JP5595797B2 - Electronic device, power saving control method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, a power saving control method, and a program, and more particularly to a technique preferably applied to a power saving function of an electronic device equipped with a sensor for detecting the presence of a user.

  In recent years, from the viewpoint of ecology, electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile phones, and televisions are equipped with a power saving function. The main power saving function is to reduce power consumption when the user is not using the electronic device. For example, in the case of a personal computer, when there is no input for a certain period of time, the screen is turned off first, and when there is no further input for a certain period of time, the state is suspended.

  The power saving function described in the example of the personal computer is a general function that is standardly provided in many personal computers. In this current power saving function, the OS monitors the user's input operation, and shifts to the power saving mode (screen off, suspend state) and returns to the standard mode (screen on) according to the input operation state. Also, a transition time to the power saving mode is set, and when there is no user input operation for the set time, the power saving mode is entered, and when the user input operation is detected, the standard mode is restored.

  However, there are cases where the user is working even if no input operation is performed (reading the displayed content, devising the content to be input, etc.), and the power saving mode is triggered only by the presence or absence of the input operation. It is not suitable for the actual situation of the user's operation status to shift to. If the setting time is shortened so as to make the power saving mode as much as possible while there is no input operation, the user frequently makes a transition to the power saving mode even though the user is working. In addition, an input operation for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode is necessary, which may be troublesome for some users.

  On the other hand, recently, electronic devices such as a monitor equipped with a sensor (for example, an infrared sensor) for detecting the presence of a user have appeared. In such an electronic device, according to the detection result of the sensor, when the user is not close to the device (separated), the electronic device shifts to the power saving mode, and the user is close to the device (is present). To return to standard mode. In addition, according to this mode switching, it is possible to set the standard mode only for the user's terminal operation (working) including not only during the input but also during the input, and the power saving mode can be set for the other modes. No input operation is required to restore

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus that saves power by operating a sensor for detecting the presence of a user only when necessary. In the information processing apparatus, the sensor is operated in the first mode when the operation is not performed by the user, and in the second mode that consumes less power than the first mode when the operation is performed by the user. The sensor is configured to operate.

JP 2009-280661 A

  By the way, the actual situation is that the infrared sensor is easily affected by the state of the detection object and the surrounding environment due to its characteristics and detection mechanism, and the detection results vary. The infrared sensor includes a light emitting element that emits infrared light and a light receiving element that receives the light emitting element, and detects the distance to the object based on the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element that is emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by the object. Further, as infrared sensor characteristics, since infrared reflectance varies depending on the object (color, material, shape), detected data (amount of received light) varies even at the same place. For example, if the object is white and cotton material, the amount of received light is large, and if it is black and hair material, the amount of received light is small.

  In the power saving function using the infrared sensor, the detection result (light reception amount) is compared with a threshold value to determine whether the user is present or away. The user can freely set the threshold value. Is possible. That is, the user sets a threshold for determining presence (seated threshold) and a threshold for determining absence (separation threshold) in consideration of his / her clothes, distance from the electronic device, and the like. can do.

  For example, it is assumed that the threshold setting is performed assuming that the user is wearing white clothes. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, when wearing black clothes over white clothes while in front of the electronic device, the amount of light received by the infrared sensor falls below the away threshold and the power saving mode ( For example, it is inconvenient for a user who is present. In order to avoid such a situation, the away threshold may be set to a minimum value (a value lower than the amount of light received when wearing black clothes) and a fixed value.

  However, even when the away threshold is set to the minimum value and the fixed value, as shown in FIG. 6B, the backrest of the chair used by the user is at the detection position of the infrared sensor, and the user's backrest Another problem occurs when the colors, materials, etc. of clothes (black) and chair (back) are similar. The infrared sensor only receives the infrared rays reflected from the object and detects the distance to the object, and cannot distinguish whether the object is a user or a chair. For this reason, when a user wearing white clothes leaves a seat and detects a chair (back), the detected amount of received light does not fall below the separation threshold, and the user is determined to be present and the standard mode is maintained. Will be. That is, even though the user actually leaves the seat, the power saving mode (for example, screen off) is not shifted to, and the power saving function does not substantially function.

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs power saving of the sensor itself for detecting the presence of the user, and the above problem cannot be solved because it is not considered.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described circumstances, the present invention appropriately uses the power saving function of an electronic device equipped with a sensor for detecting the presence of the user, regardless of the user's clothes and the user's office environment. The purpose is to improve the usability as well as to improve the power saving function by grasping the absence of seats and performing detailed power saving.

