JP5580575B2 - Information processing apparatus and receiving apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The technical field relates to an apparatus having a power saving mode for saving power consumption.

  In order to save power consumption, devices using human sensors that detect human movement have become widespread. For example, in Patent Document 1, “A human sensor is attached to an AV device such as a TV, a normal mode and a power saving mode are set, and a human sensor function is activated in each mode, thereby providing a detailed power saving effect. “Providing AV equipment with human sensor function that can be achieved” (see Patent Document 1 [0007]), and as a means for solving the problem, “a human sensor for detecting the presence of a person is installed and manually An AV device with a human sensor function in which a normal mode in which the power can be turned off and a power saving mode in which a power saving effect can be achieved is set, and when the power saving mode is set, the human sensor is defined for a predetermined time When the presence of a person cannot be detected, the system is automatically switched to the standby mode, and the power is automatically turned off when the predetermined time has elapsed. That "(see Patent Document 1 [0008]) it is disclosed.

JP2007-96462

  However, in Patent Document 1, since the user switches to the power saving mode when the presence of a person cannot be detected at a predetermined time, the user may not switch to the power saving mode, but may switch to the power saving mode. is there.

  That is, there is a problem that switching to the power saving mode without considering the usage status of the device by the user makes the user feel uncomfortable and makes the user unusable.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an embodiment of the present invention uses, for example, the technical idea described in the claims.

  According to the above means, it is possible to provide an apparatus that is convenient for the user and excellent in power saving.

The figure explaining an example of the use external appearance of the apparatus in a present Example The figure which shows the structural example of the apparatus in a present Example. The figure explaining an example of the determination table of power saving mode transition time The figure explaining an example of the dynamic control method of power saving mode transition time The figure explaining an example of the dynamic control method of the power saving mode transition time using multiple conditions and priority Diagram explaining power saving mode transition time The figure explaining an example which prohibits transfer to a power saving mode in a predetermined time slot | zone. The figure which shows an example of an apparatus control apparatus The figure which shows an example of the message which notifies prohibiting transfer to power saving mode

  First, the problem of the conventional apparatus and the outline of the solution will be described with a specific example. Taking a display device as an example, it is conceivable that some people do not watch the display device in the morning and listen mainly to voice while doing housework. That is, in this situation, the user is not always in front of the display device, and the user may frequently repeat the presence or absence of the display device.

  In this case, if the time from when it becomes impossible to detect the presence of a person to when switching to the power saving mode is fixed, there is a possibility that it will not be effectively switched to the power saving mode. By shortening the time from switching to the power saving mode, the power saving effect is enhanced.

  On the other hand, at the time of dinner, a situation where the display device is watched carefully can be considered. In this case, it is considered that there is often a long time in front of the display device, so if you shorten the time from when it is no longer possible to detect the presence of a person until you switch to the power saving mode, the person will be present but will not move When the device is being viewed, the display device will be switched to the power saving mode while watching the display device, causing the user to feel uncomfortable. It is effective to lengthen the time until switching to.

  Hereinafter, more specific examples will be described.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the present embodiment, where 100 is a display device such as a TV, 105 is a display unit, 101 is a human sensor capable of detecting the presence and movement of a person, and 1 is a device. It is a user. In this embodiment, the human sensor 101 is attached to the display device 100 such as a TV to save power of the display device 100.

  The human sensor 101 is a kind of detector that detects the movement of a person, and detects the presence / absence of a person or a person or an object that moves in a detection area. That is. Typical examples of human sensors include a thermopile infrared sensor that can measure the absolute value of temperature, and a pyroelectric sensor that converts infrared energy emitted from an object into an electrical signal using the pyroelectric effect. It is possible to detect a person using an optical sensor. Furthermore, if an imaging device such as a camera is used, the presence / absence of a person and the movement of a person can be detected in more detail.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an apparatus according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 102 denotes a power saving mode transition time control unit that controls the transition time to the power saving mode. The description of the power saving mode and the power saving mode transition time will be described later.

  103 is a control unit such as a CPU, 104 is a storage unit such as a memory, 106 is an optical sensor unit that detects brightness, light shade, and the like, 107 is a temperature sensor unit that detects temperature, and 108 is a sound output unit such as a speaker. is there. 109 is a receiving unit such as a tuner that receives broadcasts, 110 is an image / audio signal processing unit that processes received image / audio signals, 111 is a remote control receiving unit that receives signals from a remote controller, and 801 is a display device 100. It is an operable device control device.

