JP5104470B2 - Battery charge / discharge test method for portable computer, portable computer, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention uses, for example, a peak shift control function mounted on a notebook personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as “notebook PC”) to automate a battery charge / discharge test and reduce the remaining battery level. The present invention relates to a battery charge / discharge test method for a portable computer, a portable computer, a recording medium, and a program for automatically performing a voltage margin test of the portable computer main body device.

§1: Description of Conventional Example 1 Hereinafter, Conventional Example 1 will be described. Conventionally, a notebook PC has been known as one of portable computers. This notebook PC was as follows.

  (1): A notebook PC is compatible with two types of power supply: a battery and a commercial AC power supply (hereinafter referred to as “AC power supply” or “AC power supply”), and normally operates as follows.

  (a): When the notebook PC is not connected to an AC power source, the PC main unit operates with a battery, and the battery is discharged.

  (b): When the notebook PC is connected to an AC power supply via an AC adapter, the PC main body device operates by receiving power supply from the AC power supply, and the battery is charged.

  (2): When the PC main unit operates with a battery, the output voltage from the battery decreases with current consumption, and has a characteristic that changes depending on the power consumption of the PC main unit. For this reason, the PC main unit is difficult to receive a stable power supply, and is designed in consideration of battery characteristics.

  (3): The PC main unit is designed to have a power saving function in order to reduce the power consumption of the device and lengthen the operation time with the battery due to the increase in power consumption due to higher performance. . Since the total amount of power supplied by the battery is constant, the time during which the battery can be operated varies depending on the setting of the power saving function (power consumption of the PC main unit).

  (4): In order to perform a product evaluation of a notebook PC in these battery operations (discharged state), it is necessary to prepare a charged battery or test equipment.

§2: Description of Conventional Examples 2 and 3 FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of Conventional Examples 2 and 3. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of Conventional Example 2, and FIG. Hereinafter, conventional examples 2 and 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

(1): Description of Conventional Example 2 As shown in FIG. 7A, Conventional Example 2 includes a notebook PC main unit 1 having a DC input terminal 2, a power supply circuit 3, a power supply control unit 4, a battery 5, and the like. It is provided. Then, the terminal on the output side of the AC adapter 6 that receives power supply from the external AC power supply 8 and converts it into a DC low voltage to output power (DC output) is detachably connected to the DC input terminal 2. An external device 7 is connected between the AC power supply 8 and the AC adapter 6.

(2): Description of Conventional Example 3 In Conventional Example 3, as shown in FIG. 7B, the notebook PC main unit 1 is provided with a DC input terminal 2, a power supply circuit 3, a power control unit 4, and the like. . Then, the terminal on the output side of the AC adapter 6 that receives power supply from the external AC power supply 8 and converts it into a DC low voltage to output power (DC output) is detachably connected to the DC input terminal 2. Further, the battery 5 of the conventional example 2 is not provided, and the output terminal of the pseudo battery tester 9 is connected to the position of the battery 5, and the external AC power supply 8 is connected to the input side of the pseudo battery tester 9.

§3: Description of Conventional Example 4 Hereinafter, Patent Document 1 will be described as Conventional Example 4.

  Conventional Example 4 is provided with a power supply unit capable of voltage control from the control unit in the information processing device, a battery backup memory for writing a set voltage value to be tested, and a watchdog timer circuit, and tested before changing the voltage. The voltage value is written in the battery backup memory, and then the voltage is changed and the test program is executed.

§4: Description of Conventional Example 5 Hereinafter, Patent Document 2 will be described as Conventional Example 5.

  Conventional Example 5 is to prevent the main body from being shut down even when the battery is removed during the battery refresh.

§5: Description of Conventional Example 6 Hereinafter, Patent Document 3 will be described as Conventional Example 6.

Conventional Example 6 relates to a secondary battery charge / discharge automatic test apparatus having a mechanism capable of changing test temperatures in accordance with charging, discharging, and resting and independently setting those temperatures for each test battery. .
JP-A-5-2502 JP 2003-143773 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-189594

  (1): Conventionally, in order to confirm the power saving function of the main device, in order to put the battery into a discharged state, it is necessary to discharge from the charged state. In order to discharge the battery, it is necessary to switch connection or disconnection of the notebook PC main unit to an AC power source supplied via an AC adapter.