An electronic apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a detection data acquisition unit that acquires the amount of received light emitted and reflected toward an object , a determination unit that determines whether or not an input operation is performed by a user, and a determination unit Therefore, when it is determined that there is no input operation, the first light reception amount acquired by the detection data acquisition unit is compared with the away threshold value for determining that the user is away. When the comparison means and the first comparison means determine that the received light amount at the first time point is not below the away threshold, the received light amount at the first time point and the first received light amount before the first time point The second comparison means for comparing the difference between the received light amount at the second time point and a fluctuation threshold value for recognizing that the received light amount has changed; When the difference between the received light amount of the second time point is determined to be greater than the variation threshold, target From the mode, the power saving control means for switching to the first power saving mode to reduce the predetermined function, the second comparison means, the difference between the received light amount and the amount of light received by the second time point of the first point in time Is determined not to exceed the variation threshold, when a certain number of times have elapsed when the difference between the light reception amount at the first time point and the light reception amount at the second time point does not exceed the variation threshold value, Warning means for notifying a user that the first power saving mode is switched to the second power saving mode in which a predetermined function is stopped .

In the above electronic device, the power saving control means when the difference between the received light amount of the second time before the time the received light amount and the first of the first time point is greater than the variation threshold, the standard mode Switching to the 1 power saving mode may be performed.

In the above electronic device, the power-saving control unit is smaller than the difference variation threshold and the light receiving amount of the second time before the received light amount and the first time point of the first point in time, and a predetermined time user When there is no input operation according to, switching from the standard mode or the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode may be performed.

In the above electronic device, the power-saving control unit is smaller than the difference variation threshold and the light receiving amount of the second time before the received light amount and the first time point of the first point in time, and a predetermined time If passed, the standard mode or the first power saving mode, or may be a warning notification toggle its effect to the second power saving mode.

In the electronic apparatus, the second comparison unit compares the difference between the received light amounts at different time points with the variation threshold, and the power saving control unit determines whether the difference between the received light amounts is smaller than the variation threshold. Alternatively, switching from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode may be performed.

Further, in the above electronic device, display means for displaying the processing contents of the own device may be provided on one surface, and the detection data acquisition means may emit light in the direction of the surface of the display means.

  In the electronic apparatus, the first power saving mode may be a mode for reducing the luminance of the display unit.

The power saving control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a detection data acquisition step of acquiring light reception amount of light that is emitted and reflected toward an object , a determination step of determining the presence or absence of an input operation by a user , If it is determined by the determination step that there is no input operation, the received light amount at the first time acquired by the detection data acquisition step is compared with the away threshold for determining that the user is away. If it is determined by the first comparison step and the first comparison step that the received light amount at the first time point is not less than the away threshold, the received light amount at the first time point and the first time point before The second comparison step for comparing the difference between the received light amount at the second time point and the fluctuation threshold value for recognizing that the received light amount has changed, and the received light at the first time point by the second comparison step. It is determined that the difference between the amount and the amount of received light at the second time exceeds the variation threshold , The standard mode, the power-saving control step for switching to the first power saving mode to reduce the predetermined function, the second comparison step, a received light amount and the amount of light received by the second time point of the first point in time When it is determined that the difference between the received light amount at the first time point and the received light amount at the second time point does not exceed the fluctuation threshold value, the predetermined time has passed. A warning process for notifying the user of the switch from the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode in which a predetermined function is stopped .

A program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a detection data acquisition process for acquiring a received light amount of light reflected by emitting light toward an object on a computer of an electronic device, and a determination for determining the presence or absence of an input operation by a user When it is determined by the processing and the determination processing that there is no input operation, the received light amount at the first time acquired by the detection data acquisition processing, and the away threshold for determining that the user is away If the first comparison process and the first comparison process determine that the received light amount at the first time point is not below the away threshold, the received light amount at the first time point and the first The second comparison process that compares the difference between the received light amount at the second time point before the time point and the fluctuation threshold value that can recognize that the received light amount has changed, and the second comparison process, The difference between the received light amount at the time point and the received light amount at the second time point exceeds the fluctuation threshold. If it is determined that Tsu, the standard mode, and a power saving control process for switching to the first power saving mode to reduce the predetermined function by the second comparison processing, the amount of light received by the first time point When it is determined that the difference between the received light amount at the second time point does not exceed the variation threshold value, the difference between the received light amount at the first time point and the received light amount at the second time point does not exceed the variation threshold value. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the user is caused to perform warning processing for notifying the user that the first power saving mode is switched to the second power saving mode for stopping the predetermined function .

