JPH09305274A - Power source control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power source control method which suppresses unnecessary power consumption of a power source part by controlling the operation period of an APO(automatic power-off) function and its APO time (specific continuance of an unused state) according to the state of electronic equipment. SOLUTION: A computer system is provided with an ineffective period wherein the APO function is made ineffective for a certain period after this system operates or equipped with a voltage drop detection part, and operation period control is performed by placing the APO function in operation, etc., only when the output voltage of a battery drops, namely, when the remaining electromotive force of the battery becomes small. Further, APO times are made settable by various application programs or time zones, and the APO function is made to operate with an APO time corresponding to an executed application program and the current time.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply control method, and more particularly, to detecting a non-use state of an electronic device and stopping the operation of a power supply unit when the non-use state continues for a predetermined time or longer. The present invention relates to a power supply control method for controlling power consumption of a power supply unit by an automatic power supply stop function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a word processor (Word
Processor) and personal computer (Personal Com)
puter) or PDA (Personal Digital Assista)
In electronic devices such as nt), if the input operation is not continuously performed for a predetermined time or longer, the power of the device is automatically turned off (hereinafter referred to as AP
O: Abbreviated as Auto Power Off), and a power supply control method is adopted in which the power consumption of the power supply unit is controlled by this APO function to suppress wasteful power consumption.

Furthermore, some electronic devices having such an APO function have a predetermined duration of a non-input operation state (hereinafter, abbreviated as APO time) which is a condition for stopping the operation of the power supply unit in the APO function. Some adopt a power supply control method that can be arbitrarily set by the user.

[0004]

However, such a conventional power supply control method has the following problems.

That is, when an electronic device is used, its input operation interval varies depending on the work content (eg, document creation, drawing creation, form creation, etc.) and time zone (eg, working hours, vacation time, etc.). Changes to. However, conventional A
Since the APO time is fixed in the PO function, it is not possible to sufficiently cope with such various input operation intervals. For example, the non-input operation state is considered while considering the related materials in creating the document. Has exceeded the APO time and the power is turned off by the APO function even when working, or conversely, when the APO time is set to be long in order to deal with the problem. However, in a situation where it is desired to turn off the power supply by the APO function, the power supply is not easily turned off, and there is a problem that useless power consumption in the power supply unit cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

On the other hand, in the case of the APO function in which the user can arbitrarily set the APO time, in order to operate the APO function at the optimum APO time, the APO time is set for each work according to the work content. There was a problem that it had to be changed, took time and effort, and was inconvenient to use.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply control method for suppressing wasteful power consumption of a power supply unit by controlling the operation period of the APO function and the APO time thereof according to the status of electronic equipment. .

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 detects the non-use state of an electronic device, and when the non-use state continues for a predetermined time or longer, In a power supply control method for controlling power consumption of a power supply unit by an automatic power supply stop function for stopping operation, an invalid period for disabling the automatic power supply stop function is provided for a certain period after turning on the electronic device. It is characterized by that.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the invention, the invalid period for invalidating the automatic power stop function is provided for a certain period after the power of the electronic device is turned on. During this period, the automatic power shutdown function does not work, and it is possible to solve the problem that the power is turned off by the automatic power shutdown function while working.
The usability of the electronic device can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the power supply unit is detected by an automatic power supply stop function that detects the unused state of the electronic device and stops the operation of the power supply unit when the unused state continues for a predetermined time or longer. In the power supply control method for controlling the power supply, a detection unit is provided for detecting that the power supplied from the power supply unit is below a predetermined level, and the detection unit detects that the power is below a predetermined level. Up to the above, the automatic power supply stop function is disabled, and the automatic power supply stop function is enabled when the detection unit detects that the electric power is below a predetermined level.

