JP2010154363A - Electronics, method and program for switching power saving mode - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience for use for a long time. <P>SOLUTION: A cell-phone handset for performing multiple functions includes: a secondary battery 41; a residual amount detection part 51 that detects the residual amount of a battery; and a setting part 53 that sets to a power saving mode that disables at least a part of the functions other than a predetermined function related to the lastly performed function when the residual amount of the battery detected by the residual amount detection part 51 is a predetermined threshold value or under and there is no performing function in the multiple functions or there is no performing function. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, a power saving mode switching method, and a power saving mode switching program, and more particularly to an electronic device driven by a secondary battery, a power saving mode switching method, and a power saving mode switching program executed by the electronic device.

  In recent years, a secondary battery such as a lithium polymer battery is used as a drive source in an electronic device typified by a mobile phone or the like. For this reason, when the storage capacity of the secondary battery decreases, it cannot be driven. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-8676 discloses a wireless communication power supply that allows a battery to be used for a long time by lowering the transmission power of a transmitter below a normal level when the storage capacity of the secondary battery is below a predetermined value. The system is described.

On the other hand, in addition to the call function, the mobile phone displays an e-mail transmission / reception and creation function, a television function that receives and displays a television broadcast, a browsing function that receives and displays a web page, and displays map information and current location It has many functions such as a navigation function. For this reason, if there is an incoming call while a function different from the call function is being executed, power is consumed to execute the call function, and the function that has been executed so far is continuously executed. There is a problem that it becomes impossible.
JP 09-8676 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that improves convenience and can be used for a long time.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a power saving mode switching method that improves convenience and can be used for a long time.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a power saving mode switching program that improves convenience and can be used for a long time.

  According to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the above-described object, the electronic device is an electronic device capable of executing a plurality of functions, and includes a battery, a remaining amount detection unit that detects a remaining amount of the battery, When the remaining battery level detected by the battery level detection means is below the specified threshold, if there is no function being executed or no function being executed, it is related to the function that was last executed. Setting means for setting to a power saving mode in which at least a part of functions other than the predetermined functions cannot be executed.

  According to this aspect, when the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, if there is no function being executed or no function being executed among a plurality of functions, the function executed in advance is related to the last executed function. At least some of the functions other than the defined functions cannot be executed. For this reason, it is possible to suppress battery consumption by limiting the executable functions. Further, since the function related to the function executed at the present time or immediately before in the power saving mode can be executed, the executable function can be limited to a function that is highly likely to be required by the user. As a result, it is possible to provide an electronic device that improves convenience and can be used for a long time.

  Preferably, history storage means for storing function identification information for identifying a function executed last among a plurality of functions, and a function identification information for identifying a plurality of functions in a power saving mode. It further includes association information storage means for storing association information associated with an executable function.

  According to this aspect, since the association information is stored, the function that can be executed in the power saving mode can be changed to a function that is highly likely to be required by the user.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes photovoltaic power generation means connected in parallel with the battery and generating power when irradiated with light, and output voltage detection means for detecting the output voltage of the photovoltaic power generation means, and the setting means includes the photovoltaic power generation means The power saving mode is set on the condition that the output voltage is not more than a predetermined value.

  According to this aspect, since the power saving mode is set when the output voltage of the photovoltaic means is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the power saving mode is not set when the output voltage of the photovoltaic means is large. For this reason, the frequency with which the executable function is restricted can be reduced.

  Preferably, the remaining amount detecting means includes a measuring means for measuring the output voltage of the battery.

  Preferably, when the power saving mode is set by the setting means, a stopping means for stopping driving of at least some of the loads is further provided.