  According to the present invention, in the power saving function of an electronic device equipped with a sensor for detecting the presence of a user, it is possible to appropriately grasp the user's absence without being influenced by the user's clothes and the user's office environment, and finely It is possible to enhance the power saving function by saving power and improve usability.

1 is an external view of a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the infrared sensor mounted in PC which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of PC concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of PC concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the power saving control process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating a user's absence detection and power saving control in a prior art.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention. The PC 10 of this embodiment is a notebook PC, and an infrared sensor 16 is disposed near the top of the display at the end of the display unit on which the display is mounted. The position of the infrared sensor 16 may be in the lower part of the display, in the vicinity of the side part, or in any place on the main body part on which the keyboard is mounted. In this embodiment, a notebook PC is used. However, as an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied, a desk PC, a display, a television, or the like can be considered.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an infrared sensor mounted on the PC according to the embodiment of the present invention. The infrared sensor 16 of this embodiment includes a light emitting element 161 that emits infrared light and a light receiving element 162 that receives light and converts it into an electrical signal. Infrared rays emitted from the light emitting element 161 are reflected by the object 50 and received by the light receiving element 162. The light receiving element 162 can also convert the distance from the infrared sensor 16 to the object 50 from the amount of received infrared light reflected.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the PC according to the embodiment of the present invention. The PC 10 of this embodiment is a PC having a general hardware configuration, and includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, an HDD 13, an input device 14, an output device 15, and an infrared sensor 16.

  The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the PC 10 in accordance with the OS stored in the memory 12 and the program specific to the present embodiment, and is also used to determine whether to leave the seat based on the detection data of the infrared sensor, to determine the detection data variation, and to switch the mode (this book). In the embodiment, display control processing) is performed. The memory 12 has a storage area (ROM) for storing the OS and programs unique to the present embodiment, and a work storage area (RAM) used for various processes of the CPU 11. The HDD 13 is an external storage device that holds various data. The input device 14 is a device that receives an input operation by a user, and is a mouse, a touch pad, a keyboard, or the like. The output device 15 is a device that performs screen output and audio output of various data, and is a display, a speaker, or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the PC according to the present embodiment. In the PC 10 of the present embodiment, the CPU 11 reads a program specific to the present embodiment stored in the memory 12, and the absence determination process based on the detection data of the infrared sensor, the detection data fluctuation determination, and the mode switching process (in this embodiment) The control unit 100 is configured as a functional unit for performing display control processing. The control unit 100 logically includes a detection data acquisition unit 110, a detection result comparison unit 120, and a power saving control unit 130. Each means may be realized by software as described above, or may be realized by hardware using a circuit or the like.

  The detection data acquisition means 110 acquires the received light amount data detected from the infrared sensor 16 at a predetermined timing, and stores the acquired received light amount data in the memory 12 (RAM) or the HDD 13. The detection data acquisition means 110 holds detection data for at least two times of the latest (current) received light amount data and the immediately preceding (previous) received light amount data, but is not limited to two times and holds detection data for a predetermined period. Also good.

  The detection result comparison unit 120 compares the received light amount data acquired by the detection data acquisition unit 110 to perform detection data fluctuation determination, and compares the received light amount data with a separation threshold to determine the absence. Do. The detection data fluctuation determination is a determination used for switching from the standard mode to the first power saving mode, and the absence determination is a determination used for switching from the standard mode or the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode. .

  Here, the standard mode is an operation mode in which all the functions of the PC 10 are fully operated, the first power saving mode is an operation mode in which a predetermined function of the PC 10 is lowered, and the second power saving mode is a predetermined function of the PC 10. Is an operation mode for stopping the operation. Examples of the first power saving mode include a reduction in display brightness and a reduction in CPU operating frequency.

  The power saving control unit 130 switches the operation mode of the PC 10 between the standard mode, the first power saving mode, and the second power saving mode based on the comparison determination result in the detection result comparison unit 120. In the present embodiment, as an example of power saving control, description will be given using display brightness adjustment and on / off switching (display control).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of power saving control processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, in the CPU 11, the detection data acquisition unit 110 acquires received light amount data from the infrared sensor 16 and stores it in the memory 12 (step S101). Then, when there is no input operation by the user (step S102 / NO), the detection result comparison unit 120 compares the current (latest) detection data (light reception amount data) with the away threshold, and makes an absence determination ( Step S103). Whether or not there is an input operation is determined by monitoring a history of input operations (keyboard input mouse input, touch pad input, etc.) issued as an interrupt signal to the OS.

