JP7059552B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

The techniques disclosed herein relate to electronic devices.

In Patent Document 1, a battery box in which a battery can be mounted, a display unit for displaying an icon indicating the remaining capacity of the battery mounted in the battery box, a memory for storing a threshold voltage value, and an icon on the display unit are provided. A bar code reading device including a control unit for displaying is disclosed. The control unit changes the display content of the icon displayed on the display unit when the input voltage input from the battery shifts from a value exceeding the threshold voltage value to a value equal to or less than the threshold voltage value.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-36215

The discharge characteristics of the battery differ depending on how the user uses the barcode reader (that is, the operation pattern of the barcode reader). The discharge characteristic is a correspondence relationship between the required time from the start voltage to the end voltage of the input voltage from the battery and the value of the previous input voltage at each timing during the required time. Therefore, the ratio of the time for decreasing from the start voltage to the threshold voltage value and the time for decreasing from the threshold voltage value to the end voltage differs depending on the operation pattern of the barcode reader. Therefore, if the icon to be displayed on the display unit is controlled by using the same threshold voltage value even though the discharge characteristics are different, the user may feel uncomfortable.

The present specification provides a technique capable of appropriately displaying the remaining capacity information of the target battery on the display unit of the electronic device.

One electronic device disclosed in the present specification includes a battery mounting unit on which a battery can be mounted, a display unit displaying remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the target battery mounted on the battery mounting unit, and the battery. It is a storage unit that stores the previous characteristic, which is the discharge characteristic of the previous battery mounted on the mounting unit, and the previous characteristic is from the previous input voltage from the previous battery to a predetermined start voltage to a predetermined end voltage. A control unit for displaying the remaining capacity information on the storage unit and the display unit, including the correspondence between the required time of the above and the value of the previous input voltage at each timing during the required time. The value of the previous input voltage at the specific timing included in the previous characteristic stored in the storage unit is specified as the threshold voltage value, and the value of the target input voltage input from the target battery exceeds the threshold voltage value. The control unit is provided with a control unit that changes the display content of the remaining capacity information to be displayed on the display unit when the value shifts to a value lower than the threshold voltage value.

The above-mentioned "case of shifting from a value higher than the threshold voltage value to a value lower than the threshold voltage value" may include a case of shifting from a value equal to or higher than the threshold voltage value to a value lower than the threshold voltage value. Further, a case may be included in which a value that exceeds the threshold voltage value shifts to a value that is equal to or less than the threshold voltage value.

The above-mentioned electronic device stores the previous characteristics of the previous battery. When the electronic device is used in the same situation as the previous time (for example, the same operation pattern), it is highly possible that the current discharge characteristic of the target battery is close to the previous characteristic. In such a case, the electronic device can specify an appropriate threshold voltage value corresponding to the current discharge characteristic by using the previous characteristic. That is, the electronic device can appropriately specify the threshold voltage value corresponding to the current discharge characteristic. Therefore, the electronic device can appropriately display the remaining capacity information of the target battery on the display unit.

The previous characteristics stored in the storage unit are the first previous characteristic, which is the discharge characteristic of the first previous battery when the electronic device operates in the first operation pattern, and the first operation pattern of the electronic device. May include a second previous characteristic, which is the discharge characteristic of the second previous battery when operating in a different second operation pattern. When the electronic device operates in the first operation pattern, the control unit uses the value of the previous input voltage at the first specific timing included in the first previous characteristic stored in the storage unit as the threshold voltage value. When the electronic device operates in the second operation pattern, the value of the previous input voltage at the second specific timing included in the second previous characteristic stored in the storage unit is specified as the threshold voltage value. You may.

The discharge characteristics of the battery differ depending on whether the electronic device operates in the first operation pattern or the second operation pattern. According to the above configuration, when the electronic device is operating in the first operation pattern, the electronic device uses the first previous characteristic to specify the threshold voltage value, and the electronic device performs the second operation. When operating in a pattern, the second previous characteristic is used to specify the threshold voltage value. Therefore, the electronic device can appropriately specify the threshold voltage value corresponding to the current operation pattern of the electronic device. Therefore, the electronic device can appropriately display the remaining capacity information of the target battery on the display unit.

The electronic device may further include a notification unit for performing a predetermined notification operation. The control unit further determines whether or not the previous battery has deteriorated by comparing the previous characteristic stored in the storage unit with the deterioration characteristic indicating the discharge characteristic of the battery in a predetermined deteriorated state. If it is determined that the battery has deteriorated last time, the notification unit may perform a notification operation.

When the battery is a secondary battery, it is assumed that the battery will be used repeatedly. In such a situation, it is beneficial for the user to inform the user of the deterioration of the battery. According to the above configuration, the electronic device can determine whether or not the battery has deteriorated last time by using the characteristics of the previous time, and perform a notification operation when it is determined that the battery has deteriorated last time. Therefore, the user can know that the battery has deteriorated last time by the notification operation of the electronic device.

Other electronic devices disclosed in the present specification include a battery mounting unit on which a battery can be mounted, a display unit displaying remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the target battery mounted on the battery mounting unit, and the electronic device. The electronic device is a storage unit that stores threshold information indicating a predetermined threshold voltage value corresponding to each of a plurality of operating states of the device, and a control unit that displays the remaining capacity information on the display unit. It is a threshold voltage value corresponding to the current operating state by specifying the current operating state of the above and using the specified current operating state and the threshold information stored in the storage unit. The display when a specific threshold voltage value is specified and the value of the target input voltage input from the target battery shifts from a value exceeding the specific threshold voltage value to a value lower than the specific threshold voltage value. It is provided with a control unit that changes the display content of the remaining capacity information to be displayed on the unit.