  In the power saving mode, driving of at least some of the loads is stopped, so that power consumption can be reduced.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a power saving mode switching method is a power saving mode switching method that is driven by an electric device that is driven by power supplied from a battery and that can execute a plurality of functions. The step of detecting the remaining battery level, and the last function executed when there is no function being executed or no function being executed among the multiple functions when the measured remaining battery level is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold And a step of setting to a power saving mode in which at least a part of functions other than the functions determined in advance are not executable.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a power saving mode switching method that improves convenience and can be used for a long time.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the power saving mode switching program is a mode switching program that is driven by a power supply from a battery and is driven by a computer that controls an electronic device capable of executing a plurality of functions. If the remaining battery level is less than a predetermined threshold and the remaining battery level is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, if there is no function being executed or no function being executed, the process is executed last. And causing the computer that controls the electronic device to execute the step of setting the power saving mode in which at least a part of the functions other than the predetermined function related to the performed function cannot be executed.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a power saving mode switching program that improves convenience and can be used for a long time.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a mobile phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the appearance of an open-style mobile phone, and FIG. 1B shows the appearance of a closed-style mobile phone. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a mobile phone 1 as an electronic device includes an operation side portion 3 and a display side portion 2. The operation side unit 3 includes an operation key 17 including a power key, a numeric keypad, a call key, and the like, and a microphone 13 disposed on an inner surface, and an insertion port 14 into which a flash memory is inserted is disposed on a side surface.

  The display side unit 2 includes a liquid crystal display device (LCD) 15, a touch panel 18 made of a transparent member superimposed thereon, a first speaker 11 constituting a receiver, and a camera 19 disposed on the inner surface. The second speaker 12 and the solar cell 16 are disposed on the outer surface. Although an example in which the mobile phone 1 includes the LCD 15 is shown here, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display may be used instead of the LCD 15.

  The operation side unit 3 and the display side unit 2 are rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism, and the operation side unit 3 and the display side unit 2 can be opened and closed. When the mobile phone 1 is folded and the operation side portion 3 and the display side portion 2 are in the closed state, the state of the mobile phone 1 is the closed style, and the mobile phone 1 is opened to open the operation side portion 3 and the display side portion. The state of the mobile phone 1 when 2 is in the open state is the open style.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, mobile phone 1 includes a control unit 21 for controlling the entire mobile phone 1, a radio circuit 22 connected to antenna 22A, a tuner 23 connected to antenna 23A, and an antenna 24A. Connected to the GPS receiver 24, an operation unit 25 for receiving an input of a user operation, a vibration unit 26, a card interface (I / F) 27, a camera 19, and a codec unit for processing audio data 28, a microphone 13 and a first speaker 11, which are respectively connected to the codec unit 28, an AV decoder 29, a second speaker 12, a display control unit 30 for controlling the display on the LCD 15, and a control unit 21. EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Program) for storing programs to be executed It includes a mable Read Only Memory) 31, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32 used as a work area of the control unit 21, and a power control unit 35.

  The radio circuit 22 is controlled by the control unit 21 and communicates with the radio base station. Specifically, a radio signal received by the antenna 22 </ b> A is input, and an audio signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal is output to the codec unit 28. The radio circuit 22 receives the audio signal from the codec unit 28 and outputs a radio signal obtained by modulating the audio signal to the antenna 22A. The codec unit 28 decodes the audio signal input from the radio circuit 22, converts the decoded digital audio signal to analog, amplifies it, and outputs it to the first speaker 11. The codec unit 28 receives an analog audio signal from the microphone 13, converts the audio signal to digital, encodes it, and outputs the encoded audio signal to the radio circuit 22.

  The tuner 23 is connected to the antenna 23A, and receives a plurality of broadcast signals received by the antenna 23A. The tuner 23 extracts a broadcast signal having a specific frequency from a plurality of broadcast signals input from the antenna 23A in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 21. The broadcast signal includes a digital broadcast signal and is a high frequency digital modulation signal including video data and audio data. Further, the tuner 23 includes a deinterleave circuit and an error correction circuit, demodulates the broadcast signal (high frequency digital modulation signal) having a specific frequency, and outputs the code data obtained by the demodulation to the AV decoder 29. . Although an example of receiving and reproducing a terrestrial digital broadcast signal is shown here, an analog television broadcast signal may be received and reproduced. Further, instead of the television broadcast or in addition to the television broadcast, the broadcast radio wave of the radio broadcast may be received and reproduced.

  The AV decoder 29 includes a video decoder and an audio decoder, decodes the code data input from the tuner 23 to generate a video signal and an audio signal, and performs D / A (digital / analog) conversion on the video signal. The audio signal is output to the display control unit 30 and is D / A converted and provided to the second speaker 12.

