JP2016208612A - Battery adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To learn the state of a battery housed in an electronic apparatus without using radio communication.SOLUTION: A battery adapter comprises: a sensing unit 11 for detecting motion; a measuring unit 12 for measuring the amount of residual electricity; a control unit 13 for instructing a signal transmission unit 14 to emit light corresponding to the amount of residual electricity on detecting motion; and an information presentation unit 15 for transmitting the light emitted by the signal transmission unit 14 to the outside of a battery case of an electronic apparatus. This has the information presentation unit 15 exposed from the battery case emit light corresponding to the amount of residual electricity of a battery 100 if a user lifts the electronic apparatus using a battery adapter 1. Thus, the user can easily confirm the amount of residual electricity without opening a lid of the battery case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery having various functions and a battery adapter technology for storing the battery.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a battery-type node that includes a measurement unit and a wireless communication function in a battery and identifies the type and operation state of an electronic device in which the battery is used. In addition, a battery that can acquire the remaining battery level by wireless communication has been proposed.

  Although it is difficult to add a function to a commercially available electronic device later, a new function can be added by using the battery as described above for the electronic device.

JP 2013-178933 A

  When the electronic device does not have a function of presenting the remaining battery level, there is a problem that it is difficult to know the remaining battery level without removing the battery from the electronic device.

  In the case of using a battery that can acquire the remaining battery level by wireless communication, there is a problem in that a large amount of power is consumed for each communication.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to know the state of a battery housed in an electronic device without using wireless communication.

  The battery adapter according to the present invention includes a housing that conforms to battery standards, a power supply unit that houses the battery in the housing, a flexible material that is exposed to the outside of the housing, and has an optical or electrical signal. And an information presentation unit that outputs the information.

  In the battery adapter, the information presentation unit is an optical fiber.

  The battery adapter includes a measurement unit that measures a state of the power supply unit, and the information presentation unit performs output according to a measurement result of the measurement unit.

  The battery adapter includes a sensor, and the information presentation unit starts or stops output based on sensor data of the sensor.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the state of the battery accommodated in the electronic device can be known without using wireless communication.

3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery adapter according to Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a battery adapter. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a battery adapter of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a battery of Example 5. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which registers an event.

Example 1
The battery adapter of Example 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the battery adapter according to the first embodiment.

  The battery adapter 1 shown in the figure includes a sensing unit 11, a measurement unit 12, a control unit 13, a signal transmission unit 14, an information presentation unit 15, and a storage unit 16 that stores the battery 100. The battery adapter 1 according to the first embodiment includes an information presentation unit 15 exposed from the battery adapter 1, and the information presentation unit 15 outputs information corresponding to the remaining battery level of the battery 100. The casing of the battery adapter 1 has an external shape that conforms to the standard of dry batteries. The battery 100 is housed in the casing, and can be used in various electronic devices that use dry batteries such as flashlights, remote controllers, and watches.

  The sensing unit 11 includes a sensor, acquires sensor data, and transmits the sensor data to the control unit 13. In the first embodiment, the sensing unit 11 includes an acceleration sensor and detects the movement of an electronic device using the battery adapter 1.

  The measurement unit 12 measures the remaining battery capacity of the battery 100 and transmits the measurement result to the control unit 13.

  The control unit 13 receives the sensor data from the sensing unit 11, determines whether or not to generate an event based on the sensor data, and starts processing the event when determining that the event is generated. When detecting a movement from the sensor data received from the sensing unit 11, the control unit 13 generates a signal transmission start event and instructs the signal transmission unit 14 to start transmission of a signal corresponding to the measurement result of the measurement unit 12. . Alternatively, the control unit 13 generates a signal transmission stop event when the sensor data received from the sensing unit 11 cannot be detected for a predetermined time, and instructs the signal transmission unit 14 to stop transmitting signals. The control unit 13 stores event generation conditions and event processing contents in advance. Note that, as will be described later in the embodiment, the event generation condition and the event processing content may be received from the outside and registered in the control unit 13.

