TWI710888B - Electronic device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device including a power supply circuit, a control circuit and a processing circuit is provided. The power supply circuit including a battery and provides a specific parameter related to the battery. When receiving a boot command, the control circuit reads the specific parameter and generates a first control signal according to the specific parameter. The processing circuit operates in a first mode or in a second mode according to the first control signal. When the specific parameter matches a predetermined condition, the processing circuit operates in the first mode. In the first mode, the processing circuit utilizes first power to perform a power-on procedure. When the specific parameter does not match the predetermined condition, the processing circuit operates in the second mode. In the second mode, the processing circuit utilizes second power to perform the power-on procedure.

Description

Electronic device and its control method

The invention relates to an electronic device, in particular to an electronic device with a battery.

In current electronic devices, most of them use battery power to maintain normal operation. However, when the battery voltage is too low (generally called battery overdischarge), the battery life will be reduced. Furthermore, when the voltage of the battery is too high (generally referred to as battery overcharge), it is likely to cause battery swelling, leakage, fire and explosion.

The invention provides an electronic device, which includes a power supply circuit, a control circuit and a processing circuit. The power supply circuit has a battery and provides a specific parameter related to the battery. When the control circuit receives a boot command, the control circuit reads the specific parameter, and generates a first control signal according to the specific parameter. The processing circuit operates in a first mode or a second mode according to the first control signal. When the specific parameter meets a preset condition, the processing circuit operates in the first mode. In the first mode, the processing circuit uses a first power to execute a boot procedure. When the specific parameter does not meet the preset condition, the processing circuit operates in the second mode. In the second mode, the processing circuit uses a second power to execute the boot procedure.

The present invention also provides a control method, which is suitable for an electronic device. The electronic device has a battery and a processing circuit. The control method of the present invention includes detecting a specific parameter of the battery when a boot command is received; when the specific parameter meets a preset condition, the command processing circuit operates in a first mode; and when the specific parameter does not meet the preset condition When the conditions are set, the command processing circuit operates in a second mode. In the first mode, the processing circuit uses a first power to execute a boot procedure. In the second mode, the processing circuit uses a second power to execute the boot process.

The control method of the present invention can be implemented by the electronic device of the present invention, which is a hardware or firmware that can perform specific functions, or it can be recorded in a recording medium through a program code, and implemented in combination with specific hardware . When the program code is loaded and executed by an electronic device, processor, computer, or machine, the electronic device, processor, computer, or machine becomes an electronic device for implementing the present invention.

In order to make the purpose, features and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, the following specific examples are given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for detailed description. The specification of the present invention provides different examples to illustrate the technical features of different embodiments of the present invention. Among them, the configuration of each element in the embodiment is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, part of the repetition of the drawing symbols in the embodiments is for simplifying the description, and does not mean the relevance between different embodiments.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the electronic device 100 includes a power supply circuit 110, a control circuit 120, and a processing circuit 130. The invention does not limit the type of the electronic device 100. In a possible embodiment, the electronic device 100 is a portable electronic device, such as a notebook computer.

The power supply circuit 110 includes a sensing circuit 111 and a battery 112. The sensing circuit 111 is used to provide a specific parameter S _PA related to the battery 112. In a possible embodiment, the sensing circuit 111 senses multiple states of the battery 112 and generates different parameters according to different sensing results. For example, the sensing circuit 111 senses the capacity state of the battery 112 to generate a capacity parameter. In other embodiments, the sensing circuit 111 may sense the discharge current of the battery 112 to generate a current parameter. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit 111 may sense the internal resistance of the battery 112 to generate an internal resistance parameter. In addition, the sensing circuit 111 may sense the ambient temperature of the battery 112 to generate a temperature parameter, or record the cycle life of the battery 112 to generate a cycle life.

The battery 112 is used to supply power to the control circuit 120 and the processing circuit 130. The invention does not limit the type of battery 112. In this embodiment, the battery 112 is a secondary battery. In other embodiments, the power supply circuit 110 further includes a charge and discharge control circuit (not shown) for charging the battery 112 or outputting power of the battery 112.

