JP5493722B2 - Mobile phone, power saving mode switching method, and power saving mode switching program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile phone having a plurality of power saving modes, a power saving mode switching method, and a power saving mode switching program.

  In addition to a telephone call function, a mobile phone has multiple functions such as a camera function, a game function, and other application programs. In such a mobile phone having multiple functions, power consumption generally increases, and as a result, the usable time of the mobile phone decreases. Therefore, a mobile phone may be provided with a power saving function in order to extend the usable time.

  Patent Document 1 describes an electronic device having a power saving function that automatically restricts a function specified by a user based on a power supply state. The electronic device described in Patent Literature 1 can reduce power consumption by restricting a function designated in advance by a user when a power supply state is in a predetermined state.

JP 2006-352479 A (paragraph 0021, paragraph 0030)

  However, in the electronic device described in Patent Document 1, in the implementation of the power saving function, the use of some functions specified by the user is restricted. In general, the power consumption varies depending on the function, and thus the user does not always limit the function that contributes to the power saving effect. Even if the user specifies a function restriction in anticipation of a power saving effect, if the specified function is originally a function that consumes less power, the power consumption of the mobile phone is reduced even if the function is restricted. It is not possible.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile phone having a power saving mode, a power saving mode switching method, and a power saving mode switching program that can reliably reduce power consumption.

The mobile phone according to the present invention is a mobile phone having a plurality of power saving modes, wherein the remaining battery level detecting means for detecting the remaining battery level, and the remaining battery level detected by the remaining battery level detecting means has a first threshold value. When exceeding, the power saving mode for selecting a power saving mode that reduces the drive current supplied to a predetermined component among the plurality of power saving modes and does not limit the functions that can be used by users other than the component. A selecting unit and a component selecting unit that selects the component for reducing the driving current, and the component to be selected by the component selecting unit includes a liquid crystal backlight , and the power saving mode selecting unit includes: When the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than the first threshold, a power saving mode for limiting a predetermined function is selected .

A power saving mode switching method according to the present invention is a power saving mode switching method in a cellular phone having a plurality of power saving modes, wherein the remaining battery level is detected, and the detected remaining battery level exceeds a first threshold. When there are multiple power saving modes, the drive current supplied to a given component is reduced, and the power save mode that does not limit the functions that can be used by users other than the component is selected to reduce the drive current. A component including a liquid crystal backlight is selected as the component to be activated, and a power saving mode for limiting a predetermined function is selected when a remaining battery level is equal to or lower than a first threshold value .

The power saving mode switching program according to the present invention compares a detected battery remaining amount with a first threshold value in a computer provided in a mobile phone having a plurality of power saving modes. When the process and the detected remaining battery level exceed the first threshold, the drive current supplied to a predetermined component is reduced among a plurality of power saving modes and used by users other than the component A process for selecting a power saving mode that does not limit possible functions, a process for selecting a component including a liquid crystal backlight as the component for reducing drive current, and a remaining battery level equal to or less than a first threshold value And a process of selecting a power saving mode for limiting a predetermined function .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a power saving mode capable of reliably reducing power consumption.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 1st Embodiment of the mobile telephone by this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the detailed function setting in each mode of the mobile telephone shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in a power saving mode in the mobile phone shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the mobile telephone by this invention.

Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment (Embodiment 1) of a mobile phone according to the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The cellular phone shown in FIG. 1 includes an antenna 10, a transmission / reception unit 11, a communication control unit 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a control unit 15, a state monitoring unit 16, an input unit 17, a speaker 18, a display unit 19, a display unit 20, and a battery 21. It has. The mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of power saving modes controlled by the control unit 15.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 transmits / receives signals in calls and communications via the antenna 10. The communication control unit 12 controls the transmission / reception unit 11 during a call and communication according to the control of the control unit 15.

  The ROM 13 and the RAM 14 store data according to the control of the control unit 15. The control unit 15 controls each unit and the power saving mode of the mobile phone shown in FIG. The control unit 15 is, for example, a CPU that performs control according to a program.

  The state monitoring unit 16 monitors the remaining battery level of the battery 21 and outputs information (battery level) indicating the remaining battery level to the control unit 15. For example, when the battery 21 is a general rechargeable battery, the battery level is indicated between 0% and 100%, where the battery level is 100% when the battery 21 is fully charged.