  Conventionally, in order to switch AC power supply connection / disconnection, the AC adapter 6 is manually inserted / removed from / to the notebook PC main unit 1 or an external device that switches connection / disconnection to the AC power supply even in the case of automation. It was necessary to prepare.

  (2): Conventional example 2 has a characteristic of decreasing with current consumption from the battery. Therefore, in order to test the voltage margin supplied from the battery to the notebook PC main unit, it is necessary to maintain a state where the remaining amount of the battery is low (the output voltage is reduced). In order to keep the battery at a certain remaining amount (in the state to be verified), it was necessary to use an external device as in (1) of the problem.

  Also, as in Conventional Example 3, a pseudo battery tester having a configuration in which a pseudo battery tester is connected to the battery portion of the notebook PC main unit and the output voltage supplied from the battery is changed in a pseudo manner is prepared. There was a need to do.

  (3): In the conventional examples 4, 5, and 6, the battery charge / discharge test is automated by using the peak shift control function mounted on the portable computer such as the notebook personal computer as in the present invention. There is no description about what to do, and it is about the background art of the present invention.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and uses a peak shift control function mounted on a portable computer such as a notebook PC to automate battery charging / discharging tests and to maintain the remaining battery charge. An object of the present invention is to automatically perform a voltage margin test of a portable computer main body device in a state where the amount is small.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

  That is, power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery. The battery is in a charged state when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is in a discharged state when the AC power source is disconnected. And a battery charge / discharge test method for a portable computer having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power sources based on a control signal, wherein the peak shift control function is used by the control signal. Then, a procedure for repeating the charging / discharging process of the battery by switching the two types of power sources, a procedure for measuring a battery discharging time during discharging of the battery, and a measurement of the battery discharging time Based on the result, whether or not the power saving function of the preset portable computer main unit is operating effectively And a procedure to be tested.

Also, power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery. The battery is in a charged state when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is in a discharged state when the AC power source is not connected. A battery charge / discharge test method for a portable computer having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power sources based on a control signal, the procedure for monitoring the remaining amount of the battery, remaining capacity of the battery measured by monitoring, lower than the remaining amount of the full charge when the battery, and a step of determining whether it is remaining to be verified preset, the battery remaining amount is the verification I want If it is determined that drops from remaining, battery and in use the AC power source by using the peak shift control function Is set to a charged state, and when it is determined that the remaining battery level has reached a preset upper limit value, the peak shift control function is used to turn off the AC power supply and to repeat the control to discharge the battery. And a procedure for controlling the remaining battery level to change between the remaining battery level to be verified and the upper limit value, and automatically performing a voltage margin test on the portable computer main unit when the remaining battery level is low. To do.

(Function)
(a): The battery charge / discharge process is automatically repeated by switching between two types of power sources using the peak shift control function according to the control signal. Then, the battery discharge time is measured while the battery is being discharged, and it is tested from the battery discharge time measurement result whether or not the preset power saving function of the portable computer main unit is operating effectively.

  In this way, it is possible to automate the test of the power saving function of the notebook PC main body device without preparing test equipment as in the prior art and with the same device configuration (battery) as the product environment.

(b): monitoring the remaining capacity of the battery, the remaining amount of the battery measured by the monitoring, lower than the remaining amount of the full charge when the battery, and whether it is remaining to be verified preset Judging. When it is determined that the remaining battery level is lower than the remaining battery level to be verified, the AC power source is used using the peak shift control function, the battery is charged, and the remaining battery level reaches a preset upper limit. If it is determined, the peak shift control function is used to repeat the control for disabling the AC power source and discharging the battery.

  In this way, the voltage margin test of the portable computer main unit in a state where the remaining battery level is low is automatically performed by controlling the remaining battery level to be changed between the remaining battery level to be verified and the upper limit value. Do.

  In this way, it is possible to automate a voltage margin test for the output voltage supplied from the battery to the notebook PC main body device in a state where the battery output is low.

  The present invention has the following effects.

  (1): Peak shift control function installed in portable computers such as notebook PCs (the peak power consumption of the AC power supply can be shifted by automatically switching between the battery and the external AC power supply according to the control signal) Function), it is possible to automatically perform a battery charge / discharge test and a voltage margin test of the portable computer main unit in a state where the remaining battery level is low.

