JP5902068B2 - Information processing apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method therefor, and more specifically to a return process from a sleep mode in an information processing apparatus having a sleep mode.

  Conventionally, reduction of power consumption has been a major issue in information processing terminals. In particular, in a portable information processing apparatus typified by a mobile phone, operation power is generally supplied by a built-in battery, so that the usable continuation time (battery duration) by one battery charge is extended. Is required.

  For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-166694 (Patent Document 1) describes that a piezoelectric element is applied to a mobile phone. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the power of the electronic circuit inside the mobile phone is supplied by collecting the voice spoken by the user of the mobile phone toward the microphone and generating power by the piezoelectric element. This is expected to extend battery duration. In particular, Patent Document 1 describes the structure of a sound power generation apparatus using a piezoelectric element that can generate power by slight pressure fluctuation due to sound.

JP 2006-166694 A

  In general, information processing apparatuses such as cellular phones are provided with a sleep mode that reduces power consumption by setting an internal circuit in a standby state. The battery duration can be extended by applying a low power consumption sleep mode when the information processing apparatus is not in use in a power-on state, typically when waiting on a mobile phone. On the other hand, the return from the sleep mode is normally executed in response to a user operation on the hardware key or the touch panel.

  In recent years, smartphones that support voice recognition UI (User Interface) have been developed, and in the active mode, it is possible to execute desired operations represented by acquisition of information services according to user voice. System has been put into practical use. In such a system, since the information processing apparatus can be operated without using a hand, the convenience of the user in a portable information processing apparatus that is often held by the hand is improved.

  Similarly, with regard to the return processing from the sleep mode of the information processing apparatus, it is expected that the convenience of the user is improved if the system can instruct according to the input sound. However, there is a concern that power consumption in the sleep mode may increase if the microphone needs to be always active during the sleep mode in order to detect an input sound instructing the return to the sleep mode. As a result, for example, in a portable information processing apparatus, there is a possibility that the battery duration may be shortened.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a function for returning from a sleep mode based on an input sound in an information processing apparatus having a sleep mode. It is to realize without increasing the power consumption at.

  In one aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus having a sleep mode includes a sound power generation apparatus that generates electric power using input sound, a first microphone and a sound detection unit that are operated by electric power from the sound power generation apparatus during the sleep mode, and And a control unit. The first microphone is configured to output a signal corresponding to the frequency and sound pressure of the input sound. The sound detection unit is configured to detect that an audible sound having a sound pressure exceeding a threshold is input to the first microphone based on an output signal from the first microphone. The control unit is configured to instruct a return from the sleep mode when the sound detection unit detects an audible sound input during the sleep mode.

  Preferably, the information processing device further includes a power storage device and a second microphone. The power storage device is configured to store operating power of the information processing device. The second microphone operates with power from the power storage device after returning from the sleep mode.

  More preferably, the first and second microphones are configured by a common microphone element. The information processing apparatus further includes a power supply switch. The power supply selector switch supplies power from the sound power generation device to the common microphone element during the sleep mode, and supplies power from the power storage device to the common microphone element after returning from the sleep mode. Configured to supply.

  More preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a filter for extracting a frequency domain signal corresponding to sound from the output signal of the first microphone. The sound detection unit is configured to detect an audible sound input when the voltage of the output signal of the filter exceeds a predetermined value during the sleep mode.

  Alternatively, more preferably, the first and second microphones are configured by separate microphones that receive power supply from the sound power generation device and the power storage device, respectively. The first microphone is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to the frequency and sound pressure of the input sound in the frequency domain corresponding to the sound. The sound detection unit is configured to detect an audible sound input when the voltage of the output signal of the first microphone exceeds a predetermined value.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes a power storage element for accumulating power generated by the sound power generation apparatus, and a power supply activation circuit. The power supply startup circuit stops power supply to the first microphone and the sound detection unit until the stored power of the power storage element exceeds a predetermined value, and detects the first microphone and the sound detection when the stored power exceeds a predetermined value. Configured to start supplying stored power to the unit.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an information processing apparatus having a sleep mode includes a step of turning on a first microphone with electric power from a sound power generation apparatus that generates electric power with an input sound in the sleep mode; In the sleep mode, an audible sound having a sound pressure exceeding the threshold is input to the first microphone based on the output signal from the first microphone by the voice detection unit that is operated by the power from the sound power generation device. And a step of instructing a return from the sleep mode when the sound detection unit detects an audible sound input during the sleep mode.