  The input unit 17 outputs an input signal corresponding to the key operation by the user to the control unit 15. The speaker 18 outputs a ring tone and a call voice.

  The display unit 19 is a main display unit by a liquid crystal display device that performs menu display, text display, and the like, and the display unit 20 is a sub display unit that performs time display, incoming call display, and the like. The display unit 20 may not be provided. Three or more displays may be provided. At least one of the display unit 19 and the display unit 20 can change the display brightness. For example, in the mobile phone according to the first embodiment, it is assumed that the display brightness of the display unit 19 can be changed in four steps (level 4 to level 1). Level 4 indicates the brightest display brightness, and level 1 indicates the darkest display brightness. Specifically, for example, the luminance is controlled by increasing or decreasing the drive current for the backlight (not shown) of the display unit 19, and the display luminance of the display unit 19 is changed.

  The mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 includes a power selection mode function selection key (ECO mode activation key) (not shown) and a power saving mode function release key (ECO mode release key) (not shown). The ECO mode is a power saving mode that is performed when the battery level indicates, for example, 100 to 21% when the power saving mode is selected by pressing the ECO mode activation key. The emergency mode is a power saving mode that is performed when the battery level indicates, for example, 20% or less when the power saving mode is selected by pressing the ECO mode activation key. A threshold value (for example, equivalent to a battery level of 20% in the mobile phone of the first embodiment) for determining which power saving mode to shift to when the function selection key for the power saving mode is pressed is stored in the ROM 13. Stored. In this embodiment, the battery level is expressed in units of 1%.

  When the ECO mode release key is pressed, the ECO mode or emergency mode is released. Note that the power saving mode may be canceled when the ECO mode activation key is pressed during activation of the ECO mode or emergency mode without providing the ECO mode cancellation key.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of detailed function settings in each mode of the mobile phone shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 2, the power saving mode in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  The normal mode shown in FIG. 2 is applied to a mobile phone when the power saving mode is not selected. Each function in the normal mode is set at the time of shipment, for example. When the setting contents of the normal mode are changed by the user, the setting contents changed by the user are set as the setting contents of the normal mode.

  In the ECO mode shown in FIG. 2, the lighting setting (e.g., corresponding to the display brightness of the display unit 19) is changed in two steps from the setting content of the normal mode. Specifically, the control unit 15 performs control so that the drive current for the backlight of the display unit 19 is reduced, and darkens the display luminance of the display unit 19 by two levels. The other settings are the same as the normal mode settings. Even if the display brightness of the display unit 19 becomes dark, the functions usable by the user are not limited. That is, the ECO mode is a power saving mode that reduces power consumption without restricting usable functions. In addition, during implementation of the ECO mode, for example, the display unit 19 may display that the ECO mode is being implemented. Note that when the control unit 15 performs control so that the drive current for the backlight is reduced, the control unit 15 outputs an instruction signal for reducing the drive current to a circuit that supplies current to the backlight. Further, for example, in the case of darkening in two steps, an instruction signal for reducing the drive current by 20% as an example (20% decrease when not in the power saving mode) is output.

  In the emergency mode shown in FIG. 2, the lighting setting is further darkened by one step from the setting contents of the ECO mode. As other setting contents, for example, the display of the rear liquid crystal (for example, the display unit 20), the illumination function, the input confirmation sound, and the like are turned off. The emergency mode is a power saving mode that places importance on power saving efficiency by limiting the functions that can be used when the remaining battery level is extremely low. During execution of the emergency mode, for example, the display unit 19 may display that the emergency mode is being executed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power saving mode in the mobile phone shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the power saving mode (ECO mode and emergency mode) in the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  First, in the standby state in the normal mode (step S11), when the user presses the ECO mode activation key (Y in step S12), the input unit 17 sends an input signal corresponding to the depression of the ECO mode activation key to the control unit 15. Output to. If the user does not press the ECO mode activation key (N in step S12), the standby state in step S11 continues.

  When the input unit 17 outputs an input signal in response to pressing of the ECO mode activation key to the control unit 15, the control unit 15 confirms the battery level of the battery 21 with the state monitoring unit 16 (step S13). When the battery level indicates 100 to 21% in step S13, the control unit 15 activates the ECO mode (step S14), reduces the drive current for the backlight of the display unit 19, and displays the display brightness of the display unit 19. 2 steps darken.