  (2): Automating the power-saving function test of the main unit of a portable computer (for example, a notebook personal computer) with the same device configuration (battery) as the product environment without preparing test equipment as in the past Is possible.

  (3): It becomes possible to automate the voltage margin test for the output voltage supplied from the battery to the notebook PC main unit in a state where the battery output is at a low voltage.

  (4): When there is a timing failure that results in NG intermittently, all test operations can be automated, so a mechanism that repeats the test time for a long time can be easily constructed.

  Hereinafter, a notebook personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “notebook PC”) will be described as an example of a portable computer.

§1: Explanation of configuration of notebook PC FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of battery charge / discharge test automation. Hereinafter, a configuration example of the battery charge / discharge test automation will be described with reference to FIG. The example described below is an example in which a notebook PC (notebook personal computer) is used as a configuration example of the battery charge / discharge test automation.

  The notebook PC described below is assumed to have the following preconditions.

  It corresponds to 1.2 kinds of power supply (AC adapter 6 or battery 5).

  2. The hardware of the notebook PC main unit 1 has a function of acquiring the remaining amount of the battery 5, the charge / discharge current value, and the voltage value from software.

  3. The hardware of the notebook PC main unit 1 has a function of switching either the AC adapter 6 or the battery 5 from the software with respect to the power supply (in this example, the notebook PC main unit 1 has a function to support the PSC unit 18. Function).

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the notebook PC main unit 1 is provided with a charge / discharge test control unit 11 and a memory 15, and a DC input terminal 2, a power supply circuit 3, a power supply control unit 4, a battery 5, and the like. . Then, the terminal on the output side of the AC adapter 6 that receives power supplied from an external commercial AC power supply (hereinafter referred to as “AC power supply”) 8 and converts it into a DC small voltage to output power (DC output) is provided. The DC input terminal 2 is detachably connected.

  The charge / discharge test control unit 11 includes a power supply switching control unit 12, a battery capacity monitoring unit 13, a test assistance program 14, and a main control unit 16. Each unit of the charge / discharge test control unit 11 can access the memory 15. The power supply control unit 4 is provided with a peak shift control (hereinafter referred to as “PSC”) unit 18. The respective parts are as follows.

  (a): The charge / discharge test control unit 11 uses the PSC (peak shift control) function mounted on the notebook PC to perform a charge / discharge operation test of the battery 5 and a test in a state where the remaining battery level is low. This is what performs control (software including a control program).

  (b) The DC input terminal 2 is used for DC input from the DC output terminal of the AC adapter 6.

  (c): The power supply circuit 3 is a circuit for supplying stable DC power to each part of the notebook PC.

  (d): The power supply control unit 4 controls the power supply circuit 3 and includes a PSC unit 18 therein. The PSC unit 18 that has been conventionally provided in a notebook PC is used.

  (e): The battery 5 is for supplying power to the notebook PC when the AC power supply 8 is cut off, and is charged when the AC power supply 8 is connected to the notebook PC main unit 1. It is.

  (f): The AC adapter 6 receives power supplied from the AC power supply 8 and converts it into a DC small voltage to output power (DC output).

  (g): The DC input terminal 2 is a terminal for connecting an output side terminal of the AC adapter 6.

  (h): The charge / discharge test control unit 11 controls the charge / discharge test of the battery 5 with respect to the notebook PC main body device 1 (program or the like).

  (i): The power source switching control unit 12 is a unit (program) that sends a control signal to the power source control unit 4 to control switching between the AC power source 8 and the battery 5.

  (j): The battery capacity monitoring unit 13 is a program (program) that accesses the power supply control unit 4 to monitor the capacity of the battery 5 and acquire the current capacity.

  (k): The test assistance program 14 performs auxiliary control when a charge / discharge test of the battery 5 is performed in accordance with an instruction from the charge / discharge test control unit 11. For example, processing for setting a power saving function in the memory 15 in accordance with an instruction from the charge / discharge test control unit 11 is performed.

  (l): The PSC unit 18 is an existing function provided in the notebook PC. The PSC unit 18 has a function of automatically switching between the AC power supply 8 and the battery 5 in response to a control signal from the power supply switching control unit 12 of the charge / discharge test control unit 11.

  The PSC unit 18 includes a peak shift control program and has the following contents.