  In FIG. 2, the power saving mode transition time control unit 102 and the control unit 103 are shown as separate blocks, but one control unit may perform the control performed by the control units 102 and 103. The display unit 105 and the sound output unit 108 are also collectively referred to as a playback unit.

[Power saving mode]
In this embodiment, the power saving mode means a mode for suppressing the power consumption of the device. For example, the normal display device displays an image such as a moving image on the display unit 105 in FIG. 2 and generates sound from the sound output unit 107, so that the user can view the content.

  Here, if no video is displayed on the display unit 105 and only the sound is reproduced from the sound output unit 107, it can be said that the power consumption is suppressed and the mode is shifted to the power saving mode. Alternatively, the power consumption can be reduced by reducing the brightness of the display unit 105, limiting functions that are not currently used, or turning off the functions.

  In the present embodiment, an operation state other than the power saving mode is referred to as a normal mode.

  In addition, when shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode or when shifting from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the device notifies the user that the mode is switched, thereby preventing an operation unintended by the user. It is also possible for the user to stop mode switching. For example, when the control unit 103 detects that the mode has been switched, the display unit 105 can display a message indicating that the mode has been switched to notify the user.

[Power saving mode transition time]
In this embodiment, the power saving mode transition time means the time from when the human sensor 101 no longer detects a human movement until the transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode. An example of the power saving mode transition time will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a person is detected by the human sensor 101 (603 in FIG. 6) while using the human sensor device, the apparatus is operating in the normal mode (601 in FIG. 6). When it is considered that the human sensor 101 no longer detects a human movement (604 in FIG. 6) and transitions to the power saving mode (602 in FIG. 6) after a predetermined time has elapsed (605 in FIG. 6). The power saving mode transition time refers to the time from when the human sensor 101 of 605 no longer detects human movement until switching to the power saving mode.

[Conditions for dynamically controlling power saving mode transition time]
The conditions for dynamically controlling the power saving mode transition time 605 in the power saving mode transition time control unit 102 will be described. In the description here, a display device is taken as an example of a device with a human sensor, but the device is not limited.

(1) Condition 1: Time zone For example, in a certain home, it is assumed that in the morning time zone, there are many movements such as housework and work preparations, and it is rare to watch the display device slowly. That is, it can be considered that it is better to set the power saving mode transition time 605 to a relatively short time because the human sensor 101 frequently enters and exits the detection area. On the other hand, if it is assumed that there are many meals while watching the display device during dinner time, people will remain in the detection area of the human sensor 101, and the power saving mode transition time 605 in this time zone is It is desirable to set it longer or not to shift to the power saving mode. Furthermore, it is possible that the viewing pattern of the display device is different between weekdays and holidays.

  That is, it is possible to effectively shift to the power saving mode by changing the power saving mode transition time 605 depending on the time zone.

(2) Condition 2: Ambient Brightness Some people who watch movies on the display device may darken the surroundings to give a more realistic feeling. Such a person often watches carefully and is in the detection area of the human sensor 101, but does not move much. In this case, if the power saving mode transition time 605 is set to be longer or is not set so as not to shift to the power saving mode, the mode shifts to the power saving mode even though the movie is being watched. As a result, the user feels uncomfortable. Note that brightness can be detected by the optical sensor unit 106.

  That is, it is possible to effectively shift to the power saving mode by changing the power saving mode transition time 605 according to the ambient brightness.

(3) Condition 3: Device State In recent years, an increasing number of people play by connecting a game device to a display device. Game play usually involves operating a controller, but it is possible that the movement of a person is very small. In the case of a small movement, the human sensor 101 may not be able to detect it.

  When a game is being played, the human sensor 101 cannot detect the movement of the person, and if the power saving mode is set, the user will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when playing a game, it is effective to set the power saving mode transition time 605 to be longer or to set so as not to shift to the power saving mode.

  The detection of whether or not a game is being played can be detected by the control unit 103 if, for example, a game mode having an optimal device setting for the game can be selected. It can also be detected by providing a specific external input for connecting the display device and the game machine.

