Information processing apparatus, program product, and method

Abstract

There is a demand for an information processing apparatus that can maintain a state in which a CPU processing speed reduction due to heat generation does not occur for as long as possible. In view of this, an information processing apparatus including a secondary battery is proposed that includes a measurement unit that measures a remaining amount of the secondary battery, a determination unit that determines whether the remaining amount is a first threshold value or more and determines whether a specific application is in a foreground state, and a charge control unit that stops charging the secondary battery from an external power source when the remaining amount is the first threshold value or more and the specific application is in the foreground state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a program, and a method. BACKGROUND

[0002] When charging is performed while operating a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet personal computer (PC), an information processing apparatus such as a digital camera, or the like, both a central processing unit (CPU) and a charging circuit heat up. In particular, when high-load processing such as capturing or distributing a video, game operation, or the like, and charging are performed at the same time, the internal temperature of the information processing apparatus significantly rises.

[0003] Therefore, some conventional information processing apparatuses have a function of suppressing the internal temperature rise, for example, by reducing the processing speed of the CPU when the internal temperature approaches an unsafe temperature that causes a user to suffer from hypothermia or the information processing apparatus to deteriorate.

[0004] Bibliographic List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Literature 1: JP 2014-512797 A

[0007] Patent Literature 2: JP 2019-500828 A

[0008] Patent Literature 3: JP 2005-333794 A

[0009] Patent Literature 4: JP 2019-87891 A

[0010] Patent Literature 5: JP 2007-281911 A SUMMARY

[0011] PROBLEMS

[0012] However, the reduction of the processing speed of the CPU causes a so-called processing failure in which processing stops or is delayed. In particular, the higher the processing load, the more likely it is that a processing failure occurs. Such a processing failure in game operation, video distribution, or the like, in which a large amount of high-load processing is performed, becomes a large factor that impairs a comfortable user experience, and is a phenomenon that users do not want to occur.

[0013] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an information processing apparatus, a program, and a method that can maintain a state in which the processing speed of the CPU hardly decreases due to heating for as long as possible.

[0014] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0015] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a secondary battery, the information processing apparatus including: a measurement unit that measures a remaining amount of the secondary battery; a determination unit that determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and determines whether a specific application is in a foreground state; and a charge control unit that stops charging the secondary battery by using an external power supply in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state.

[0016] Further, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a program that causes an information processing apparatus including a secondary battery to execute processing of: measuring a remaining amount of the secondary battery; determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; determining whether a specific application is in a foreground state; and stopping charging the secondary battery by using an external power supply in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state.

[0017] Further, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a method in which an information processing apparatus including a secondary battery executes processing of: measuring a remaining amount of the secondary battery; determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; determining whether a specific application is in a foreground state; and stopping charging the secondary battery by using an external power supply in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a charge control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a charge control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of a charge control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of switching a charge control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of switching a charge control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of switching the charging control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the charging control processing according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the change menu according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the charging mode selection processing according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of the charging control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 11 FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modification example of switching the charging control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 12 FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in this specification and the drawings, substantially identical portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0033] Note that, the description will be given in the following order.

[0034] 1. Embodiment

[0035] 1.1. Functional Configuration Example

[0036] 1.2. Functional Details

[0037] 1.3. Functional Flow

[0038] 2. Modification Example of Embodiment

[0039] 3. Hardware Configuration Example

[0040] 4. Summary

[0041] <1. Embodiment>

[0042] <<1.1. Functional Configuration Example>>

[0043] First, the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The information processing device 10 can be a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like) capable of executing various applications, or can be a stationary terminal installed at a user's home, a company, or the like. The information processing device 10 includes a secondary battery (also referred to as a storage battery, a battery, or a rechargeable battery). By charging the secondary battery, the information processing device 10 can operate for a certain period of time without being powered from an external power source (e.g., an AC adapter, a mobile battery, or the like).

[0044] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 The example of shows that a game application is displayed on the display unit 110 of the information processing device 10 and the game application is in a foreground state. Further, the information processing device 10 is connected to an external power source 90 via a cable 50. Note that, in a case where the external power source 90 is directly connected to the information processing device 10, the cable 50 is not needed. When Figure 1 When the state shown in is implemented by a conventional device, a high-load processing of the game application and charging are simultaneously performed. Therefore, the internal temperature of the device significantly rises, which causes a reduction in the processing speed of the CPU.

[0045] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 2 The information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a display unit 110, an operation unit 120, a storage unit 130, a detection unit 140, a measurement unit 150, a determination unit 160, a charging control unit 170, and a control unit 200, as shown in

[0046] (Display unit 110)

[0047] The display unit 110 according to the present embodiment displays various types of visual information based on the control of the control unit 200. The display unit 110 according to the present embodiment can display, for example, an image, characters, or the like related to an application. For this purpose, the display unit 110 according to the present embodiment includes various display devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device, or the like. Further, the display unit 110 can also display a user interface (UI) of an operating system or another application in a superimposed manner on a layer higher than a screen of an application being displayed.