  The signal transmission unit 14 transmits a signal according to an instruction from the control unit 13. For example, the signal sending unit 14 includes an LED and emits light, and the remaining battery capacity is expressed by the number of times the LED light is emitted, the emission intensity, and the emission color. The signal sending unit 14 may send an electric signal.

  The information presentation unit 15 is a tube formed of a flexible material that extends to the outside of the casing of the battery adapter 1, and transmits the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 14 to the outside of the battery adapter 1. For example, an optical fiber is used as the information presentation unit 15 and the light emission of the LED of the signal transmission unit 14 is transmitted to the outside. If the information presentation unit 15 is exposed from a gap that slightly exists in the battery case when the battery adapter 1 is stored in the battery case of the electronic device, the user can check the information without opening the battery case. The information presentation unit 15 may be exposed by making a hole in the lid of the battery case of the electronic device. Note that the information presentation unit 15 may output an electrical signal. The information presentation unit 15 is preferably a thin and elastic shape and material so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing. The information presentation unit 15 may be a flexible surface such as a flexible cable.

  The storage unit 16 stores the battery 100. When the battery 100 is stored in the storage unit 16, the positive electrode of the battery 100 and the positive electrode of the battery adapter 1 are electrically connected, and the negative electrode of the battery 100 and the negative electrode of the battery adapter 1 are electrically connected. In addition, the battery 100 may supply power to the above-described units included in the battery adapter 1.

  As the battery 100, a dry battery in accordance with a commercially available standard can be used. For example, when the outer shape of the battery adapter 1 is the shape of an AA dry battery, the storage unit 16 is formed into a shape that can store an AA dry battery. Or you may provide a power supply instead of the accommodating part 16 which accommodates the battery 100 like the Example mentioned later.

  Next, the operation of the battery adapter of Example 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the battery adapter.

  The sensing unit 11 measures sensor data and transmits it to the control unit 13 (step S11).

  The control unit 13 determines whether or not to generate an event based on the received sensor data (step S12). For example, a signal transmission start event is generated when the sensing unit 11 detects movement, and a signal transmission stop event is generated when the sensing unit 11 does not detect movement for a predetermined time.

  When an event occurs, the control unit 13 starts processing the event that has occurred (step S13). For example, when a signal transmission start event occurs, the control unit 13 instructs the signal transmission unit 14 to transmit a signal, and the information transmission unit exposed from the battery case of the electronic device by the signal transmission unit 14 emitting light. 15 emits light according to the remaining battery level. When a signal transmission stop event occurs, the control unit 13 instructs the signal transmission unit 14 to stop signal transmission, and the signal transmission unit 14 stops light emission.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sensing unit 11 that detects movement, the measurement unit 12 that measures the remaining battery level, and the light emission corresponding to the remaining battery level are detected when the movement is detected. By providing the control unit 13 that instructs the sending unit 14 and the information presentation unit 15 that transmits the light emitted from the signal sending unit 14 to the outside of the battery case of the electronic device, the electronic device in which the user uses the battery adapter 1 can be provided. When lifted, the information presentation unit 15 exposed from the battery case emits light according to the remaining battery level of the battery 100, so that it is possible to easily check the remaining battery level without opening the lid of the battery case.

  Since the power consumed for the light emission of the LED is smaller than the power consumed for one communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), the information of the battery 100 can be sent to the user without consuming much of the battery. Can be presented.

  The battery adapter 1 may not include the sensing unit 11 and the measurement unit 12. By operating the signal sending unit 14 with the power of the battery 100, the information presenting unit 15 does not emit light when the remaining battery level of the battery 100 is exhausted. Therefore, the user confirms that the remaining battery level of the battery 100 has become zero. I can judge.

  The measurement unit 12 may measure not only the remaining battery level but also the temperature of the battery 100, for example, and the signal sending unit 14 may emit light according to the measured amount.