  In other words, the peak shift control program is a technology that switches laptop computers that are always operating with AC power in offices and the like to battery-powered during peak periods in the midsummer, such as in the midsummer, and suppresses the use of AC power during that time. is there. The peak shift control program can be classified into several generations by the peak shift method, but the latest third generation can arbitrarily set the charging start time of the battery consumed in the peak time zone.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, a control signal (a switching signal for using / not using the AC power supply 8) is sent from the power supply switching control unit 12 in the charge / discharge test control unit 11 to the PSC unit 18, and based on this control signal, The PSC unit 18 can automatically switch between using and not using the AC power supply 8.

  The main control unit 16 is for starting up each unit in the charge / discharge test control unit 11 and giving an instruction.

§2: Explanation of operation overview
(a): In the example shown in FIG. 1, by using the PSC unit 18 of the power supply control unit 4 mounted on the notebook PC main unit 1, the battery 5 can be charged and charged only by the notebook PC main unit 1. The switching of the discharge operation is automated to solve the above problem.

  (b): The power supply control unit 4 has a function of switching use / non-use of the AC power supply 8 supplied through the AC adapter 6 in order to support the function of the PSC unit 18. Further, the charge / discharge test control unit 11 instructs the power supply control unit 4 to switch the use / non-use of the AC power supply 8 and monitors the amount of charge of the battery 5.

  (c): It is assumed that the AC adapter 6 is connected to the notebook PC main unit 1 and that AC power is always supplied.

  (d): When the charge / discharge test control unit 11 instructs the use of the AC power supply 8, the notebook PC main unit 1 operates using the AC power supply 8 supplied from the AC adapter 6. At this time, the battery 5 is in a charged state.

  (e): When the charge / discharge test control unit 11 instructs the AC power supply 8 not to be used, the notebook PC main unit 1 operates using the battery 5. At this time, the battery 5 is in a discharged state.

§3: Detailed description of operation of Example 1
(1): Explanation of Operation of Example 1 In Example 1, the apparatus of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is used and the function of the PSC unit 18 possessed by the power supply control unit 4 is used to make the notebook PC main unit 1 The battery 5 is charged and discharged automatically and tested. The PSC of the PSC unit 18 is peak shift control.

  When performing the test, the charge / discharge test control unit 11 monitors the current remaining battery level of the battery 5 and uses the function of the PSC unit 18 of the power supply control unit 4 so that the remaining battery level is MAX. In this case, the AC power supply 8 is not used (discharge operation), and when the battery remaining amount is MIN, the AC power supply 8 is switched to use (charge operation) to automate the repetition of the charge / discharge process.

  At this time, while changing the setting of the power saving function of the notebook PC main body device 1 of the following example (changing the power consumption of the notebook PC main body device 1), the repetition of the charge / discharge process is controlled. By measuring the discharge time of the battery 5, it is possible to automate a test that the power saving function is operating effectively.

(2): Description of the power saving function The power saving function is as follows.

(a): CPU performance (operation clock)
(b): Screen brightness setting of display device, turn-off operation, LCD backlight ON / OFF
(c): ON / OFF of other devices mounted on the notebook PC main unit 1
(3): Basic operation of test procedure
(a): Using the function of the PSC unit 18, the notebook PC main unit 1 is switched to the AC power supply 8 and is charged until the battery charge amount becomes MAX.

  (b): The charge assist / discharge test control unit 11 activates the test assistance program 14, sets the power saving function by the processing of the test assistance program 14, and changes the power consumption of the notebook PC main unit 1.

  (c): Time until the battery capacity monitoring unit 13 discharges the charge amount of the battery 5 to MIN by switching the notebook PC main body device 1 to drive the battery 5 using the function of the PSC unit 18 Measure.

  (d): The measurement result is stored in the memory 15 by the battery capacity monitoring unit 13.

  (e): The above (a) to (e) are repeatedly performed a plurality of times, and the test result is stored in the memory 15 and then determined.

  (f): The above procedure is automated using the function of the PSC unit 18 while changing the setting contents of the power saving function while measuring the time (discharge time) that the battery 5 operates.

(4): Explanation of determination method Measures the discharge time of the battery 5 when operating with different power saving functions, and confirms that the power saving function is operating effectively because there is a difference in time. (When the setting contents of the power saving function are different, the operation time (discharge time) of the battery 5 at the setting with high power consumption is shorter) and the discharge time of the battery 5 when operated at the same power saving setting Is measured multiple times (at least twice), and it is confirmed that the power saving function is always operating effectively because there is no difference in time.