[0048] (Operation unit 120)

[0049] The operation unit 120 according to the present embodiment detects various operations of the user, such as device operations for applications. The above device operations include, for example, touch operations and the like. Here, the touch operation refers to various touch operations on the display unit 110, such as tapping, double tapping, swiping, pinching, and the like. Further, the touch operation includes, for example, an operation of bringing an object such as a finger or the like close to the display unit 110. The operation unit 120 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a mouse, a proximity sensor, and the like. The operation unit 120 according to the present embodiment inputs information on the detected user operation to the control unit 200.

[0050] (The storage unit 130)

[0051] The storage unit 130 according to the present embodiment is a storage area for temporarily or permanently storing various programs and data. For example, the storage unit 130 can store programs and data for the information processing device 10 to execute various functions. As specific examples, the storage unit 130 can store programs for executing various applications, management data for managing various settings, and the like. Of course, the above description is merely an example, and the type of data stored in the storage unit 130 is not particularly limited.

[0052] (The detection unit 140)

[0053] The detection unit 140 according to the present embodiment monitors and detects various changes that serve as triggers for executing the charge control processing according to the present embodiment. The detection unit 140 according to the present embodiment detects, for example, that the remaining amount of the secondary battery has become equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or has become less than the predetermined threshold value. Note that the detection unit 140 only needs to monitor the remaining amount of the secondary battery and detect whether or not the condition with respect to the preset threshold value is satisfied, and can also detect, for example, that the remaining amount has become equal to or less than the threshold value or that the remaining amount has exceeded the threshold value. That is, it can be said that whether or not the condition including the threshold value (for example, equal to or greater than, equal to or less than, and the like) or the condition not including the threshold value (for example, less than, greater than, lower than, and the like) is set is merely a range of design changes.

[0054] Further, the detection unit 140 detects that a specific application has become a foreground state, has become a dormant state, and has been terminated. In the dormant state, the application is not completely stopped and can execute background processing, but the detection unit 140 can also detect that the application has become a background state. That is, for example, in the case of a specific application for which background processing is likely to be high-load processing (which is unlikely), it can also be detected that it has become a background state and executes the charge control processing as if it has become a foreground state.

[0055] Note that the specific application can be an application that is designated in advance and that can perform a high-load process. Alternatively, for example, the performance or resource state of the information processing apparatus 10 can be measured by the measurement unit 150 or the like described later, and an application that is actually performing a high-load process can be designated.

[0056] Further, the detection unit 140 detects that the external power supply 90 is connected. Note that detecting that the external power supply 90 is connected includes detecting that the cable 50 to which the external power supply 90 is connected is connected, as shown in Figure 1

[0057] (Measurement Unit 150)

[0058] The measurement unit 150 according to the present embodiment measures various values in the information processing apparatus 10 based on the control of the control unit 200. The measurement unit 150 according to the present embodiment measures the remaining amount of the secondary battery. Further, the measurement unit 150 measures the temperature in the information processing apparatus 10. Note that the temperature in the information processing apparatus 10 includes the temperature of the CPU and the secondary battery (charging circuit) and the temperature of the back of the housing of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0059] (Determination Unit 160)

[0060] The determination unit 160 according to the present embodiment determines various conditions based on the control of the control unit 200. The determination unit 160 according to the present embodiment determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Further, the determination unit 160 determines whether the specific application is in the foreground state. Note that the determination by the determination unit 160 is similar to the detection by the above-described detection unit 140 of the remaining amount of the secondary battery being equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or the specific application having become the foreground state. However, since there is a possibility that each phenomenon to be detected has occurred at the timing of the determination by the determination unit 160, the detection unit 140 cannot detect the phenomenon.

[0061] (Charging Control Unit 170)

[0062] The charging control unit 170 according to the present embodiment controls the charging of the secondary battery based on the control of the control unit 200. The charging control unit 170 according to the present embodiment controls the charging of the secondary battery by using the external power supply 90 in response to the detection content of the detection unit 140 and the determination result of the determination unit 160.

[0063] (Control Unit 200)

[0064] The control unit 200 according to the present embodiment is a processing unit that controls the entire information processing apparatus 10 and controls each component included in the information processing apparatus 10. Details of the function of the control unit 200 according to the present embodiment will be described later.​

[0065] An example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Note that the functional configuration described above with reference to Figure 2 is merely an example, and the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to such an example. For example, the information processing device 10 can not necessarily include all the configurations shown in Figure 2 , and configurations such as the storage unit 130 can be included in other devices different from the information processing device 10. The functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment can be modified flexibly according to specifications and operations.