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is provided with the detecting means for detecting that the electric power supplied from the power supply unit has become lower than the predetermined level, and the detecting means causes the electric power to become the predetermined level or lower. Until it is detected that
Since the automatic power-off function is disabled, and the automatic power-off function is enabled when the detection means detects that the electric power has dropped to a predetermined level or lower,
In an electronic device that uses a battery as a power source, if the electromotive force of the battery is sufficient, the automatic power stop function is disabled, and the power is turned off by the automatic power stop function even during work. It provides a user-friendly working environment by solving the problems, and when the electromotive force of the battery is low, the automatic power shutdown function is activated to prevent wasteful power consumption of the battery and use of electronic devices. Since the available time can be extended, the usability and reliability of the electronic device can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the power supply unit is detected by an automatic power stop function that detects the unused state of the electronic device and stops the operation of the power supply unit when the unused state continues for a predetermined time or longer. In the power supply control method for controlling, the duration of the unused state is set for each of various data processes executed in the electronic device, the data process selected in the electronic device is determined, and the determined data is determined. The automatic power-off function is operated based on the duration set in correspondence with the process.

Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the duration of the non-use state is set for each data processing executed in the electronic device, and the data processing selected in the electronic device is determined. Since the automatic power-off function is configured to operate based on the continuation time set corresponding to the determined data processing, the automatic power-off function should be operated at the optimal continuation time according to the work content. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress wasteful power consumption in the power supply unit as compared with the related art, and improve the reliability of the electronic device. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to change the setting of the continuation time according to the work contents for each work, so that the user's operation load for that can be reduced and the usability of the electronic device can be improved. it can.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the power consumption of the power supply unit is detected by an automatic power stop function that detects the non-use state of the electronic device and stops the operation of the power supply unit when the non-use state continues for a predetermined time or longer. In the power supply control method for controlling, the duration of the unused state is set for each time zone, the current time zone is discriminated, and the automatic power source is determined based on the time duration set corresponding to this time zone. It is characterized by operating the stop function.

Therefore, according to the invention of claim 4, the non-use state duration is set for each time zone, the current time zone is discriminated, and the duration time set corresponding to this time zone is set. Since it is configured to operate the automatic power shutdown function based on the above, it is possible to operate the automatic power shutdown function at the optimal duration time according to the time zone to be used. It is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption in the unit and improve the reliability of the electronic device. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to change the setting of the continuation time according to the work contents for each work, so that the user's operation load for that can be reduced and the usability of the electronic device can be improved. it can.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing a computer system of a first embodiment to which a power supply control method of the present invention is applied. First, the configuration will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system 1 to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, the computer system 1 includes an input unit 11, a RAM 12, a power supply unit 13, a CPU 14, a display unit 15, and a storage device 16. And a storage medium control unit 17, and each unit is a bus 1
9.

The input unit 11 has a power key, a function key, a numerical key, a character key and other keys, and outputs various operation signals in accordance with a user's key input operation to the CPU 1.
4 is output. RAM (Random Access Memory) 12
When various control processes are executed by the CPU 14,
A memory area for temporarily storing various data to be processed is formed.

The power supply unit 13 is driven and controlled by the CPU 14, and is a battery 13a composed of a primary battery or a secondary battery.
Drive power for driving each part of the computer system 1 is generated based on the electromotive force, and the generated drive power is supplied to each part of the system 1. Specifically, the power supply unit 13
When a supply start signal is input from the CPU 14,
Generation of drive power and supply of the drive power to each part of the system 1 are started, and when a supply end signal is input from the CPU 14, generation of drive power and supply of the drive power to each part of the system 1 are performed. Stop.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14
Is a central processing unit that includes an APO timer 14a and an APO invalidation timer 14b and controls each unit of the computer system 1 according to various control programs and application programs stored in the storage device 16, the storage medium 18, and the like.

Specifically, the CPU 14 outputs a supply start signal to the power supply unit 13 when the power key of the input unit 11 is turned on to generate drive power and supply the drive power to each unit of the system 1. And the computer system 1 is moved. Further, the CPU 14 uses the input unit 11
When the power key is turned off and it is instructed to turn off the power, or the automatic power stop process described later (see FIG. 2).
In, in the case where the non-input operation state exceeds the APO time, a supply end signal is output to the power supply unit 13 to end the generation of drive power and the supply of the drive power to each unit of the system 1,
The computer system 1 is stopped.