  Further, if the result of this test is NG, the power saving function is not operating effectively, so there may be a problem with the main board circuit of the notebook PC main unit 1. For this reason, the design defect location is identified and corrected for the notebook PC main unit 1. However, in this test method, it is a method until it determines the design malfunction of the notebook type PC main body apparatus 1, and the treatment after the determination is not included.

(3): Explanation of the processing of the notebook PC main unit of Example 1 according to the flowchart FIG. 2 is a processing flowchart (part 1) of the notebook PC main unit of Test Example 1, and FIG. It is a process flowchart (the 2). Hereinafter, the notebook type PC main body apparatus process of Test Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, S1 to S15 indicate processing steps.

  First, the operator sets an initial value in the memory 15 (S1). In this case, the initial value is the number of charge / discharge, MAX (maximum value), MIN (minimum value), etc. of the remaining battery level. Next, charging of the battery 5 is started (S2). At this time, a power source switching signal (AC power source: ON) for switching to power supply from the AC power source 8 is sent from the power source switching control unit 12 to the PSC unit 18 of the power source control unit 4 to the power supply side from the AC power source 8. By switching, the battery 5 continues to be charged (S3).

  Next, the battery capacity monitoring unit 13 accesses the power supply control unit 4 to acquire the remaining amount of the battery 5 (S4), and compared with the setting information in the memory 15, whether or not the remaining battery amount is MAX (maximum value). Determine whether. As a result, if it is determined that the remaining battery level is not MAX, the process proceeds to S3. If it is determined that the remaining battery level is MAX, charging is terminated (S6). At this time, the power supply from the AC power supply 8 is cut off from the power supply switching control unit 12 to the PSC unit 18 of the power supply control unit 4 to switch to the power supply from the battery 5.

  Then, the charge / discharge test control unit 11 starts a discharge test of the battery 5 (S7), and sets a power saving function in the memory 15 by the test assistance program 14 (S8). The power saving functions set in the memory 15 in this case include CPU performance (operation clock), setting of the screen brightness of the display device, turning-off operation, and the like. Then, the power supply control unit 4 is instructed not to use the AC power supply 8, and the battery 5 is continuously discharged (S9).

  Next, the battery capacity monitoring unit 13 accesses the power supply control unit 4 to acquire the remaining amount of the battery 5 (S10), and determines whether the remaining battery amount is MIN (minimum value) (S11). As a result, if it is determined that the remaining battery level is not MIN, the process proceeds to S9. If it is determined that the remaining battery level is MIN, the battery capacity monitoring unit 13 accesses the power control unit 4 to discharge the battery 5. Is measured and stored in the memory 15 (S12). And the discharge test of the battery 5 is complete | finished (S13).

  Next, the charge / discharge test control unit 11 acquires the number of repetitions of charge / discharge set in the memory 15, determines whether or not to complete charge / discharge (S14), and has reached the number of repetitions to end charge / discharge. If not, the process proceeds to S2, and if the number of repetitions for ending charging / discharging has been reached, the test result is determined (S15), and this test is terminated.

(Supplementary explanation of the above process)
(a): In the process of S2, the battery 5 is fully charged in preparation for a test in the operation by the battery 5 of the notebook PC main unit 1.

  (b): In the process of S6, the discharge operation is performed by measuring a discharge time when the notebook PC main body device 1 is operated with the power consumption changed by the power saving function.

  (c): In the process of S15, the determination of the test result is based on the setting information in the memory 15, and the operation of the power saving function is determined from the measurement result of the battery discharge time. If the determination fails, the power saving function is not operating effectively, so there may be a problem with the design of the main board circuit of the notebook PC main unit 1. For this reason, the design defect location is identified and corrected for the notebook PC main unit 1. However, this test method is a method until it determines the malfunction of the notebook type PC main body device 1, and does not include a measure after the determination.

(4): Explanation of Change in Battery Remaining Example FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in battery remaining amount in Test Example 1. FIG. 4 shows an example of graphing changes in the remaining battery level when the charge / discharge test described in the process flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3 is repeated. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis indicates the remaining battery level, the horizontal axis indicates elapsed time t0, t1, t2, t3..., A, B, and C indicate points of remaining battery level = 100%, 0%, and 100%, respectively. .