  The display control unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 21 and controls the LCD 16 according to an instruction input from the control unit 21 to display an image on the LCD 16. The image displayed on the LCD 16 includes a moving image and a still image.

  When the antenna 24A receives a GPS signal transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, the GPS receiving unit 24 determines a position based on the received GPS signal, and the position information indicating the determined position is controlled by the control unit. To 21. The GPS receiving unit 24 may calculate the position directly from the GPS signal received by the antenna 24A, or transmits the received GPS signal to a server provided in the communication carrier of the mobile phone 1, and the server You may make it receive position information from.

  The operation unit 25 includes operation keys 17 and a touch panel 18. The operation key 17 and the touch panel 18 receive an operation input from the user and output the received operation to the control unit 21.

  The vibration part 26 is controlled by the control part 21 and generates vibrations by rotating a vibration plate whose position different from the center of gravity is fixed to the shaft of the motor. For example, when the incoming signal is received by the wireless circuit 22, the control unit 21 drives the vibration unit 26 to perform an incoming call notification operation by vibration.

  A removable memory card 27A is attached to the card I / F 27. The memory card 27A is, for example, a CompactFlash, a SmartMedia (registered trademark), an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, a memory stick, an MMC (MultiMedia Card), an xD picture card, or the like. The control unit 21 can access the memory card 27A via the card I / F 27.

Although an example in which the power saving mode switching program to be executed by the control unit 21 is stored in the EEPROM 31 will be described here, the power saving mode switching program is stored in the memory card 27A and saved from the memory card 27A. The power mode switching program may be read out and executed by the control unit 21. The recording medium for storing the power saving mode switching program is not limited to the memory card 27A, but a flexible disk, cassette tape, optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc).
-ROM) / MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc. . Alternatively, the mobile phone 1 may be connected to the Internet via the wireless circuit 22 and a power saving mode switching program may be downloaded from a computer connected to the Internet and executed by the control unit 21. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the control unit 21 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The camera 19 includes a lens and a photoelectric conversion element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and focuses light collected by the lens on the CMOS sensor. The CMOS sensor photoelectrically converts the received light to convert image data. Output to the control unit 21. The camera 19 is controlled by the control unit 21, starts imaging in response to an instruction from the control unit 21, and outputs the obtained still image data or moving image data to the control unit 21. The camera 19 includes an image processing circuit that executes image processing for improving the image quality of photoelectrically converted image data, and an A / D conversion circuit that converts image data from analog to digital. The control unit 21 outputs the still image data or moving image data output from the camera 19 to the display control unit 30 and displays it on the LCD 16 or encodes the still image data or moving image data using the compression encoding method, and the EEPROM 31 or The data is stored in the memory card 27A attached to the card I / F 27. Further, when the mobile phone 1 functions as a videophone, the still image data or moving image data output from the camera 19 is output to the wireless circuit 22.

  The power supply control unit 35 includes a secondary battery 41 for supplying power to each load of the mobile phone 1, an external power supply terminal 43 to which an external power supply 45 is connected, and between the secondary battery 41 and the external power supply terminal 43. And a charging circuit 42 provided in the battery. The external power supply 45 is an A / C adapter connected to a commercial power supply. The secondary battery 41 is a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium polymer battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like.

  When the external power supply 45 is connected to the external power supply terminal 43, the charging circuit 42 supplies the power supplied from the external power supply terminal 43 to each load of the mobile phone 1 and also supplies it to the secondary battery 41. The secondary battery 41 is charged. In addition, the charging circuit 42 is connected to the solar battery 16, and supplies the power supplied from the solar battery 16 to each load of the mobile phone 1 and also supplies the secondary battery 41 to the secondary battery 41. Charge.

  The charging circuit 42 is controlled by the control unit 21, and outputs the power received by the external power supply terminal 43 from the external power supply 45 or / and the power received from the solar battery 16 to each load of the mobile phone 1 and the secondary battery 41. The on state and the off state in which each load of the mobile phone 1 and the secondary battery 41 are not output are switched.

