JP2007208460A - Electronic equipment with communication functions, processing control method, and processing control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress effects on parallel processing caused by changes of power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: An operation control unit 205 executes wireless communication processing by a wireless communication 201 and other processings, in parallel. When power consumption of a task to be executed by the operation control unit 205 changes, the operation control unit notifies the change of the power consumption to a comparator 204 so as to update a task management table stored in a storage 202. The comparator 204 compares whether the power consumption is larger than a prescribed threshold, on the basis of power consumption acquired by an acquisition part 203 and the power consumption of the task inputted by the operation control unit 205 so as to input the comparison result to the operation control unit 205. The operation control unit 205 executes control for suppressing the power consumption of a task low in priority, so that a task that is high in priority is executed normally, on the basis of the comparison result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device that executes a plurality of processes in parallel, and more particularly, to an electronic device with a communication function, a process control method, and a process control program that are suitable when a plurality of processes include communication processes.

  In recent years, electronic devices having a communication function typified by mobile phones have been widely used. In such devices, a plurality of application software (hereinafter referred to as “applications”) is mounted to meet various needs of users and to provide various services to users. There are many. For example, in the case of a mobile phone, in addition to a communication application and a standby screen application, there are a camera shooting application, a music playback application, a TV remote control application, and the like. And the electronic device can process a plurality of functions using these applications in parallel.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile phone that can respond to an incoming call through wireless communication while transmitting data such as an image to an external printer using an infrared communication function.
JP 2005-102122 A

  By the way, it is necessary to secure the power consumption necessary for normal operation in order to start the application as described above and perform processing, but the power consumption is not always constant during the execution of the application. May temporarily exceed the normal maximum discharge current of the power source. For example, in a situation where power consumption close to the maximum discharge current at normal times is required, if the user performs unexpected communication processing such as registration processing or incoming call due to change of the communication area, the voltage becomes temporarily unstable There is a possibility that the application malfunctions or the mobile phone function stops.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when performing a plurality of processes in parallel, an electronic device with a communication function capable of suppressing the influence of an unexpected communication process on other processes, It is an object to provide a process control method and a process control program.

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic device with a communication function according to a first aspect of the present invention is a storage unit and an acquisition unit in an electronic device with a communication function that executes a plurality of processes including a communication process with an external device in parallel. And a first comparison means and a process control means.
The storage unit stores the process executed by the device, a predetermined set value of power consumption necessary for the process, and the priority of the process in association with each other.
The acquisition unit acquires a total value of power consumption consumed by processing executed by the device.
The first comparison unit compares the sum of the total value acquired by the acquisition unit and the power consumption consumed by the communication process with a predetermined threshold when the communication process is executed. .
The process control means controls to reduce the power consumption of a specific process from the plurality of processes executed in parallel based on the result of the comparison by the first comparison means and the priority stored in the storage means. To do.
As a result, the electronic device with the communication function compares the total power consumption consumed by the processing including the communication processing executed in parallel with a predetermined threshold value, for example, before starting the communication processing. When this is smaller, the power consumption consumed by a specific process can be controlled to be small based on the priority. That is, even when a communication process such as an unexpected incoming call occurs, the power consumption of the entire device can be secured by suppressing the power consumption of the specific process based on the priority, and the communication process can be performed normally. it can.

In addition, the processing control means, when the total power consumed by the processing including the communication processing executed in parallel is greater than the threshold by the first comparison means, the priority stored in the storage means Based on the above, a specific process among a plurality of processes executed in parallel may be temporarily stopped. Then, when the threshold value is larger than the total power consumption consumed by the processing including the communication processing executed in parallel, the temporarily stopped specific processing may be resumed.
As a result, the electronic device with a communication function compares the sum of power consumption consumed by processes including communication processes executed in parallel with a predetermined threshold before the start of the communication process. If it is small, a specific process can be temporarily stopped based on the priority. Then, when the sum of the power consumption consumed by the processes executed in parallel becomes smaller, the specific process temporarily stopped can be resumed. That is, even when communication processing such as an unexpected incoming call occurs, the power consumption of the entire device can be secured by temporarily suspending the specific processing based on the priority, and the communication processing can be performed normally. . The process can be resumed when sufficient power can be secured to resume the specific process that has been suspended.

In addition, the electronic device with a communication function includes a predicted value acquisition unit that obtains a predicted value of power consumption after a predetermined period of time for a process executed by the process control unit, a predicted value acquired by the predicted value acquisition unit, and a predetermined value There may be provided a second comparison means for comparing the threshold value.
Then, when the predicted value is larger than the predetermined threshold value by the second comparison unit, the process control unit determines whether the plurality of processes executed in parallel based on the priority stored in the storage unit. You may control to make the power consumption of a specific process small.
As a result, the power consumption consumed after a predetermined period of time is predicted, and when the power consumption is greater than the threshold value, the power consumption of a specific process can be controlled to be small based on the priority. In other words, the power consumption of the entire device can be secured by suppressing the power consumption of the process whose power consumption can be predicted in advance, and the communication process can be normally performed even when a communication process such as an unexpected incoming call occurs. .