  The same can be said for remote control operation as in game play. When operating the remote control, it is effective to set the power saving mode transition time 605 to be longer or to set so as not to shift to the power saving mode.

  When an apparatus that displays video represented by a display device is simultaneously recording a program that the user is viewing, the human sensor 101 cannot detect the movement of the person, and if the user enters the power saving mode, Although there is a possibility of giving an unpleasant feeling, considering that the recorded program can be viewed later, it is conceivable to shorten the transition time to the power saving mode.

  If the user pauses playback while playing back the content recorded on the recording medium such as the recorded content, it can be considered that the user has a high possibility of suspending viewing. In this case, it is effective to shorten the power saving mode transition time.

  On the other hand, when performing special playback such as fast-forwarding or rewinding, the user is likely to be near the device, so set the power-saving mode transition time 605 longer or do not shift to the power-saving mode. It is effective to do.

  Further, when advertisement information is reproduced in a situation where broadcast content, recorded content, or the like is being reproduced, some users may not see the advertisement. In this case, the power saving mode transition time 605 is shortened. It is effective to do.

  From the above, it is possible to effectively shift to the power saving mode by changing the power saving mode transition time 605 depending on the state of the device.

(4) Condition 4: Genre Information of Reproduced Content In a device that displays video represented by a display device, the content genre greatly affects the viewing style of the user. When a user who likes a movie views the movie, there is a high possibility that the user will concentrate and watch the movie. In this case, it is effective to set the power saving mode transition time 605 longer or to set so as not to shift to the power saving mode. The genre information of the content can be obtained using meta information attached to the content, acquired by broadcasting, or acquired via a network or the like.

  From the above, it is possible to effectively shift to the power saving mode by changing the power saving mode transition time 605 according to the genre information of the playback content.

(5) Condition 5: Billing information of playback content In recent years, viewing of paid content has also increased. In general, paid content viewing is likely to be concentrated and viewed, and the frequency of disappearing from the front of the device is considered to be low. In this case, it is effective to set the power saving mode transition time 605 longer or to set so as not to shift to the power saving mode.

  From the above, it is possible to effectively shift to the power saving mode by changing the power saving mode transition time 605 according to the billing information of the playback content.

(6) Condition 6: Ambient temperature When the human sensor 101 that detects the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the human surface temperature is used, the sensitivity of the human sensor 101 also varies depending on the ambient temperature. For example, when the difference between the ambient temperature and the surface temperature of a person is very small, it becomes difficult for the sensor to detect the person.

  Therefore, it is effective to shorten the transition time to the power saving mode when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value. The ambient temperature can be acquired by the temperature sensor 107, but when it is difficult to measure the ambient temperature, it is also effective to link it with the time zone and the season.

  From the above, it is possible to effectively shift to the power saving mode by changing the power saving mode transition time 605 according to the ambient temperature.

[Control method to dynamically control power saving mode transition time under a single condition]
Several examples are shown above as conditions for dynamically controlling the power saving mode transition time 605. First, a control method for dynamically controlling the power saving mode transition time 605 under a single condition will be described with reference to FIG.

  Assuming that at least one of the conditions as described above is set as the determination condition, the power saving mode transition time control unit 102 determines whether or not the condition for shifting to the power saving mode is satisfied (FIG. 4). S4001). If the condition is not satisfied, the standard value is set to the power saving mode transition time 605 (S4003 in FIG. 4).

  Here, the standard value is a value of the power saving mode transition time 605 used when the condition is not satisfied, and may be set in advance by the user. If the condition is satisfied, the power saving mode transition time 605 set in the condition is set (S4002 in FIG. 4).

  In this state, while the person is detected by the human sensor, the power saving mode transition condition is always monitored without shifting to the power saving mode (S4004 in FIG. 4). If no person is detected, the power saving mode transition time control unit 102 monitors whether the set power saving mode transition time 605 has elapsed (S4005 in FIG. 4). If the power saving mode transition time 605 elapses without detecting a person, the mode shifts to the power saving mode (S4006 in FIG. 4).

  Further, as described above, depending on conditions, it may be effective not to shift to the power saving mode.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to shift the device to the power saving mode more finely using the human sensor 101.