[0066] Further, the functions of each component can be executed by reading a control program in which a process procedure in which an arithmetic device such as a CPU realizes the functions is described from a storage medium (for example, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or the like) that stores the control program, and interpreting and executing the program. Therefore, the configuration to be used can be changed appropriately according to the level of technology at the time of implementing the present embodiment. In addition, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described later.

[0067] <<1.2. Functional details >>

[0068] Next, the functions of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. When the external power supply 90 is connected, the control unit 200 of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment controls each of the above-described configurations, and receives the detection content of the detection unit 140, the determination result of the determination unit 160, and the like as inputs from each of the configurations. One of the features of the control unit 200 is to control charging of the secondary battery by using the external power supply 90 via the charge control unit 170 in accordance with the received detection content and determination result.

[0069] Figures 3A to 3C is a diagram showing an example of the charge control mode according to the present embodiment. Figure 3A The "charge mode" is shown. In the charge mode, both the CPU of the information processing device 10 and the secondary battery receive power supply from the external power supply 90. This is a general aspect in the case where the external power supply 90 is connected to a device including the secondary battery, and the secondary battery is charged. Therefore, when a high-load process such as a game operation is executed in the charge mode, the heat generated due to the high-load process and the heat generated due to the charging combine to significantly raise the temperature in the device. As a result, the processing speed of the CPU decreases due to the rise in the internal temperature, and a processing failure is likely to occur.

[0070] Figure 3BThe "power supply mode" is shown. In the power supply mode, only the CPU of the information processing device 10 receives power supply from the external power supply 90, and the secondary battery does not receive power supply (i.e., the secondary battery is not charged). In the power supply mode, heat due to charging does not occur, and therefore, even when high-load processing is performed, the temperature in the device does not significantly rise. Therefore, in the case where high-load processing such as game operation is performed, by switching to the power supply mode, it is possible to maintain a state in which neither a decrease in the processing speed of the CPU due to a rise in the internal temperature nor a processing failure occurs. Further, in the power supply mode, since the CPU continues to receive power supply from the external power supply 90, undercharge does not occur, and the remaining amount of the secondary battery does not decrease in principle. However, the remaining amount of the secondary battery does not increase due to the fact that charging is not performed, although the external power supply 90 is connected.

[0071] Figure 3C The "charge cutoff mode" is shown. In the charge cutoff mode, neither the CPU of the information processing device 10 nor the secondary battery receives power supply from the external power supply 90. In this case, since the secondary battery is not charged and the CPU continues to use the power of the secondary battery, the remaining amount of the secondary battery gradually decreases. Here, as a characteristic of the secondary battery, it is relatively well known that so-called overcharging in which power supply continues while the percentage of the remaining amount is 100% deteriorates the secondary battery. Further, as another characteristic, regardless of overcharging, maintaining a state close to full charging such that the percentage of the remaining amount is, for example, 100%, 95%, or the like also deteriorates the secondary battery to a considerable extent. The ideal state in which the secondary battery is less likely to deteriorate is a state in which the remaining amount always changes fluidly so as to increase or decrease between, for example, a range from 20% to 80% of the remaining amount. Therefore, when the state in which the remaining amount of the secondary battery is sufficient is reached, by switching to the charge cutoff mode, it is possible to fluidly control the remaining amount without causing overcharging and to suppress deterioration of the secondary battery.

[0072] Based on such a charge control mode, the charge control processing of the secondary battery according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. For example, in a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (corresponding to the first threshold) and the specific application is in the foreground state, the charge control unit 170 stops charging the secondary battery by using the external power supply 90 (power supply mode). As a result, the increase in the internal temperature is suppressed, and a processing failure hardly occurs. Note that the predetermined threshold here is a threshold that reaches a degree at which a function of reducing the processing speed of the CPU, which is executed when the remaining amount of the secondary battery decreases, is not executed (for example, 20% of the percentage of the remaining amount of the secondary battery). As described above, in a case where the power supply mode is entered when the remaining amount of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the CPU is supplied with power by using the external power supply 90 so that the remaining amount of the secondary battery does not decrease, and the processing speed of the CPU does not decrease due to the decrease in the remaining amount of the secondary battery.