In order to achieve the above object, a process control method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a process control method for an electronic device with a communication function that executes a plurality of processes including a communication process with an external device in parallel. A step, a comparison step, and a process control step.
The acquisition step acquires a total value of power consumption consumed by processing executed by the device.
In the comparison step, when the communication process is executed, the sum of the total value acquired in the acquisition step and the power consumption consumed by the communication process is compared with a predetermined threshold value.
The process control step controls to reduce power consumption of a specific process from the plurality of processes executed in parallel based on a result of the comparison by the first comparison unit and a priority stored in the storage unit. To do.
As a result, the total power consumption consumed by all processes including communication processes executed in parallel is compared with a predetermined threshold value. If the total is larger, the process executed by the device is performed. It is possible to provide an information processing method that can control power consumption consumed by a specific process to be small based on a predetermined set value of necessary power consumption and the priority of the process. In other words, an electronic device with a communication function controlled by this operation control method can secure the power consumption of the entire device by suppressing the power consumption of a specific process even when a communication process such as an unexpected incoming call occurs. Communication processing can be performed normally.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a third aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit, a comparison unit, and a process control unit.
The acquisition unit acquires a total value of power consumption consumed by processing executed by the computer.
The comparison unit compares the sum of the total value acquired by the acquisition unit and the power consumption consumed by the communication process with a predetermined threshold when the computer executes the communication process.
The process control unit is configured to perform the plurality of processes executed in parallel based on a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, a predetermined set value of power consumption required for the process executed by the device, and a priority of the process. To control the power consumption of a specific process.
As a result, the program can cause the computer to function as the electronic device with the communication function.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.
The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic device with a communication function, a process control method, and a process control program suitable for suppressing the influence of a change in power consumption of one process on other processes among a plurality of processes executed in parallel. can do.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a mobile phone will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile phone 100 as an electronic device with a communication function according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone 100 includes a wireless processing unit 101, a display unit 102, an input unit 103, an I / O (Input / Output) 104, an audio processing unit 105, an infrared communication unit 106, a control unit 107, a ROM ( A read only memory (RAM) 108, a random access memory (RAM) 109, a power supply unit 110, and a system bus 111 are provided.

  When the mobile phone 100 is a mobile phone transmitter, the wireless processing unit 101 is an audio signal input from the microphone 125 and converted by an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter (not shown) included in the audio processing unit 105. Is transmitted to the other party (reception side) using the antenna 121 included in the wireless processing unit 101. When the mobile phone 100 is a receiver, the mobile phone 100 receives an audio signal or the like using the antenna 121 included in the wireless processing unit 101, and demodulates the input audio signal. The demodulated audio signal is input to the audio processing unit 105.

  The display unit 102 processes the image data by the control unit 107 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) provided in the display unit 102 and then records the processed image data in an output buffer (not shown) provided in the display unit 102. The image information recorded in the output buffer is converted into an image signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and is output to the display 122 connected to the display unit 102. Thereby, various image displays are possible. For example, the display 122 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  The operation unit 103 receives an operation signal from the operation key 123 and outputs a key code signal corresponding to the operation signal to the control unit 107. The control unit 107 determines the operation content based on the key code signal.

  The I / O 104 connects to an external recording medium such as a memory card and inputs / outputs data. In addition, for example, the cellular phone 100 is connected to an external device by USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, and data is input / output to / from the external device.

  When the mobile phone 100 is a mobile phone transmitter, the voice processing unit 105 collects a user's utterances and the like by a microphone 125 connected to the voice processing unit 105, and the A / D ( An analog / digital converter (not shown) converts it into an audio signal and outputs the audio signal. In addition, when the mobile phone 100 is a receiver, the audio processing unit 105 is a D / A (Digital / Analog) converter (not shown) provided in the audio processing unit 105 to the speaker 124 connected to the audio processing unit 105. The call sound demodulated by is output.

  The infrared communication unit 106 performs data communication by infrared using the infrared port 126. For example, infrared data communication is performed based on the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standard.

  The control unit 107 controls the entire mobile phone 100 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 108. The control unit 107 transmits a control signal and data to each unit or receives a response signal and data from each unit as needed for control. For example, the control unit 107 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In addition, the control unit 107 controls the display 122 and the operation keys 123 as necessary using a driver 1221 for controlling the display 122 and a driver 127 connected to the driver 1231 for controlling the operation keys 123. can do.

  The ROM 108 is a non-volatile memory that stores an operating system, programs, and the like necessary for overall control of the mobile phone 100.

  The RAM 109 temporarily stores data, programs, and the like necessary for processing performed by the control unit 107. A part of the storage area of the RAM 109 is constituted by a flash memory, and stores an address book used for telephone calls and mails, a call history, setting values of various functions, and the like.

  The power supply unit 110 is a power supply for driving the mobile phone 100.