  Preferably, the control method of the information processing device includes a step of switching the power source of the first microphone from the power storage device that accumulates the operating power of the information processing device to the sound power generation device when shifting to the sleep mode; And switching the power source of the first microphone from the sound power generation device to the power storage device when the power is restored.

  Preferably, the control method of the information processing device includes a step of activating a second microphone that is activated by power from the power storage device that accumulates operating power of the information processing device when returning from the sleep mode; A step of turning off the power of the second microphone at the time of transition.

  Preferably, the detecting step includes a step of detecting an audible sound input to the first microphone when the sound pressure of the input sound in the frequency domain corresponding to the sound exceeds a threshold value.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the information processing apparatus which has sleep mode, the return function from sleep mode based on an input sound can be implement | achieved, without increasing the power consumption in sleep mode.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram explaining the mode transition of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. 6 is a flowchart for illustrating a transition sequence to a sleep mode in the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a return sequence from a sleep mode in the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a wave form diagram of the output signal from a microphone element. It is a wave form diagram of the output signal from a filter. It is a wave form diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the audible sound detection circuit shown in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. 12 is a flowchart for illustrating a transition sequence to a sleep mode in the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart for illustrating a return sequence from a sleep mode in the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. 12 is a flowchart for illustrating a return sequence from a sleep mode in the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated in principle.

  In the following description, a case where the information processing apparatus is a smartphone will be described. However, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be implemented as any information processing apparatus of any type as long as it has a sleep mode. For example, the information processing apparatus can be implemented as a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a PC (Personal Computer), or the like.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for illustrating a hardware configuration of information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, information processing device 100 includes microphone unit 10, audible sound detection circuit 20, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30, encoding unit 40, power supply circuit 50, and power storage device 60. Prepare. As will be described later, these are elements related to the return processing from the sleep mode. Since power storage device 60 is typically configured by a rechargeable secondary battery, hereinafter, it is also simply referred to as “battery 60”.

  Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a memory 200, a display 210, a touch panel 220, a hardware key 230, a speaker 240, a wireless communication unit 250, and a communication antenna 260.

  The CPU 30 controls the operation of each unit of the information processing apparatus 100 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 200. More specifically, the CPU 30 implements each process (step) of the information processing apparatus 100 described later by executing the program. The CPU 30 may be any of a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), and other circuits having arithmetic functions.

  The memory 200 is realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk, or the like. The memory 200 stores programs executed by the CPU 30, data, and the like.

  The touch panel 220 is provided on a display 210 having a visual information display function, and may be any type such as a resistance film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, and a capacitance method. . The touch panel 220 may include an optical sensor liquid crystal. The touch panel 220 detects a touch operation on the touch panel 220 by an external object, and inputs touch coordinates (touch position) to the CPU 30.

  The hardware key 230 is an operation button configured by hardware, and accepts a user input operation and inputs the instruction to the CPU 30. For example, the hardware key 230 includes a power key (not shown) for power on / off, a volume up key and a volume down key for volume adjustment, a menu key for instructing display of a screen menu, and the like. Including.

  The speaker 240 is configured to generate an output sound to be acoustically output in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 30. Note that an audio signal processing circuit (not shown) that performs predetermined signal processing on the digital signal to be acoustically output from the CPU 30 and outputs the signal to the speaker 240 may be provided between the CPU 30 and the speaker 240. .

  The wireless communication unit 250 is connected to the mobile communication network via the communication antenna 260 and transmits and receives signals for wireless communication. That is, the wireless communication unit 250 converts communication data from the CPU 30 into a communication signal and transmits the communication signal via the communication antenna 260. Further, the wireless communication unit 250 converts a communication signal received via the communication antenna 260 into communication data, and inputs the communication data to the CPU 30. As described above, the wireless communication unit 250 receives the voice (data) of the other party via the communication antenna 260 and outputs the voice data to the CPU 30. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 can communicate with a communication apparatus via a mobile communication network such as a third generation mobile communication system (3G), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). Become.

Next, a configuration related to voice input of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described.
The microphone unit 10 includes a sound power generation device 11, a power supply switch 12, a microphone element 13, and a filter 14.