(Example 2)
Next, the battery adapter of Example 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the battery adapter according to the second embodiment.

  The battery adapter 2 shown in the figure has an outer shape that conforms to the battery standard, and includes a sensing unit 21, a control unit 22, an information presentation unit 23, and a storage unit 24 that stores the battery 100. The information presentation unit 23 of the battery adapter 2 is housed in the casing of the battery adapter 2 and presents information by sound or vibration.

  The sensing unit 21 acquires the remaining battery level of the battery 100 and transmits it to the control unit 22.

  The control unit 22 generates a notification event when the remaining battery level received from the sensing unit 21 falls below a predetermined threshold value, and instructs the information presentation unit 23 to start reproducing the notification sound. A time zone may be set as an event generation condition. When a time zone is set as an event generation condition, a notification event is generated when the remaining battery level is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and the current time is in the set time zone.

  The information presentation unit 23 includes a speaker and outputs a notification sound according to an instruction from the control unit 22.

  The storage unit 24 stores the battery 100 as in the first embodiment.

  Since the notification sound is output when the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold value, the user can know that the remaining battery level has decreased without opening the battery case of the electronic device. For example, when the battery adapter 2 is used for an alarm clock, the user can use the alarm clock without worrying about the remaining battery capacity.

Example 3
Next, the battery adapter of Example 3 will be described. Since the external shape and functional block diagram of the battery adapter of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  The sensing unit 21 includes an acceleration sensor and detects movement.

  The information presentation unit 23 includes a speaker and outputs a designated voice.

  In the control unit 22, the direction of movement is set as an event generation condition, and an audio file to be output as event processing content is set. For example, an event is set for outputting an audio file that matches the departure when acceleration is detected in a stationary state. Alternatively, an event is set for outputting an audio file in accordance with the stop when it is detected that the vehicle has decelerated and stopped.

  By using the battery adapter 2 of Example 3 for a radio control or a railway model, it is possible to make an utterance in accordance with the departure or stop.

  The sensing unit 21 may include a microphone, and the control unit 22 may output the input voice from the information presentation unit 23 when the microphone inputs the voice. The sensing unit 21 may have a wireless communication function instead of a microphone, and output an audio file received by wireless communication.

Example 4
Next, the battery adapter of Example 4 will be described. Since the external shape and functional block diagram of the battery adapter of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG.

  The sensing unit 21 has a wireless communication function and receives an operation command by wireless communication. For example, Bluetooth can be used as the wireless communication system. The sensing unit 21 receives an operation command transmitted from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

  The information presentation unit 23 includes a piezoelectric element and vibrates according to an instruction from the control unit 22.

  The control unit 22 is set to receive an operation command as an event generation condition, and an instruction to the information presentation unit 23 corresponding to the operation command is set as the event processing content. For example, an event for turning on the vibration of the piezoelectric element when a vibration on operation command is received is set. Alternatively, an event for turning off the vibration of the piezoelectric element when an operation command for turning off the vibration is received is set.

  By using the battery adapter 2 of the fourth embodiment for a remote controller such as a television, the battery adapter 2 vibrates when a vibration-on operation command is transmitted from the portable terminal, so that the position of the remote controller can be specified. Alternatively, the information presentation unit 23 may include a speaker instead of the piezoelectric element, and output an electronic sound or the like by an operation command.

(Example 5)
Next, the battery of Example 5 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the battery of Example 5.

  The battery 3 shown in the figure has an external shape that conforms to the standard of a dry battery, and includes a power supply 31, a power supply control unit 32, a sensing unit 33, a control unit 34, and a wireless communication unit 35. The battery 3 according to the fifth embodiment controls the power supplied to the outside based on the sensor data acquired by the sensing unit 33.

  In the fifth embodiment, a power source 31 is provided instead of a storage unit for storing a battery, and power is supplied to the outside. Similarly to Examples 1 to 4, a storage unit that stores the battery may be provided, or the battery adapters of Examples 1 to 4 may include a power source instead of the storage unit.

