JP2006018776A - Mechanism and method for reducing power for wireless input apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a mechanism for reducing a power for a wireless input apparatus, which has a wireless transmission function and is applied to an information system. <P>SOLUTION: The method and the mechanism for reducing the power for the wireless input apparatus, comprises the steps of: providing a power saving function to the wireless input apparatus by using a power saving mechanism 10, which has a switch module 103, a module 101 for charging a battery, and a control unit 102; the control unit 102 for controls the power for the wireless input apparatus so that the module 101 for charging the battery may reduce the power to the input apparatus when a user is not operating the apparatus; providing enough power to the input apparatus, only if the user depresses a press button of the apparatus or it is moved by the user; the user shuts off a power transmission route for the module 101 for charging the battery by using a switching module to avoid consumption of the power if the input apparatus is moving while not operating for saving the power consumed by the input apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to facility power management technology, and more particularly to a method for providing a power saving function to a wireless input facility used in an information system.

  A wireless input facility is a peripheral input facility used in a computer, thereby freeing the user from connection line limitations. In fact, most of the commercially available wireless mice that operate the computer functions within the range where wireless transmission can be received use an alkaline battery as a necessary power source, and the power is not turned off. Therefore, if the user inputs data without operating the wireless mouse, the wireless mouse automatically enters standby mode, but if the user moves the wireless mouse slightly or clicks its operation button In order for the wireless mouse to start quickly and enter operation mode, some power from the battery is required. This operation process requires a power supply to the inside of the TV even when the power is turned off, such as a household appliance having a remote control function such as a TV, and when the user operates the remote to turn on the power, Make the content of the channel you want to watch available immediately. Therefore, periodically replacing the battery used in the wireless mouse is a precaution when using the wireless mouse. If the cursor of the wireless mouse suddenly becomes inoperable, it means that the battery used for the wireless mouse needs to be replaced. However, power consumption is particularly noticeable with wireless optical mice. In general, when the wireless wheel mouse is used normally, the battery needs to be replaced in about 4 months, whereas the wireless optical mouse needs to be replaced in about 2 months even in the same usage situation. It is more economical to transmit data with a wireless wheel mouse. However, the wireless optical mouse is not affected by the situation of the plane of movement, the tracking ball is not affected by the sensitivity of the operation, and the reaction time is faster than the wireless wheel mouse. The attitude to replace the wheel mouse is shown. Therefore, the manufacturer is working on improving the power consumption problem of the wireless optical mouse. For example, a power detection device is installed inside the wireless optical mouse, and the power detection device is supported by an optical sensor provided inside the wireless optical mouse. By performing various power-saving modes such as full light, low light, flashing, and low light flashing, the beam generated in the optical system provided in the wireless optical mouse is in different operating states. Self-adjusts the amount of power consumed by the wireless optical mouse to achieve power saving. In addition, some manufacturers produce wireless optical mice using a rechargeable battery as a power source. If the wireless optical mouse is not in use, place the wireless optical mouse in the charging pack and charge it at any time, so that data input operations can be performed during operation. Avoid being affected by operating power shortage problems.

  As described above, the power consumption of the wireless mouse is caused by the fact that the members provided therein are more complicated than the wired mouse and that the battery needs to be consumed when not in use. However, in the solution technology for the power supply problem described above, since a function that can be completely started with a slight movement of the wireless mouse is reserved, the solution technology for these power supply problems is only for desktop computers. When using a wireless mouse as a peripheral input device for a notebook computer, the wireless mouse is powered by the vibration generated by the user during operation. The battery is turned on and the battery consumption is accelerated. In addition, since most of the laptop users are salespeople or businessmen who travel to various locations, if the power of the wireless mouse is exhausted due to vibration while moving, it can be used. It must be very inconvenient. Therefore, it is a problem to be solved that the power of the wireless mouse used for the personal computer and the PC is consumed due to vibration during movement.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides a power saving method for a wireless input facility that is applied to a wireless input facility used in an information system, such as a wireless mouse, and provides a power saving function for the wireless mouse, and a mechanism thereof. With the goal.

  In addition, it solves the problem that the power consumption is accelerated by the vibration during movement of the wireless mouse and the continued consumption of the stored power of the battery power supply module even when the wireless mouse is not operated. And its mechanism.