The APO timer 14a is a timer for measuring the duration of the non-input operation state in the automatic power stop process (see FIG. 2) described later. APO invalid timer 14b
In the automatic power shutdown process (see FIG. 2) described later,
After the computer system 1 is operated, for a certain period of time,
It is a timer for measuring an invalid period in which the APO (automatic power off) function is invalid.

The display unit 15 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tub).
e) and a liquid crystal display.
The display data input from U14 is displayed. The storage device 16 has a storage medium in which various control programs, application programs, various data, and the like are stored, and this storage medium is composed of a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

The storage medium may be fixedly provided in the storage device 16 or may be detachably mounted in the storage device 16. The program, data, etc. stored in the storage medium may be received and stored from another device connected via a communication line or the like, and further connected via the communication line or the like. A storage device 16 including the storage medium may be provided on the side of another device, and programs, data, and the like stored in the storage medium may be used via a communication line.

The storage medium control unit 17 is controlled by the CPU 14 and drives and controls the storage medium 18 (for example, a floppy disk) shown in the figure. In the storage medium control unit 17, when the write instruction is input from the CPU 14, the designated data is written in the designated storage area of the storage medium 18, and when the read instruction is input, the designated data is designated. The data is read from the storage medium 18 and transferred to the designated storage area in the RAM 12 or the storage device 16. The above is the configuration of the computer system 1 according to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, after the computer system 1 is operated, the APO (automatic power off) function is disabled for a certain period after the computer system 1 is operated, and the operation of the power supply unit 13 is stopped in the APO function. AP as a condition
The O time (predetermined duration of non-input operation state) may be a fixed value (which cannot be changed by the user) or may be changeable by the user. When the invalid period and the APO time can be set and changed by the user, the values of both can be arbitrarily set and changed in the environment setting process (not shown) executed by the CPU 14.

Next, the operation will be described. C of this embodiment
The automatic power stop process executed in the PU 14 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 and the operation explanatory diagram shown in FIG. In the CPU 14, the input unit 11
When the power key is turned on and the computer system 1 is moved, the program for automatic power-off processing stored in the storage device 16 is read out, and the processing is started based on interrupt signals at regular intervals.

First, the CPU 14 determines whether or not the value of the invalid period end flag, which indicates whether or not the invalid period for invalidating the APO (automatic power off) function has ended, is "0" (step S1). ), If the value of the invalid period end flag is "1", that is, if the invalid period has already ended, the process proceeds to step S7. Further, when the CPU 14 determines that the value of the invalid period end flag is “0”,
That is, if it is determined that the invalid period has not ended, then it is determined whether or not the invalid period is being measured (step S2).

If the CPU 14 determines that the invalid period is being measured, the CPU 14 proceeds to step S4, and if it is determined that the invalid period is not being measured, the APO
After the value of the invalidation timer 14b is cleared to start counting up (step S3), the process proceeds to step S4.

Next, the CPU 14 checks the count value of the APO invalidation timer 14b (step S
4) Based on this count value, it is determined whether or not the invalid period has ended (step S5). If the invalid period has not ended, the automatic power shutdown process is ended. Also,
When the CPU 14 determines that the invalid period has ended,
After setting the value of the invalid period end flag to "1" (step S6), the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, if the CPU 14 determines in step S1 that the value of the invalid period end flag is "1", that is, if the invalid period has already expired, then the CPU 14 does not input any data. It is determined whether or not the duration of the operation state is being measured (step S7). When the CPU 14 determines that the duration is being measured, the CPU 14 proceeds to step S9, and when the CPU 14 determines that the duration is not being measured, the APO timer 1
After clearing the value of 4a to start counting up (step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.

Next, the CPU 14 determines whether or not the input operation is performed (step S9), and when the input operation is performed, the process returns to the step S8. Also, CPU
If it is determined that the input operation is not performed, then 14, after checking the count value of the APO timer 14a (step S10), the duration of the non-input operation state is preset based on this count value. It is determined whether or not the APO time is exceeded (step S11), and if the continuation time does not exceed the APO time, the automatic power shutdown process is ended.