  The output terminal of the solar cell 16 is connected to a predetermined terminal of the control unit 21, and the output terminal of the secondary battery 41 is connected to a predetermined terminal of the control unit 21. The control unit 21 detects the output voltage of the solar cell 16 by detecting the voltage at the output terminal of the solar cell 16. Further, the control unit 21 controls the charging circuit 42 to detect the voltage at the output terminal of the secondary battery 41 when the charging circuit 42 is switched to the OFF state, thereby changing the output voltage of the secondary battery 41. To detect.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the control unit. With reference to FIG. 3, the control unit 21 includes a remaining amount detection unit 51 that detects the remaining amount of the secondary battery 41, a setting unit 53 that sets a mode of the mobile phone 1, and an operation reception unit that receives an operation by the user. 55 and a function execution unit 57 for executing the function.

  The remaining amount detection unit 51 includes a blocking unit 61 and a voltage measurement unit 63. The shut-off unit 61 outputs a control signal that instructs the charging circuit 42 included in the power supply control unit 35 to shut off the power supply. When a control signal is input from the blocking unit 61, the charging circuit 42 is configured so that the power input from the external power supply terminal 43 or the solar battery 16 is not supplied to each load and the secondary battery 41 included in the mobile phone 1. open. Thereby, only the voltage based on the power output from the secondary battery 41 is applied to the output terminal of the secondary battery 41.

  The voltage measuring unit 63 detects the voltage at the output terminal of the secondary battery 41 while the blocking unit 61 outputs a control signal to the charging circuit 42. The remaining amount detection unit 51 calculates the remaining amount of the storage capacity of the secondary battery 41 based on the voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit 63. When the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 41 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the remaining amount detection unit 51 outputs an instruction to switch to the power saving mode to the setting unit 53, and the remaining storage capacity of the secondary battery 41 When the amount is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the setting unit 53 is instructed to switch to the normal mode.

  The operation reception unit 55 receives an operation input by the user to the operation unit 25. The operation reception unit 55 outputs the received operation to the function execution unit 57. The function execution unit 57 executes one or more functions corresponding to the operation among a plurality of predetermined functions in accordance with the operation input from the operation reception unit 55. The function execution unit 57 stores function identification information for identifying the executed function in the EEPROM 31 as execution function identification information. As a result, the execution function identification information 83 is stored in the EEPROM 31.

  The function execution unit 57 rewrites the execution function identification information 83 every time the function is executed. Therefore, the execution function identification information 83 indicates function identification information for identifying the function being executed when the function execution unit 57 is executing the function, and the function execution unit 57 is executing the function. When there is no function, function identification information for identifying the function last executed by the function execution unit 57 is indicated.

  The function execution unit 57 includes a call control unit 71, an email control unit 72, a television control unit 73, a browsing control unit 74, and a navigation control unit 75.

  The call control unit 71 executes a call function. The call function includes a call function for making a call to the other party's telephone, a call reception function for receiving a call from the other party's telephone, and a call function for sending and receiving voice to and from the other party's telephone. The incoming call function is a function in which the radio circuit 22 receives an incoming call signal from the radio base station, and waits until the incoming call signal is received, and the first speaker 11 or the first speaker 11 in response to receiving the incoming call signal. 2 to output a ringtone from the speaker 12 and drive the vibration unit 26. Accordingly, the call control unit 71 drives at least the radio circuit 22 when executing the incoming call function. If the user presses the off-hook key of the operation key 17 while the incoming call function is being executed, the call function is executed. The call function drives the radio circuit 22 and the codec unit 28, encodes the sound collected by the microphone 13, transmits the encoded radio signal to the radio base station, and the radio circuit 22 from the radio base station. This is a function of decoding a received radio signal and outputting sound from the first speaker 11. The call function is a function for making a call to an input telephone number when the user operates the operation key 17 and inputs the telephone number of the destination partner. The call control unit 71 drives the radio circuit 22 when performing the call function.