In this embodiment, when the control circuit 120 receives a power-on command CM _B , the control circuit 120 reads the specific parameter S _PA to generate a control signal S _CT1 . The invention does not limit the structure of the control circuit 120. In a possible embodiment, the control circuit 120 has an embedded controller (EC). In other examples, the sensing circuit 111 may be integrated in the control circuit 120.

In addition, the present invention does not limit the type of the specific parameter S _PA . In a possible embodiment, the specific parameter S _PA is a power parameter to indicate the power of the battery 112. In another possible embodiment, the specific parameter S _PA is a current parameter used to represent the output current of the battery 112 or an internal resistance parameter used to represent the internal resistance of the battery 112. In this example, the control circuit 120 can know whether the battery 112 is aging according to the internal resistance parameter.

For example, when the battery just leaves the factory, its internal resistance is very small. However, after a long time of charging and discharging, the internal resistance will gradually increase due to the loss of the electrolyte inside the battery and the decrease in the activity of the chemical substances inside the battery. Furthermore, the electrolyte will gradually denature during multiple charges and discharges, causing the internal resistance to continue to increase. Therefore, by detecting the internal resistance of the battery 112, it can be known whether the battery 112 is aging. In some embodiments, the specific parameter S _PA is a temperature parameter to indicate the ambient temperature of the battery 112. In other embodiments, the specific parameter S _PA is a frequency parameter to indicate the number of charging and discharging of the battery 112.

The processing circuit 130 operates in a first mode or a second mode according to the control signal _SCT1 . For example, when the specific parameter S _PA meets a predetermined condition, the control circuit 120 transmits the control signal S _CT1 to the command processing circuit 130 to operate in the first mode. In the first mode, the processing circuit 130 uses a first power to execute a boot procedure. However, when the specific parameter S _PA does not meet the preset condition, the control circuit 120 transmits the control signal S _CT1 to command the processing circuit 130 to operate in the second mode. In the second mode, the processing circuit 130 uses a second power to execute the boot process. In this embodiment, the first power is lower than the second power. In addition, in the first mode, the time for the processing circuit 130 to execute the boot procedure is a first duration. In the second mode, the time for the processing circuit 130 to execute the booting procedure is a second duration. The second duration is shorter than the first duration.

Taking the power of the battery 112 as an example, when the power of the battery 112 is lower than a critical value, the control circuit 120 transmits the control signal _SCT1 to the command processing circuit 130 to operate in the first mode and execute the booting procedure with lower power. Avoid excessive discharge of the battery 112. After completing the booting process, the user may know that the battery 112 is low by the battery power displayed on a display (not shown), and thus immediately plug in a power adapter (not shown) to charge the battery 112. However, when the power of the battery 112 is higher than the critical value, it means that the battery 112 is sufficient to drive the processing circuit 130. Therefore, the control circuit 120 commands the processing circuit 130 to operate in the second mode through the control signal _SCT1 , and executes the booting procedure with higher power.

In some embodiments, when the battery 112 is at different ambient temperatures, the battery 112 has different power levels. For example, when the ambient temperature is 25° C., the power of the battery 112 is 50%. When the ambient temperature drops to 15°C, the power of the battery 112 may only be 30%. At this time, if the electronic device 100 performs the boot process, the power of the battery 112 may not be able to support the electronic device 100 to perform the boot process. Therefore, when the ambient temperature of the battery 112 is lower than a preset temperature, the processing circuit 130 operates in the first mode and uses a lower power to perform the boot process to avoid over-discharge of the battery 112, thereby reducing the life of the battery 112. When the ambient temperature of the battery 112 is higher than the preset temperature, the processing circuit 130 operates in the second mode and uses normal power to perform the boot process.

In other embodiments, when the number of charging and discharging of the battery 112 reaches a predetermined number, it means that the battery 112 may have been aging. Therefore, the control circuit 120 instructs the processing circuit 130 to operate in the first mode, and uses a lower power to perform the boot process. When the number of times of charging and discharging of the battery 112 has not reached the preset number of times, the processing circuit 130 operates in the second mode and uses normal power to perform the boot process.