[0073] Further, in response to detecting that the remaining amount of the secondary battery has become less than the predetermined threshold (corresponding to the first threshold), the charge control unit 170 starts charging the secondary battery by using the external power supply 90 (switches from the power supply mode to the charge mode). That is, even if the high-load processing is being executed, it is forcibly switched to the charge mode so as not to cause the processing speed of the CPU to decrease due to the depletion of the electric power or the decrease in the remaining amount of the secondary battery. When the high-load processing is executed in the charge mode, the internal temperature significantly increases, but when it becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the charge control unit 170 switches to the power supply mode again, so that it is possible to suppress the increase in the internal temperature. That is, during the execution of the high-load processing, the charge control unit 170 executes charging to the minimum necessary degree at which the electric power is not depleted or the processing speed of the CPU is not decreased. Therefore, it is possible to extend the time until the processing speed of the CPU decreases due to the increase in the internal temperature.

[0074] Further, in response to detecting that the specific application has become the sleep state or has been terminated, the charge control unit 170 starts charging the secondary battery by using the external power supply 90 (switches from the power supply mode to the charge mode).

[0075] Further, in a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (corresponding to the second threshold), the charge control unit 170 stops charging the secondary battery by using the external power supply 90, and stops supplying power from the external power supply 90 (charge cutoff mode).

[0076] Note that the charging mode includes a normal charging mode that performs normal charging and a quick charging mode that reduces the time required for charging compared to the normal charging. In the quick charging mode, the amount of heat generated per unit time by charging is greater than that in the normal charging mode. For example, in a case where the internal temperature of the information processing apparatus measured by the measurement unit 150 is within a predetermined temperature range, the charging control unit 170 can perform control to charge the secondary battery by using the external power supply 90 by quick charging.

[0077] Next, the switching of the charging control mode according to the present embodiment will be described with the use of a specific example of the application of the high-load processing. Figures 4 to 6 Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of switching the charging control mode according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 This shows how to switch the charging control mode according to the state of the application of the high-load processing and the remaining amount of the secondary battery (the same applies to the Figure 5 and Figure 6 described later).

[0078] In Figure 4 , in the initial state (time 0), it is indicated that the application is in the foreground state and the external power supply has not been connected. In this state, since the external power supply is not connected, the remaining amount of the secondary battery continues to decrease. Further, since charging is not performed, the charging control mode is not set.

[0079] Next, when the external power supply is connected at time a, since the application is in the foreground state, the charging control mode becomes the power supply mode so that the application and charging are not performed at the same time. In this state, since charging is not performed, the remaining amount of the secondary battery does not increase, but since the CPU is powered from the external power supply, the remaining amount of the secondary battery does not decrease (i.e., the remaining amount of the secondary battery remains unchanged).

[0080] Next, since the application has become the sleep state or has been terminated at time b, the charging control mode becomes the charging mode. In this state, charging has started, and the remaining amount of the secondary battery continues to increase.

[0081] Next, since the application has become the foreground state again at time c, the charging control mode becomes the power supply mode again.

[0082] As described above, the charging control unit 170 performs control so that the application of the high-load processing and charging are not performed at the same time to suppress the rise in the internal temperature and the accompanying decrease in the processing speed of the CPU. However, when the timing of entering the power supply mode is Figure 4 ​a) When the remaining charge of the secondary battery is low, the secondary battery is not charged. Therefore, it is possible that the CPU processing speed will decrease due to the reduction in the remaining charge of the secondary battery, or if a decrease in CPU processing speed has already occurred, the decrease will continue.

[0083] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating another example of switching charging control modes according to this embodiment. Figure 5 In the initial state (time 0), it indicates that a specific application is in the foreground and the external power supply is not yet connected. In this state, because the external power supply is not connected, therefore... Figure 5 The example indicates that even when the remaining amount of the secondary battery falls below a first threshold, the remaining amount continues to decrease. The first threshold is the boundary at which a decrease in CPU processing speed may occur due to the reduction in the remaining amount of the secondary battery.

[0084] Next, an external power supply is connected at time d. At time d, the specific application is in the foreground, but if the charging control mode is switched to the power supply mode as before, the remaining amount of the secondary battery remains unchanged. Therefore, it is possible that the remaining amount of the secondary battery remains below a first threshold, and a decrease in CPU processing speed occurs due to the reduction in the remaining amount of the secondary battery, or if a decrease in CPU processing speed has already occurred, the decrease continues.

[0085] Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery is less than a first threshold even when a specific application is in the foreground, the charging control unit 170 sets the charging control mode to charging mode. As a result, it can prevent a decrease in CPU processing speed due to the reduction in the remaining amount of the secondary battery, or resolve a decrease in processing speed that has already occurred.

[0086] However, if the charging mode continues while a specific application, which is being processed under high load, remains in the foreground, the internal temperature rises significantly, and in this case, the CPU processing speed may decrease due to the increase in internal temperature. Therefore, as shown at time e, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery has become equal to or greater than the first threshold, the charging control unit 170 sets the charging control mode to the power supply mode. As a result, charging of the secondary battery is stopped, and the decrease in CPU processing speed due to the increase in internal temperature can be prevented. Furthermore, if the information processing device 10 supports fast charging, the secondary battery can be charged via fast charging. As a result, the state where the remaining amount of the secondary battery is less than the first threshold can be eliminated as quickly as possible.