[Dynamic control method of power saving mode transition time using multiple conditions and priority]
Next, conditions for dynamically controlling the power saving mode transition time 605 and a method for dynamically controlling the multiple power saving mode transition time 605 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a table of conditions for dynamically controlling the power saving mode transition time 605, which is stored in the storage unit 104 and managed by the power saving mode transition time control unit 102. Further, by displaying the table of FIG. 3 on the display unit 105 as a setting screen, the user can change the setting.

  Reference numeral 301 denotes an item for setting whether to enable or disable the condition. In the example of FIG. 3, a black circle is selected.

  An item 302 categorizes conditions, and describes the time zone, ambient brightness, device state, playback content genre, playback content billing information, and ambient temperature described above as examples. It is also possible to set a standard value to be used when none of the conditions are met.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes a power saving mode transition time 605 which indicates the power saving mode transition time when each of the conditions 302 is satisfied. Reference numeral 304 denotes a priority, which is a priority when a plurality of conditions are simultaneously satisfied. The table shown in FIG. 3 may be set in advance or may be changed as appropriate by the user. By making it changeable by the user, it becomes possible to reflect the user's preference and behavior pattern.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a dynamic control method of the power saving mode transition time 605 using a plurality of conditions and priorities.

  First, the power saving mode transition time control unit 102 extracts valid conditions from the condition table shown in FIG. 3 (S5001 in FIG. 5). In the example of FIG. 3, the time zone, the state of the device, and the genre of the playback content can be extracted as effective conditions.

  Next, the power saving mode transition time control unit 102 determines a condition having the highest priority among effective conditions (S5002 in FIG. 5). In the example of FIG. 3, since the state of the device is set as the highest priority, the state of the device is determined as a condition. When the state of the device corresponds to any of the states shown in the table shown in FIG. 3, the power saving mode transition time 605 at that time is set (S5006 in FIG. 5).

  If it does not apply to that state, the state of the genre of the reproduction content having the next highest priority is determined. If S5002 to S5003 are repeatedly executed and the result of determining all the conditions is not satisfied (S5004 in FIG. 5), the standard value is set to the power saving mode transition time 605 (S5005 in FIG. 5). In this state, while the person is being detected, the power saving mode transition condition is always monitored without shifting to the power saving mode (S5007 in FIG. 5).

  If no person is detected, it is monitored whether or not the set power saving mode transition time 605 has elapsed (S5008 in FIG. 5). If the power saving mode transition time 605 elapses without detecting a person, the mode shifts to the power saving mode (S5009 in FIG. 5).

  Further, as described above, depending on the conditions, it may be effective not to shift to the power saving mode. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3, the power saving mode transition time 605 is described as OFF.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to shift the device to the power saving mode more finely using the human sensor 101.

  In FIG. 3, when only one valid / invalid condition setting 301 is valid, it can be handled as a single condition, and in this case, priority is not necessary.

[Method to stop the transition to power saving mode for a predetermined time (1)]
Depending on the user of the device, it may be possible to stop the transition to the power saving mode in a specific time zone. Therefore, a configuration that does not shift to the power saving mode for a specific time zone will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining prohibition of shifting to the power saving mode in a predetermined time zone, where 701 represents a time zone of one day, and 702 is a period during which transition to the power saving mode is prohibited. Represents.

  The power saving mode transition prohibition period 702 can be set by the user of the device according to his / her preference. It is also possible to set a plurality of periods.

  For example, a diagram as shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed on the display unit 105, and the user may set the time. The time zone in which the energy saving mode is prohibited may be a case where there is a program that the user always watches in a specific time zone and the user does not want to erase the image in the energy saving mode. Since the human sensor 101 detects human movements as described above, if the user is watching in a concentrated manner, that is, if there are few movements, it detects that there is no human being. This function is effective in ensuring the user's viewing opportunity.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to stop the transition to the power saving mode in a predetermined time zone, and the usability can be improved.

[Method to stop the transition to power saving mode for a specified time (2)]
In the third embodiment, an example is shown in which the transition to the power saving mode is prohibited in a specific time zone, but the transition to the power saving mode is prohibited for a predetermined period from the current time point, not in a specific time zone. Is also possible.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a control device for controlling equipment, and a remote controller or the like is conceivable. 801 is a device control device such as a remote controller, and 802 is a button for transmitting a command for prohibiting the shift to the power saving mode to the device. The button 802 may be a mechanical switch, an image displayed on a touch-controllable liquid crystal monitor, or the like.