In other embodiments, when the processing circuit 130 operates in the first mode, the processing circuit 130 turns off a specific function. When the processing circuit 130 operates in the second mode, the processing circuit 130 turns on the specific function. In a possible embodiment, the specific function is a turbo mode. The acceleration function is used to adjust the operating frequency of the processing circuit 130. When the acceleration function is turned off, the operating frequency of the processing circuit 130 is a first frequency. When the acceleration function is turned on, the operating frequency of the processing circuit 130 is a second frequency. In this example, the first frequency is less than the second frequency.

The invention does not limit the circuit structure of the processing circuit 130. In a possible embodiment, the processing circuit 130 has a central processing unit (CPU). In another possible embodiment, the processing circuit 130 has a graphics processing unit (GPU). In this example, when the specific parameters of the battery do not meet the preset conditions, the graphics processor uses normal power. When the specific parameters of the battery meet the preset conditions, the graphics processor uses less power. Therefore, the graphics processor has lower power consumption.

Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of the control method of the present invention. The control method of the present invention is suitable for an electronic device. The invention does not limit the types of electronic devices. In one possible embodiment, the electronic device is a notebook computer. In this embodiment, the electronic device has a battery and a processing circuit.

First, it is determined whether a boot command is received (step S211). If not, go back to step S211. If a boot command is received, a specific parameter of the battery is read (step S212). In a possible embodiment, the specific parameter is an electric quantity parameter to indicate the electric quantity (ie, the residual capacity) of the battery. In another possible embodiment, the specific parameter is a current parameter used to indicate the output current of the battery, or an internal resistance parameter used to indicate the internal resistance of the battery. In some embodiments, the specific parameter is a temperature parameter to indicate the ambient temperature of the battery. In other embodiments, the specific parameter is a frequency parameter to indicate the number of charge and discharge times of the battery.

Then, it is determined whether the specific parameter meets a preset condition (step S213). When the specific parameter meets a preset condition, the command processing circuit operates in a first mode (step S214). However, when the specific parameter does not meet the preset condition, the command processing circuit operates in a second mode (step S215).

For example, suppose that the specific parameter is the battery power. In this example, when the power of the battery is lower than a critical value (preset condition), it means that the specific parameter meets the preset condition. Therefore, the processing circuit operates in the first mode. However, when the battery capacity is higher than the critical value, it means that the specific parameter does not meet the preset condition. Therefore, the processing circuit operates in the second mode. In another possible embodiment, the specific parameter is the ambient temperature of the battery. In this example, when the ambient temperature of the battery is lower than a preset temperature, it means that the preset condition is met. Therefore, the processing circuit operates in the first mode. However, when the ambient temperature of the battery is higher than the preset temperature, it means that the preset condition is not met. Therefore, the processing circuit operates in the second mode.

In other embodiments, the specific parameter is the number of charging and discharging of the battery. In this example, when the number of charging and discharging of the battery reaches a preset number of times, it means that the preset condition is met. Therefore, the processing circuit operates in the first mode. When the number of charge and discharge times of the battery has not reached the preset number of times, it means that the preset condition is not met. Therefore, the processing circuit operates in the second mode.

In the first mode, the processing circuit uses a first power to execute a boot procedure. In the second mode, the processing circuit uses a second power to execute the boot procedure. In this embodiment, the first power is lower than the second power. In addition, in the first mode, the time for the processing circuit to execute the boot procedure is a first duration. In the second mode, the time for the processing circuit to execute the boot procedure is a second duration. In this example, the second duration is shorter than the first duration.

In other embodiments, in the first mode, the processing circuit turns off an acceleration function. In the second mode, the processing circuit turns on the acceleration function. The acceleration function is used to adjust the operating frequency of the processing circuit. When the acceleration function is turned off, the operating frequency of the processing circuit is a first frequency. When the acceleration function is turned on, the operating frequency of the processing circuit is a second frequency. In this example, the first frequency is less than the second frequency.