  The system bus 111 sends commands and data to and from the wireless processing unit 101, display unit 102, input unit 103, I / O 104, audio processing unit 105, infrared communication unit 106, control unit 107, ROM 108, RAM 109, and power supply unit 110. It is a transmission path for transferring.

  Next, processing executed by the control unit 107 of the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The mobile phone 100 includes a wireless communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, an acquisition unit 203, a comparison unit 204, and an operation control unit 205.

The wireless communication unit 201 performs processing for causing the mobile phone 100 to realize a call function of the mobile phone according to an instruction from the operation control unit 205. When the mobile phone 100 is a mobile phone transmitter, the wireless communication unit 201 digitally converts the audio signal input from the microphone 125 using an A / D converter included in the audio processing unit 105. Then, the wireless communication unit 201 modulates the converted audio signal and transmits it to the other party (reception side) using the antenna 121 connected to the wireless processing unit 101. When the mobile phone 100 operates the reception function, the wireless communication unit 201 receives an audio signal from the other party (transmission side) using the antenna 121 connected to the wireless processing unit 101 and demodulates the received audio signal. Then, analog conversion is performed by the D / A converter included in the audio processing unit 105. The converted audio signal is output to the speaker 124 connected to the audio processing unit 105.
Note that the wireless processing unit 101, the sound processing unit 105, and the control unit 107 operate in cooperation to function as the wireless communication unit 201.

  The storage unit 202 stores a task management table 301 that stores information that associates information indicating processing executed by the mobile phone 100 with a predetermined set value of power consumption required for this processing and priority. The processing performed by the mobile phone 100 is managed with one unit of work performed by one application (hereinafter referred to as “task”). Here, the tasks include, for example, call processing executed by the wireless communication unit 101 described above, reception standby (waiting) processing, backlight lighting processing of the display 122 connected to the display unit 102, infrared communication unit 106 Infrared communication processing, music playback processing, TV remote control processing, and the like. When a task is executed by the operation control unit 205, the storage unit 202 stores information indicating the content of the task and its priority in the task management table 301 according to an instruction from the operation control unit 205. In the present embodiment, the priority of the processing (for example, call processing, standby processing, location registration processing, etc.) executed by the wireless communication unit 201 is set to the highest.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the task management table 301 stored in the storage unit 202. For example, in this figure, the task management table 301 stores that the necessary current consumption of the “standby” process indicating the reception standby process of the mobile phone 100 is 150 milliamperes, and that the priority of this process is first. Yes. That is, in this state, the mobile phone 100 is executing standby processing by the operation control unit 205. Similarly, the necessary power consumption of the “backlight lighting” process of the display 122 is 250 mA and the priority is second. The necessary power consumption of the “TV remote control application activation” process by the infrared communication unit 106 is 100 mA and the priority is third. Furthermore, the power consumption required for the “key backlight lighting” process of the operation key 123 is being executed in the order of 60 mA and the lowest priority. As described above, the task management table 301 is a table for managing tasks executed by the mobile phone 100.

  Here, the necessary power consumption stored in the task management table 301 is a power consumption necessary for executing the corresponding task, and is a value obtained by measurement in advance. For example, the program stored in the ROM 108 is preliminarily provided with data that associates the task type with the required power consumption. Alternatively, the mobile phone 100 may include a table or database that associates task types with required power consumption.

  For example, it is assumed that the TV remote control process is executed by the user operation using the TV remote control application. At this time, the operation control unit 205 controls the entire mobile phone 100 so that the mobile phone 100 functions as a remote controller for controlling the channel of the television receiver. That is, the input unit 103 transmits an input signal input by the operation key 123 to the control unit 107, and the control unit 107 causes the infrared communication unit 106 to perform a corresponding operation, and a predetermined infrared signal is transmitted from the infrared port 126. The

Further, as will be described later, the operation control unit 205 updates the information stored in the task management table 301 when the state of a task executed by the mobile phone 100 changes, for example, as shown in FIG. rewrite. For example, in this figure, the cellular phone 100 is newly executing the “infrared communication” process with the fourth highest priority as compared with the state of FIG. In this example, since the “key backlight lighting” process is set to be executed with the lowest priority, the priority of the “key backlight lighting” process is changed from fourth to fifth. Has been updated.
Note that the RAM 109 and the control unit 107 operate in cooperation to function as the storage unit 202.

  The acquisition unit 203 acquires the power consumption of the entire mobile phone 100.

For example, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time-series change in power consumption (current value is adopted in this diagram) acquired by the acquisition unit 203. In this figure, in addition to the normal standby process at time T1, the key backlight lighting process of the operation key 123 is executed, and the current consumption value changes from C1 to C2. Further, the backlight lighting process of the display 122 is executed at time T2, and the current consumption value changes from C2 to C3. Similarly, the TV remote control application is further activated at time T3 and the current consumption value changes from C3 to C4, and further infrared communication is executed at time T4 and the current consumption value changes from C4 to C5. The acquisition unit 203 inputs the acquired power consumption value to the comparison unit 204.
Note that the power supply unit 110 and the control unit 107 operate in cooperation to function as the acquisition unit 203.

