immediately before step 56 (* A in FIG. 2). If automatic power control ON is detected, the process proceeds to step 56 as it is. If automatic power control OFF is detected, the process proceeds to step 58 as it is without proceeding to step 56. This is because the user may want to give priority to the function of step 56 of the digital camera 2 as usual rather than the power consumption reduction.
[0057]
Next, it is determined whether or not the battery voltage has reached the end voltage (step 58). If it has reached, the power is turned off (step 62). If not, it is determined whether or not the power switch is turned off (step 60), and if not, the process returns to step 58. If turned off, the process proceeds to step 62 and the power is turned off.
[0058]
According to the present embodiment, the power of the digital camera is automatically controlled according to the type of battery, so there is no significant difference in the usable time depending on the type of battery, so the user can use the digital camera without worrying about the type of battery. Can be used.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, the above-described three methods are listed as the power control setting in step 56, but any one or any two of the above-described three methods can be selectively employed.
[0060]
Further, in the present embodiment, power control is performed based on the type of battery, but power control may also be performed based on the manufacturer of the battery. In this case, the information stored in the wireless tag 32 may include the battery manufacturer name in addition to the battery type, and the power consumption control of the battery may be performed based on the battery capacity that varies slightly depending on the manufacturer.
[0061]
It is also possible to make a setting for preventing the setting in step 56 from being automatically changed according to the user's preference.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, the target to which the present invention is applied has been described as a digital camera. However, the present invention can be applied to portable electronic devices other than the digital camera.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the amount of power consumed by the portable electronic device can be automatically controlled according to the characteristics of the currently used battery. Therefore, the user can use the portable electronic device without worrying about the type of battery.
[0064]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the amount of power consumed by the portable electronic device can be automatically reduced and controlled in accordance with the characteristics of the currently used battery, so that the portable electronic device can be used with the battery. Since there is no significant difference in time, the user can use the portable electronic device without worrying about the type of battery.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of reading a battery type and reducing power consumption according to the battery type.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing discharge characteristics of AA alkaline batteries and AA nickel metal hydride batteries, and a table for setting a pre-end voltage and an end voltage.
FIG. 4 shows that the wireless tag on the battery is provided in the center in the longitudinal direction of the battery, and two AA batteries are accommodated in the battery box with the longitudinal direction reversed, and the battery data reading unit is connected to the battery box. The figure which shows the state arrange | positioned by one place in the center part of the longitudinal direction and the width direction.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Digital camera, 7 ... ROM, 8 ... Memory | storage part, 10 ... Power supply circuit, 12 ... Power supply control part, 16 ... Battery, 18 ... Battery voltage detection part, 20 ... Data reading part, 22 ... CPU, 24 ... Display control unit 26 ... Display unit 28 ... Power switch 32 ... Wireless tag 34 ... Strobe 36 ... Strobe control unit 38 ... Battery charging unit 40 ... Backlight 42 ... Backlight control unit

Claims (4)

A portable electronic device that can use a battery as a power source,
Reading means for reading information about the battery stored in the wireless tag attached to the battery;
Recognition means for recognizing information about the battery read by the reading means;
Power control means for controlling the amount of power consumed by the portable electronic device;
A portable electronic device comprising control command generation means for sending a power control command to the power control means in accordance with information recognized by the recognition means. The information about the battery includes a battery type, and the recognition unit recognizes at least the battery type, and the control command generation unit sends a power control command to the power control unit according to the recognized battery type. Item 1. A portable electronic device according to item 1. The information about the battery includes the name of the battery manufacturer, the recognition means recognizes the name of the battery manufacturer, and the control command generation means sends a power control command to the power control means according to the recognized battery manufacturer name. The portable electronic device according to claim 2 to be sent. A portable electronic device that can use a battery as a power source,
Reading means for reading information about the battery stored in the wireless tag attached to the battery;
Recognition means for recognizing information about the battery read by the reading means;
Power control means for controlling to reduce the amount of power consumed by the portable electronic device;
A portable electronic device comprising: control command generating means for sending a command for controlling the power control means to reduce the amount of power according to information recognized by the recognition means.

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