[0087] Next, when the specific application has become a sleep state or has terminated at time f, the charge control unit 170 sets the charge control mode to the charging mode, and starts charging the secondary battery.

[0088] As described above, the switching to / from the power supply mode and the charging mode between the charge control modes has been described with concrete examples. Next, the switching to / from the charge cutoff mode will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating still another example of switching the charge control mode according to the present embodiment.

[0089] In Figure 6 In the initial state (time 0), it is indicated that the specific application is in the foreground state and the external power source is connected. However, the remaining amount of the secondary battery exceeds the second threshold, and as described above, if this state continues, the secondary battery can deteriorate due to overcharging or the like. Therefore, the charge control unit 170 sets the charge control mode to the charge cutoff mode. As a result, the remaining amount can be flowingly controlled without causing overcharging, and deterioration of the secondary battery can be suppressed.

[0090] Therefore, as indicated by time g, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery has become less than the second threshold, the charge control unit 170 sets the charge control mode to the power supply mode. As a result, deterioration of the secondary battery can be suppressed while sufficiently maintaining the remaining amount of the secondary battery.

[0091] Next, when the specific application has become a sleep state or has terminated at time h, the charge control unit 170 sets the charge control mode to the charging mode, and starts charging the secondary battery. Thereafter, when the connection of the external power source is released at time i, the remaining amount of the secondary battery decreases with time.

[0092] <<1.3. FUNCTION FLOW>>

[0093] Next, the procedure of the charge control processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7 Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the charge control processing according to the present embodiment. This processing is processing of controlling charging of the secondary battery by switching the charge control mode based on the state of the specific application based on the high-load processing or the remaining amount of the secondary battery.

[0094] For example, in a case where the user indicates an intention to use the function of controlling charging according to the present embodiment, the processing starts. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a change menu according to the present embodiment. Figure 8 ​The setting change menu 300 on the specific application displayed on the display unit 110 of the information processing device 10 is shown in an overlaid manner. For example, on the setting change menu 300, the user indicates the intention to use the function of controlling charging according to the present embodiment by opening the switch for use (the "thoughtful charging" in the example) Figure 8 The processing shown in Fig. 10 is started. Figure 7

[0095] As shown in Fig. 11, first, in a case where the external power supply 90 is not connected to the information processing device 10 (step S101: No), the processing ends. In this case, for example, thereafter, the processing can start from step S101: Yes by using the connection of the external power supply 90 as a trigger. Figure 7

[0096] On the other hand, in a case where the external power supply 90 is connected to the information processing device 10 (step S101: Yes), the information processing device 10 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than a second threshold value (step S102). Here, as shown in Fig. 10, the second threshold value is a boundary at which the secondary battery can be deteriorated due to overcharging or the like when the state exceeding the second threshold value continues. Figure 6

[0097] In a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (step S102: Yes), the information processing device 10 sets the charging control mode to the charging cutoff mode (step S103). As a result, the power from the external power supply 90 is not supplied to both the CPU and the secondary battery of the information processing device 10, the CPU uses the power of the secondary battery, and the remaining amount gradually decreases. After step S103, the processing ends, but for example, thereafter, the processing can start from step S102: No by using the condition that the remaining amount of the secondary battery has become less than the second threshold value as a trigger.

[0098] On the other hand, in a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value (step S102: No), the information processing device 10 determines whether the specific application is in the foreground state (step S104).

[0099] In a case where the specific application is not in the foreground state (step S104: No), the information processing device 10 sets the charging control mode to the charging mode (step S105). As a result, the charging of the secondary battery is started. After step S105, the processing ends, but for example, thereafter, the charging control mode can be switched to the charging cutoff mode by using the condition that the remaining amount of the secondary battery has become equal to or greater than the second threshold value as a trigger.

[0100] ​​​On the other hand, in a case where the specific application is in the foreground state (step S104: YES), the information processing device 10 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery is less than a first threshold (step S106). Here, as shown in Figure 5 the first threshold is a boundary at which a reduction in the processing speed of the CPU due to a reduction in the remaining amount of the secondary battery is likely to occur when the first threshold is below.

[0101] In a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery is less than the first threshold (step S106: YES), the information processing device 10 sets the charge control mode to the charging mode (step S107). As a result, charging of the secondary battery is started although the specific application is in the foreground state.