The comparison unit 204 compares the required power consumption of the newly activated task input by the operation control unit 205 and the current power consumption input by the acquisition unit 203 with a predetermined threshold value, It is determined whether or not becomes larger than a threshold value. The comparison unit 204 inputs the comparison result to the operation control unit 205. In this embodiment, the comparison unit 204 performs this comparison at a timing when there is a change in a task executed by the mobile phone 100 and a notification is received from the operation control unit 205. However, the timing at which this comparison is performed is not limited to this. For example, when the mobile phone 100 is turned on, a task that may be activated may always be performed.
Note that the control unit 107 functions as the comparison unit 204.

  The operation control unit 205 controls the wireless communication unit 201 so that the mobile phone 100 functions as a transmitter and a receiver of the mobile phone. In addition, the operation control unit 205 controls other processes (for example, backlight lighting processing, key backlight lighting processing, music playback processing, TV remote control processing, image processing, etc.) executed by the mobile phone 100 to operate in parallel. I do.

In particular, as described above, the operation control unit 205 manages tasks executed by the mobile phone 100, and appropriately updates the task management table 301 when there is a change in the tasks to be executed. In addition, when starting a new task, the operation control unit 205 notifies the acquisition unit 203 and the comparison unit 204 in advance that the task is to be started. The operation control unit 205 controls the task based on the comparison result input by the comparison unit 204 so that the mobile phone 100 does not exceed a preset power consumption threshold value in order to function normally. Processing (hereinafter referred to as “operation control processing”).
Note that the control unit 107 functions as the operation control unit 205.

  For example, when the comparison unit 204 receives a notification that the task to be executed changes from the operation control unit 205, the comparison unit 204 calculates the sum of the power consumption of the entire mobile phone 100 at that time and the required power consumption of the newly activated task. The power consumption estimated when the task is executed is compared with a predetermined threshold value Cth, and it is determined whether or not the result of this comparison is larger than the predetermined threshold value Cth. In the case of FIG. 4, the comparison unit 204 determines that the threshold value Cth is larger at any timing of times T1, T2, T3, and T4.

On the other hand, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the predicted power consumption is larger than the threshold value Cth as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit 204.
For example, the operation control unit 205 notifies the comparison unit 204 of the start of the “key backlight lighting” process for the operation key 123 at time T1. The comparison unit 204 compares the power consumption of the mobile phone 100 including the necessary power consumption of a newly activated task (key backlight lighting process) with a predetermined threshold value Cth, and compares the predetermined threshold value Cth. Is determined to be larger. As a result, the operation control unit 205 starts the “key backlight lighting” process at time T1. Acquisition unit 203 detects that the power consumption of mobile phone 100 has changed from C1 to C2 at time T1.
Similarly, the comparison unit 204 is notified of the start of the “backlight lighting” process of the display 122 at time T2. The comparison unit 204 compares the power consumption of the mobile phone 100 including the necessary power consumption of the newly activated task (backlight lighting process) with a predetermined threshold value Cth, and sets the predetermined threshold value Cth. It is determined that it is larger. As a result, the operation control unit 205 starts the “backlight lighting” process with normal brightness at time T2. Acquisition unit 203 detects that the power consumption of mobile phone 100 has changed from C2 to C3 at time T2. At this time, information as shown in FIG. 3B is stored in the task management table 301 under the control of the operation control unit 205, for example.

Next, when the radio base station to which the mobile phone 100 belongs is changed, for example, when the user carries the mobile phone 100, the operation control unit 205 newly performs a location registration request process for the changed radio base station. Is notified to the comparison unit 204. The operation control unit 205 updates the task management table 301 as shown in FIG. The comparison unit 204 obtains the predicted value C5 by obtaining the power consumption of the mobile phone 100 including the necessary power consumption of the task (standby + position registration) to be newly activated. In this example, the comparison unit 204 has a predetermined threshold Cth. Is determined to be smaller. Based on the information stored in the task management table 301, the operation control unit 205 controls the entire task so that the highest priority task “standby + position registration” can be normally executed.
That is, the operation control unit 205 determines whether or not the power supplied to the task “key backlight lighting” process with the lowest priority can be suppressed. For example, when the key backlight lighting level has only two stages, on and off, and the key backlight cannot be turned off due to the circumstances of the application, the operation control unit 205 supplies the “backlight lighting” processing with the next lowest priority. It is determined whether the power to be used can be suppressed. For example, if a plurality of levels with different required power consumption are prepared in advance as shown in FIG. 6C, the power level supplied to the “backlight lighting” process is suppressed and the task “standby” is set. The intensity of the backlight is reduced (normally, the backlight is darkened) so as to secure the power necessary for executing the “position registration” process. The operation control unit 205 controls the lighting level of the backlight so that the current consumption value becomes a value C4 smaller than a predetermined threshold Cth. Then, the operation control unit 205 updates the task management table 301 as shown in FIG. 6B, for example. Note that such processing is not performed when the power is sufficient without controlling the power consumption. Also, a plurality of levels with different required power consumption may be prepared in advance in the same manner as the backlight of the key backlight. In this case, the operation control unit 205 first suppresses the power supplied to the “key backlight lighting” process, and if the threshold Cth is still smaller, the power supplied to the “backlight lighting” process is suppressed. Good.