  The charge / discharge cycle is automated using the peak shift control function of the PSC unit 18, and the operation of the power saving function of the notebook PC main unit 1 is confirmed from the measurement result of the battery discharge time.

A: Start of battery discharge test (t0)
The power saving function of the notebook PC main unit 1 is set in the memory 15, and the charge / discharge test control unit 11 switches to battery operation using the peak shift control function of the PSC unit 18 so that the remaining battery level becomes 0%. Measure the discharge time until.

  B: The charge / discharge test control unit 11 monitors the remaining amount of the battery 5 and uses the peak shift control function of the PSC unit 18 when the remaining amount reaches 0% (remaining amount at which the apparatus can operate at a minimum). Then, the operation is switched to the operation by the power supply from the AC power supply 8, and the battery 5 is charged (t1).

  C: The charge / discharge test control unit 11 monitors the remaining amount of the battery 5 and switches to battery operation using the peak shift control function of the PSC unit 18 when the charge amount reaches 100%. Similarly, the discharge time is measured. (A, B, and C are symbols in FIG. 4) (t2).

§4: Detailed description of operation of example 2
(1): Processing of the notebook type PC main unit of Test Example 2 In FIG. 1, the peak shift control function of the PSC unit 18 of the power supply control unit 4 is used, and the remaining amount of the battery 5 is low. The voltage margin test of the notebook PC main unit 1 is automated.

  In FIG. 1, the battery capacity monitoring unit 13 of the charge / discharge test control unit 11 monitors the current battery capacity of the battery 5 and uses the peak shift control function possessed by the PSC unit 18 of the power supply control unit 4. When the remaining battery level exceeds the level to be verified, the AC power supply 8 is not used (discharge operation), and when it is low, the AC power supply 8 is switched to use (charge operation), thereby maintaining the battery remaining level. To do.

  The output voltage from the battery 5 has a characteristic of decreasing with current consumption. For this reason, it operates without hang-up even if the notebook PC main body device 1 is operated (power consumption is changed) while maintaining a state where the remaining battery level is particularly low (the output voltage from the battery 5 is reduced). By confirming this (manual confirmation), the voltage margin of the notebook PC main unit 1 with respect to the output voltage supplied from the battery 5 is tested.

  Further, when the result of this test is NG, it is considered that there is a problem in the voltage margin of the notebook PC main unit 1. For this reason, the design defect location is identified and corrected for the notebook PC main unit 1. However, this test method is a method until the design failure of the notebook PC main body device 1 is determined, and does not include a measure after the determination.

(2): Explanation of processing of notebook type PC main body apparatus of test example 2 by flowchart FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart of the notebook type PC main body apparatus of test example 2. Hereinafter, based on FIG. 5, the notebook-type PC main body apparatus process of the test example 2 is demonstrated. In FIG. 5, S21 to S27 indicate each processing step.

  First, when processing is started, an operator or the like stores an initial value in the memory 15. The initial values in this case are the battery capacity to be verified, the test end time, etc., and these initial values are stored in the memory 15 (S21). Thereafter, the battery capacity monitoring unit 13 accesses the power supply control unit 4 according to an instruction from the main control unit 16 of the charge / discharge test control unit 11, and acquires the remaining amount of the battery 5 (S22).

  Then, the battery capacity monitoring unit 13 determines whether or not the remaining battery level to be verified is equal to or less based on the setting information in the memory 15 (S23). As a result, if it is not less than the remaining battery level to be verified, the power source switching control unit 12 instructs the power source control unit 4 not to use the AC power source 8 to discharge the battery 5 (S27), and the memory 15 is set. Based on the information, it is determined whether or not charging / discharging is terminated (S26). As a result, when it is determined that charging / discharging is not terminated, the process proceeds to S22, and when it is determined that charging / discharging is terminated, this processing is terminated.

  Further, in the process of S23, when the remaining battery level to be verified is below, the power supply switching control unit 12 instructs the power supply control unit 4 to use the AC power supply 8, and the battery 5 is charged (S25). Then, it is determined whether or not the battery capacity has reached the upper limit value. If the battery capacity has reached the upper limit value, the process proceeds to S27. If the battery capacity has not reached the upper limit value, the set value of the memory 15 is reached. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not to end the charge / discharge (S26). As a result, if charging / discharging is not terminated, the process proceeds to S22. If charging / discharging is terminated, this process is terminated.