Further, the CPU 14 determines that the continuation time is AP
When it is determined that the O time has been exceeded, the end processing of outputting the supply end signal to the power supply unit 13, ending the generation of the drive power and the supply of the drive power to each unit of the system 1, and stopping the computer system 1 concerned. After executing (step S12), the automatic power shutdown process is ended.

The value of the invalid period end flag is cleared to "0" in the initial processing (not shown) when the computer system 1 is in operation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the automatic power supply stop process. As shown in the figure, when the power key of the input unit 11 is turned on by the user, the power of the computer system 1 is turned on, and the automatic power-off process is started based on the interrupt signal at regular intervals. .
Then, the invalid period is measured by the APO invalid timer 14b with the start of the automatic power stop process, and during this invalid period, the power of the computer system 1 is kept in the on state regardless of the presence or absence of the input operation.

When the invalid period ends, the APO timer 14a measures the duration of the non-input operation state. When the duration of the non-input operation state exceeds the APO time, the computer system 1 is powered off. It The above is the operation procedure of the automatic power supply stop processing executed by the CPU 14 of the present embodiment.

From the above, according to the computer system 1 of the present embodiment, the power supply unit 13 generates a drive power and supplies the drive power to each unit of the system 1 for a certain period of time. Since an invalid period for disabling the APO function is provided, the APO function does not operate during this invalid period, and the problem is that the power is turned off by the APO function while working. It can be resolved. The above is the description of the first example of the embodiment.

(Second Embodiment) Next, FIG. 4 and FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a computer system of a second embodiment to which the power supply control method of the present invention is applied. First,
The configuration will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the computer system 2 according to the second embodiment. Note that, in FIG. 4, the same components as those of the block configuration (see FIG. 1) of the computer system 1 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 4, the computer system 2 includes an input unit 11, a RAM 12, a power supply unit 13, a display unit 15, a storage device 16 and a storage medium control unit 17, a voltage drop detection unit 21 and a storage unit 21 shown in FIG. It is composed of a CPU 22 and each unit is connected by a bus 19.

The voltage drop detecting unit 21 monitors the output voltage of the battery 13a provided in the power supply unit 13 while the computer system 2 is in operation, and when it detects that the output voltage is below a predetermined level, the voltage is supplied to the CPU 22. Output a drop signal.

The CPU 22 is a central processing unit that includes an APO timer 22a and controls each part of the computer system 2 according to various control programs and application programs stored in the storage device 16, the storage medium 18, and the like.

Specifically, the CPU 22 outputs a supply start signal to the power supply unit 13 when the power key of the input unit 11 is turned on to generate drive power and supply the drive power to each unit of the system 2. And the computer system 2 is moved. Further, the CPU 22 uses the input unit 11
When the power key is turned off and it is instructed to turn off the power, or the automatic power stop process described later (see FIG. 5).
In the above, when the non-input operation state exceeds the APO time, a power supply end signal is output to the power supply unit 13 to stop generation of drive power and supply of the drive power to each unit of the system 2,
The computer system 2 is stopped.

The APO timer 22a is a timer for measuring the duration of the non-input operation state in the automatic power stop process (see FIG. 5) described later. The above is the configuration of the computer system 2 in the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the APO (automatic power-off) function is the condition for stopping the operation of the power supply unit 13 (APO time (predetermined duration of non-input operation state)).
May be a fixed value (one whose setting cannot be changed by the user) or one whose setting can be changed by the user. When the user can change the setting of the APO time, the environment setting process (not shown) executed by the CPU 22 can be set to change the time width of the APO time arbitrarily.

Next, the operation will be described. C of this embodiment
The automatic power stop process executed in the PU 22 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. C
In the PU 22, when the power key of the input unit 11 is turned on and the computer system 2 is moved, a program regarding an automatic power stop process stored in the storage device 16 is read out, and the process is executed based on an interrupt signal at regular intervals. To start.

First, the CPU 22 detects the voltage drop detecting section 21.
It is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal is input from (step S21), and when the voltage drop signal is not input,
The automatic power shutdown process is ended. In addition, the CPU 22
If it is determined that the voltage drop signal has been input, then it determines whether or not the duration of the non-input operation state is being measured (step S22).