  Further, when the task “standby + position registration” process with the highest priority is normally completed at time T4, the operation control unit 205 returns the level of the backlight lighting process to the normal level (brightens the backlight).

  In this way, the mobile phone 100 obtains the predicted power consumption before starting a new task, and based on the priority of the processes being executed in parallel, The influence can be suppressed.

  Next, the operation control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the operation control unit 205 determines whether there is a change in the state of the task to be executed (step S11). For example, when a task is newly activated or when there is a change in the power consumption of the task being executed, it is determined that the task state has changed.

  If there is no change in the task to be executed (step S11; NO), the process returns to step S11 to continue the operation control process. Note that the operation control process ends when there is an instruction to turn off the power of the mobile phone 100 (for example, the user presses the power button of the operation key 123).

  On the other hand, when there is a change in the task to be executed (step S11; YES), the operation control unit 205 updates the task management table 301 to reflect the content of the changed task (step S12).

  Next, the operation control unit 205 notifies the comparison unit 204 that the task to be executed has changed (step S13).

  Upon receiving this notification, the comparison unit 204 acquires the current power consumption of the mobile phone 100 from the acquisition unit 203. Then, the comparison unit 204 compares the total required power consumption stored in the task management table 301 with a predetermined threshold value, and inputs the comparison result to the operation control unit 205. The operation control unit 205 receives the comparison result (step S14). Note that the acquisition unit 203 may acquire power consumption constantly or periodically regardless of the notification from the operation control unit 205. Then, the comparison unit 204 may be configured to compare the sum of necessary power consumption stored in the task management table 301 with a predetermined threshold value using the latest power consumption acquired.

  If the required power consumption is smaller as a result of the comparison (step S15; NO), the operation control unit 205 changes or continues the task (step S16). For example, the operation control unit 205 newly starts a task.

  If the required power consumption is greater as a result of the comparison (step S15; YES), the operation control unit 205 determines a task to be changed based on the priority stored in the task management table 301, and sets the task management table 301 to Update (step S17). In other words, the operation control unit 205 determines a low-priority task that can reduce power consumption and the contents of the change, in order to secure power necessary for normal processing with high priority. For example, assuming that the task management table 301 has the content shown in FIG. 6A, the operation control unit 205 secures power necessary for normally performing the “standby + position registration” process with the highest priority. Therefore, it is determined to reduce the power consumption of the “backlight lighting” process with low priority (darken the backlight), and the task management table 301 is updated to the content shown in FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the task with the lowest priority is the “key backlight lighting” process, but among the tasks that can reduce power consumption, the task with the lowest priority is “lighting the backlight”. ”Processing.

  Then, the operation control unit 205 changes the task so that the power consumption does not exceed the threshold value (step S18). For example, the operation control unit 205 executes a process of reducing the power consumption (darkening the backlight) of the “backlight lighting” process, which has a lower priority than the “standby + position registration” process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 obtains the power consumption after the change in advance when the task state is changed, and reduces the power consumption so that the high priority processing is normally performed. Can be controlled. Then, the mobile phone 100 can suppress the influence of the change in power consumption of one task on other tasks.

  In this embodiment, work performed by one application is managed as one task. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if one application performs different processing contents, depending on the type. You may make it manage separately.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the present embodiment, when the change in power consumption is known in advance during the process executed by the managed task, the mobile phone 100 changes the process content executed by the task in parallel. The impact on other processing being performed can be suppressed in advance. In this embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the above-described “key backlight lighting” is omitted. That is, it is assumed that the task with the lowest priority is the “backlight lighting” process. Details will be described below.

  First, the operation control unit 205 determines whether there is a change in the state of the task to be executed (step S21). For example, when a task is newly activated or when there is a change in the power consumption of the task being executed, it is determined that the task state has changed.

  If there is no change in the task to be executed (step S21; NO), the process returns to step S21 to continue the operation control process.

  On the other hand, when there is a change in the task to be executed (step S21; YES), the operation control unit 205 determines whether there is a task whose power consumption can be predicted among the currently executed and managed tasks ( Step S22). For example, a task that can be predicted includes music playback processing. In the case of music playback processing, since it is possible to obtain in advance the audio data to be played next, the next audio data is analyzed, and for example, the power consumption changes as the volume or tune changes. It is possible to predict.

  If there is no task whose power consumption can be predicted (step S22; NO), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, when there is a task capable of predicting power consumption (step S22; YES), the operation control unit 205 performs a prediction process (step S23).