[0102] However, if the charging mode is continued while the specific application remains in the foreground state, the processing speed of the CPU is likely to be reduced due to an increase in the internal temperature, and therefore the information processing device 10 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery has become equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S108). Specifically, the remaining amount of the secondary battery is measured and monitored periodically, and it is detected that the remaining amount has become equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0103] In a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery has not become equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S108: NO), the information processing device 10 waits until the remaining amount of the secondary battery becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold. In a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S108: YES), the information processing device 10 sets the charge control mode to the power supply mode (step S109). As a result, charging of the secondary battery is stopped, and an increase in the internal temperature is suppressed.

[0104] On the other hand, in a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery is not less than the first threshold (step S106: NO), the information processing device 10 sets the charge control mode to the power supply mode (step S109). As a result, the specific application and charging are not executed at the same time, and an increase in the internal temperature is suppressed. After step S109, the process ends.

[0105] Next, the procedure of the charging mode selection process according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the charging mode selection process according to the present embodiment. In a case where the information processing device 10 supports fast charging, the secondary battery can be charged by fast charging. Therefore, in the charge control process shown in Figure 7 when the charge control mode is set to the charging mode (steps S105 and S107), it is possible to select whether to set the fast charging mode or the normal charging mode.

[0106] As shown in Figure 9As shown in FIG. 10, first, the information processing device 10 determines whether the information processing device 10 supports quick charging (step S201).

[0107] In a case where quick charging is not supported (step S201: No), the information processing device 10 selects the normal charging mode (step S202).

[0108] On the other hand, in a case where quick charging is supported (step S201: Yes), the information processing device 10 determines whether the internal temperature is within a normal temperature range (step S203). Here, the normal temperature can be set in advance.

[0109] In a case where the internal temperature is not within the normal temperature range (step S203: No), the information processing device 10 selects the normal charging mode (step S202).

[0110] On the other hand, in a case where the internal temperature is within the normal temperature range (step S203: Yes), the information processing device 10 selects the quick charging mode (step S204). After step S202 or S204, the process ends.

[0111] <2. Modified Example of Embodiment>

[0112] Next, a modified example of the embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the charging control mode according to the present embodiment. Figure 10 A "light charging mode" is illustrated. In the light charging mode, similarly to the charging mode, both the CPU of the information processing device 10 and the secondary battery receive power supply from the external power supply 90. However, the charging amount of the secondary battery is suppressed.

[0113] For example, a use scenario of the light charging mode is a case where the user is playing a specific application of high load processing, and since the user goes out or the like after a certain period of time, the user does not intend to play for a long time and wishes to charge the secondary battery a little. Since the charging amount of the secondary battery is suppressed in the light charging mode, heat generated due to charging is also suppressed (due to heat generation, in a case where playing continues as is, reduction in the processing speed of the CPU due to an increase in the internal temperature occurs).

[0114] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of switching the charging control mode according to the present embodiment. In Figure 11 , similarly to Figure 5, until the remaining amount of the secondary battery becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold (time 1), the secondary battery is charged in the charge mode so as to prevent or eliminate the occurrence of the reduction in the processing speed of the CPU due to the reduction in the remaining amount of the secondary battery. However, after the remaining amount of the secondary battery has become equal to or greater than the first threshold (time 1), the charge control mode is set to the weak charge mode, and the secondary battery is charged little by little. Note that, in the weak charge mode, when the specific application has become in the sleep state or has been terminated (time m), the charge control mode is also switched to the charge mode, and the suppression of the charge amount of the secondary battery is released.

[0115] <3. Hardware configuration example>

[0116] Next, a hardware configuration example of the information processing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Figure 12 , the information processing device 10 includes, for example, a processor 871, a ROM 872, a RAM 873, a host bus 874, a bridge 875, an external bus 876, an interface 877, an input device 878, an output device 879, a storage 880, a drive 881, a connection port 882, and a communication device 883. Note that the hardware configuration described here is an example, and some components can be omitted. Furthermore, components other than those described here can be further included.

[0117] (Processor 871)

[0118] The processor 871 functions as, for example, an arithmetic processing device or a control device, and controls the overall operation of each component or a part thereof based on various programs recorded in the ROM 872, the RAM 873, the storage 880, or the removable recording medium 901.

[0119] (ROM 872, RAM 873)

[0120] The ROM 872 is a unit that stores programs read by the processor 871, data for calculation, and the like. The RAM 873 temporarily or permanently stores, for example, programs read by the processor 871, various parameters appropriately changed at the time of executing the programs, and the like.

[0121] (Host bus 874, bridge 875, external bus 876, interface 877)

[0122] For example, the processor 871, the ROM 872, and the RAM 873 are connected to each other via the host bus 874 capable of high-speed data transmission. On the other hand, the host bus 874 is connected to the external bus 876 having a relatively lower data transmission speed, for example, via the bridge 875. Further, the external bus 876 is connected to various components via the interface 877.