If the CPU 22 determines that the duration is being measured, the CPU 22 proceeds to step S23, and if the CPU 22 determines that the duration is not being measured, it sets the value of the APO timer 22a. After clearing and starting counting up (step S22), step S23
Move to

Next, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the input operation is performed (step S23), and when the input operation is performed, the process returns to the step S22. Also, C
If the PU 22 determines that the input operation is not performed, then the PU 22 checks the count value of the APO timer 22a (step S24), and the duration of the non-input operation state is preset based on this count value. APO
It is determined whether the time is over (step S25),
If the continuation time does not exceed the APO time, the automatic power shutdown process is ended.

Further, the CPU 22 determines that the continuation time is AP
When it is determined that the O time has been exceeded, a termination process of outputting a supply termination signal to the power supply unit 13 to terminate generation of drive power and supply of the drive power to each unit of the system 2 and stop the computer system 2 concerned. After executing (step S26), the automatic power shutdown process is terminated. More than,
It is an operation procedure of an automatic power supply stop process executed in the CPU 22 of the present embodiment.

From the above, according to the computer system 2 of the present embodiment, the output voltage of the battery 13a provided in the power supply unit 13 is monitored and it is detected that the output voltage is below a predetermined level. Until the output voltage is detected to be equal to or lower than a predetermined level by the voltage drop detection unit 21.
Since the APO function is disabled and the APO function is enabled when the voltage drop detection unit 21 detects that the output voltage is below a predetermined level, the output voltage of the battery 13a is sufficient. In this case, the APO function is disabled, and the problem that the power is turned off by the APO function while working is solved to provide a convenient working environment, and the output voltage of the battery 13a is low. In the case where the electromotive force of the battery 13a becomes low, the APO function can be activated to prevent wasteful power consumption of the battery 13a and extend the usable time of the computer system 2. The above is the description of the second example of the embodiment.

(Third Embodiment) Next, FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a computer system of a third embodiment to which the power supply control method of the present invention is applied. First,
The configuration will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the computer system 3 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same components as those of the block configuration of the computer system 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 6, the computer system 3 includes an input unit 11, a power supply unit 13, a display unit 15, a storage medium control unit 17, a RAM 31, a CPU shown in FIG.
32 and a storage device 33, and each unit is connected by a bus 19.

The RAM 31 forms a memory area for temporarily storing various data to be processed when the CPU 32 executes various control processes, and also has an APO time memory 31a. The APO time memory 31a is
A memory area for temporarily storing the APO time table is formed. The APO time table is a table that stores APO time data set by the user for each of various application programs executed in the computer system 3.

FIG. 7 shows the APO time memory 3 of the RAM 31.
It is a figure which shows an example of the APO time table stored in 1a. As shown in the figure, the APO time table is composed of two items of "program name" and "APO time".

The "program name" item stores the program names of various application programs executed in the computer system 3. The “APO time” item stores APO time data set by the user for each application program stored in the “program name” item.

In the APO time table shown in FIG. 7, "∞" stored at the bottom of the "APO time" item.
Means infinity. This means that by setting the APO time to infinity while the communication program is running,
Indicates that the function is disabled.

The CPU 32 is a central processing unit that includes an APO timer 32a and controls each part of the computer system 3 according to various control programs and application programs stored in the storage device 33, the storage medium 18, and the like.

Specifically, the CPU 32 outputs a supply start signal to the power supply unit 13 when the power key of the input unit 11 is turned on to generate drive power and supply the drive power to each unit of the system 3. And the computer system 3 is moved. Further, the CPU 32 uses the input unit 11
When the power key is turned off and it is instructed to turn off the power, or the automatic power stop process described later (see FIG. 8).
In the above, when the non-input operation state exceeds the set APO time, a supply end signal is output to the power supply unit 13 to terminate the generation of drive power and the supply of the drive power to each unit of the system 3, The system 3 is stopped.

Further, the CPU 32 uses the input unit 11 to access the AP.
When it is instructed to set the O time, the APO time table is read from the storage device 33 and stored in the APO time memory 31a of the RAM 31, and this information is displayed on the display unit 15. Then, after the data newly set or changed by the user is stored in the APO time table of the APO time memory 31a, the AP
The O time table is stored in the storage device 33 as a new APO time table.