Figure 3 is another schematic diagram of the electronic device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 except that the electronic device 300 in FIG. 3 has an additional power connection port 140 and a display 150. In this embodiment. The power connection port 140 is used to couple to an adapter 310. The power adapter 310 provides an external power source VIN to the power connection port 140. The invention does not limit the type of external power source VIN. In a possible embodiment, the external power source VIN is a direct current power source (DC) or an alternating current power source (AC).

In this embodiment, the power connection port 140 has a detection pin PD. When different power adapters are plugged into the power connection port 140, the detection pins PD have different levels. Therefore, by determining the level of the detection pin PD, the type of the power adapter 310 can be inferred.

In other embodiments, the power connection port 140 further has a power pin PP for outputting the external power VIN. In this example, the power connection port 140 may output the external power VIN to a voltage regulator (not shown) through the power pin PP. The voltage regulator adjusts the external power source VIN to generate appropriate power to the corresponding components, such as at least one of the power supply circuit 110, the control circuit 120, and the processing circuit 130. However, when the power adapter 310 is not plugged into the power connection port 140, the internal components (120, 130) of the electronic device 100 operate according to the power of the battery 112.

In this embodiment, the control circuit 120 determines whether the power adapter 310 is a specific device according to the level V _{PD of the} detection pin PD. When the power adapter 310 is not a specific device, it means that the external power VIN provided by the power adapter 310 may not be sufficient to drive the electronic device 300. Therefore, the control circuit 120 generates a control signal S _CT2 . The processing circuit 130 sends out a warning message according to the control signal S _CT2 . In a possible embodiment, the warning message is an image message. For example, the processing circuit 130 may generate an image signal S _IM according to the control signal S _CT2 to display an error image on the display 150. Through the error screen, the user can instantly replace the correct power adapter. In another possible embodiment, the warning message is an audio message. In this example, the processing circuit 130 may drive a speaker (not shown) according to the control signal _SCT2 to remind the user that the power adapter is incorrect.

In other embodiments, when the battery 112 is used for a long time (for example, when the number of charging and discharging times reaches 1000), the battery 112 will experience aging. At this time, even if the battery 112 is charged, the power of the battery 112 cannot reach 100%. For example, when the battery 112 is not aging, if the battery 112 is charged for four hours, the power of the battery 112 can reach 100%. However, if the battery 112 is aging, even if the battery 112 is charged for five hours, the power of the battery 112 may only reach 98% at most.

In order to prevent the user from mistakenly thinking that the battery 112 is not fully charged, and charging the battery 112 for a long time, the control circuit 120 commands the processing circuit through the control signal S _CT1 according to a battery aging relationship stored in advance (as shown in Figure 4) 130 generates an appropriate image signal S _IM . The display 150 then presents a full screen according to the image signal S _IM .

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the battery aging relationship of the present invention. As shown in the figure, as the battery is used longer, the battery power decreases. For example, after using the battery for 30 days, the battery power can only reach 98.8%. After 300 days, the battery's power can only reach 96.1%. In this example, if the battery level displayed on the display 150 is 96.1%, the user will mistakenly think that the battery is not fully charged and continue to charge the battery. Therefore, the control circuit 120 commands the processing circuit 130 to send out the image signal S _IM so that the battery power displayed by the display 150 is 100%.

Figure 5 is another flow diagram of the control method of this Ming. First, it is determined whether a boot command is received (step S511). If the boot command is not received, continue to perform step S511. If the boot command is received, it is determined whether a power adapter is coupled to a power port of the electronic device (step S512). The invention does not limit how to determine whether the power adapter is coupled to the power port of the electronic device. In a possible embodiment, when the power adapter is coupled to the power port of the electronic device, the level of a power pin of the power port will rise.

If the power adapter is not coupled to the power port of the electronic device, a specific parameter of the battery is read (step S514), and it is determined whether the specific parameter meets a preset condition (step S515). If the specific parameter meets the preset condition, the command processing circuit enters a first mode (step S516). If the specific parameter does not meet the preset condition, the command processing circuit enters a second mode (step S516). Since the features of steps S514 to S517 are the same as those of steps S212 to S215 in FIG. 2, they will not be described again.

However, if the power adapter is coupled to the power port of the electronic device, it is determined whether the power adapter is a specific device (step S513). The invention does not limit how to determine whether the power adapter is a specific device. In a possible embodiment, step S513 is to detect the level of a detection pin of the power port. When the level of the detection pin is equal to a preset value, it indicates that the power adapter is a specific device. Therefore, step S514 is executed. However, if the level of the detection pin is not equal to the preset value, it means that the power adapter is not a specific device. Since the user may have used the wrong power adapter and cannot provide the power required by the electronic device, the user must be notified. In this embodiment, if the power adapter is not a specific device, a specific parameter of the battery is still read (step S518), and it is determined whether the specific parameter meets a preset condition (step S519). Since the features of steps S518 and S519 are the same as those of steps S212 and S213 in FIG. 2, they will not be described again. In addition, the specific parameter of step S518 is the same as the specific parameter of step S514, and the preset condition of step S519 is the same as the preset condition of step S515.

If the specific parameter does not meet the preset condition, the processing circuit enters the second mode and sends a warning message (step S520). However, if the specific parameter meets the preset condition, the processing circuit enters the first mode and sends a warning message (step S521). In one possible embodiment, the warning message presents an error screen on a display of the electronic device. Therefore, the user can replace the power adapter immediately.

The control method of the present invention, or a specific type or part thereof, can exist in the form of code. The code can be stored in physical media, such as floppy disks, CDs, hard disks, or any other machine-readable (such as computer-readable) storage media, or not limited to external forms of computer program products. Among them, When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an electronic device for participating in the present invention. The code can also be transmitted through some transmission media, such as wire or cable, optical fiber, or any transmission type. When the code is received, loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes used to participate in this Invented electronic device. When implemented in a general-purpose processing unit, the program code combined with the processing unit provides a unique device that operates similar to the application of specific logic circuits.

Unless otherwise defined, all vocabulary (including technical and scientific vocabulary) herein belong to the general understanding of persons with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention. In addition, unless clearly stated, the definition of a word in a general dictionary should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning in the article in its related technical field, and should not be interpreted as an ideal state or an overly formal voice.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. . For example, the system, device, or method of the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in a physical embodiment of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to those defined by the attached patent application scope.

100, 300: electronic devices; 110: power supply circuit; 111: sensing circuit; 112: battery; 120: control circuit; 130: processing circuit; 140: power port; 150: display; 310: power adapter; CM _B : Boot command; S _PA : specific parameters; S _CT1 , S _CT2 : control signal; VIN: external power supply; PD: detection pin; PP: power supply pin; V _PD : level; S _IM : image signal; S211 ~S215, S511~S521: steps.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of the control method of the present invention. Figure 3 is another schematic diagram of the electronic device of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the battery aging relationship of the present invention. Figure 5 is another flow diagram of the control method of this Ming.

100: electronic device; 110: power supply circuit; 120: control circuit; 130: processing circuit; 111: sensing circuit; 112: battery; CM _B : boot command; S _PA : specific parameter; S _CT1 : control signal.

Claims (20)