Here, the prediction process will be described. In the present embodiment, a scene where audio data is reproduced by a music reproduction application will be described as an example.
First, the operation control unit 205 reads the packet next to the packet currently being decoded (step S31 in FIG. 9). That is, the operation control unit 205 prefetches the next audio data. Note that the amount of prefetched data is not limited by the present invention.

  Next, the operation control unit 205 analyzes the packet to be reproduced next (step S32). For example, the operation control unit 205 analyzes the volume and tone of the pre-read sound data to obtain a sound pressure value and the like.

  Then, the operation control unit 205 obtains predicted power consumption (step S33). In this way, the operation control unit 205 predicts the power consumption of the currently executed task.

  Returning to the description of the operation control process, the operation control unit 205 updates the task management table 301 to reflect the contents of the changed task (step S24). Here, the power consumption stored in the task management table 301 is a value obtained by the above-described prediction process.

  Next, the operation control unit 205 notifies the comparison unit 204 that there is a change in the task to be executed based on the prediction process (step S25).

  Upon receiving this notification, the comparison unit 204 acquires the current power consumption of the mobile phone 100 from the acquisition unit 203. Then, the comparison unit 204 compares the total required power consumption stored in the task management table 301 with a predetermined threshold value, and inputs the comparison result to the operation control unit 205. The operation control unit 205 receives the comparison result (step S26).

  When the required power consumption is smaller (step S27; NO), the operation control unit 205 changes or continues the task (step S28). For example, the operation control unit 205 sets the required power consumption for music playback processing to a predicted value, and continues music playback processing and the like.

  On the other hand, when the required power consumption is larger (step S27; YES), the operation control unit 205 determines a task to be changed based on the priority stored in the task management table 301, and updates the task management table 301. (Step S29). In other words, the operation control unit 205 determines a low-priority task that can reduce power consumption and the contents of the change, in order to secure power necessary for normal processing with high priority.

  Then, the operation control unit 205 changes the task so that the power consumption does not exceed the threshold value (step S30). For example, the operation control unit 205 executes a process of reducing the power consumption of the backlight lighting process with the lowest priority (darkening the backlight).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 can predict the power consumption of the task being executed and control the power consumption so that the processing with high priority is normally performed. Then, the mobile phone 100 can suppress the influence of the change in power consumption of one task on other tasks.

  For example, it is assumed that the power consumption threshold Cth is 1100 milliamperes, and the task management table 301 stores the data shown in FIG. 10A before the prediction process. The operation control unit 205 predicts in advance that the power consumption of the music playback processing will change from 150 milliamperes to 200 milliamperes by the above-described prediction processing, and changes the task management table 301 as shown in FIG. That is, the power consumption of the music playback process set to 150 milliamperes is changed to a predicted value of 200 milliamperes obtained by the prediction process based on the prefetching of the audio data, and the process is continued. Furthermore, the operation control unit 205 notifies the comparison unit 204 that the task to be executed is changed, and receives a comparison result between the power consumption and the threshold value Cth. Then, the operation control unit 205 determines to suppress the power consumption of the backlight lighting process with the lowest priority.

  Here, when the above-described prediction process is not performed, if the backlight lighting level is lowered from level 1 to level 3, the total power consumption is 1070 milliamperes, and it is determined that the threshold Cth does not exceed 1100 milliamperes. However, if the music reproduction process is continued, the power consumption is changed from 150 milliamperes to 200 milliamperes during reproduction due to a change in volume and music tone and exceeds the threshold value Cth. Then, the power consumption threshold value Cth is temporarily exceeded during music playback, and other processes including the “standby + position registration” process by the wireless communication unit 201 having the highest priority are normally performed. There is a possibility that it will not happen.

  On the other hand, since it is known in advance that the power consumption of the audio reproduction processing is changed from 150 mA to 200 mA due to the prefetching of the audio data by performing the above prediction processing as in the present embodiment, it is not level 3. It can be judged that it is optimal to drop to level 4. In other words, the problem of temporarily exceeding the power consumption threshold value Cth during music playback can be avoided, and other processes including “standby + position registration” processing by the wireless communication unit 201 with the highest priority are included. Will be processed normally. Thus, it is particularly effective when the power consumption in the near future can be predicted by the prediction process.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 205 controls the execution timing of a task with low priority to suppress the influence on the parallel processing caused by the change in power consumption. Details will be described below.

  The operation control unit 205 stores a stop counter in the storage unit 202. In this stop counter, as will be described later, a time to stop when a task being executed is temporarily stopped is set. The stop counter may store the number of periodic interrupt processing (for example, vertical synchronization interrupt of the display 122) instead of time.

  First, the operation control unit 205 determines whether or not the time set in the stop counter has elapsed (step S41). If there is no temporarily stopped task, the stop counter is set to a predetermined value indicating that there is no stopped task, and it is determined in step S41 that the set time has not elapsed. .

  When the set time of the stop counter has elapsed (step S41; YES), the operation control unit 205 performs an error process for displaying a notification on the display 122 that the stopped task cannot be resumed (step S42). The error processing is not limited to this, and any error processing may be used as long as it notifies the user that the task cannot be resumed.