  If the current (latest) detection data (received light amount data) is below the away threshold (step S103 / YES), the power saving control unit 130 turns off the screen as switching from the standard mode to the second power saving mode. Is switched (step S111). If the current (latest) detection data (light reception amount data) does not fall below the away threshold (step S103 / NO), the detection result comparison unit 120 determines that the current (latest) detection data (light reception amount data) and The detection data fluctuation determination is performed by comparing with the previous (immediately preceding) detection data (light reception amount data) (step S104).

  When the difference between the current (latest) detection data (light reception amount data) and the previous (immediately previous) detection data (light reception amount data) exceeds the variation threshold (step S104 / YES), the power saving control means 130 The screen brightness is reduced as switching from the standard mode to the first power saving mode (step S105).

  This time (latest) detection data (light reception amount data) does not fall below the away threshold (step S103 / NO), this time (latest) detection data (light reception amount data) and the previous (immediately) detection data (light reception amount data). )) Does not exceed the variation threshold (step S104 / NO (including the case where the difference does not exceed the variation threshold after switching to the first power saving mode)) when a certain number of times have elapsed ( In step S106 / YES), the power saving control unit 130 notifies the user of a warning to switch to the second power saving mode. The warning notification may be performed through a screen (brightness reduction or message display) or may be performed through voice (message sound output).

  After the warning notification (step S107), when there is no input operation by the user (step S108 / NO), the power saving control means 130 turns off the screen as switching from the first power saving mode or the standard mode to the second power saving mode. Is switched (step S111). When there is an input operation by the user (step S108 / YES), the power saving control unit 130 switches from the first power saving mode (step S109 / YES) to the standard mode (step S110). As a matter of course, when there is a warning notification in the standard mode state and an input operation is performed (step S109 / NO), the standard mode is maintained as it is.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation mode to be switched is provided with two modes of the first power saving mode for lowering the predetermined function of the PC 10 and the second power saving mode for stopping the predetermined function of the PC 10. The switch to each mode is determined by different methods. That is, switching to the second power saving mode is performed based on detection data at a temporary point, and switching to the first power saving mode is performed based on comparison of detection data at two different time points.

  Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, when the user wearing white clothes leaves the seat and the backrest of the chair is detected by the infrared sensor (FIG. 6B), the detected amount of received light varies. For this reason, the standard mode is not maintained, and it is possible to shift to the first power saving mode for reducing the luminance and perform fine power saving. On the other hand, even when wearing black clothes over white clothes while in front of an electronic device (FIG. 6 (a)), the brightness is reduced without going to the second power saving mode where the screen is suddenly switched off. Therefore, there is no substantial inconvenience for the operating user. As described above, it is possible to improve the usability as well as to enhance the overall power saving function by performing fine power saving.

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment alone, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation is possible.

  For example, the program executed by the PC 10 in this embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (detection data acquisition unit 110, detection result comparison unit 120, and power saving control unit 130). Specific means are realized using hardware. That is, the CPU 11 reads and executes a program from the memory 12 (ROM), and the above-mentioned means are loaded onto the main storage device and generated.

  The program executed by the PC 10 in the present embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program is a file in an installable or executable format, such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, nonvolatile memory card, or the like. It may be configured to be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Further, the program may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium or loaded and executed through the communication line realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. And the recording medium which recorded the program code comprises this invention.

10 PC
11 CPU
12 Memory 13 HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Input device 15 Output device 16 Infrared sensor 50 Object 100 Control part 110 Detection data acquisition means 120 Detection result comparison means 130 Power saving control means 161 Light emitting element 162 Light receiving element

Claims (9)