  The e-mail control unit 72 executes an e-mail function. The e-mail function includes an e-mail transmission function for transmitting an e-mail to an e-mail server, an e-mail reception function for receiving an e-mail from the e-mail server, an e-mail browsing function for displaying an e-mail, and an e-mail for generating an e-mail And a creation function. The e-mail transmission function is a function for driving the radio circuit 22 and transmitting an e-mail to an e-mail server. The e-mail receiving function is a function for driving the radio circuit 22 and receiving e-mail from the e-mail server. The e-mail browsing function is a function for controlling the operation unit 25 and the display control unit 30 to display the e-mail stored in the EEPROM 31 on the LCD 15. The e-mail creation function is a function that controls the operation unit 25 and the display control unit 30 and accepts characters and the like input by the user to the operation unit 25 to create an e-mail.

  The television control unit 73 executes a television function. The television function is received by the tuner 23 by driving the tuner 23, the display control unit 30, the AV decoder 29, and the operation unit 25, causing the tuner 23 to select a frequency channel according to an instruction input to the operation unit 25 by the user. This includes a process of causing the AV decoder 29 to decode the television signal, displaying the video on the LCD 15 and outputting the sound from the second speaker 12.

  The browsing control unit 74 executes a browsing function. The browsing function includes processing for driving the wireless circuit 22, the operation unit 25, and the display control unit 30 and displaying a web page on the LCD 15. Specifically, the browsing function causes the wireless circuit 22 to acquire a web page with a URL specified by an operation input by the user to the operation unit 25 and displays the web page received by the wireless circuit 22 on the LCD 15. Including.

  The navigation control unit 75 performs a navigation function. The navigation function drives the GPS receiving unit 24, the radio circuit 22, and the display control unit 30, and displays the current position on the map to display the route from the current position to the destination. The navigation function displays the route from the current position to the destination. Includes route search processing for searching. The current position display process acquires the current position determined by the GPS receiving unit 24 based on the GPS signal received from the GPS satellite, and displays on the LCD 15 an image describing the current position specified in the map stored in the EEPROM 31. Processing to include. Further, in the route search process, when the user inputs an operation for designating the destination to the operation unit 25, the route from the current position to the destination is searched, and the route obtained as a result of the search is recorded on the map. Is displayed on the LCD 15.

  The setting unit 53 controls the function execution unit 57 in accordance with the switching instruction input from the remaining amount detection unit 51. When the switching instruction to the normal mode is input from the remaining amount detection unit 51, the setting unit 53 allows the function execution unit 57 to execute all functions that can be executed by the function execution unit 57. On the other hand, when an instruction to switch to the power saving mode is input from the remaining amount detection unit 51, the setting unit 53 can execute based on the association information 81 and the execution function identification information 83 stored in the EEPROM 31. The function execution unit 57 is not permitted to execute functions other than the determined function.

  The association information 81 includes an association record that associates in advance a function that can be executed in the power saving mode with each of a plurality of functions that can be executed by the function execution unit 57. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of association information. Referring to FIG. 4, association information 81 includes an association record for each of a plurality of functions that can be executed by function execution unit 57. The association record includes an execution function item, an associated function item, and an associated function item. including. The items of related functions include items of related function 1, related function 2, and related function 3.

  In the execution function item, function identification information for identifying a function that can be executed by the function execution unit 57 is set. Here, the function identification information of the call function, the e-mail function, the television function, the browsing function, and the navigation function is “call”, “e-mail”, “television”, “browsing”, and “navigation”, respectively. In addition, the function identification information of the call function, the call reception function, and the call function included in the telephone function is “call”, “call”, and “call”, respectively. Furthermore, the e-mail browsing function, e-mail creating function, e-mail sending function and e-mail receiving function included in the e-mail function are respectively referred to as “e-mail browsing”, “e-mail creation”, “e-mail transmission” and “e-mail”. "Receiving mail".