(3): Explanation of Example of Change in Battery Capacity FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a change in remaining battery level in Test Example 2. In FIG. 6, the vertical axis represents the remaining battery level (% with respect to the fully charged state), and the horizontal axis represents elapsed time (t) sec. N% indicates the remaining battery level to be verified, and X indicates the upper limit value. The values such as N% and X are preset in the memory 15 as initial values.

  (a): When the charge / discharge test control unit 11 determines that the remaining battery level (N%) to be verified has been exceeded (t2, t4, etc.), the PSC unit 18 of the power supply control unit 4 is activated and the AC power supply No connection to 8 (discharge operation of battery 5). At this time, the output voltage from the battery 5 is in a lowered state, and by confirming that it does not hang up even if the notebook PC main unit 1 is operated in this state (confirmed by an operator or the like) The voltage margin of the notebook PC main unit 1 with respect to the output voltage supplied from the battery 5 (same for the remaining amount) is confirmed.

  (b): When the charge / discharge test control unit 11 determines that the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than the remaining battery level (N%) to be verified (t1, t3, t5, etc.), the PSC unit 18 of the power supply control unit 4 Is switched to connection to the AC power source 8 (charging operation of the battery 5).

§5: Description of Recording Medium and Program In the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the notebook PC main unit includes a CPU for performing various internal controls and processes, and a ROM (nonvolatile memory) for storing programs and various data. ), A memory, an interface control unit (referred to as an “I / F control unit”), a communication control unit, a hard disk device, a removable disk drive, and the like.

  For example, a program for realizing the processing and control of the charge / discharge test control unit 11 is stored in the magnetic disk (recording medium) of the hard disk device, and the CPU reads and executes the program, Perform a charge / discharge test.

  However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the program may be stored in the magnetic disk of the hard disk device as follows, and the CPU may execute the process by executing the program. It is.

  (a): A program stored in a removable disk created by another device (program data created by another device) is read by a removable disk drive and stored in a recording medium of the hard disk device.

  (b): Data such as a program transmitted from another device via a communication line is received via a communication control unit, and the data is stored in a recording medium (magnetic disk) of the hard disk device.

  In addition to the notebook computer as in the embodiment, the portable computer includes a mobile phone, a game machine, and the like.

It is a structural example of the battery charging / discharging test automation in embodiment of this invention. It is a process flowchart (the 1) of the notebook type PC main body apparatus of the test example 1 in embodiment of this invention. It is a process flowchart (the 2) of the notebook type PC main body apparatus of the test example 1 in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the battery residual amount change of the test example 1 in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the process flowchart of the notebook type PC main body apparatus of the test example 2 in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the battery remaining amount change of Test example 2 in embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the prior art examples 2 and 3, A figure is explanatory drawing of the prior art example 2, B figure is explanatory drawing of the prior art example 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Notebook PC main body apparatus 2 DC input terminal 3 Power supply circuit 4 Power supply control part 5 Battery 6 AC adapter 7 External apparatus 8 AC power supply 9 Pseudo battery tester 11 Charge / discharge test control part 12 Power supply switching control part 13 Battery capacity monitoring part 14 Test support program 15 Memory 16 Main control unit 18 PSC unit (peak shift control unit)

Claims (8)