The power saving method for wireless input equipment according to the present invention includes the following processes.
(1) A power saving mechanism is installed inside the wireless input equipment, and then an electrical connection relationship between the switch module included in the power saving mechanism and the battery power supply module is established. A process of attaching to the surface that contacts the base case and the table constituting the outer shape of the wireless input equipment;
(2) A process in which the user sets the operating state of the wireless input equipment to the power saving mode by the switch module provided in the power saving mechanism;
(3) The switch module included in the power saving mechanism of the wireless input facility cuts off the power supply route of the battery power supply module so that the power necessary for the operation of the wireless input facility cannot be completely supplied from the battery power supply module. As a result, when the wireless input equipment is not used for a long time or when it is moving, the power stored in the battery power supply module continues to be consumed and the power stored in the battery power supply module is accelerated. Process to avoid,
(4) Only when the user resets the operation state of the wireless input equipment to the operation mode through the switch module, the switch module opens the power transmission route of the battery power supply module, and the battery is supplied with sufficient power to use the wireless input equipment. Process to provide from the power supply module.

The power saving method and the mechanism of the wireless input facility according to the present invention include the following members.
(1) A battery for supplying power necessary for the operation of each unit module provided in the wireless input facility when the wireless input facility is in a data transmission operation or a standby mode by a wireless transmission method. Power supply module,
(2) Control of the operation of each unit module that is electrically connected to each unit module provided inside the wireless input facility as a power source input terminal of the battery power supply module, and those A control unit for detecting the operation state of the unit module and controlling to supply the necessary power from the battery power supply module during operation of the wireless input facility,
(3) A protrusion that is installed in a recess housing space provided in a case constituting the wireless input equipment and a bottom case that contacts the table surface, and for allowing a user to set an operation interface in an operating state of the wireless input equipment. When the wireless input equipment enters the power saving mode by switching the operating state of the wireless input equipment by the projecting part, the power supply route of the battery power supply module is shut off and the battery power supply module is stored. Switch module for saving power.

  The above power saving method and mechanism of the wireless input equipment provides the power saving function to the wireless input equipment used in the notebook personal computer, and the battery power supply module wirelessly inputs when the user is not operating the wireless input equipment. The control unit provided in the wireless input equipment controls so as to reduce the power to the equipment, and only when the user moves the wireless input equipment or presses the click button, sufficient power is supplied to the wireless input equipment. provide. In order to avoid power consumption due to vibration while the user is moving, the operating state of the wireless input equipment is switched to the power saving mode by the protrusion provided on the switch module, and the power transmission route of the battery power supply module is shut off. Thus, the consumption rate of the stored power of the battery power supply module is reduced, and the expiration date of the battery power supply module is extended.

  In order to make the aforementioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the following embodiments, the power saving method and the mechanism of the wireless input facility according to the present invention are applied to, for example, an RF (Radio Frequency) optical mouse, and a battery power supply module provided inside the RF optical mouse is used. Reduces accumulated power consumption and provides power saving function for RF optical mouse. However, here, the power saving method and the mechanism of the wireless input facility according to the present invention are not limited to those RF optical mice. In a broad sense, the present invention may be applied to any input equipment having a wireless transmission function, such as a wireless keyboard or a joystick, and provides a power saving function for the wireless input equipment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal structure when a power saving method and its mechanism of a wireless input facility according to the present invention are applied to an RF optical mouse 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the RF optical mouse 1 includes a power saving mechanism 10, a detection module 20, a radio frequency circuit module 30, and an antenna 40. The power saving mechanism 10 includes a battery power supply module 101, a control unit 102, and a switch module 103. The switch module 103 is installed in a recess accommodating space C (FIG. 2) provided in the bottom case A (FIG. 2) of the RF optical mouse 1 by a fitting method. During the data input operation, the RF optical mouse 1 is connected to a receiver (not shown) attached to the notebook computer (not shown) by a predetermined wireless channel, and the function operation of the notebook computer is performed by a wireless transmission method. carry out. Since the detection module 20, the radio frequency circuit module 30, and the antenna 40 are all well-known standard equipment of the RF optical mouse 1, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Hereinafter, the operation status of the power saving function of the RF optical mouse 1 will be described in detail with reference to an entity diagram of the RF optical mouse 1 shown in FIG.