The above-mentioned "case of shifting from a value higher than the threshold voltage value to a value lower than the threshold voltage value" may include a case of shifting from a value equal to or higher than the threshold voltage value to a value lower than the threshold voltage value. A case may be included in which a value that exceeds the threshold voltage value shifts to a value that is equal to or less than the threshold voltage value.

The discharge characteristics of the battery differ depending on the usage mode of the electronic device by the user, that is, the state of the electronic device. The above-mentioned electronic device stores threshold information corresponding to each of a plurality of states of the electronic device, and can specify the current operating state of the electronic device. Then, the electronic device can appropriately specify a specific threshold voltage value corresponding to the current operating state by using the specified current operating state and the threshold information stored in the storage unit. Therefore, the electronic device can appropriately display the remaining capacity information of the target battery on the display unit.

The control unit may specify the current operating state by specifying the current consumption of the electronic device per unit time.

The discharge characteristics of the target battery differ depending on the current consumption of the electronic device per unit time. According to the above configuration, the electronic device utilizes the current operating state specified by the current consumption of the electronic device per unit time and the threshold information stored in the storage unit to obtain a specific threshold voltage. The value can be specified. Therefore, the electronic device can appropriately display the remaining capacity information of the target battery on the display unit.

The control unit identifies the current decrease time, which is the time from the first predetermined voltage to the second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage, so that the value of the target input voltage decreases. The operating state may be specified.

The discharge characteristics of the target battery differ depending on the degree of deterioration of the target battery. According to the above configuration, the electronic device can specify the degree of deterioration of the target battery by specifying the decrease time until the value of the target input voltage decreases from the first predetermined voltage to the second predetermined voltage. can. Then, the electronic device can specify a specific threshold voltage value according to the specified degree of deterioration. Therefore, the electronic device can appropriately display the remaining capacity information of the target battery on the display unit.

The electronic device may further include a notification unit for performing a predetermined notification operation. The control unit further specifies a decrease time, which is the time from the first predetermined voltage to the second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage, and sets the decrease time. Based on this, it may be determined whether or not the target battery is deteriorated, and if it is determined that the target battery is deteriorated, the notification unit may perform a notification operation.

When the battery is a secondary battery, it is assumed that the battery will be used repeatedly. In such a situation, it is beneficial for the user to inform the user of the deterioration of the battery. According to the above configuration, the electronic device determines whether or not the target battery has deteriorated by specifying the decrease time of the target input voltage value, and if it is determined that the target battery has deteriorated, the notification operation is performed. It can be carried out. Therefore, the user can know that the battery has deteriorated last time by the notification operation of the electronic device.

The figure which shows typically the structure of the information code reading apparatus 10 of an Example. The figure which shows an example of a discharge characteristic. The flowchart of the storage process of 1st Embodiment. The flowchart of the display process of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the discharge characteristic when the inventory work is executed in 1st Example. The figure which shows an example of the discharge characteristic when the inspection work is executed in 1st Example. A table showing the relationship between the icons 50 to 56 indicating the remaining capacity of the battery 44 and the input voltage Vi. The figure which shows the current consumption table 38a of 2nd Example. The figure which shows the determination table 38b of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the threshold value table 38c of 2nd Example. The flowchart of the deterioration determination processing of 2nd Example. The flowchart of the display process of 2nd Embodiment.

(First Example)
(Configuration of Information Code Reader 10)
The information code reading device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device capable of reading an information code such as a bar code. The information code reading device 10 includes an operation unit 12, a display unit 14, a speaker 16, a light emitting unit 18, a light receiving unit 20, a control unit 30, a memory 32, and a power supply unit 40.

The operation unit 12 has one or more keys. The user of the information code reading device 10 can operate the operation unit 12 to input various instructions to the information code reading device 10. The display unit 14 displays various information. On the display unit 14, icons 50 to 56 (see FIG. 7), which are information on the remaining capacity of the battery 44 mounted on the battery box 42 of the power supply unit 40, are displayed. The speaker 16 outputs a buzzer sound or the like according to a command from the control unit 30.

The light emitting unit 18 irradiates the information code to be read with light. The light receiving unit 20 receives the reflected light from the information code.

The control unit 30 executes various processes (see FIGS. 3 and 4) according to the program 34 in the memory 32. The control unit 30 controls the operation of each unit of the information code reading device 10. The control unit 30 operates by receiving power supply from the power supply unit 40. In this embodiment, the final voltage Ve of the control unit 30 is 3.0V. Here, the "final voltage" means the minimum operating voltage at which the control unit 30 can operate. When the voltage value output from the power supply unit 40 and input to the control unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as "input voltage Vi") is less than 3.0 V, the control unit 30 stops operation and the information code. The reading device 10 becomes inoperable.

In the memory 32, the inventory discharge characteristic 36a corresponding to the inventory work and the inspection discharge characteristic 36b corresponding to the inspection work can be stored. The inventory discharge characteristic 36a and the inspection discharge characteristic 36b are stored in the memory 32 by executing a storage process (see FIG. 3) described later. As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge characteristic is a characteristic corresponding to the required time tr from the start voltage Vs to the end voltage Ve of the input voltage Vi and the input voltage Vi at each timing during the required time tr. Is. The starting voltage Vs is a voltage value when the battery 44 is in a new state. The inventory discharge characteristic 36a is a discharge characteristic when the inventory work is executed while the input voltage Vi is from the start voltage Vs to the end voltage Ve (see FIG. 5). In the inventory work, the information code is read once every 5 seconds. The inspection discharge characteristic 36b is a discharge characteristic when the inspection work is executed while the input voltage Vi is from the start voltage Vs to the end voltage Ve (see FIG. 6). In the inspection work, the information code is read 15 times in 5 seconds. That is, the frequency of reading the information code differs between the inventory work and the inspection work. Further, the memory 32 also has an area (not shown) for temporarily storing various information generated when the control unit 30 executes the process.

The power supply unit 40 is a portion to which the power supply of the information code reading device 10 can be attached. The power supply unit 40 supplies electric power to each unit of the information code reading device 10. A battery box 42 including a battery 44 is mounted on the power supply unit 40. The battery 44 is a Ni-MH battery which is a kind of secondary battery. In this embodiment, the battery box 42 can be provided with three batteries having an input voltage value of 1.5V to 0.9V. Hereinafter, these three batteries may be collectively referred to as a battery 44.

(Processes executed by the control unit 30; FIGS. 3 and 4)
Subsequently, the process executed by the control unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. When the power of the information code reading device 10 is turned on, the control unit 30 starts the storage process of FIG. 3 and the display process of FIG. 4 in parallel.

(Memory processing; Fig. 3)
The contents of the storage process will be described with reference to FIG. The storage process is a process for storing the inventory discharge characteristic 36a or the inspection discharge characteristic 36b in the memory 32.

In S10, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display the business selection screen. The business selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to select which of the inventory business and the inspection business is to be executed. The user can select the work to be executed from now on by operating the operation unit 12.

In S12, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the inventory work has been selected by the user. When the inventory work is selected by the user, the control unit 30 determines YES in S12 and proceeds to S20. On the other hand, when the inspection work is selected by the user, the control unit 30 determines NO and proceeds to S30.

In S20, the control unit 30 stores the current input voltage Vi in the memory 32, and in S22, monitors that the input voltage Vi reaches the final voltage Ve. The control unit 30 stores the input voltage Vi in the memory 32 in S20 every predetermined cycle (for example, every 1 second) until the input voltage Vi reaches the cutoff voltage Ve. When the input voltage Vi reaches the cutoff voltage Ve, the control unit 30 determines YES in S22 and proceeds to S24.

In S24, the control unit 30 has an inventory discharge characteristic 36a in which the stored input voltage Vi stored in the memory 32 in each of the plurality of times S20 and the timing in which the input voltage Vi is stored are associated with each other (FIG. 5) is generated and stored in the memory 32. When S24 is finished, the process of FIG. 3 is finished.

The process executed by S30 and S32 is the same as the process executed by S20 and S22, except that the task executed by the user is an inspection task. In S34, the control unit 30 stores the inspection discharge characteristic 36b (see FIG. 6) in which the input voltage Vi stored in S30 and the timing in which the input voltage Vi is stored are associated with each other in the memory 32. When S34 is finished, the process of FIG. 3 is finished.

(Display processing; Fig. 4)
Subsequently, the contents of the display process will be described with reference to FIG. The display process is a process for displaying one of a plurality of icons 50, 52, 54, 56 (see FIG. 7) on the display unit 14.

In S50, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the inventory work has been selected by the user. When the inventory work is selected on the work selection screen displayed on the display unit 14 in S10 of FIG. 3, the control unit 30 determines YES in S50 and proceeds to S60. On the other hand, when the inspection work is selected by the user, the control unit 30 determines NO in S50 and proceeds to S80.

In S60, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the inventory discharge characteristic 36a is stored in the memory 32. When the inventory discharge characteristic 36a is already stored in the memory 32, the control unit 30 determines YES in S60 and proceeds to S62. The case where the inventory discharge characteristic 36a is stored in the memory 32 is a case where the inventory operation is executed in the past by using the battery 44 and the process of S24 in FIG. 3 is executed in the past. .. In the following, the battery 44 used when the process of S24 of FIG. 3 was executed in the past may be referred to as a "first previous battery". On the other hand, when the inventory discharge characteristic 36a is not stored in the memory 32 (that is, when the process of S24 in FIG. 3 has not been executed in the past), the control unit 30 determines NO in S60 and determines that it is NO in S68. move on.