Power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery, and the battery is charged when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is discharged when the AC power source is disconnected. With
A battery charge / discharge test method for a portable computer having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power sources based on a control signal,
A procedure for repeating the charging / discharging process of the battery by switching the two types of power sources using the peak shift control function according to the control signal;
A procedure for measuring battery discharge time during discharge of the battery;
From the measurement result of the battery discharge time, a procedure for testing whether or not the power saving function of the preset portable computer main unit is operating effectively,
A battery charge / discharge test method for a portable computer. Power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery, and the battery is charged when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is discharged when the AC power source is disconnected. With
A battery charge / discharge test method for a portable computer having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power sources based on a control signal,
A procedure for monitoring the remaining amount of the battery;
A procedure for determining whether or not the remaining amount of the battery measured by the monitoring is lower than the remaining amount of the battery at the time of full charge and has reached a preset remaining amount to be verified;
If it is determined that the remaining battery level is lower than the remaining battery level to be verified, the peak shift control function is used to turn the AC power source into a charging state, the battery is charged, and the remaining battery level is a preset upper limit value. When it is determined that the battery has reached the battery remaining amount and the upper limit value to be verified by repeating the control of disabling the AC power source and making the battery discharged using the peak shift control function. Procedure to control to change between,
A battery charge / discharge test method for a portable computer, comprising: performing a voltage margin test on the portable computer main unit in a state where the remaining battery level is low. Power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery power source, and the battery is charged when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is discharged when the AC power source is disconnected. As well as
A portable computer comprising power control means having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power based on a control signal,
Means for switching the two types of power sources by using the peak shift control function of the power source control unit according to the control signal, and repeating the charging / discharging process of the battery;
Means for measuring battery discharge time during discharge of the battery;
Means for testing whether or not the power saving function of the preset portable computer main unit is operating normally and effectively from the measurement result of the battery discharge time;
A portable computer comprising: Power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery power source, and the battery is charged when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is discharged when the AC power source is disconnected. As well as
A portable computer comprising power control means having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power based on a control signal,
Means for monitoring the remaining amount of the battery;
A procedure for determining whether or not the remaining amount of the battery measured by the monitoring is lower than the remaining amount of the battery at the time of full charge and has reached a preset remaining amount to be verified;
If it is determined that the remaining battery level is lower than the remaining battery level to be verified, the peak shift control function is used to turn the AC power source into a charging state, the battery is charged, and the remaining battery level is a preset upper limit value. When it is determined that the battery has reached the battery power level and the upper limit value to be verified by repeating the control to make the battery in a discharged state by disabling the AC power supply using the peak shift control function. Means for controlling to be between,
And a portable computer main body device is subjected to a voltage margin test in a state where the remaining amount of the battery is low. Power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery power source, and the battery is charged when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is discharged when the AC power source is disconnected. As well as
Based on a control signal, a portable computer having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power supplies,
A procedure for repeating the charging / discharging process of the battery by switching the two types of power sources using a peak shift control function according to the control signal;
A procedure for measuring battery discharge time during discharge of the battery;
From the measurement result of the battery discharge time, a procedure for testing whether or not the power saving function of the preset portable computer main unit is operating normally and effectively,
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for performing this. Power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery power source, and the battery is charged when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is discharged when the AC power source is disconnected. As well as
Based on a control signal, a portable computer having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power supplies,
A procedure for monitoring the remaining amount of the battery;
A procedure for determining whether or not the remaining amount of the battery measured by the monitoring is lower than the remaining amount of the battery at the time of full charge and has reached a preset remaining amount to be verified;
If it is determined that the remaining battery level is lower than the remaining battery level to be verified, the peak shift control function is used to turn the AC power source into a charging state, the battery is charged, and the remaining battery level is a preset upper limit value. When it is determined that the battery has reached the battery power level and the upper limit value to be verified by repeating the control to make the battery in a discharged state by disabling the AC power supply using the peak shift control function. A procedure for controlling to be between,
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for performing this. Power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery power source, and the battery is charged when the AC power source is connected, and the battery is discharged when the AC power source is disconnected. As well as
Based on a control signal, a portable computer having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power supplies,
A procedure for repeating the charging / discharging process of the battery by switching the two types of power sources using a peak shift control function according to the control signal;
A procedure for measuring battery discharge time during discharge of the battery;
From the measurement result of the battery discharge time, a procedure for testing whether or not the power saving function of the preset portable computer main unit is operating normally and effectively,
A program for running Power can be supplied from two types of power sources, an AC power source and a battery power source. When the AC power source is connected, the battery is in a charged state. When the AC power source is not connected, the battery is discharged by power supply. With the function
Based on a control signal, a portable computer having a peak shift control function for switching between the two types of power supplies,
A procedure for monitoring the remaining amount of the battery;
A procedure for determining whether or not the remaining amount of the battery measured by the monitoring is lower than the remaining amount of the battery at the time of full charge and has reached a preset remaining amount to be verified;
If it is determined that the remaining battery level is lower than the remaining battery level to be verified, the peak shift control function is used to turn the AC power source into a charging state, the battery is charged, and the remaining battery level is a preset upper limit value. When it is determined that the battery has reached the battery power level and the upper limit value to be verified by repeating the control to make the battery in a discharged state by disabling the AC power supply using the peak shift control function. A procedure for controlling to be between,
A program for running

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