  The related function item is function identification information set in the execution function item, and function identification information for identifying at least one function executable in the power saving mode is set for the specified function. The Therefore, the association information 81 associates a function that can be executed in the power saving mode with each of a plurality of functions that can be executed by the function execution unit 57. Specifically, the outgoing call function, the incoming call function, and the call function are associated with the outgoing call function, and the e-mail browsing function, the e-mail creating function, the e-mail sending function, and the e-mail receiving function are read with the e-mail. Associate function, email creation function and email sending function. The television function is associated with the television function, the browsing function is associated with the browsing function, and the navigation function is associated with the navigation function. The association information 81 shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and a function that can be executed by the function execution unit 57 is associated with a function different from that shown in the association information 81 shown in FIG. May be.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the setting unit 53 reads the execution function identification information 83 from the EEPROM 31 when a switching instruction to the power saving mode is input from the remaining amount detection unit 51. Then, the association information 81 stored in the EEPROM 31 is searched to identify the associated function associated with the execution function identification information 83. Specifically, an association record in which the same function identification information as the execution function identification information 83 is set in the item of the execution function is extracted from a plurality of association records included in the association information 81, and the association is performed. The function specified by the function identification information set in the item of the related function of the record is set as the related function. The setting unit 53 allows the function execution unit 57 to execute the related function specified by the function identification information set in the related function item, but prohibits the execution of functions other than the related function. The execution function identification information 83 stored in the EEPROM 31 as the history storage means of the present invention is the last when the function execution unit 57 is executing the function or when the function execution unit 57 is not executing the function at that time. It is the function identification information of the function executed in For this reason, when the function or function being executed by the function execution unit 57 is not executed, execution of the related function associated in advance with respect to the last executed function is permitted, and functions other than the related function are also included. Execution is not allowed.

  Since the association information 81 associates a function related to the function executed at the present time or immediately before in the power saving mode, the function executable in the power saving mode may be limited to a function highly likely to be required by the user. it can.

  For example, when the execution function identification information 83 is function identification information for identifying an email browsing function, only the execution of the email browsing function, the email creation function, and the email transmission function is permitted. However, the execution of the e-mail receiving function, the calling function, the television function, the browsing function and the navigation function is not permitted. Therefore, the wireless circuit 22, the operation unit 25, the display control unit 30, and the LCD 15 may be driven, and the camera 19. There is no need to drive the vibration unit 26, the card I / F 27, the tuner 23, the GPS receiving unit 24, the codec unit 28, and the AV decoder 29. For this reason, consumption of electric power can be reduced and consumption of electric power stored in the secondary battery 41 can be reduced. On the other hand, the user can browse, create, and send electronic mail.

  In addition, when power is supplied from the solar battery 16 or the external power supply 45, a part of the power supplied from the solar battery 16 or the external power supply 45 is supplied to the secondary battery 41. For this reason, the storage capacity of the secondary battery 41 can be increased early. When the storage capacity of the secondary battery 41 increases and the output voltage of the secondary battery 41 exceeds the threshold value, a signal for switching to the normal mode is input from the remaining amount detection unit 51 to the setting unit 53. The function execution unit 57 can execute all functions without being limited by the function executed by the setting unit 53.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of mode switching processing. The mode switching process is a process executed by the control unit 21 when the control unit 21 executes a power saving mode switching program. This mode switching process is executed by the control unit 21 at predetermined time intervals.

  Referring to FIG. 5, control unit 21 outputs a control signal for instructing charging circuit 42 to disconnect (step S01). Thereby, the charging circuit 42 cuts off the electric power supplied from the solar battery 16 and cuts off the electric power supplied from the external power supply 45 when the external power supply 45 is connected to the external power supply terminal 43.

  In the next step S02, the output voltage V1 of the secondary battery is detected. If the output voltage V1 of the secondary battery is detected, output of the control signal for instructing the disconnection to the charging circuit 42 is stopped, and the electric power supplied from the external power supply 45 or the solar battery 16 to the charging circuit 42 is stopped. A circuit is connected so that it may be supplied to each load with which the mobile telephone 1 is provided.

  In step S04, the output voltage V1 of the secondary battery 41 detected in step S02 is compared with a predetermined threshold value T1. If output voltage V1 of secondary battery 41 is equal to or lower than threshold value T1 (YES in step S04), the process proceeds to step S05; otherwise (NO in step S04), the process proceeds to step S08. This is because the power saving mode is set when the storage capacity of the secondary battery 41 decreases. In step S08, the normal mode is set and the process ends. In step S05, the output voltage V2 of the solar cell 16 is detected. Then, the output voltage V2 of the solar cell is compared with a predetermined threshold value T2 (step S06). If output voltage V2 of solar cell 16 is equal to or lower than threshold value T2 (YES in step S06), the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise (NO in step S06), the process proceeds to step S08. Even if the storage capacity of the secondary battery 41 is small, if the electromotive force of the solar battery 16 is sufficient, each load of the mobile phone 1 is activated by the power supplied from the solar battery 16, and the secondary battery This is because 41 can be charged. In step S07, the power saving mode is set, and the process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of function execution processing. The function execution process is a process executed by the control unit 21 when the control unit 21 executes a power saving mode switching program. Further, when the mode switching process described above is executed, it is executed in parallel with the mode switching process.

  Referring to FIG. 6, control unit 21 determines whether an operation by the user is accepted by operation unit 25 (step S <b> 11). The process waits until an operation is accepted (NO in step S11). When the operation is accepted (YES in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the power saving mode is set. If the power saving mode is set, the process proceeds to step S23; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S13.

  When the process proceeds to step S13, the normal mode is set. In the normal mode, the function instructed by the operation accepted in step S11 is executed (step S13). Then, function identification information for identifying the executed function is stored in the EEPROM 31 as the execution function identification information 83 (step S14). In the next step S15, it is determined whether or not the power saving mode is set. This is because the power saving mode may be set while the function is being executed in step S13. If the power saving mode is set, the process proceeds to step S16; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S16, the association information 81 is read from the EEPROM 31. Then, functions other than the related functions are set to be unexecutable (step S17), and the process proceeds to step S18. Specifically, the function specified by the function identification information associated by the association information 81 read in step S16 is added to the function identification information for identifying the function that has been executed in step S13. To decide. Then, functions other than the related functions are set to be unexecutable.

  In step S18, it is determined whether or not an instruction for ending the function executed in step S13 is input. If an instruction to end the function is input, the process proceeds to step S19. If not, the process returns to step S15. On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S22, since it is the normal mode, all functions are set to be executable, and the process proceeds to step S18. That is, the power saving mode may be set while the function executed in step S13 is being executed, and then the normal mode may be set thereafter. Even in this case, after the normal mode is set, all functions are set to be executable.

  In step S19, the execution of the function started in step S13 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, it is determined whether or not the power saving mode is set. If the power saving mode is set, the process proceeds to step S21; otherwise, the process returns to step S11. In step S21, the power supply for loads other than the control unit 21 and the operation unit 25 is set to OFF, and the process returns to step S11. Since only the control unit 21 and the operation unit 25 consume power, the consumed power can be minimized, and the reduction in the storage capacity of the secondary battery 41 can be minimized.

  On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S23 in the power saving mode. In step S23, the association information 81 is read from the EEPROM 31. Then, the execution function identification information 83 is read from the EEPROM 31 (step S24). In the next step S25, it is determined whether or not the function instructed to be executed by the operation accepted in step S11 is a related function. Specifically, the function associated with the execution function identification information 83 read in step S24 by the association information 81 read in step S23 is determined as the related function. If the function identification information for identifying the function instructed to be executed by the operation accepted in step S11 is the same as the function identification information of the related function, the function instructed to be executed by the accepted operation is related. Judge as a function. If the function instructed to be executed by the accepted operation is a related function, the process proceeds to step S26; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S30, error processing is executed, and the process returns to step S11. The error process is, for example, a process for displaying a message such as “The function cannot be executed due to insufficient battery power” on the LCD 15. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the user that the function cannot be executed due to insufficient remaining battery power. Furthermore, the user can be prompted to charge the mobile phone 1 by placing it on a charging stand or the like.

  In step S26, the function instructed by the operation accepted in step S11 is executed. If the specified function is a related function, the function is executed. If the specified function is not a related function, the specified function is not executed. Therefore, the power consumed by limiting the executable function is reduced. Can be reduced.

  In step S27, it is determined whether or not an instruction for ending the function executed in step S26 has been input. The process waits until an instruction to end the function is input (NO in step S27). If an instruction to end the function is input (YES in step S27), the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, the execution of the function started in step S26 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S29. In step S29, the power sources of loads other than the control unit 21 and the operation unit 25 are set to OFF, and the process returns to step S11. Since only the control unit 21 and the operation unit 25 consume power, the consumed power can be minimized, and the reduction in the storage capacity of the secondary battery 41 can be minimized.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the power saving mode is set when the output voltage V1 of the secondary battery 41 or the output voltage V2 of the solar battery 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold (S04, S06 in FIG. 5). The present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, a condition of shifting to the power saving mode may be used when the output voltage from the solar cell 16 continues for a predetermined time or longer and is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. As an example, if a specific example is given, if YES is determined in step S04 in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the output voltage from the solar cell 16 continues for a predetermined time or more and is a predetermined threshold value or more. If this determination is YES (positive), a step of shifting to the power saving mode similar to step S07 may be provided. In this case, since it is assumed that the user is consciously performing solar power generation (for example, when the user is placed near a window, etc.), the user intends to maintain the power of the secondary battery 41. Is guessed. It will shift to power saving mode more according to a user's intention, and a user's convenience can be improved. Of course, the above condition may be set only when the output voltage from the solar cell 16 continues for a predetermined time or more.

<Appendix>
(1) The remaining amount detecting unit further includes a blocking unit that blocks power output from the photovoltaic unit.
The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the measuring unit measures an output voltage of the battery while the blocking unit is blocking.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone in one of embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function of the mobile telephone in this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function which a control part has. It is a figure which shows an example of association information. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a mode switching process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a function execution process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile phone, 2 Display side part, 3 Operation side part, 11 1st speaker, 12 2nd speaker, 13 Microphone, 14 Insertion slot, 15 LCD, 16 Solar cell, 17 Operation key, 18 Touch panel, 19 Camera, 21 Control Unit, 22 radio circuit, 23 tuner, 24 receiver unit, 25 operation unit, 25 operation reception unit, 26 vibration unit, 27 card I / F, 27A memory card, 28 codec unit, 29 decoder, 30 display control unit, 31 EEPROM , 32 RAM, 35 Power control unit, 41 Secondary battery, 42 Charging circuit, 43 External power supply terminal, 45 External power supply, 51 Remaining amount detection unit, 53 Setting unit, 55 Operation receiving unit, 57 Function execution unit, 61 Blocking unit 63 Voltage measuring unit 71 Call control unit 72 Email control unit 73 Television control unit 74 Browsing control unit 75 Geshon control unit, 81 association information, 83 perform the function identification information.

Claims (7)

An electronic device capable of performing a plurality of functions,
Battery,
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery;
The last function executed when there is no function being executed or no function being executed among the plurality of functions when the remaining battery level detected by the remaining amount detection means is not more than a predetermined threshold value. An electronic device comprising: a setting unit configured to set a power saving mode in which at least a part of functions other than functions predetermined in relation to the function cannot be executed. History storage means for storing function identification information for identifying the function executed last among the plurality of functions;
2. The electronic according to claim 1, further comprising association information storage means for storing association information in which a function executable in a power saving mode is associated with each of the function identification information for identifying the plurality of functions. machine. Photovoltaic power generation means connected in parallel with the battery and generating power when irradiated with light,
An output voltage detection means for detecting an output voltage of the photovoltaic power generation means,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the power saving mode on the condition that an output voltage of the photovoltaic power generation unit is a predetermined value or less.   The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the remaining amount detection unit includes a measurement unit that measures an output voltage of the battery.   The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a stopping unit that stops driving of at least a part of the load when the setting unit sets the power saving mode. A power saving mode switching method executed by an electronic device that is driven by receiving power supply from a battery and that can execute a plurality of functions,
Detecting the remaining amount of the battery;
When the measured remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, when there is no function being executed or no function being executed among the plurality of functions, a predetermined function related to the last executed function is determined. And a step of setting the power saving mode in which at least a part of the functions other than the functions cannot be executed. A mode switching program that is driven by a power supply from a battery and is executed by a computer that controls an electronic device capable of executing a plurality of functions,
Detecting the remaining amount of the battery;
When the measured remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, when there is no function being executed or no function being executed among the plurality of functions, a predetermined function related to the last executed function is determined. A power-saving mode switching program that causes a computer that controls the electronic device to execute a step of setting a power-saving mode in which at least a part of functions other than the functions cannot be executed.

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