  When the ECO mode is activated in step S14, the control unit 15 confirms the battery level of the battery 21 with the state monitoring unit 16 at a predetermined timing (step S15). While the battery level indicates 100 to 21%, the control unit 15 continues the ECO mode (step S16), and further, until the user presses the ECO mode release key (N in step S17), Maintain ECO mode.

  When the battery level indicates 20% or less in step S13 or step S15, the control unit 15 activates the emergency mode (step S18), and further increases the drive current for the backlight of the display unit 19 by one stage compared to the ECO mode. Reduce to darken and turn off certain functions.

  When the emergency mode is activated in step S18, the control unit 15 confirms the battery level of the battery 21 with the state monitoring unit 16 at a predetermined timing (step S19). While the battery level indicates 20% or less, the control unit 15 continues the emergency mode mode (step S20), and further, until the user presses the ECO mode release key (N in step S21), Maintain emergency mode.

  If the mobile phone is charged during the emergency mode, the battery level may be recovered. When the battery level indicates 100 to 21% in Step 19 (N in Step S19), the control unit 15 activates the ECO mode.

  When the ECO mode release key is pressed by the user during the ECO mode or emergency mode (Y in step S17 or Y in step S21), the input unit 17 sends an input signal corresponding to the press of the ECO mode release key to the control unit. 15 is output. When the input unit 17 outputs an input signal in response to pressing of the ECO mode release key to the control unit 15, the control unit 15 activates the normal mode (step S22).

  In such a cellular phone, the brightness of the display unit 19 is lowered by selecting the power saving function (ECO mode), so that the screen of the display unit 19 becomes dark, but it can be saved without reducing the functions usable by the user. A power effect can be expected and power consumption can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in such a cellular phone, when the battery power level is extremely low when the power saving function is selected, the power saving mode (which places importance on the power saving effect by limiting some functions that can be used by the user) Therefore, it is possible to expect a higher power saving effect and to further extend the usable time of the mobile phone.

  In the first embodiment, the threshold value of the battery level 20% for determining which power saving mode to shift to is one example, and may be another value.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
The configuration of the second embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the mobile phone according to the present invention will be described. The configuration of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the mobile phone of the second embodiment, the control unit 15 confirms the battery level of the battery 21 with the state monitoring unit 16 at a predetermined timing. Then, the power saving mode is automatically switched according to the power level.

  For example, the control unit 15 selects the normal mode when the battery level indicates 100 to 61%, and the first power saving mode (e.g., corresponds to the ECO mode) when the battery level indicates 60 to 21%. When the battery level indicates 20% or less, the second power saving mode (for example, equivalent to the emergency mode) is selected. The first power saving mode is set so as to achieve a power saving effect without reducing functions usable by the user. The second power saving mode is set in order to limit some of the functions that can be used by the user and achieve a higher power saving effect than the first power saving mode. Two or more power saving modes may exist, and a threshold value for switching the power saving mode may be set arbitrarily.

  In such a cellular phone, the normal mode is automatically switched to the first power saving mode in accordance with the remaining battery level, and in the state where the remaining battery level is extremely low, the second power saving which has a higher power saving effect. Since the mode can be automatically switched, the power consumption of the mobile phone can be reduced without the user performing manual power saving settings.

  In the ECO mode in the first embodiment and the first power saving mode in the mobile phone of the second embodiment, control for lowering the volume of the speaker from the normal set volume may be performed. Specifically, for example, the volume of the speaker is changed by reducing the drive current for the components of the speaker 18. In such a mobile phone, the volume of warning sound, ringing sound, etc. can be reduced, but a power saving effect can be expected without reducing the functions usable by the user.

  In the ECO mode in the first embodiment and the first power saving mode in the mobile phone of the second embodiment, the components (for example, the display unit 19 and the speaker 18) that specifically reduce the drive current are used by the user. May be selected. For example, the control unit 15 outputs data indicating a plurality of selectable components to the display unit 19. The display unit 19 displays information indicating the component parts according to the data input from the control unit 15. When the user designates a component through the input unit 17, the control unit 15 sets the designated component as a component that reduces the drive current. In such a mobile phone, when the power saving mode is performed, the user can select a component that reduces the drive current according to preference and circumstances.