In S62, the control unit 30 utilizes the inventory discharge characteristic 36a stored in the memory 32 to use the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 (hereinafter referred to as “inventory threshold voltage value”) used for the current inventory operation. To set. The threshold voltage values V1 to V3 are threshold values used in S70 described later, and any of a plurality of icons 50, 52, 54, 56 (see FIG. 7) can be displayed according to the value of the input voltage Vi. It is a threshold value used for determining whether to display on the display unit 14. A method of setting the inventory threshold voltage value will be described with reference to FIG. 2. First, the control unit 30 specifies the time required tr from the start voltage Vs to the end voltage Ve when the first previous battery performs the previous inventory operation with reference to the inventory discharge characteristic 36a in the memory 32. do. Then, the control unit 30 divides the required time tr into four sections of periods t1 to t4. The control unit 30 divides each period t1 to t4 so that the lengths thereof have a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 0.3. Then, the control unit 30 refers to the inventory discharge characteristic 36a, sets the voltage value at the timing when the period t1 ends to the first threshold voltage value V1, and sets the voltage value at the timing when the period t2 ends to the second threshold value. The voltage value is set to V2, and the voltage value at the timing at which the period t3 ends is set to the third threshold voltage value V3. In the case of FIG. 5, the required time tr is 13.2 [h], and the periods t1, t2, t3, and t4 are 4 [h], 4 [h], 4 [h], and 1.2 [, respectively. h]. Further, the first threshold voltage value V1 is 3.8 [V], the second threshold voltage value V2 is 3.75 [V], and the third threshold voltage value V3 is 3.6 [V]. Is. This completes the setting of the inventory threshold voltage value.

In S64, the control unit 30 uses the inventory discharge characteristic 36a stored in the memory 32 to determine whether or not the first previous battery corresponding to the inventory discharge characteristic 36a has deteriorated. The method of determining the deterioration of the battery last time will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The control unit 30 specifies a decrease time td from the determination start voltage Vds (for example, 3.7 [V]) to the determination end voltage Vde (for example, 3.3.6 [V]). Then, the control unit 30 compares the first deterioration determination time tdd1 (not shown) stored in advance in the memory 32 with the specified reduction time td. When the decrease time td is longer than the first deterioration determination time tdd1, the control unit 30 determines that the battery has not deteriorated last time (NO in S64), skips S66, and proceeds to S70. On the other hand, when the decrease time td is less than the first deterioration determination time tdd1, the control unit 30 determines that the battery has deteriorated last time (YES in S64), and proceeds to S66.

In S66, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 14, the speaker 16, and the like to execute a notification operation for notifying that the deterioration of the first previous battery has been detected. The notification operation is an operation in which the display unit 14 displays a message indicating that the deterioration of the battery 44 has been detected, and the speaker 16 outputs a buzzer sound or the like. In another example, the notification operation may be another operation. As a result, the user can know that the first previous battery has deteriorated and that it is time to replace the first previous battery.

On the other hand, in S68, the control unit 30 sets the standard threshold voltage value as the inventory threshold voltage value. The standard threshold voltage value is preset by the vendor of the information code reading device 10 and stored in the memory 32 (not shown). In this embodiment, the first threshold voltage value V1 of the standard threshold voltage value is 3.9 [V], the second threshold voltage value V2 is 3.6 [V], and the third threshold voltage value. V3 is 3.3 [V].

In S70, the control unit 30 uses the input voltage Vi (that is, the input voltage accompanying the execution of the inventory work this time) and the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 set in S62 or S68 to display the icon. To start. In the icon display process, as shown in FIG. 7, when the input voltage Vi is larger than the first threshold voltage value V1, an icon indicating a battery having a remaining capacity of 3 scales (maximum scale). 50 is displayed on the display unit 14. Further, when the input voltage Vi is equal to or less than the first threshold voltage value V1 and larger than the second threshold voltage value V2, the control unit 30 displays an icon 52 indicating a battery having a remaining capacity of two scales. It is displayed on the unit 14. Further, when the input voltage Vi is equal to or less than the second threshold voltage value V2 and larger than the third threshold voltage value V3, the control unit 30 displays an icon 54 indicating a battery having a remaining capacity of one scale. It is displayed on the unit 14. Further, when the input voltage Vi is equal to or less than the third threshold voltage value V3, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 14 to display an icon 56 indicating a battery having a remaining capacity of 0 scale. The user of the information code reading device 10 can grasp the approximate remaining capacity of the battery 44 by looking at the icons 50 to 56 displayed on the display unit 14. The control unit 30 continuously executes the icon display process started in S70 until the power of the information code reading device 10 is switched from ON to OFF. When the control unit 30 starts the icon display process in S70, the control unit 30 ends the process of FIG.

On the other hand, in S80, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the inspection discharge characteristic 36b is stored in the memory 32. When the inspection discharge characteristic 36b is already stored in the memory 32, the control unit 30 determines YES in S80 and proceeds to S82. The case where the inspection discharge characteristic 36b is stored in the memory 32 is a case where the inspection work has been executed in the past using the battery 44 and the processing of S34 in FIG. 3 has been executed in the past. .. In the following, the battery 44 used when the process of S34 of FIG. 3 was executed in the past may be referred to as a “second previous battery”. On the other hand, when the inspection discharge characteristic 36b is not stored in the memory 32 (that is, when the process of S34 in FIG. 3 has not been executed in the past), the control unit 30 determines NO in S80 and S88. Proceed to. The process executed in S88 is the same as the process executed in S68.

In S82, the control unit 30 utilizes the inspection discharge characteristic 36b stored in the memory 32 to use the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 (hereinafter referred to as “inspection threshold voltage value”) used for the current inspection work. To set. The method for setting the inspection threshold voltage value is the same as the method for setting the inventory threshold voltage value (S62), except that the inspection discharge characteristic 36b is used. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, the control unit 30 specifies the required time tr as 4.95 [h], and sets the periods t1, t2, t3, and t4 as 1.5 [h] and 1.5 [, respectively. It is specified as h], 1.5 [h], and 0.45 [h]. Then, the control unit 30 sets the first threshold voltage value V1 to 3.7 [V], sets the second threshold voltage value V2 to 3.6 [V], and sets the third threshold voltage value V3. Is set to 3.35 [V].

In S84, the control unit 30 uses the inspection discharge characteristic 36b to determine whether or not the second previous battery has deteriorated. The second method for determining the deterioration of the previous battery is that the second deterioration determination time tdd2 (not shown) stored in advance in the memory 32 is used instead of the first deterioration determination time tdd1. , Similar to the method performed in S64. The second deterioration determination time tdd2 is shorter than the first deterioration determination time tdd1. When the decrease time td is longer than the second deterioration determination time tdd2, the control unit 30 determines that the second previous battery has not deteriorated (NO in S84), skips S86, and proceeds to S90. On the other hand, when the decrease time td is less than the second deterioration determination time tdd2, the control unit 30 determines that the second previous battery has deteriorated (YES in S84), and proceeds to S86. The process executed in S86 is the same as the process executed in S66.

In S90, the control unit 30 starts the icon display process by using the input voltage Vi and the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 set in S82 or S88. The method of determining the icon displayed on the display unit 14 is the same as that of S50. The control unit 30 continuously executes the icon display process started in S90 until the power of the information code reading device 10 is changed from ON to OFF. When the control unit 30 starts the icon display process in S90, the control unit 30 ends the process of FIG.

As described above, the discharge characteristics of the battery 44 differ depending on the work performed by the user of the information code reader 10. However, for example, when the work carried out last time is an inventory work and the work carried out this time is an inventory work, it is highly possible that the inventory discharge characteristic 36a in the memory 32 and the discharge characteristic this time are close to each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 specifies the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 from the inventory discharge characteristic 36a in the memory 32 (S62 in FIG. 4). Then, the control unit 30 changes the icon to be displayed on the display unit 14 by using the input voltage Vi and the specified threshold voltage values V1 to V3. Therefore, the control unit 30 can appropriately display the icon on the display unit 14.

Further, when the user selects to execute the inventory work (YES in S52 in FIG. 4), the information code reading device 10 specifies the inventory threshold voltage value by using the inventory discharge characteristic 36a (FIG. 4). S62). On the other hand, when the user selects to execute the inspection work (NO in S52 of FIG. 4), the information code reading device 10 specifies the inspection threshold voltage value by using the inspection discharge characteristic 36b (FIG. 4). S82). Therefore, the control unit 30 can appropriately specify the threshold voltage value corresponding to the current work executed by the user. Therefore, the control unit 30 can appropriately display the icon on the display unit 14.

Further, the control unit 30 uses the inventory discharge characteristic 36a to determine whether or not the battery has deteriorated last time (S64 in FIG. 4), and determines that the battery has deteriorated last time (YES in S64). ), The display unit 14 and the speaker 16 are made to execute the notification operation. Therefore, the user of the information code reading device 10 can know that the battery has deteriorated last time by the notification operation of the information code reading device 10.

(Correspondence)
The information code reading device 10, the battery box 42, the memory 32, and the battery 44 are examples of an “electronic device”, a “battery mounting unit”, a “storage unit”, and a “target battery”, respectively. The inventory discharge characteristic 36a and the inspection discharge characteristic 36b are examples of the "previous characteristics". The start voltage Vs and the end voltage Ve are examples of the “predetermined start voltage” and the “predetermined end voltage”, respectively. The icons 50 to 56 are examples of "remaining capacity information". The inventory work, inventory discharge characteristic 36a, inspection work, and inspection discharge characteristic 36b are the "first operation pattern", "first previous characteristic", "second operation pattern", and "second previous characteristic", respectively. This is just an example. The display unit 14 and the speaker 16 are examples of the “notification unit”.

(Second Example)
The information code reading device 10 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the memory 32 of the information code reading device 10 of the second embodiment, the current consumption table 38a (see FIG. 8), the determination table 38b (see FIG. 9), and the determination table 38b (see FIG. 9) are used instead of the inventory discharge characteristic 36a and the inspection discharge characteristic 36b. The threshold table 38c (see FIG. 10) is stored. The tables 38a to 38c are created in advance by the vendor of the information code reading device 10 and stored in the memory 32.

As shown in FIG. 8, the current consumption table 38a is a table showing the correspondence between the operating state of each part of the information code reading device 10 and the current consumption per unit time (1 second in this embodiment) in each operating state. Is. In the example of FIG. 8, the current consumption table 38a shows the current consumption when the information code is read (hereinafter referred to as “reading process”), the current consumption when the display unit 14 operates, and the current consumption when the display unit 14 operates. , Only the current consumption when the control unit 30 operates is displayed. For example, when the reading process is executed by the user, 300 [mA] per second is consumed. Further, when the display unit 14 operates at the brightest third level, 30 [mA] per second is consumed, and when the display unit 14 operates at the second brightest second level, 30 [mA] per second is consumed, which is the darkest. When operating at one level, 5 [mA] per second is consumed. Further, when the CPU clock frequency of the control unit 30 is 400 MHz, 150 [mA] per second is consumed, when it is 100 MHz, 75 [mA] is consumed per second, and when it is 32 kHz, 5 [mA] per second is consumed. Be consumed. The current consumption table 38a also stores the current consumption when the components other than the display unit 14 and the control unit 30 operate.

As shown in FIG. 9, the determination table 38b is a table for determining the degree of deterioration of the battery 44. The determination table 38b is a table for determining the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 by using the first average current consumption C1 and the decrease time td. The decrease time td is the time until the input voltage Vi decreases from the determination start voltage Vds to the determination end voltage Vde (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the determination start voltage Vds is 4.0 [V], and the determination end voltage Vde is 3.8 [V]. Further, the first average current consumption C1 is the average value of the current consumption of the information code reading device 10 until the input voltage Vi drops from the determination start voltage Vds to the determination end voltage Vde (that is, during the decrease time td). Is. In FIG. 9, a time range for determining the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 using the first average current consumption C1 and the decrease time dt (that is, determination times D11 to D13, D21 to D23, D13 to D33, D41). ~ D43) and. “New”, “standard”, “slightly deteriorated”, and “deteriorated” indicate the degree of progress of deterioration of the battery 44. As the deterioration of the battery 44 progresses, the reduction time td becomes shorter. Therefore, the relationship between the determination times D11, D12, D13, and D14 is D11> D12> D13> D14. The same applies to the relationships of the determination times D21 to D24, D31 to D34, and D41 to D44. Further, the larger the first average current consumption C1, the shorter the decrease time td. Therefore, the relationship between the determination times D11, D21, D31, and D41 is D11> D21> D31> D41. The same applies to the relationship between the determination times D12, D22, D32, D42, and the determination times D13, D23, D33, and D43. For example, determination of the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 when the first average current consumption C1 is 30 [mA] will be described. When the decrease time td is the determination time D11 or more, the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is determined to be "new". Further, when the decrease time td is less than the determination time D11 and the determination time D12 or more, the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is determined to be "standard". Further, when the decrease time td is less than the determination time D12 and the determination time D13 or more, the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is determined to be "slightly deteriorated". When the decrease time td is less than the determination time D13, the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is determined to be "deterioration".

The threshold table 38c is a table in which threshold voltage values V1 to V3 used for determining which of the plurality of icons 50, 52, 54, and 56 are to be displayed on the display unit 14 are stored. be. As shown in FIG. 10, the threshold table 38c is composed of four threshold tables 38c1 to 38c4. The threshold table 38c1 to 38c4 are tables corresponding to each of the plurality of deterioration degrees of the battery 44 determined by the determination table 38b. The threshold table 38c1 corresponds to "new", the threshold table 38c2 corresponds to "standard", the threshold table 38c3 corresponds to "slightly deteriorated", and the threshold table 38c4 corresponds to "deteriorated". In the threshold table 38c1, the second average current consumption C2 and the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 are associated with each other. The second average current consumption C2 is the average value of the current consumption of the information code reader 10 for one minute. Also in the threshold tables 38c2 to 38c4, the second average current consumption C2 and the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 are associated with each other.

(Processes executed by the control unit 30; FIGS. 11 and 12)
Subsequently, the process executed by the control unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. When the power of the information code reading device 10 is turned on, the control unit 30 starts the deterioration determination process of FIG. 11 and the display process of FIG. 12 in parallel.

(Deterioration determination process; FIG. 11)
The content of the deterioration determination process will be described with reference to FIG. The deterioration determination process is a process for determining the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 currently mounted in the battery box 42, and is a process for determining the threshold table 38c used in the display process (FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the threshold value table 38c used in the display process is referred to as a “target threshold value table”.

In S110, the control unit 30 monitors that the input voltage Vi becomes less than the determination start voltage Vds (4 [V] in this embodiment). When the input voltage Vi becomes less than the determination start voltage Vds, the control unit 30 determines YES in S110, and starts counting the timer in S112.

In S114, the control unit 30 monitors that the input voltage Vi becomes less than the determination end voltage Vde (3.9 [V] in this embodiment). When the input voltage Vi becomes less than the determination end voltage Vde, the control unit 30 determines YES in S114 and proceeds to S116.

In S116, the control unit 30 uses a timer to specify the decrease time td from the determination start voltage Vds to the determination end voltage Vde.

In S118, the control unit 30 calculates a first average current consumption C1 which is an average value of the current consumption of the information code reading device 10 until the input voltage Vi drops from the determination start voltage Vds to the determination end voltage Vde. do. The control unit 30 temporarily stores the state of each unit of the information code reading device 10 in the memory 32 during the decrease time dt. For example, the control unit 30 stores information such as the display unit 14 operating at the first level for 30 seconds in the memory 32 at the decrease time td. The control unit 30 calculates the total current consumption (that is, the total value) during the decrease time td by using the operating state of each unit stored in the memory 32 and the current consumption table 38a (see FIG. 8). .. Then, the control unit 30 calculates the first average current consumption C1 by dividing the calculated total current consumption by the decrease time td.

In S120, the control unit 30 specifies the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 by using the reduction time td, the first average current consumption C1, and the determination table 38b (see FIG. 9). For example, when the first average current consumption C1 is 30 [mA] and the reduction time td is longer than the time D11, the control unit 30 specifies the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 as “new”.

In S122, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is specified as "deterioration". When the degree of deterioration is specified as "deterioration", the control unit 30 determines YES in S122 and proceeds to S124. On the other hand, when the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is specified as "new", "standard", or "slightly deteriorated", the control unit 30 determines NO in S122, omits S124, and proceeds to S126.

In S124, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 14, the speaker 16, and the like to execute a notification operation for notifying that the deterioration of the battery 44 has been detected. As a result, the user can know that the battery 44 has deteriorated and that it is time to replace the battery 44.

In S126, the control unit 30 determines the target threshold table used in the display process (FIG. 12). Of the four threshold tables 38c1 to 38c4, the control unit 30 determines the threshold table 38c corresponding to the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 specified in S120 as the target threshold table. For example, when the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is specified as "new" in S120, the control unit 30 determines in S126 the threshold table 38c1 as the target threshold table.

(Display processing; Fig. 12)
The contents of the display process will be described with reference to FIG. The display process is a process for displaying one of a plurality of icons 50, 52, 54, 56 (see FIG. 4) on the display unit 14. In the following, a case where the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is specified as “new” in S120 of FIG. 11 and the target threshold table is determined to be the threshold table 38c1 in S126 will be described as an example.

In S130, the control unit 30 monitors that the target threshold table is determined. When the target threshold table is determined (that is, S126 in FIG. 11 is executed), the control unit 30 determines YES in S130 and proceeds to S132. The control unit 30 has a determination end voltage Vde from the time when the power is turned on until the target threshold table is determined, that is, the input voltage Vi starts from the start voltage Vs (4.0 [V] in this embodiment). The icon 50 (FIG. 7) is displayed on the display unit 14 until the voltage drops to 3.9 [V] in this embodiment.

In S132, the control unit 30 starts counting the timer. Then, in S134, the control unit 30 monitors that one minute has elapsed since the timer started counting. When one minute has elapsed from the start of the timer count, the control unit 30 determines YES in S134 and proceeds to S140.

In S140, the control unit 30 uses the current consumption table 38a stored in the memory 32 to start counting for the last minute of the information code reading device 10 (that is, the count is started in S132, and YES is determined in S134). The second average current consumption C2, which is the average value of the current consumption for 1 minute), is calculated. The second method for calculating the average current consumption C2 is the same as the method for calculating the first average current consumption C1 (S118 in FIG. 11), except that the period for calculating the average current consumption is one minute.

In S142, the control unit 30 sets the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 by using the target threshold table determined in S126 of FIG. 11 and the second average current consumption C2 calculated in S140. For example, when the threshold table 38c1 is determined as the target threshold table and the second average current consumption C2 is 30 [mA], the control unit 30 uses the threshold table 38c1 to obtain the first threshold. The voltage value V1, the second threshold voltage value V2, and the third threshold voltage value V3 are set to 3.82 [V], 3.76 [V], and 3.58 [V], respectively.

In S144, the control unit 30 executes the icon display process by using the input voltage Vi and the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 set in S142. The process executed in S144 is the same as the process executed in S70 of FIG. When the control unit 30 finishes S144, it returns to S132 and starts counting the timer anew. The control unit 30 repeatedly executes the processes of S132 to S144 until the power supply of the information code reading device 10 is changed from ON to OFF. That is, the control unit 30 changes the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 according to the change in the second average current consumption C2.

The discharge characteristics of the battery 44 differ depending on the second average current consumption C2 of the information code reader 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 specifies the second average current consumption C2 (S140 in FIG. 12), and uses the specified second average current consumption C2 and the target threshold table to obtain the threshold voltage. The values V1 to V3 are specified. Then, the control unit 30 changes the icon to be displayed on the display unit 14 by using the specified threshold voltage values V1 to V3. Therefore, the control unit 30 can appropriately display the icon on the display unit 14.

Further, the control unit 30 specifies a decrease time td, which is the time from the input voltage Vi to the determination end voltage Vds (4.0 [V]) to the determination end voltage Vde (3.9 [V]). (S116 in FIG. 11), the degree of deterioration of the battery 44 is specified (S120 in FIG. 11). Then, the control unit 30 specifies the threshold voltage values V1 to V3 according to the degree of deterioration of the specified battery 44 (S126 in FIG. 11). Therefore, the control unit 30 can appropriately display the icon on the display unit 14.

Further, the control unit 30 specifies a decrease time td, which is the time until the input voltage Vi decreases from the determination start voltage Vds to the determination end voltage Vde (S116 in FIG. 11), and whether or not the battery 44 is deteriorated. When it is determined (S122 in FIG. 11) and it is determined that the battery 44 is deteriorated (YES in S122 in FIG. 11), the display unit 14 and the speaker 16 are made to execute the notification operation (S124 in FIG. 11). .. As a result, the user of the information code reading device 10 can know that the battery 44 has deteriorated.

(Correspondence)
The threshold table 38c is an example of "threshold information". The second average current consumption C2 is an example of "current consumption of an electronic device per unit time". The determination start voltage Vds and the determination end voltage Vde are examples of the "first predetermined voltage" and the "second predetermined voltage", respectively.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and modifications of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) The battery 44 may be a primary battery such as a dry battery or a button type battery. Further, the battery 44 may be a secondary battery other than the lithium ion secondary battery.

(Modification 2) In the first embodiment, when the work executed by the information code reading device 10 is limited to one, only the discharge characteristic corresponding to the work is stored in the memory 32 of the control unit 30. If possible. For example, when the work executed by the information code reading device 10 is limited to the inventory work, it is sufficient that only the inventory discharge characteristic 36a can be stored in the memory 32.

(Modification 3) In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 may store the discharge characteristics corresponding to each of the plurality of deterioration degrees of the battery 44 in the memory 32 of the control unit 30. Then, the control unit 30 compares the discharge characteristics of the previous battery in the memory 32 with the discharge characteristics corresponding to the plurality of deterioration degrees in the memory 32, and determines whether or not the previous battery has deteriorated. May be good.

(Modification 4) In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 does not have to determine whether or not the battery has deteriorated last time. That is, S64, S66, S84, and S86 in FIG. 4 may be omitted. Further, in the second embodiment, the control unit 30 does not have to determine whether or not the battery 44 is deteriorated. In this case, S122 and S124 in FIG. 11 may be omitted.

(Modification 5) In the second embodiment, the determination table 38b may not be divided according to the first average current consumption C1, and the threshold table 38c may be divided according to the second average current consumption C2. It does not have to be divided. For example, the fluctuation range of the average current consumption of the information code reading device 10 is small. In this case, S118 in FIG. 11 and S140 in FIG. 12 may be omitted.

(Modification 6) In the second embodiment, only the threshold table 38c (that is, the threshold table 38c1) whose deterioration degree corresponds to “new” may be stored in the memory 32. For example, when the battery 44 is a primary battery, the battery 44 is replaced by the user when the input voltage Vi of the battery 44 drops to the final voltage Ve. Therefore, the control unit 30 does not have to specify the degree of deterioration of the battery 44. In this case, the deterioration determination process of FIG. 11 and the process of S130 of FIG. 12 may be omitted.

Further, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the techniques exemplified in this specification or drawings achieve a plurality of purposes at the same time, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical usefulness.

10: Information code reader 12: Operation unit 14: Display unit 16: Speaker 18: Light emitting unit 20: Light receiving unit 30: Control unit 32: Memory 34: Program 36a: Inventory discharge characteristic 36b: Inspection discharge characteristic 38a: Judgment table 38b : Threshold table 40: Power supply 42: Battery box 44: Battery 50, 52, 54, 56: Icon

Claims (6)

It ’s an electronic device,
The battery mounting part where the battery can be mounted and the battery mounting part
A display unit that displays remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the target battery mounted on the battery mounting unit, and a display unit.
It is a storage unit that stores the previous characteristic which is the discharge characteristic of the previous battery mounted on the battery mounting portion, and the previous characteristic is that the previous input voltage from the previous battery changes from a predetermined start voltage to a predetermined end voltage. The storage unit and the storage unit including the correspondence relationship between the required time to reach and the value of the previous input voltage at each timing during the required time.
A notification unit for performing a predetermined notification operation, and
A control unit that displays the remaining capacity information on the display unit.
The value of the previous input voltage at the specific timing included in the previous characteristic stored in the storage unit is specified as the threshold voltage value.
When the value of the target input voltage input from the target battery shifts from a value exceeding the threshold voltage value to a value lower than the threshold voltage value, the display content of the remaining capacity information displayed on the display unit is changed. death,
By comparing the previous characteristic stored in the storage unit with the deterioration characteristic indicating the discharge characteristic of the battery in a predetermined deteriorated state, it is determined whether or not the previous battery has deteriorated.
When it is determined that the battery has deteriorated last time, the notification unit is made to perform the notification operation.
An electronic device comprising the control unit. The previous characteristic stored in the storage unit is
The first previous characteristic, which is the discharge characteristic of the first previous battery when the electronic device operates in the first operation pattern, and
The second previous characteristic, which is the discharge characteristic of the second previous battery, when the electronic device operates in a second operation pattern different from the first operation pattern, and
Including
The control unit
When the electronic device operates in the first operation pattern, the threshold voltage is the value of the previous input voltage at the first specific timing included in the first previous characteristic stored in the storage unit. Specified as a value,
When the electronic device operates in the second operation pattern, the value of the previous input voltage at the second specific timing included in the second previous characteristic stored in the storage unit is set as the threshold voltage. Specify as a value,
The electronic device according to claim 1. It ’s an electronic device,
The battery mounting part where the battery can be mounted and the battery mounting part
A display unit that displays remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the target battery mounted on the battery mounting unit, and a display unit.
A storage unit that stores threshold information indicating a predetermined threshold voltage value corresponding to each of a plurality of operating states of the electronic device, and a storage unit.
A control unit that displays the remaining capacity information on the display unit.
Identify the current operating state of the electronic device and
Using the specified current operating state and the threshold information stored in the storage unit, a specific threshold voltage value which is a threshold voltage value corresponding to the current operating state is specified.
When the value of the target input voltage input from the target battery shifts from a value exceeding the specific threshold voltage value to a value lower than the specific threshold voltage value, the remaining capacity information to be displayed on the display unit is displayed. Change the display content,
The control unit is provided.
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit specifies the current operating state by specifying the current consumption of the electronic device per unit time. The control unit specifies a decrease time, which is the time required for the value of the target input voltage to decrease from the first predetermined voltage to the second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage. The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4 , which specifies the current operating state. Further equipped with a notification unit for performing a predetermined notification operation,
The control unit further
The decrease time, which is the time required for the value of the target input voltage to decrease from the first predetermined voltage to the second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage, is specified.
Based on the decrease time, it is determined whether or not the target battery is deteriorated, and
When it is determined that the target battery is deteriorated, the notification unit is made to perform the notification operation.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5 .

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