[0123] (input device 878)

[0124] For example, as the input device 878, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, a lever, or the like is used. Further, as the input device 878, a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) capable of transmitting a control signal using infrared rays or other radio waves can be used. Further, the input device 878 includes a voice input device such as a microphone.

[0125] (output device 879)

[0126] For example, the output device 879 is a device capable of visually or aurally notifying a user of acquired information, for example, a display device such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL), or the like, an audio output device such as a speaker, a headphone, or the like, a printer, a mobile phone, a facsimile, or the like. Further, the output device 879 according to the present disclosure includes various vibration devices capable of outputting a tactile stimulus.

[0127] (storage 880)

[0128] The storage 880 is a device for storing various data. As the storage 880, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like, a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or the like is used.

[0129] (driver 881)

[0130] The driver 881 is, for example, a device that reads information recorded on a removable recording medium 901 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like or writes information to the removable recording medium 901.

[0131] (removable recording medium 901)

[0132] The removable recording medium 901 is, for example, a DVD medium, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) medium, an HD-DVD medium, various semiconductor storage media, or the like. Of course, the removable recording medium 901 can be, for example, an IC card on which a non-contact IC chip is mounted, an electronic device, or the like.

[0133] (connection port 882)

[0134] The connection port 882 is a port for connecting an external connection device 902, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an IEEE 1394 port, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, or the like.

[0135] (External connection device 902)

[0136] The external connection device 902 is, for example, a printer, a portable music player, a digital camera, a digital video camera, an IC recorder, or the like.

[0137] (Communication device 883)

[0138] The communication device 883 is a communication device for connecting to a network, and is, for example, a communication card for wired or wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wireless USB (WUSB), a router for optical communication, a router for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), a modem for various types of communication, or the like.

[0139] <4. SUMMARY>

[0140] As described above, the information processing device (10) including the secondary battery includes a measurement unit (150) that measures a residual amount of the secondary battery, a determination unit (160) that determines whether the residual amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and determines whether a specific application is in a foreground state, and a charge control unit (170) that stops charging the secondary battery by using an external power supply in a case where the residual amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state.

[0141] As a result, it is possible to maintain a state in which the processing speed of the CPU is hardly reduced due to heat for as long as possible.

[0142] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely illustrative or exemplary, and the not limitative. That is, in addition to or in place of the effects described above, the technology according to present disclosure can exhibit other effects apparent to those skilled in the art from the descriptions in this specification.

[0144] Note that the present technology can also have the following configurations.

[0145] (1) An information processing apparatus including a secondary battery, the information processing apparatus comprising:

[0146] a measurement unit that measures a remaining amount of the secondary battery;

[0147] a determination unit that determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and determines whether a specific application is in a foreground state; and

[0148] a charge control unit that stops charging the secondary battery by using an external power supply, in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state.

[0149] (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), further comprising:

[0150] a detection unit that detects that the remaining amount has been less than the first threshold value, wherein

[0151] the charge control unit further starts charging the secondary battery by using the external power supply, in response to detecting that the remaining amount has been less than the first threshold value.

[0152] (3) The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), further comprising:

[0153] a detection unit that detects that the specific application has become a sleep state or has ended, wherein

[0154] the charge control unit further starts charging the secondary battery by using the external power supply, in response to detecting that the specific application has become the sleep state or has ended.

[0155] (4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising:

[0156] a detection unit that detects that the remaining amount has been equal to or greater than the first threshold value, wherein

[0157] the determination by the determination unit of whether the specific application is in the foreground state is performed, in response to detecting that the remaining amount has been equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

[0158] (5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising:

[0159] a detection unit that detects that the specific application has become the foreground state, wherein

[0160] In response to detecting that the specific application has become a foreground state, the determination by the determination unit as to whether the remaining amount has equal to or more than a first threshold value is executed.

[0161] (6) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising:

[0162] an operation unit that detects a predetermined operation of a user, wherein

[0163] in response to detecting the predetermined operation of the user, the determination by the determination unit as to whether the remaining amount has equal to or more than a first threshold value and the determination by the determination unit as to whether the specific application is in a foreground state are executed.

[0164] (7) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising:

[0165] a detection unit that detects that the external power supply is connected, wherein

[0166] in response to detecting that the external power supply is connected, the determination by the determination unit as to whether the remaining amount has equal to or more than a first threshold value and the determination by the determination unit as to whether the specific application is in a foreground state are executed.

[0167] (8) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

[0168] the determination unit further determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or more than a second threshold value that is a value higher than the first threshold value, and

[0169] the charge control unit further stops charging the secondary battery by using the external power supply and stops supplying power from the external power supply in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or more than the second threshold value.