  The power saving method and the mechanism of the wireless input facility according to the present invention are characterized in that the RF optical mouse 1 is brought into a complete power saving state when the user is carrying it or not operating it for a long time. . That is, the RF optical mouse 1 does not consume the electric power stored in the battery power supply module 101 in the above two situations. The RF optical mouse 1 is a digital signal in which the movement position information of the RF optical mouse 1 is 0 and 1 by the detection module 20 through the light emitter B (FIG. 2) provided in the bottom case A (FIG. 2). And then transmitted to the control unit 102, the RF optical mouse 1 calculates and processes the position and operation result on the display screen provided in the notebook computer, and the control unit wirelessly transmits the result of the digital signal processing. Input to the frequency telephone module 30, the radio frequency circuit module 30 becomes a transmitting end through the antenna 40, and the movement position information of the RF optical mouse 1 is transmitted to a receiver (not shown) connected to the notebook computer by a wireless transmission method. Thus, the user can see the display status of the cursor of the RF optical mouse 1 on the display screen, and through the RF optical mouse 1 To implement the function operation. The light emitter B (FIG. 2) inside the RF optical mouse 1 is actually open at any time, that is, the battery power supply module 101 provided in the RF optical mouse 1 is used as a data input facility of a notebook computer. As described above, the power corresponding to the RF optical mouse 1 is always supplied based on the current operating state of the RF optical mouse 1, and the operation mode can be immediately entered even when the RF optical mouse 1 is in the standby mode. it can. The above process automatically detects the activity message of the RF optical mouse 1 through the detection module 20 and transmits the activity message to the control unit 102 by means of digital signals 0 and 1 for further processing. After the control unit 102 receives the digital signal from the detection module 20, a determination is made based on an activity state message represented by the digital signal to determine the current activity state of the RF optical mouse 1. If the frequency of operation of the RF optical mouse 1 is frequent or the movement range is wide, it indicates that the user is operating a function provided in the notebook computer through the RF optical mouse 1. Accordingly, at the same time, the control unit 102 controls so as to provide necessary power to the RF optical mouse 1 from the battery power supply module 101, and the RF optical mouse 1 operates smoothly. When the RF optical mouse 1 has not moved on the table surface for a long time or when a click button (not shown) provided thereon is not pressed, the current operating state of the RF optical mouse 1 is The control unit 102 determines that it is standby, and thus the control unit 102 controls the battery feeding module 101 to reduce the power to the RF optical mouse 1 so that the user moves the RF optical mouse 1. By pressing the click button provided on it, sufficient power is supplied for use of the RF optical mouse 1.

  As described above, when the user does not move the RF optical mouse 1 or press the click button provided thereon during a certain period of time, the control unit 102 causes the RF optical mouse 1 to enter standby. While controlling, the RF optical mouse 1 is controlled so that a small amount of power is supplied from the battery power supply module 101, and the RF optical mouse 1 is quickly switched from the standby mode to the operation mode. Therefore, even when the RF optical mouse 1 is in the standby mode, the power stored in the battery power supply module 101 is consumed, and the RF optical mouse 1 according to the present invention is used for peripheral input equipment of a notebook computer. Therefore, when the current operation state of the RF optical mouse 1 is in the standby mode, the user moves the RF optical mouse 1 by vibration caused by carrying the notebook computer while the user is moving, so that the user can The control unit 102 erroneously determines that data is being input using 1 and sufficient power is provided to the RF optical mouse 1 from the battery power supply module 101, thus reducing the usable period of the battery power supply module. Will be. As described above, in order to avoid power consumption even when the RF optical mouse 1 is not operated, the user can install the RF optical mouse 1 in the switch module 103 when carrying the RF optical mouse 1 while moving. The switch module 103 supplies power to the use of the RF optical mouse 1 from the battery power supply module 101 by switching the operating state of the RF optical mouse 1 to a complete power saving state by the protruding portion 1031 (FIG. 2). Shut off. In this complete power saving mode, the RF optical mouse 1 can no longer use the power from the battery power supply module 101, that is, the RF optical mouse 1 will not consume power stored in the battery power supply module 101 due to vibration during movement. Therefore, the consumption rate of the electric power stored in the battery power supply module 101 is reduced, and the expiration date of use of the battery power supply module is extended.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram, and a protruding portion 1031 added to the switch module 103 included in the power saving mechanism of the wireless input equipment according to the present invention is attached to the bottom case A included in the RF optical mouse 1. Indicates the state. As shown in FIG. 2, the protruding portion 1031 is fitted into a recess accommodating space C provided in the bottom case A of the contact surface between the RF optical mouse 1 and the table surface, so that the shape of the protruding portion 1031 is RF optical. When the movement of the mouse 1 on the table surface is affected and the work cannot be performed smoothly, and when the RF optical mouse 1 is moved on the table and the data is input, the protruding portion 1031 added to the switch module 103 is used. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the data input operation from being interrupted by erroneously touching and turning off the operating power of the RF optical mouse 1.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the power saving method of the wireless input facility according to the present invention and each process when the mechanism implements the power saving function of the RF optical mouse. First, in step S1, a power saving mechanism 10 is installed inside the RF optical mouse 1, and the power saving mechanism 10 of the wireless input equipment includes a battery power supply module 101, a control unit 102, and a switch module 103. The RF optical mouse 1 is provided with a power saving function, and then enters step S2.

  In step S2, the protruding portion 1031 as the operation interface of the switch module 103 provided in the switch module 103 is provided in the bottom case A that is included in the RF optical mouse 1 and is in contact with the plane installed on the RF optical mouse 1. By installing in the recess accommodating space C and avoiding that the protruding portion 1031 becomes a resistance when the RF optical mouse 1 moves on the table surface, the user can directly switch the module with the outer case of the RF optical mouse 1. The operating state of the RF optical mouse 1 is switched to the power saving mode by the protruding portion 1031 provided in 103, and then the process enters step S3.

  In step S3, the switch module 103 provided in the power saving mechanism 10 of the wireless input facility switches the battery feeding module 101 after the user switches the operating state of the RF optical mouse 1 to the complete power saving mode through the protruding portion 1031. When the transmission route for providing power necessary for the operation of each unit module inside the RF optical mouse 1 is cut off and the user carries the RF optical mouse 1 while moving, the power source of the RF optical mouse 1 Is turned on by vibration due to movement, avoiding acceleration of the consumption rate of the electric power stored in the battery power supply module 101, and then enters step S4.

  In step S4, when the user operates the RF optical mouse 1 and the operating state of the RF optical mouse 1 is switched to the operation mode by the protruding portion 1031 provided in the switch module 103, the RF optical mouse 1 is operated by the battery power supply module 101. The switch module 103 opens the transmission route for providing the power necessary for the operation of the battery, and the battery power supply module 101 provides sufficient power for the use of the RF optical mouse 1 so that the user operates the RF optical mouse 1 again. Can be done.

  As described above, the power saving method of wireless input equipment and the mechanism thereof according to the present invention are based on the fact that the RF optical mouse used in the notebook personal computer accumulates the battery even in the non-operation mode due to the vibration caused by the mobile phone being moved by the user. By avoiding power consumption, the expiration date of the battery power supply module and the RF optical mouse is extended.

  The above embodiments are shown for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The substantial technical contents of the present invention are defined in the following claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes without departing from the scope of the claims, and such modifications and changes fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal structure when a power saving method and its mechanism of a wireless input facility according to the present invention are applied to a wireless optical mouse 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a protruding portion 1031 added to the switch module 103 included in the power saving mechanism of the wireless input equipment according to the present invention is attached to the bottom case A included in the wireless optical mouse 1. . It is a flowchart, Comprising: Each process when the power saving method of the wireless input equipment concerning this invention and its mechanism implement the power saving function of a wireless optical mouse is shown.

Explanation of symbols

1 Wireless optical mouse
10 Power saving mechanism
101 Battery power module
102 Control unit
103 Switch module
1031 Overhang
20 detection module
30 radio frequency circuit module
40 Antenna
A Bottom case
B Light emitter
C Recess receiving space

Claims (18)

Data is input to the electronic information system through the wireless transmission method by the power-saving mechanism that is applied to the wireless input facility that has the wireless transmission function and uses the battery power supply module installed inside as the power supply. In a power saving method of a wireless input facility that provides a power saving function to the wireless input facility.
(1) A step of installing a switch module that is electrically connected to the battery power supply module on the surface of the case that forms the outer shape of the wireless input facility;
(2) When the user sets the operating state of the wireless input equipment to the complete power saving mode or the operating mode by controlling the switch module, and the operating state of the wireless input equipment is set to the complete power saving mode, When the switch module blocks the power transmission route of the battery power supply module, avoids the consumption of the stored power of the battery power supply module, and is set to the operation mode, the switch module opens the power transmission route of the battery power supply module. Allowing the user to operate the wireless input facility;
A power saving method for a wireless input facility.   The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless input facility is a wireless optical mouse.   The wireless optical mouse further includes a sleeping power saving mode, that is, the wireless optical mouse is turned on by moving the wireless optical mouse or pressing an operation button provided on the wireless optical mouse. The power saving method for wireless input equipment according to claim 2, wherein an input operation is performed.   The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless input facility performs data transmission work by an RF transmission method.   The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless input facility uses an alkaline battery as a power supply.   The power saving method of the wireless input equipment according to claim 1, wherein the switch module switches the operating state of the wireless input equipment by moving a protruding part attached thereon in parallel by a manual method. .   The switch module is inserted into the surface of the bottom case having a recess housing space included in the case constituting the outer shape of the wireless input equipment, so that the movement resistance of the wireless input equipment or the protrusion provided in the switch module 2. The power saving method for a wireless input facility according to claim 1, wherein interruption of an operating power source of the wireless input facility due to erroneous contact with a part is avoided.   The method of claim 7, wherein the surface of the bottom case is in contact with a plane in which the wireless input facility is accommodated.   2. The wireless input facility power saving method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic information system is a portable notebook personal computer.   The wireless input facility according to claim 1, wherein in the complete power saving mode, the battery power supply module does not completely supply power to the wireless input facility, and the power stored in the battery power supply module is saved. Power saving method. Applied to a wireless input facility having a wireless transmission function and using a battery power supply module mounted inside as a power supply, and when the user is carrying the wireless input facility or operating the wireless input facility for a long time If not, in the power saving mechanism of the wireless input equipment to avoid the continued consumption of the power stored in the battery power supply module,
A battery power supply module for supplying power necessary for the operation of each unit module provided in the wireless input facility when the wireless input facility performs data transmission by a wireless transmission method;
It is electrically connected to each unit module provided inside the wireless input equipment, controls the operation of each unit module provided inside the wireless input equipment, and detects the operating state of these unit modules, and wirelessly A control unit for controlling so as to supply the power necessary for the operation of the input equipment from the battery power supply module;
When the wireless input equipment is installed on the surface of the case constituting the outer shape of the wireless input equipment and the operating state of the wireless input equipment is set to the complete power saving mode or the operation mode by the user, the battery is set. The power supply route of the power supply module is cut off to avoid the consumption of the stored power of the battery power supply module, and the power supply route of the battery power supply module is not opened until the user sets the operation state of the wireless input equipment to the operation mode. A switch module that allows
A power saving mechanism for a wireless input facility.   The power saving mechanism of the wireless input facility according to claim 11, wherein the wireless input facility is a wireless optical mouse.   The power saving mechanism of the wireless input facility according to claim 11, wherein the wireless input facility performs data transmission work by an RF transmission method.   The power saving mechanism of the wireless input facility according to claim 11, wherein the battery power supply module is made of an alkaline battery.   The power saving mechanism of the wireless input equipment according to claim 11, wherein the switch module switches an operating state of the wireless input equipment by moving a protruding portion attached thereon in parallel by a manual method. .   The switch module is inserted into the surface of the bottom case having a recess housing space included in the case constituting the outer shape of the wireless input equipment, so that the movement resistance of the wireless input equipment or the protrusion provided in the switch module The power saving mechanism of the wireless input equipment according to claim 11, wherein interruption of an operating power source of the wireless input equipment due to erroneous contact with a part is avoided.   The power saving mechanism of the wireless input equipment according to claim 16, wherein the surface of the bottom case is in contact with a plane in which the wireless input equipment is accommodated. The wireless input facility according to claim 11, wherein in the complete power saving mode, the battery power supply module does not completely supply power to the wireless input facility, and the power stored in the battery power supply module is saved. Power saving mechanism.

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