  In the second embodiment, the threshold values of the battery level 20% and the battery level 60% for determining which power saving mode to shift to are one example, and may be other values.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main part of the mobile phone according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile phone 1 is a mobile phone having a plurality of power saving modes, and the battery remaining amount detecting means 2 (for example, equivalent to the state monitoring unit 16 shown in FIG. 1) that detects the remaining amount of the battery. ), And when the remaining battery level detected by the remaining battery level detection means 2 exceeds a first threshold value (e.g., corresponding to the battery level of 20% in the first embodiment), among the plurality of power saving modes, Power saving mode selection for selecting a power saving mode (for example, equivalent to the ECO mode in the first embodiment) for reducing a drive current supplied to a predetermined component (for example, equivalent to the display unit 19 shown in FIG. 1) Means 3 (for example, corresponding to the control unit 15 shown in FIG. 1).

  In each of the above embodiments, mobile phones as shown in the following (1) to (5) are also disclosed.

(1) The power saving mode selection means selects a power saving mode (for example, equivalent to the emergency mode in the first embodiment) that restricts a predetermined function when the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than the first threshold (for example, the emergency mode in the first embodiment). This is realized by the processing of steps S13 and S18 in FIG.

(2) The power saving control unit is configured to output a predetermined component when the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than a second threshold value (e.g., equivalent to a battery level of 60% in the second embodiment) higher than the first threshold value. A mobile phone that selects a power saving mode for reducing the drive current supplied to the mobile phone.

(3) A mobile phone including component selection means (for example, realized by the control unit 15 shown in FIG. 1) for selecting a component that reduces the drive current.

(4) A cellular phone in which a component to be selected by the component selection means includes a liquid crystal backlight (e.g., corresponding to the backlight of the display unit 19 shown in FIG. 1).

(5) A cellular phone in which a component (for example, equivalent to the speaker 18 shown in FIG. 1) is included in the component to be selected by the component selection means.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone 2 Battery remaining charge detection means 3 Power saving control means 10 Antenna 11 Transmission / reception part 12 Communication control part 13 ROM
14 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Control part 16 State monitoring part 17 Input part 18 Speaker 19 Display part 20 Display part 21 Battery

Claims (5)

A mobile phone having a plurality of power saving modes,
A battery level detection means for detecting the battery level;
When the remaining battery level detected by the remaining battery level detection means exceeds a first threshold value, the drive current supplied to a predetermined component among the plurality of power saving modes is reduced, and other than the component A power saving mode selection means for selecting a power saving mode that does not limit the functions that can be used by the user,
Component selection means for selecting the component that reduces the drive current,
The component to be selected by the component selection means includes a liquid crystal backlight ,
The cellular phone, wherein the power saving mode selection means selects a power saving mode that restricts a predetermined function when the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than a first threshold value . Power saving control means when the remaining battery level is equal to or less than high second threshold value than the first threshold value, according to claim 1 Symbol for selecting the power saving mode to reduce the drive current supplied to a predetermined component Mobile phone. The cellular phone according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the component to be selected by the component selection means includes a speaker. A power saving mode switching method in a mobile phone having a plurality of power saving modes,
Detect battery level,
When the detected remaining battery level exceeds the first threshold, among the plurality of power saving modes, the drive current supplied to a predetermined component can be reduced and used by users other than the component Select a power saving mode that does not limit functions,
As the component for reducing the drive current, a component including a liquid crystal backlight is selected ,
A power saving mode switching method comprising: selecting a power saving mode that restricts a predetermined function when a remaining battery level is equal to or less than a first threshold value . In a computer provided in a mobile phone having a plurality of power saving modes,
A process to detect the remaining battery level,
A process of comparing the detected remaining battery level with the first threshold;
When the detected remaining battery level exceeds the first threshold, among the plurality of power saving modes, the drive current supplied to a predetermined component can be reduced and used by users other than the component A process of selecting a power saving mode that does not limit functions;
A process of selecting a component including a liquid crystal backlight as the component that reduces the drive current ;
A power saving mode switching program for executing a process of selecting a power saving mode that restricts a predetermined function when the remaining battery level is equal to or less than a first threshold .

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