  The sound power generation device 11 is configured to generate power using input sound. For example, the sound power generation device 11 can be configured by a piezoelectric element that generates power by pressure fluctuation caused by vibration caused by input sound.

  The electric power generated by the sound power generator 11 is output to the power line 15. On the other hand, the power supply circuit 50 includes a power supply IC (Integrated Circuit) 51 for converting the stored power of the battery 60 into the operation power supply of the microphone unit 10. The power from the power supply IC 51 is output to the power supply line 55.

  Note that the power from the power supply circuit 50, that is, the battery, is also applied to the CPU 30 and the encoding unit 40, as well as the memory 200, the display 210, the touch panel 220, the hardware key 230, the speaker 240, the wireless communication unit 250, and the communication antenna 260. Operates with 60 stored power.

  The power supply selector switch 12 is configured to connect one of the power supply lines 15 and 55 to the microphone element 13 in response to a control signal Ssw from the CPU 30. That is, the power source of the microphone element 13 can be selected between the sound power generation device 11 and the power source IC 51 (battery 60) by the power source switch 12.

  The microphone element 13 is operated by the power source selected by the power source selector switch 12 and outputs an output signal (voltage signal) Vmc corresponding to the input sound. The microphone element 13 is configured by, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) microphone. The filter 14 is configured to output a signal Vmc # obtained by extracting a frequency component of a predetermined audible region (for example, a frequency region of 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz corresponding to human voice) from the output signal Vmc of the microphone element 13. Is done.

  The encoding unit 40 has an amplifier 42 and an analog / digital converter 44. The amplifier 42 outputs a signal obtained by amplifying the output signal Vmc of the microphone element 13 input via the input capacitor 41. The analog / digital converter 44 converts the output signal (analog signal) of the amplifier 42 into a digital signal by sampling at a constant period. Further, the analog / digital converter 44 performs signal processing such as encoding and noise removal on the converted digital signal. As a result, a digital signal obtained by encoding the input sound to the microphone element 13 is input from the analog / digital converter 44 to the CPU 30.

  The audible sound detection circuit 20 includes an input capacitor 21, an amplifier 22, a bias circuit 23, and a transistor 25. The audible sound detection circuit 20 is connected to the power supply line 15 and is operated by the power generated by the sound power generation device 11.

  The amplifier 22 amplifies the output signal Vmc # of the filter 14 input via the input capacitor 21. The bias circuit 23 is configured to superimpose a DC bias voltage obtained by dividing the voltage of the power supply line 15 on the output signal Vo of the amplifier 22. The bias circuit 23 is configured so that the DC bias voltage can be adjusted by a variable resistance element.

  For example, the transistor 25 includes a drain electrically connected to a pull-up resistor RU built in the CPU 30 for pull-up by an I / O power source of the CPU terminal, a source fixed to a predetermined DC voltage, an amplifier And a field effect transistor having a gate for receiving 22 output signals Vo. The transistor 25 generates a control signal Srt for instructing the return from the sleep mode according to the output signal Vo of the amplifier 22. The control signal Srt is input to the CPU 30.

  Referring to FIG. 2, information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has a sleep mode and an active mode. In the active mode, the information processing apparatus 100 executes processing according to a user operation input to the touch panel 220 or the like, or communicates with other information processing apparatuses. In particular, by using the microphone unit 10 and the speaker 240, it is possible to make a call with another information processing apparatus. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may be configured to execute a process in response to a voice instruction from a user input to the microphone unit 10 by mounting a voice recognition UI.

  The information processing apparatus 100 automatically shifts to the sleep mode when an instruction from the user is not input for a predetermined time during the active mode. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 100 can shift to the sleep mode in response to a predetermined operation input by the user. When the mode is shifted to the sleep mode, the CPU 30 shifts to a standby mode in which power consumption is low, and the power consumption of the information processing apparatus 100 is reduced by setting other circuit elements to a power-off state or a standby state. . When the information processing apparatus 100 is a smartphone or a mobile phone, the call waiting state corresponds to the sleep mode. By providing the sleep mode, the power stored in the battery 60 can be prolonged.

  On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 100 has a function of returning from the sleep mode to the active mode in response to an audible sound (typically a user's voice) being input during the sleep mode. The information processing apparatus 100 is configured to return from the sleep mode by an input other than an audible sound (voice) such as a predetermined key input or occurrence of an incoming call.

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, in the sleep mode, the processor (for example, ARM Cortex (registered trademark) -A8), the interrupt controller, and the core power supply for the peripheral function (the core power supply for the GPIO control unit, etc.) are off Is done. On the other hand, the I / O power supply is kept on to accept the interrupt input.

  Also, the encoding unit 40, the memory 200, the display 210, the touch panel 220, the hardware key 230, the speaker 240, the wireless communication unit 250, and the communication antenna 260 are set in a standby state. In the microphone unit 10, the power supply switch 12 connects the power supply line 15 to the microphone element 13 in the sleep mode.

  As a result, in the sleep mode, the microphone element 13 is operated by the generated power of the sound power generation device 11 without using the power of the power supply IC 51 (battery 60). Therefore, it can be avoided that the power of the battery 60 is consumed by the microphone unit 10 in the sleep mode.

  In the sleep mode, the audible sound (sound) instructing the return from the sleep mode is detected by the microphone unit 10 and the audible sound detection circuit 20 that are operated by the power generated by the sound power generation device 11.

  On the other hand, in the active mode, the CPU 30, the encoding unit 40, the memory 200, the display 210, the touch panel 220, the hardware key 230, the speaker 240, the wireless communication unit 250, and the communication antenna 260 are activated and become active. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can execute a function according to the user input.

  In the active mode, the power switch 12 connects the power line 55 to the microphone element 13. In the active mode, the microphone element 13 is operated by power of the power supply IC 51 (battery 60). The input sound to the microphone element 13 is encoded by the encoding unit 40 and input to the CPU 30. As a result, a user's instruction can be input through a call function or a voice recognition UI.

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for explaining the sequence of transition to the sleep mode in the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 3, CPU 30 determines in step S100 whether the sleep transition condition is satisfied. For example, the sleep transition condition is satisfied when a user instruction to the hardware key 230 or the touch panel 220 is not input beyond a predetermined time that can be specified by the user. Alternatively, the sleep transition condition is also satisfied when the user performs an input operation for instructing the transition to the sleep mode. When the sleep transition condition is not satisfied (NO in S100), the active mode is continued.

  CPU30 will perform the power supply switching process of the microphone unit 10 by step S110, if sleep transfer conditions are satisfied (at the time of YES determination of S100). Specifically, the control signal Ssw is output from the CPU 30 to the power supply switch 12 so that the power supply of the microphone element 13 is switched from the power supply line 55 to the power supply line 15.

  Furthermore, CPU30 performs the shift process to sleep mode by step S120. For example, in step S120, a process of turning off the power or shifting to a standby state for each element such as the CPU 30 and the memory 200 is executed. As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 transitions to the sleep mode (step S130).

  FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for explaining a return sequence from the sleep mode in the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 4, when there is no input sound to information processing apparatus 100 (when S200 is NO), CPU 30 does not recognize the input of the sleep return instruction by the user. For this reason, the sleep mode is maintained (step S350).

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, in the sleep mode, the sound power generation device 11 can generate power according to the input sound. In the sleep mode, by operating the microphone unit 10 and the audible sound detection circuit 20 using the generated power, it is possible to generate a return instruction from the sleep mode to the CPU 30.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, when there is an input sound to information processing apparatus 100 in the sleep mode (when S200 is YES), sound power generation apparatus 11 operates and power is output to power supply line 15 ( Step S210). In response to this, the power of the microphone element 13 is turned on (step S220), and an output signal from the microphone element 13 is generated (step S230).

  Referring to FIG. 5, output signal Vmc of microphone element 13 is an AC voltage signal having a frequency and amplitude corresponding to the frequency and sound pressure of the input sound. As shown in FIG. 5, the output signal Vmc corresponding to sound has a voltage waveform in which a high frequency component is superimposed on the fundamental wave component of the audible region indicated by the dotted line. As shown in FIG. 1, the output signal Vmc is input to the filter 14.

  Referring to FIG. 6, output signal Vmc # of filter 14 is a voltage waveform obtained by extracting a fundamental wave component in the audible region from output signal Vmc. That is, the filter 14 is configured to attenuate a signal having a frequency excluding a predetermined frequency region (for example, 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz) corresponding to an audible sound (sound) to be detected. The amplitude of the output signal Vmc # of the filter 14 has a level corresponding to the sound pressure of the audible sound (sound) input to the microphone element 13.

  Referring again to FIG. 4, when output signal Vmc # of filter 14 is input to audible sound detection circuit 20, Vmc # is amplified, and output signal Vo to which DC bias voltage Vbi is applied by bias circuit 23 is output. And output from the amplifier 22 (step S240).

  In the audible sound detection circuit 20, the output signal Vo of the amplifier 22 is compared with the threshold voltage Vth of the transistor 25 (step S250). When Vo> Vth (YES in S210), the transistor 25 is turned on (step S260).

  Referring to FIG. 7, output signal Vo of amplifier 22 is a voltage signal obtained by adding an AC signal obtained by amplifying amplitude of output signal Vmc # by amplifier 22 and DC bias voltage Vbi by bias circuit 23.

  When the output signal Vo exceeds the threshold voltage Vth of the transistor 25, the control signal Srt output from the transistor 25 changes from a logic high level (hereinafter simply referred to as “H level”) to a logic low level (hereinafter simply “ Transition to “L level”). The CPU 30 recognizes the input of the sleep return instruction when the falling edge (transition from the H level to the L level) of the control signal Srt is input.

  Thus, the audible sound detection circuit 20 detects the input of audible sound only when the sound pressure of the input sound in the predetermined frequency band extracted by the filter 14 exceeds a predetermined value. The detection level of the audible sound (sound) by the audible sound detection circuit 20 can be adjusted by changing the amplification factor of the amplifier 22 and the DC bias voltage Vbi by the bias circuit 23.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, when the falling edge of control signal Srt from transistor 25 is input to CPU 30 (step S270), CPU 30 recognizes the input of the sleep return instruction by the user (step S280).

  When recognizing the input of the sleep return instruction, the CPU 30 transitions from the standby state to the active state (step S290). When the CPU 30 transitions to the active state, the interrupt factor is specified by executing the interrupt process (step S300). The CPU 30 specifies that an interrupt signal (sleep return instruction) by audible sound input has been input, and executes processing for transition from the sleep mode to the active mode. Thereby, each circuit such as the memory 200 is again activated, and the information processing apparatus 100 shifts to the active mode.

  When shifting to the active mode, the CPU 30 outputs a control signal Ssw to the power supply selector switch 12 so as to switch the operating power supply of the microphone element 13 from the power supply line 15 to the power supply line 55 (step S310). Thereby, after the return from the sleep mode, that is, in the active mode, the microphone element 13 generates the output signal Vmc corresponding to the input sound by using the output from the power supply IC 51 as a power supply.

  On the other hand, when Vo <Vth in the audible sound detection circuit 20 (NO in S210), the transistor 25 maintains the off state, so that the edge of the control signal Srt is not input to the CPU 30. Therefore, since the CPU 30 does not recognize the input of the sleep return instruction by the user, the sleep mode is maintained (step S350).

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, during the sleep mode, an instruction to return from the sleep mode is issued without using the power supply from the power supply IC 51, that is, without consuming the power of the battery 60. An audible sound (sound) can be detected. As a result, a return function from the sleep mode by inputting an audible sound can be realized without increasing the power consumption in the sleep mode.

  Further, by adjusting the detection level of the audible sound (sound) by the audible sound detection circuit 20, the sleep return instruction is detected only when the input sound of the predetermined frequency band is input exceeding the predetermined sound pressure. it can. Thereby, it can suppress that the return from sleep mode which a user does not intend by vibration, noise, etc. arise.

  In the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, by providing the power switch 12, the single microphone element 13 is operated by the power from the sound power generation apparatus 11 in the sleep mode. It is configured to realize both functions of the “first microphone” and the “second microphone” that is activated by the power from the power supply IC 51 (battery 60) in the active mode (after returning from the sleep mode). .

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram for illustrating a configuration of information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment.

  Compared with FIG. 1, information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment includes microphone unit 10 a instead of microphone unit 10 as compared with information processing apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. It is different in point. Since the configuration of other parts of information processing apparatus 101 is the same as that of information processing apparatus 100, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The microphone unit 10 a includes a sound power generation device 11, a microphone element 16, and a microphone element 17. Similarly to FIG. 1, the sound power generation device 11 may be provided outside the microphone unit 10a.

  In the microphone unit 10a, the arrangement of the power switch 12 (FIG. 1) is omitted, and the microphone for the sleep mode (first microphone) and the microphone for the active mode (second microphone) are separate microphone elements. 16 and 17. Each of the microphone elements 16 and 17 is configured by a MEMS microphone, similarly to the microphone element 13 (FIG. 1).

  The microphone element 17 that operates in the active mode is connected to the power supply line 55 and operates using the power from the power supply IC 51 (battery 60) as an operation power supply. Therefore, in the sleep mode, the power source of the microphone element 17 is turned off. The output signal of the microphone element 17 is equivalent to the output signal Vmc of the microphone element 13 of FIG.

  On the other hand, the microphone element 16 is disconnected from the power supply system by the battery 60 and is always supplied with operating power from the power supply line 15. That is, the microphone element 16 is operated by the power generated by the sound power generation device 11.

  Since the microphone element 16 is provided separately from the active mode microphone element 17, the microphone element 16 can be specialized in the function of detecting a sleep return instruction. Therefore, the microphone element 16 is preferably configured to incorporate the function of the filter 14 shown in FIG. That is, the microphone element 16 outputs an output signal Vmc # corresponding to an input sound in a predetermined frequency region (for example, 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz) corresponding to an audible sound (sound) for a sleep return instruction.

  The audible sound detection circuit 20 detects the input of audible sound (sound) instructing the return from the sleep mode based on the output signal Vmc # of the microphone element 16. Since the output signal Vmc # of the microphone element 16 is equivalent to the output signal of the filter 14 in FIG. 1, the operation and function of the audible sound detection circuit 20 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a transition sequence to the sleep mode in information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment. The process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed in a predetermined cycle in the active mode instead of the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  9 is compared with FIG. 3, in the transition sequence to the sleep mode of the information processing device according to the second embodiment, in the series of processes shown in FIG. 3, instead of step S <b> 110 (FIG. 3), step S <b> 110 # is performed. Is executed.

  In step S110 #, CPU 30 turns off power to microphone element 17 (for active mode). For example, the power of the microphone element 17 can be turned off when the CPU 30 instructs the power supply IC 51 to stop the operation in the sleep mode. Thereby, power consumption by the microphone element 17 is not generated in the sleep mode.

  Since the processes in steps S100, S120 and S130 are the same as those in FIG. 3, detailed description will not be repeated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating a return sequence from the sleep mode in information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle in the sleep mode instead of the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  10 is compared with FIG. 4, in the return sequence from the sleep mode of the information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment, in the series of processes shown in FIG. 4, instead of step S <b> 310 (FIG. 4), step S <b> 310 is performed. # Is executed. Since the other steps S200 to S300 and S350 are the same as those in FIG. 4, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  In information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment, in step S310 #, microphone element 17 is powered on in response to returning from the sleep mode. For example, the CPU 30 can turn on the power of the microphone element 17 by instructing the power supply IC 51 to resume the operation.

  Thus, also in information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment, the return processing from the sleep mode similar to information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment can be realized. That is, the function of returning from the sleep mode by inputting an audible sound can be realized without increasing the power consumption in the sleep mode.

  In particular, in the information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment, since the microphone elements are separately arranged for the sleep mode and the active mode, the number of microphone elements to be arranged is increased, but the power supply system can be simplified. Further, since the power supply selector switch 12 is not arranged, control for switching the power supply of the microphone becomes unnecessary, and software control is simplified. Further, since a CPU terminal for outputting a signal for controlling the power supply selector switch 12 (control signal Ssw in FIG. 1) is not required, the terminal can be used for other circuits, so that the degree of freedom in circuit design is improved. To do.

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of information processing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment.

  11 and FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment includes a microphone unit 10 b instead of the microphone unit 10 as compared with the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment (FIG. 1). It differs in the point to prepare.

  Since the configuration of other parts of information processing apparatus 102 is the same as that of information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  Compared with FIG. 11, information processing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment includes microphone unit 10 b instead of microphone unit 10, as compared with information processing apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. It is different in point. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a capacitor 57 provided as a “storage element” for accumulating the power generated by the sound power generation apparatus 11. Since the configuration of other parts of information processing apparatus 102 is the same as that of information processing apparatus 100, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The information processing apparatus 102 further includes a power supply activation circuit 18 in addition to the configuration of the microphone unit 10b. The power supply starting circuit 18 includes an LDO (Low DropOut) regulator 19. The LDO regulator 19 is connected between the sound power generation device 11 and the power supply line 15.

  The voltage Vc (capacitor voltage) of the capacitor 57 changes according to the stored power of the capacitor 57. The LDO regulator 19 turns on / off the power supply to the power supply line 15 according to the capacitor voltage Vc. The LDO regulator 19 is a regulator having a small voltage difference between the input voltage (capacitor voltage Vc) and the output voltage, and outputs a voltage equivalent to the capacitor voltage Vc to the power supply line 15 when the power supply is turned on. To do.

  In information processing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment, by arranging power supply startup circuit 18, the return sequence from the sleep mode is changed as shown in FIG. In contrast, the transition sequence to the sleep mode is the same as that in FIG. 3, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for illustrating a return sequence from the sleep mode in information processing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment. The process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle in the sleep mode, instead of the process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in the return sequence from the sleep mode of information processing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment, sound power generation apparatus 11 generates power in accordance with the input sound in the series of processes shown in FIG. (Step S210) Until the power of the microphone element 13 is turned on (Step S220), the processes of Steps S310 to S345 are further executed.

  When the sound power generation device 11 operates to generate power (step S210), the power generated by the sound power generation device 11 is accumulated by the capacitor 57 (step S310). The LDO regulator 19 compares the capacitor voltage Vc with a predetermined reference voltage Vr (step S320). The reference voltage Vr is determined according to the amount of power that can be reliably executed by the microphone element 13 and the audible sound detection circuit 20 from the sleep mode.

  Until Vc reaches Vr (NO determination in S320), the LDO regulator 19 turns off the power supply to the power supply line 15, so that the power supply start circuit 18 supplies power from the capacitor 57 to the power supply line 15. Supply is stopped (step S330). As a result, the power source of the microphone element 13 is kept off (step S340).

  On the other hand, when the input sound continues for a certain period and sufficient power is accumulated in the capacitor 57, the capacitor voltage Vc exceeds the reference voltage Vr, the LDO regulator 19 supplies power to the power supply line 15. Turn on. That is, the power supply starting circuit 18 starts supplying power from the capacitor 57 to the power supply line 15 (step S345). As a result, the power source of the microphone element 13 is turned on (step S220).

  Since the processing after the power of microphone element 13 is turned on, that is, steps S240 to S310 and S350 are the same as those in FIG. 4, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment, in the return processing from the sleep mode similar to the first embodiment, after the power for executing the return sequence is accumulated, the return sequence is executed. Can do. In Embodiments 1 and 2, since the microphone unit 10 operates in response to the operation of the sound power generation device 11 regardless of the amount of power generated by the sound power generation device 11, a state where sufficient power is not generated When the return sequence is executed in step 1, the return processing from the sleep mode may be incomplete. On the other hand, in the configuration according to the third embodiment, since the microphone unit is activated after it becomes possible to supply more than a certain amount of power, the return processing from the sleep mode is more reliably performed in terms of power. It becomes possible to do.

  In FIG. 11, the configuration of information processing apparatus 102 in which power supply activation circuit 18 and capacitor 57 are combined with respect to information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has been described. Similarly, information processing according to the second embodiment is performed. A configuration of an information processing device in which the power supply starting circuit 18 and the capacitor 57 are combined with the device 101 may be employed. In this case, in the configuration of information processing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, between power generation device 11 and power supply line 15, power supply activation circuit 18 and power storage element ( A similar configuration can be obtained by connecting a capacitor 57.

  Also in this case, the transition sequence to the sleep mode can be the same as in FIG. Further, the return sequence from the sleep mode can be realized by inserting the processes of steps S310 to 350 shown in FIG. 12 between steps S210 and S220 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As can be understood from the above description, the present invention is a portable type in which usable power is limited and has a great effect in application to an information processing apparatus (for example, a smartphone) compatible with a voice recognition UI. However, as an effect of reducing power consumption in the sleep mode, an information processing apparatus that does not include a voice recognition UI or an information processing apparatus that can be constantly supplied with power can also enjoy certain effects. That is, the present invention is suitable for a smartphone that supports a voice recognition UI, but can be applied in common to information processing apparatuses having a sleep mode.

  Further, as in the first to third embodiments, when the voice exceeding the predetermined sound pressure is input, the return instruction from the sleep mode is recognized so that the user does not use the hand. An instruction can be input. Thereby, it is expected that the user convenience is improved particularly in the return processing from the sleep mode in the portable information processing apparatus in which the user has many opportunities to hold the hand. However, including the case where the present invention is applied to a stationary information processing apparatus, when an audible sound other than voice (for example, a clapping hand) is input exceeding a predetermined sound pressure, A configuration in which a return instruction is recognized is also possible.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  10, 10a, 10b Microphone unit, 11 Sound power generation device, 12 Power supply selector switch, 13, 16, 17 Microphone element, 14 Filter, 15, 55 Power supply line, 18 Power supply start circuit, 19 Regulator, 20 Audible sound detection circuit, 21, 41 Input capacitor, 22, 42 Amplifier, 23 Bias circuit, 25 Transistor, 40 Coding unit, 44 Analog / digital converter, 50 Power supply circuit, 51 Power supply IC, 57 Capacitor (power storage element), 60 Battery (power storage device) ), 100, 101, 102 Information processing device, 200 memory, 210 display, 220 touch panel, 230 hardware key, 240 speaker, 250 wireless communication unit, 260 communication antenna, Srt control signal (sleep return instruction), Ssw control signal (Power switch), Vbi DC bias voltage, Vc capacitor voltage, Vmc output signal (microphone element), Vmc # output signal (after passing through the filter), Vth threshold voltage (transistor).

Claims (10)

An information processing apparatus having a sleep mode,
A sound power generation device that generates electric power using input sound;
A first microphone configured to output a signal according to a frequency and a sound pressure of an input sound, which is operated by electric power from the sound power generation device during the sleep mode;
Based on an output signal from the first microphone that is operated by electric power from the sound power generation device, it is detected that an audible sound having a sound pressure exceeding a threshold value is input to the first microphone. An audible sound detector;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit for instructing a return from the sleep mode when the audible sound detection unit detects an input of the audible sound during the sleep mode. A power storage device for storing operating power of the information processing device;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second microphone that operates by power from the power storage device after returning from the sleep mode. The first and second microphones are configured by a common microphone element,
During the sleep mode, the power from the sound power generation device is supplied to the common microphone element, while the power from the power storage device is supplied to the common microphone element after returning from the sleep mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a power supply selector switch configured to supply the power supply. A filter for extracting a signal in a frequency domain corresponding to sound from the output signal of the first microphone;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the audible sound detection unit is configured to detect an input of the audible sound when a voltage of an output signal of the filter exceeds a predetermined value during the sleep mode. . The first and second microphones are configured by separate microphones that receive power supply from the sound power generation device and the power storage device, respectively.
The first microphone is configured to generate the output signal according to the frequency and sound pressure of an input sound in a frequency domain corresponding to sound,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the audible sound detection unit is configured to detect an input of the audible sound when a voltage of an output signal of the first microphone exceeds a predetermined value. A power storage element for accumulating power generated by the sound power generation device;
The power supply to the first microphone and the audible sound detection unit is stopped until the stored power of the power storage element exceeds a predetermined value, and when the stored power exceeds the predetermined value, the first microphone and The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply startup circuit configured to start supply of the stored power to the audible sound detection unit. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus having a sleep mode,
During the sleep mode, turning on the power of the first microphone by power from a sound power generation device that generates power by input sound;
During the sleep mode, an audible sound detection unit that operates with electric power from the sound power generation device causes an audible sound with a sound pressure exceeding a threshold value to the first microphone based on an output signal from the first microphone. Detecting the input, and
A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a step of instructing a return from the sleep mode when the audible sound detection unit detects an input of the audible sound during the sleep mode. Switching the power source of the first microphone from the power storage device that stores the operating power of the information processing device to the sound power generation device at the time of transition to the sleep mode;
The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of switching the power supply of the first microphone from the sound power generation apparatus to the power storage apparatus when returning from the sleep mode. Activating a second microphone that is activated by power from a power storage device that accumulates the operating power of the information processing device when returning from the sleep mode;
The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of turning off the power of the second microphone at the time of transition to the sleep mode.   The step of detecting includes a step of detecting an input of the audible sound to the first microphone when a sound pressure of an input sound in a frequency domain corresponding to a sound exceeds a threshold value. The control method of the information processing apparatus of any one of.

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