Detection data acquisition means for emitting light toward the object and acquiring the amount of received light reflected;
A determination means for determining presence or absence of an input operation by a user;
When the determination means determines that the input operation is not performed, the received light amount at the first time point acquired by the detection data acquisition means and the away threshold value for determining that the user is away. A first comparison means for comparing
If it is determined by the first comparison means that the amount of light received at the first time point is not less than the away threshold, the amount of light received at the first time point and the first light amount before the first time point are determined. A second comparison means for comparing a difference between the received light amount at the time point 2 and a fluctuation threshold value capable of recognizing that the received light quantity has changed;
If it is determined by the second comparison means that the difference between the received light amount at the first time point and the received light amount at the second time point exceeds the fluctuation threshold value, a predetermined function is activated from the standard mode. Power saving control means for switching to the first power saving mode to be reduced;
When the second comparison means determines that the difference between the received light amount at the first time point and the received light amount at the second time point does not exceed the variation threshold, the received light amount at the first time point. And the difference between the received light amount at the second time point and the predetermined time elapse in a state where the difference does not exceed the fluctuation threshold, the user is given a predetermined function from the first power saving mode. Warning means for giving a warning notification to switch to the second power saving mode to be stopped;
An electronic device comprising: The power saving control means when the difference is greater than the variable threshold of the received light amount of the second time before the first time point and the light receiving amount of the first time point, wherein the standard mode first The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is switched to a power saving mode. The power saving control unit, the difference between the received light amount of the second time before the said amount of received light the first time point of the first time point is smaller than the variation threshold, and an input operation by a predetermined time user 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when there is not, switching from the standard mode or the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode is performed. The power saving control unit, the difference between the received light amount of the second time before the said amount of received light the first time point of the first time point is smaller than the variation threshold, and, when a predetermined time has elapsed the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the standard mode or the first power saving mode, to perform a toggle its effect warning notification to the second power saving mode. Said second comparing means performs a comparison of the variation threshold and the light receiving amount of the difference between the different time points,
The power saving control means performs switching from the standard mode or the first power saving mode to the second power saving mode when the difference in the amount of received light is smaller than the fluctuation threshold. 5. The electronic device according to any one of 1 to 4. A display means for displaying the processing contents of the own device is provided on one side,
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection data acquisition unit emits light in a direction of a surface of the display unit.   The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the first power saving mode is a mode for reducing luminance of the display unit. A detection data acquisition step of acquiring the amount of received light of the reflected light emitted from the object,
A determination step of determining the presence or absence of an input operation by the user;
When it is determined by the determination step that the input operation is not performed, the received light amount at the first time point acquired by the detection data acquisition step and the away threshold value for determining that the user is away from the seat. A first comparison step for comparing
If it is determined by the first comparison step that the amount of light received at the first time point is not less than the away threshold, the amount of light received at the first time point and the first light amount before the first time point are determined. A second comparison step of comparing the difference between the received light amount at the time point 2 and a fluctuation threshold value capable of recognizing that the received light quantity has changed;
If it is determined by the second comparison step that the difference between the received light amount at the first time point and the received light amount at the second time point exceeds the fluctuation threshold value, the predetermined function is changed from the standard mode. A power saving control step of switching to the first power saving mode to be reduced;
When it is determined by the second comparison step that the difference between the received light amount at the first time point and the received light amount at the second time point does not exceed the fluctuation threshold, the received light amount at the first time point. And the difference between the received light amount at the second time point and the predetermined time elapse in a state where the difference does not exceed the fluctuation threshold, the user is given a predetermined function from the first power saving mode. A warning process for performing a warning notification to switch to the second power saving mode to be stopped;
A power saving control method comprising: To electronic computer,
A detection data acquisition process for acquiring the amount of received light reflected by emitting light toward the object;
A determination process for determining the presence or absence of an input operation by the user;
When it is determined by the determination process that the input operation is not performed, the received light amount at the first time point acquired by the detection data acquisition process and the away threshold value for determining that the user is away from the seat. A first comparison process for comparing
If it is determined by the first comparison processing that the amount of light received at the first time point is not less than the away threshold, the amount of light received at the first time point and the first light amount before the first time point are determined. A second comparison process for comparing the difference between the received light amount at the time point 2 and a fluctuation threshold value capable of recognizing that the received light quantity has changed;
If it is determined by the second comparison processing that the difference between the received light amount at the first time point and the received light amount at the second time point exceeds the variation threshold value, the predetermined function is changed from the standard mode. A power saving control process for switching to the first power saving mode to be reduced;
When the second comparison process determines that the difference between the received light amount at the first time point and the received light amount at the second time point does not exceed the variation threshold, the received light amount at the first time point. And the difference between the received light amount at the second time point and the predetermined time elapse in a state where the difference does not exceed the fluctuation threshold, the user is given a predetermined function from the first power saving mode. A warning process for performing a warning notification to switch to the second power saving mode to be stopped;
A program for running

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