  When the transition to the power saving mode is prohibited for a predetermined period from the current time point, the button 802 may be pressed. When the button 802 is pressed, the control unit 103 switches to the power saving mode and notifies the user of the device that the transition to the power saving mode is prohibited for a predetermined period, for example, as in 901 in FIG. It is possible to notify the user of the device that the transition to the power saving mode is prohibited for a predetermined period.

  By making it possible to change the predetermined period by continuously pressing the button 802, it becomes possible to reflect the intention of the user of the device in more detail.

  Further, when the button 802 is pressed, the shift to the power saving mode is prohibited as indicated by 902 in FIG. 9, and it is also possible to return by pressing the button 802 again.

  Here, the configuration for prohibiting the transition to the power saving mode by pressing the button 802 has been described, but the prohibition of the transition to the power saving mode may be set by another method. For example, it may be set from a menu screen.

1 person 100 display device 101 human sensor 102 motion determination unit 103 control unit 104 storage unit 105 display unit 106 optical sensor unit 107 temperature sensor unit 108 sound output unit S4001-S4006 Dynamic control of power saving mode transition time under a single condition Steps S5001 to S5009 for explaining how to perform Step 601 for explaining how to dynamically control the power saving mode transition time under a plurality of conditions Normal mode 602 Power saving mode 603 Human detection state 604 Human detection state in human detection sensor No human detection 605 Power saving mode transition time 701 Daily time zone 702 Transition to power saving mode prohibited period 801 Device control device 802 such as a remote control Button 901 Notification prohibiting transition to power saving mode for a predetermined period

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus having a human sensor for detecting a person,
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the human sensor no longer detects a person, the information processing apparatus has a control unit that controls the information processing apparatus to shift to a power saving state that reduces power consumption,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the predetermined time changes according to any one of a plurality of conditions, and priority is set for the plurality of conditions . An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of conditions, conditions relating to the time zone, conditions relating to the ambient brightness of the information processing apparatus, the information processing condition regarding the temperature of the surrounding device, and the information processing apparatus state for at least two of the conditions of the An information processing apparatus including a condition. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the predetermined time is set by a user of the information processing apparatus. A receiving unit for receiving content;
A playback unit for playing back the content received by the receiving unit;
A receiving device having a human sensor for detecting a person,
When a predetermined time elapses after the human sensor no longer detects a person, the receiving device shifts to a power saving state in which power consumption is reduced,
The receiving apparatus is characterized in that the predetermined time changes according to any one of a plurality of conditions, and a priority is set for the plurality of conditions . The receiving device according to claim 4,
Wherein the plurality of conditions, conditions relating to the time zone, conditions relating to the ambient brightness of the receiving device, the conditions relating to the temperature of the periphery of the receiving device, the condition regarding the state of the receiving device, a genre of the content to be reproduced by the reproducing unit conditions, and a receiving apparatus which comprises at least two conditions of the conditions concerning the presence or absence of billing content to be reproduced by the reproduction unit. The receiving device according to claim 4 or 5 , comprising:
The receiving apparatus is characterized in that the predetermined time is set by a user of the receiving apparatus. The receiving device according to any one of claims 4 to 6 ,
A receiving apparatus, wherein a period during which the receiving apparatus does not shift to a power saving state is set by a user regardless of the predetermined condition.   An information processing apparatus having a human sensor for detecting a person,
  When a predetermined time elapses after the human sensor no longer detects a person, the information processing apparatus shifts to a power saving state in which power consumption is reduced,
  The predetermined time depends on a second condition different from a first condition in which a first priority is set or a first condition in which a second priority lower than the first priority is set. Change,
  The predetermined time changes according to the first condition when the first condition is satisfied,
  The information processing apparatus, wherein the predetermined time changes according to the second condition when the first condition is not satisfied and the second condition is satisfied.   An information processing apparatus according to claim 8,
  The first condition and the second condition are a condition relating to a time zone, a condition relating to brightness around the information processing apparatus, a condition relating to a temperature around the information processing apparatus, and a condition relating to the state of the information processing apparatus. Any one of the information processing apparatus.

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