An electronic device comprising: a power supply circuit having a battery and providing a specific parameter related to the battery; a control circuit, when the control circuit receives a boot command, reads the specific parameter, and performs A first control signal is generated by a specific parameter; and a processing circuit is operated in a first mode or a second mode according to the first control signal, wherein, when the specific parameter meets a predetermined condition, the processing circuit Operate in the first mode. In the first mode, the processing circuit uses a first power to execute a boot procedure, wherein when the specific parameter does not meet the preset condition, the processing circuit operates in the second Mode. In the second mode, the processing circuit uses a second power to execute the boot procedure. For the electronic device described in claim 1, wherein the specific parameter is the power of the battery. When the power of the battery is below a critical value, the processing circuit operates in the first mode. When the power is higher than the critical value, the processing circuit operates in the second mode. For the electronic device described in claim 1, wherein the specific parameter is the ambient temperature of the battery, when the ambient temperature of the battery is lower than a preset temperature, the processing circuit operates in the first mode, when When the ambient temperature of the battery is higher than the preset temperature, the processing circuit operates in the second mode. For the electronic device described in claim 1, wherein the specific parameter is the number of charge and discharge times of the battery, and when the number of charge and discharge times of the battery reaches a predetermined number, the processing circuit operates in the first mode When the number of charge and discharge times of the battery does not reach the preset number of times, the processing circuit operates in the second mode. As for the electronic device described in claim 1, wherein the first power is lower than the second power. For the electronic device described in claim 1, wherein in the first mode, the processing circuit executes the boot procedure for a first duration, and in the second mode, the processing circuit executes the boot The time of the program is a second duration, and the second duration is shorter than the first duration. For the electronic device described in claim 1, wherein in the first mode, the processing circuit turns off an acceleration function, and in the second mode, the processing circuit turns on the acceleration function. For the electronic device described in item 7 of the scope of patent application, the acceleration function is used to adjust the operating frequency of the processing circuit. When the acceleration function is turned off, the operating frequency of the processing circuit is a first frequency. When the acceleration function is turned on, the operating frequency of the processing circuit is a second frequency, and the first frequency is less than the second frequency. The electronic device described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the control circuit has an embedded controller. The electronic device described in item 1 of the scope of patent application further includes: a power connection port for coupling to a power adapter and having a detection pin; and a display for presenting images according to an image signal, wherein When the power adapter is plugged into the power port, the control circuit determines whether the power adapter is a specific device according to the level of the detection pin. When the power adapter is not the specific device, the control circuit generates a second control Signal, the processing circuit generates the image signal according to the second control signal for presenting an error picture on the display. A control method is applicable to an electronic device, the electronic device has a battery and a processing circuit, wherein the control method includes: when a boot command is received, detecting a specific parameter of the battery; when the specific parameter matches a When a preset condition, the processing circuit is commanded to operate in a first mode; and when the specific parameter does not meet the preset condition, the processing circuit is commanded to operate in a second mode, wherein in the first mode, the processing circuit The circuit uses a first power to execute a boot procedure, and in the second mode, the processing circuit uses a second power to execute the boot procedure. For example, in the control method described in item 11 of the scope of patent application, the specific parameter is the power of the battery. When the power of the battery is lower than a critical value, the processing circuit is commanded to operate in the first mode. When the power of is higher than the critical value, the command processing circuit operates in the second mode. The control method described in item 11 of the scope of patent application, wherein the specific parameter is the ambient temperature of the battery, and when the ambient temperature of the battery is lower than a preset temperature, the processing circuit is commanded to operate in the first mode, When the ambient temperature of the battery is higher than the preset temperature, command the processing circuit to operate in the second mode. For example, the control method described in item 11 of the scope of patent application, wherein the specific parameter is the number of charge and discharge times of the battery, and when the number of charge and discharge times of the battery reaches a preset number, the processing circuit is commanded to operate in the first Mode, when the number of charge and discharge times of the battery has not reached the preset number of times, the processing circuit is commanded to operate in the second mode. The control method described in item 11 of the scope of patent application, wherein the first power is lower than the second power. For the control method described in claim 11, in the first mode, the time for the processing circuit to execute the boot procedure is a first duration, and in the second mode, the processing circuit executes the boot The time of the program is a second duration, and the second duration is shorter than the first duration. In the control method described in item 11 of the scope of patent application, in the first mode, the processing circuit is commanded to turn off an acceleration function, and in the second mode, the processing circuit is commanded to turn on the acceleration function. For example, the control method described in item 17 of the scope of patent application, wherein the acceleration function is used to adjust the operating frequency of the processing circuit. When the acceleration function is turned off, the operating frequency of the processing circuit is a first frequency. When the acceleration function is turned on, the operating frequency of the processing circuit is a second frequency, and the first frequency is less than the second frequency. For example, the control method described in claim 10 further includes: determining whether a power adapter is coupled to a power port of the electronic device; when the power adapter is coupled to the power port, detecting the power port And determine whether the power adapter is a specific device according to the level of the detection pin; and when the power adapter is not the specific device, a warning message is issued. The control method described in item 19 of the scope of patent application, wherein the warning message is to present an error screen on a display of the electronic device.

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