  When the set time of the stop counter has not elapsed (step S41; NO), the operation control unit 205 determines whether or not there is a change in the state of the task to be executed (step S43). For example, when a task is newly activated or when there is a change in the power consumption of the task being executed, it is determined that the task state has changed.

  If there is no change in the task to be executed (step S43; NO), the process returns to step S41 to continue the operation control process.

  On the other hand, when there is a change in the task to be executed (step S43; YES), the operation control unit 205 updates the task management table 301 to reflect the contents of the changed task (step S44).

  Next, the operation control unit 205 notifies the comparison unit 204 that the task to be executed has been changed (step S45).

  Upon receiving this notification, the comparison unit 204 acquires the current power consumption of the mobile phone 100 from the acquisition unit 203. Then, the comparison unit 204 compares the total required power consumption stored in the task management table 301 with a predetermined threshold Cth, and inputs the comparison result to the operation control unit 205. The operation control unit 205 receives the comparison result (step S46).

  When the required power consumption is larger (step S47; YES), the operation control unit 205 determines a set time for stopping the task being executed with the lowest priority, sets the set time in the stop counter, and sets this task to the set time. Only stop (step S48).

  On the other hand, when the required power consumption is smaller (step S47; NO), the operation control unit 205 determines whether there is a task already stopped in step S48 (step S49).

  When there is a stopped task (step S49; YES), the operation control unit 205 resumes the stopped task (step S50). In addition, the operation control unit 205 sets the resumed task power consumption in the task management table 301, and the process returns to step S47.

  On the other hand, when there is no stopped task (step S49; NO), the operation control unit 205 changes or continues the task (step S51). For example, the operation control unit 205 newly starts a task.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 can suppress the influence on the parallel processing caused by the change in the power consumption by controlling the execution timing of the low priority task. For example, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the function of the task is substantially stopped by suppressing the power consumption supplied to the task having a low priority. This is particularly effective when the required power consumption exceeds the threshold value Cth instantaneously (in a short period of time). However, the stop time set in the stop counter is desirably a time that does not cause the user of the mobile phone 100 to feel stress.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the above prediction process is further added to the third embodiment.

  The operation control unit 205 determines whether or not the state of the task has changed in step S43. If the task to be executed is changed (step S43; YES), the operation control unit 205 performs the prediction process illustrated in the flowchart of FIG.

  Then, the operation control unit 205 updates the task management table 301 to reflect the contents of the changed task (step S44). Here, the power consumption stored in the task management table 301 is a value obtained by the above-described prediction process.

  Since other processes are the same as those in the third embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 predicts the power consumption of the task being executed, and sets the execution timing of the low priority task so that the high priority processing is normally performed. By controlling, it is possible to suppress the influence on the parallel processing caused by the change in the power consumption. This is particularly effective when there is a task capable of predicting power consumption, such as music playback processing.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a combination of the above-described embodiments, and is used properly depending on the situation. That is, when the power consumption of the mobile phone 100 is larger than the threshold value, the control to suppress the power supplied to the low priority task (hereinafter referred to as “power consumption control”) and the low priority task are temporarily Control to be stopped (hereinafter referred to as “timing control”) is properly used depending on the situation. Details will be described below.

  First, the operation control unit 205 determines whether there is a change in the state of the task to be executed (step S61). For example, when a task is newly activated or when there is a change in the power consumption of the task being executed, it is determined that the task state has changed.

  If there is no change in the task to be executed (step S61; NO), the process returns to step S51 to continue the operation control process. Note that the operation control process ends when there is an instruction to turn off the power of the mobile phone 100 (for example, the user presses the power button of the operation key 123).

  On the other hand, when there is a change in the task to be executed (step S61; YES), the operation control unit 205 estimates a time during which the power consumption of the changed task increases (step S62). For example, the standard processing time of a task whose execution time can be measured (for example, application activation processing) is stored in the storage unit 202 in advance, and the operation control unit 205 increases power consumption based on the stored standard processing time. Estimate the time to do. Alternatively, for example, if there is a task that can be predicted power consumption among the tasks that are currently executed and managed, such as when audio data is reproduced by a music reproduction application, the operation control unit 205 is currently decoding. The time after which the power consumption increases is predicted by prefetching the next packet and analyzing the volume and music tone.

  Next, the operation control unit 205 determines whether or not the time estimated to increase the power consumption exceeds a predetermined set value (step S63). For example, the set value is preset with a specific time (for example, 1 second, 0.1 second, etc.) or the number of periodic interruptions such as vertical synchronization of the display 122. The set value is desirably a time that does not cause the user of mobile phone 100 to feel stress.

  When the estimated time exceeds a predetermined set value (step S63; YES), the operation control unit 205 performs the power consumption control described above (step S64). That is, the operation control unit 205 performs steps S12 to S18 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 to suppress the power supplied to the low priority task even when the required power consumption is larger than the predetermined threshold value. Make sure that high-level tasks are performed normally.

  On the other hand, when the estimated time does not exceed the predetermined set value (step S63; NO), the operation control unit 205 performs the timing control described above (step S65). That is, the operation control unit 205 performs steps S21 to S33 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 to supply a task with a low priority even when the required power consumption is predicted to be larger than the predetermined threshold Cth. The power to be used is suppressed so that tasks with high priority are normally performed.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 selects and executes the optimum one of the power consumption control and the timing control based on the time when the required power consumption exceeds the predetermined threshold value Cth. can do. For example, if it takes a few seconds to complete the startup, such as when starting an application for a TV remote control, control the power consumption, and if it ends in a short time, such as when actually transmitting a pulse wave of infrared communication, perform the timing control. , Each can be selected and executed.

  In the above embodiment, the program has been described as being stored in the ROM 108 in advance. However, a program for causing the mobile phone 100 to operate as all or part of the apparatus or to execute the above-described processing is stored in a memory card, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). ), Stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as MO (Magneto Optical Disk), etc., installed on another computer, operated as the above-mentioned means, or may execute the above-mentioned steps . Further, although described as using a mobile phone, it can also be applied to other mobile terminals such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance).

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a mobile phone and an information processing method suitable for suppressing the influence of a change in power consumption of one process on other processes among a plurality of processes executed in parallel. Can be provided.

It is a figure explaining the structure of a mobile telephone. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement which a mobile telephone performs. (A) (b) is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in a task management table. It is a figure which shows the example of the time series change of the power consumption which an acquisition part acquires. It is a figure which shows the other example of the time series change of the power consumption which an acquisition part acquires. (A) It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in the task management table before an operation control process. (B) It is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in the task management table after an operation control process. (C) It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the lighting level of a backlight, and required power consumption. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation control process according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation control process according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining a prediction process. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the example of the information memorize | stored in a task management table. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation control process according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation control process according to the fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Mobile phone, 101 ... Wireless processing part, 102 ... Display part, 103 ... Operation part, 104 ... I / O, 105 ... Voice processing part, 106 ... Infrared Communication unit 107 ... Control unit 108 ... ROM 109 ... RAM 110 ... Power supply unit 111 ... System bus 121 ... Antenna 122 ... Display 123 ..Operation keys, 124 ... speaker, 125 ... microphone, 201 ... wireless communication unit, 202 ... storage unit, 203 ... acquisition unit, 204 ... comparison unit, 205 ... Operation control unit, 301... Task management table

Claims (5)

In an electronic device with a communication function that executes a plurality of processes including a communication process with an external device in parallel,
Storage means for storing the processing executed by the device, a predetermined set value of power consumption required for the processing, and the priority of the processing in association with each other;
Acquisition means for acquiring a total value of power consumption consumed by processing executed by the device;
First comparison means for comparing a predetermined threshold with a sum of a total value acquired by the acquisition means and power consumption consumed by the communication processing when the communication processing is executed;
Processing control means for controlling power consumption of a specific process to be reduced from the plurality of processes executed in parallel based on the result of comparison by the first comparison means and the priority stored in the storage means; An electronic device with a communication function, comprising:   The processing control means, when the first comparison means determines that the sum of the total value acquired by the acquisition means and the power consumption consumed by the communication processing is greater than the predetermined threshold In addition, based on the priority stored in the storage unit, a specific process among the plurality of processes executed in parallel is temporarily stopped, and then the predetermined threshold is set by the first comparison unit. The specific process suspended is resumed when it is determined that the sum is greater than the sum of the total value acquired by the acquisition unit and the power consumption consumed by the communication process. 1. An electronic device with a communication function according to 1. For the process executed by the process control means, a predicted value acquisition means for obtaining a predicted value of power consumption after a predetermined period of time;
A second comparing means for comparing the predicted value acquired by the predicted value acquiring means with the threshold value;
When the second comparison unit determines that the predicted value is larger than the threshold value, the processing control unit is configured to execute the parallel execution based on the priority stored in the storage unit. The electronic device with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to reduce power consumption of a specific process from the process. A processing control method for an electronic device with a communication function for executing a plurality of processes including communication processing with an external device in parallel,
An acquisition step of acquiring a total value of power consumption consumed by processing executed by the device;
A comparison step of comparing a predetermined threshold with a sum of the total value acquired in the acquisition step and the power consumption consumed by the communication processing when the communication processing is executed;
A process control step of controlling to reduce power consumption of a specific process from the plurality of processes executed in parallel based on a result of the comparison in the comparison step and a priority stored in the storage unit. A process control method characterized by the above. Computer
Acquisition means for acquiring a total value of power consumption consumed by processing executed by the computer;
Comparing means for comparing the sum of the total value acquired by the acquiring means and the power consumption consumed by the communication processing with a predetermined threshold when the computer executes communication processing;
Based on the result of the comparison by the comparison unit, a predetermined set value of power consumption required for the process executed by the device, and the priority of the process, a specific process is selected from the plurality of processes executed in parallel. A processing control program that functions as processing control means for controlling power consumption to be reduced.

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