The APO timer 32a is a timer for measuring the duration of the non-input operation state in the automatic power stop process (see FIG. 8) described later. The storage device 33 is basically the same as the storage device 16 of the computer system 1 according to the first embodiment, but its storage medium includes
An APO time table is stored together with a control program, an application program, various data, and the like. The above is the configuration of the computer system 3 in the present embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. C of this embodiment
The automatic power stop process executed in the PU 32 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. C
In the PU 32, when the power key of the input unit 11 is turned on and the computer system 3 is moved, a program related to the automatic power-off processing stored in the storage device 33 is read out, and the processing is executed based on an interrupt signal at regular intervals. To start.

First, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the duration of the non-input operation state is being measured (step S3).
1) If it is determined that the duration is being measured,
Move to step S34. When the CPU 32 determines that the duration time is not being measured, the CPU 32 reads the APO time table from the storage device 33, and reads the A of the RAM 31.
It is stored in the PO time memory 31a (step S
32), after clearing the value of the APO timer 32a to start counting up (step S33), step S33
Move to 34.

Next, the CPU 32 determines whether or not an input operation is performed (step S34), and when the input operation is performed, the process returns to step S33. Also, C
If the PU 32 determines that the input operation is not performed, then the PU 32 checks the count value of the APO timer 32a (step S35), and also checks the application program currently executed in the computer system 3, The corresponding APO time data is read from the APO time table stored in the APO time memory 31a of the RAM 31 (step S3).
6).

The CPU 32 then executes the above step S3.
5, 36 based on the count value of the APO timer 32a and the APO time data read from the APO time table.
It is determined whether or not the O time is exceeded (step S3
7) If the continuation time does not exceed the APO time, the automatic power shutdown process is ended.

Further, the CPU 32 determines that the continuation time is AP
When it is determined that the O time has been exceeded, a supply end signal is output to the power supply unit 13, the generation of drive power and the supply of the drive power to each unit of the system 3 are ended, and the computer system 3 is stopped. After executing (step S38), the automatic power shutdown process is ended. More than,
It is an operation procedure of an automatic power stop process executed in the CPU 32 of the present embodiment.

From the above, according to the computer system 3 of the present embodiment, the A of the RAM 31 is
In the APO time table stored in the PO time memory 31a, APO time data is set and stored for each of various application programs executed in the computer system 3, and the application program executed in the computer system 3 is determined. Then, the APO time data set corresponding to the determined application program is read from the APO time table, and A
Since the PO function is configured to be operated, the APO function can be operated in an optimum APO time according to the work content, and wasteful power consumption of the battery 13a can be further suppressed as compared with the conventional case. Become. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to change the setting of the APO time according to the work content for each work, so that the user's operation load for that can be reduced. The above is the description of the third example of the embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a computer system of a fourth embodiment to which the power supply control method of the present invention is applied. First,
The configuration will be described.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that, in FIG. 9, the same components as those of the block configuration (see FIG. 1) of the computer system 1 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

9, the computer system 4 includes an input unit 11, a power supply unit 13, a display unit 15, a storage medium control unit 17, a RAM 41, and a CPU shown in FIG.
42 and a storage device 43, and each unit is connected by a bus 19.

The RAM 41 forms a memory area for temporarily storing various data to be processed when the CPU 42 executes various control processes, and also has an APO time memory 41a. The APO time memory 41a is
A memory area for temporarily storing the APO time table is formed. This APO time table is a table for storing APO time data set by the user for each time zone.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an APO time table stored in the APO time memory 41a of the RAM 41. As shown in the figure, the APO time table is
It is composed of two items, "time zone" and "APO time".

The "time zone" item stores time zone data set by the user. The "APO time" item stores APO time data set by the user for each time period data stored in the "time period" item.

In the APO time table shown in FIG. 10, "∞" stored at the top of the "APO time" item means infinity. This is 8 am
During the hours from 12:00 to 12:00, the APO function is disabled by setting the APO time to infinity.