  The power supply control unit 32 controls on / off of power supplied from the battery 3 to the outside in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 34.

  The sensing unit 33 includes a microphone, receives the voice uttered by the user, and transmits it to the control unit 34.

  The control unit 34 analyzes the received voice and generates a corresponding event when the event generation condition is met. For example, an event for turning on the power when “flashlight on” is spoken is set. The control unit 34 analyzes the received voice using voice recognition technology, generates an event when the voice including the meaning of “turn on the flashlight” is generated, and turns on the power supplied to the power supply control unit 32 to the outside. Give instructions to do.

  By using the battery 3 of Example 5 for a flashlight, in situations where the location of the flashlight is unknown, such as during a power outage, or in situations where it is desired to turn on the flashlight attached to the helmet, such as when climbing or during construction, The user can turn on the flashlight simply by saying “flashlight on”.

  Next, a process for registering an event will be described.

  The wireless communication unit 35 is used for event registration. The user can register an event for controlling the battery 3 by transmitting event information from the server (for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone) to the wireless communication unit 35.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for registering an event.

  When the wireless communication unit 35 receives the event generation condition and the event processing content from the server (step S21), the wireless communication unit 35 registers the received event information in the control unit 34 (step S22).

  For example, audio data when the user utters “flashlight on” is received as an event generation condition, and a control command for turning on the power is received as event processing content, and event information is registered. The control unit 34 may hold event information in advance. The battery adapters of the first to fourth embodiments may include a wireless communication unit so that events can be registered.

(Example 6)
Next, the battery of Example 6 will be described. Since the external shape and functional block diagram of the battery of Example 6 are the same as those of FIG. 4 of Example 5, redundant description is omitted. The wireless communication unit 35 may be omitted, or a storage unit that stores a battery instead of the power supply 31 may be provided.

  The sensing unit 33 includes an acceleration sensor.

  The control unit 34 detects that an earthquake has occurred from the acceleration change pattern received from the sensing unit 33 and instructs the power control unit 32 to turn off the power.

  By using the battery 3 of Example 6 for an oil stove, when an earthquake occurs, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a fire due to the power button of the oil stove being pressed by falling objects.

(Example 7)
Next, the battery of Example 7 will be described. Since the external shape and functional block diagram of the battery of Example 7 are the same as those of FIG. 4 of Example 5, redundant description is omitted. The wireless communication unit 35 may be omitted, or a storage unit that stores a battery instead of the power supply 31 may be provided.

  The sensing unit 33 includes an acceleration sensor.

  The control unit 34 detects from the acceleration change pattern received from the sensing unit 33 that the electronic device containing the battery 3 is gripped, and instructs the power control unit 32 to turn on the power.

  By using the battery 3 of Example 7 for the electric toothbrush, the user can turn on the electric toothbrush without using the power switch of the electric toothbrush.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 ... Battery adapter 11, 21, 33 ... Sensing part 12 ... Measuring part 13, 22, 34 ... Control part 14 ... Signal sending part 15, 23 ... Information presentation part 16, 24 ... Storage part 3 ... Battery 31 ... Power supply 32 ... Power control unit 35 ... Wireless communication unit 100 ... Battery

Claims (4)

A housing that conforms to battery standards;
A power supply unit for storing a battery in the housing;
An information presentation unit that is formed of a flexible material and is exposed to the outside of the housing, and outputs an optical or electrical signal;
A battery adapter comprising:   The battery adapter according to claim 1, wherein the information presentation unit is an optical fiber. A measurement unit for measuring the state of the power supply unit;
The battery adapter according to claim 1, wherein the information presentation unit performs output according to a measurement result of the measurement unit. Have a sensor,
The battery adapter according to claim 1, wherein the information presentation unit starts or stops output based on sensor data of the sensor.

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