[0170] (9) The information processing device according to (8), further comprising:

[0171] a detection unit that detects that the remaining amount has been less than the second threshold value, wherein

[0172] in response to detecting that the remaining amount has been less than the second threshold value, the determination by the determination unit as to whether the specific application is in a foreground state is executed.

[0173] (10) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein

[0174] the measurement unit further measures a temperature in the information processing device, and

[0175] The charging of the secondary battery by the charging control unit using the external power source is performed by fast charging when the temperature is within a predetermined temperature range.

[0176] (11) A program for causing an information processing apparatus including a secondary battery to execute the following processing:

[0177] measuring a remaining amount of the secondary battery;

[0178] determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value;

[0179] determining whether a specific application is in a foreground state; and

[0180] stopping charging of the secondary battery using an external power source, in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state.

[0181] (12) A method in which an information processing apparatus including a secondary battery executes the following processing:

[0182] measuring a remaining amount of the secondary battery;

[0183] determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value;

[0184] determining whether a specific application is in a foreground state; and

[0185] stopping charging of the secondary battery using an external power source, in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state.

[0186] Reference mark list

[0187] 10 information processing apparatus

[0188] 50 cable

[0189] 90 external power source

[0190] 110 display unit

[0191] 120 operation unit

[0192] 130 storage unit

[0193] 140 detection unit

[0194] 150 measurement unit

[0195] 160 determination unit

[0196] 170 charging control unit

[0197] 200 control unit

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus including a secondary battery and a CPU, the information processing apparatus comprising: a measurement unit that measures a remaining amount of the secondary battery; a determination unit that determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and determines whether a specific application is in a foreground state or a non-foreground state including a hibernation state and a termination state; and a charge control unit that, in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state, stops supplying power to the secondary battery from an external power source, and continues supplying power to the CPU from the external power source so that the remaining amount of the secondary battery is not decreased and not increased.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects that the remaining amount has been less than the first threshold value, wherein the charge control unit further starts charging the secondary battery by using the external power source in response to detecting that the remaining amount has been less than the first threshold value.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects that the specific application has become the hibernation state or has ended, wherein the charge control unit further starts charging the secondary battery by using the external power source in response to detecting that the specific application has become the hibernation state or has ended.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects that the remaining amount has been equal to or greater than the first threshold value, wherein the determination by the determination unit of whether the specific application is in the foreground state or the non-foreground state is performed in response to detecting that the remaining amount has been equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects that the specific application has become the foreground state, wherein the determination by the determination unit of whether the remaining amount has been equal to or greater than the first threshold value is performed in response to detecting that the specific application has become the foreground state.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an operation unit that detects a predetermined operation of a user, wherein the determination by the determination unit of whether the remaining amount has been equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and the determination by the determination unit of whether the specific application is in the foreground state or the non-foreground state, are performed in response to detecting the predetermined operation of the user.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects that the external power source is connected, wherein the determination by the determination unit of whether the remaining amount has been equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and the determination by the determination unit of whether the specific application is in the foreground state or the non-foreground state, are performed in response to detecting that the external power source is connected.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit further determines whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is a value higher than the first threshold value, and the charge control unit further starts charging the secondary battery by using the external power source in response to detecting that the remaining amount has been equal to or greater than the second threshold value. The charge control unit further stops charging the secondary battery by using the external power supply and stops the power supply from the external power supply in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a detection unit that detects that the remaining amount has been less than a second threshold value, wherein in response to detecting that the remaining amount has been less than a second threshold value, the determination by the determination unit of whether the specific application is in a foreground state or a non-foreground state is performed.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit further measures a temperature in the information processing apparatus, and in a case where the temperature is within a predetermined temperature range, the charging of the secondary battery by the charge control unit by using the external power supply is performed by fast charging.

11. A program product for causing an information processing apparatus including a secondary battery and a CPU to execute the following processing: measuring a remaining amount of the secondary battery; determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; determining whether a specific application is in a foreground state or a non-foreground state, the non-foreground state including a hibernation state and a termination state; and in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state, stopping the power supply to the secondary battery from an external power supply and continuing the power supply to the CPU from the external power supply so that the remaining amount of the secondary battery is not decreased and not increased.

12. A method wherein, An information processing apparatus including a secondary battery and a CPU executes the following processing: measuring a remaining amount of the secondary battery; determining whether the remaining amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; determining whether a specific application is in a foreground state or a non-foreground state, the non-foreground state including a hibernation state and a termination state; and in a case where the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the specific application is in the foreground state, stopping the power supply to the secondary battery from an external power supply and continuing the power supply to the CPU from the external power supply so that the remaining amount of the secondary battery is not decreased and not increased. ​

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