The CPU 42 is a central processing unit that includes an APO timer 42a and controls each part of the computer system 4 according to various control programs and application programs stored in the storage device 43, the storage medium 18, and the like.

Specifically, the CPU 42 outputs a supply start signal to the power supply unit 13 when the power key of the input unit 11 is turned on, generates drive power and supplies the drive power to each unit of the system 4. And the computer system 4 is moved. Further, the CPU 42 uses the input unit 11
When the power key is turned off to instruct to turn off the power, or when the non-input operation state exceeds the set APO time in the automatic power-off processing (see FIG. 11) described later, An end-of-supply signal is output to 13, and the generation of drive power and the supply of the drive power to each part of the system 4 are terminated, and the computer system 4 is stopped.

Further, the CPU 42 uses the input unit 11 to access the AP
When it is instructed to set the O time, the APO time table is read from the storage device 43 and stored in the APO time memory 41a of the RAM 41, and this information is displayed on the display unit 15. Then, after the data newly set or changed by the user is stored in the APO time table of the APO time memory 41a, the AP
The O time table is stored in the storage device 43 as a new APO time table.

The APO timer 42a is a timer for measuring the duration of the non-input operation state in the automatic power stop process (see FIG. 11) described later. The storage device 43 is basically the same as the storage device 16 of the computer system 1 in the first embodiment, but the storage medium stores an APO time table together with a control program, an application program, various data, and the like. To be done.
The above is the computer system 4 according to the present embodiment.
It is the structure of.

Next, the operation will be described. C of this embodiment
The automatic power stop process executed in the PU 42 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the power key of the input unit 11 is turned on and the computer system 4 is moved, the CPU 42 reads out the program for the automatic power-off process stored in the storage device 43, and executes the process based on the interrupt signal at regular intervals. To start.

First, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the duration of the non-input operation state is being measured (step S4).
1) If it is determined that the duration is being measured,
Move to step S44. When the CPU 42 determines that the duration time is not being measured, the CPU 42 reads the APO time table from the storage device 43 to read the A of the RAM 41.
It is stored in the PO time memory 41a (step S
42), after clearing the value of the APO timer 32a to start counting up (step S43), step S43
Go to 44.

Next, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the input operation is performed (step S44), and when the input operation is performed, the process returns to step S43. Also, C
When the PU 42 determines that the input operation has not been performed, it then checks the count value of the APO timer 42a (step S45), determines the time zone based on the current time, and determines the APO time memory 4 of the RAM 41.
The corresponding APO time data is read from the APO time table stored in 1a (step S46).

The CPU 42 then executes the above step S4.
5, 46 based on the count value of the APO timer 42a and the APO time data read from the APO time table.
It is determined whether or not the O time is exceeded (step S4
7) If the continuation time does not exceed the APO time, the automatic power shutdown process is ended.

Further, the CPU 42 determines that the continuation time is AP
When it is determined that the O time has been exceeded, the end processing of outputting the supply end signal to the power supply unit 13, ending the generation of the drive power and the supply of the drive power to each unit of the system 4, and stopping the computer system 4 concerned. After executing (step S48), the automatic power shutdown process is terminated. More than,
It is an operation procedure of an automatic power stop process executed in the CPU 42 of the present embodiment.

From the above, according to the computer system 4 of the present embodiment, the A of the RAM 41 is
In the APO time table stored in the PO time memory 41a, APO time data is set and stored for each time zone, the time zone is determined based on the current time, and the APO time set corresponding to this time zone is set. Since the data is read from the APO time table and the APO function is operated based on this APO time data, it is possible to operate the APO function at the optimum APO time according to the time zone to be used. Batteries 13 more than in comparison
It is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption of a. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to change the setting of the APO time according to the work content for each work, so that the user's operation load for that can be reduced.

Although the present invention has been specifically described based on the first to fourth examples of the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and the scope does not deviate from the gist thereof. Needless to say, it can be changed appropriately.

For example, in the first to fourth examples of the above-described embodiment, the non-use state is the state in which there is no input operation from the input section. However, this is not limited to the above contents, and, for example, There is no input operation from the input section, and CP
It may be in a state where no arithmetic processing is performed in U.

Further, in the first to fourth examples of the above-mentioned embodiment, a battery composed of a primary battery or a secondary battery is used as a power source for moving the computer system. The content is not limited, and the driving power may be supplied from a power source provided outside the computer system via a power cable. In this case, useless power consumption in the computer system can be suppressed.

[0089]

According to the invention described in claim 1, the automatic power stop function does not operate during the invalid period, and the power is turned off by the automatic power stop function while working. The points can be eliminated, and the usability of the electronic device can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in an electronic device using a battery as a power source, when the electromotive force of the battery is sufficient, the automatic power stop function is disabled, and the electronic device is working. It provides a user-friendly work environment by solving the problem that the power is turned off by the automatic power-off function. Since it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption of the battery and extend the usable time of the electronic device, it is possible to improve usability and reliability of the electronic device.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to operate the automatic power supply stop function with the optimum duration time according to the work content, and further useless power consumption in the power supply unit as compared with the conventional case. The consumption can be suppressed, and the reliability of the electronic device can be improved. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to change the setting of the continuation time according to the work content for each work, so that the operation load on the user for that can be reduced, and the usability of the electronic device can be improved. it can.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, the automatic power stop function can be operated for the optimum duration depending on the time zone in which the power supply section is used. Power consumption can be suppressed, and the reliability of electronic devices can be improved. Further, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to change the setting of the continuation time according to the work contents for each work, so that the user's operation load for that can be reduced and the usability of the electronic device can be improved. it can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an automatic power stop process executed by the CPU of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation explanation of the automatic power supply stop processing of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer system according to a second embodiment.

5 is a flowchart of an automatic power stop process executed by the CPU of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of a computer system according to a third embodiment.

7 is a diagram showing an example of an APO time table stored in an APO time memory of the RAM of FIG.

8 is a flowchart of an automatic power stop process executed by the CPU of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram of a computer system according to a fourth embodiment.

10 is a diagram showing an example of an APO time table stored in an APO time memory of the RAM of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an automatic power stop process executed by the CPU of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Computer system 11 Input section 12 RAM 13 Power supply section 13a Battery 14 CPU 14a APO timer 14b APO invalidation timer 15 Display section 16 Storage device 17 Storage medium control section 18 Storage medium 19 Bus 21 Voltage drop detection section 31 RAM 31a APO time memory 41 RAM 41a APO time memory

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A power supply control method for detecting a non-use state of an electronic device and controlling power consumption of the power supply unit by an automatic power supply stop function for stopping the operation of the power supply unit when the non-use state continues for a predetermined time or longer. 2. The power supply control method according to claim 1, wherein an invalid period for invalidating the automatic power stop function is provided for a certain period after the power of the electronic device is turned on. 2. A power supply control method for detecting the non-use state of an electronic device, and controlling the power consumption of the power supply unit by an automatic power supply stop function for stopping the operation of the power supply unit when the non-use state continues for a predetermined time or longer. In the above, there is provided detection means for detecting that the electric power supplied from the power supply unit is below a predetermined level, and the automatic power supply is provided until the detection unit detects that the electric power is below a predetermined level. A power supply control method, wherein the stop function is invalidated, and the automatic power supply stop function is enabled when the detection unit detects that the electric power is below a predetermined level. 3. A power supply control method for detecting the non-use state of an electronic device, and controlling the power consumption of the power supply unit by an automatic power supply stop function for stopping the operation of the power supply unit when the non-use state continues for a predetermined time or more. In the above, the duration of the unused state is set for each of various data processes executed in the electronic device, the data process selected in the electronic device is discriminated, and the setting is made corresponding to the discriminated data process. A power source control method, wherein the automatic power source stop function is operated based on the determined duration time. 4. A power supply control method for detecting a non-use state of an electronic device, and controlling the power consumption of the power supply unit by an automatic power supply stop function for stopping the operation of the power supply unit when the non-use state continues for a predetermined time or longer. In (1), the duration of the unused state is set for each time zone, the current time zone is determined, and the automatic power-off function is operated based on the time duration set corresponding to this time zone. A power supply control method characterized by: