Portable device and method of operating the same

Abstract

This invention provides a portable device and a method for operating the portable device, enabling the confirmation of battery remaining power after battery cell replacement to avoid accidental triggering of wireless communication with the controlled object. The portable device includes: a portable device body; an operation unit disposed on the portable device body for operation; a battery cell disposed on the portable device body to supply power; a notification unit disposed on the portable device body to notify the battery cell of its remaining battery power; a control unit for controlling the controlled object via wireless communication; and a mode transition unit for transitioning from a normal operating mode to a battery remaining power confirmation mode when the battery cell is replaced. While in the battery remaining power confirmation mode via the mode transition unit, when the operation unit is operated, the portable device notifies the controlled object of its remaining battery power via the notification unit without wireless communication with the controlled object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a portable device and a method for operating the portable device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, portable devices can control objects via wireless communication. For example, a portable device sends and / or receives signals via internal transmitting and receiving circuits, thereby communicating wirelessly with the controlled object's device (e.g., a wireless communication module installed in a vehicle). Therefore, a portable device can function as a smart key, controlling the controlled object by operating its control unit. For example, when a user presses a switch on the portable device, the device wirelessly unlocks the vehicle doors, starts the engine, etc.

[0003] Furthermore, portable devices typically have removable battery cells for power. To check the remaining battery level, it's conceivable to install a notification unit (e.g., an LED light or display screen) on the portable device, thereby informing the user of the remaining battery level (e.g., the number of LED flashes, flash frequency, flash intensity, or a battery level gauge or text displayed on the screen). To conserve the power consumed by the notification unit, it's conceivable that the notification unit doesn't constantly inform the user of the remaining battery level, but rather notifies them based on their needs. For example, notifying them immediately after replacing the battery cell. Normally, the battery cell cover is located on the back of the portable device, while the notification unit is on the front, making it difficult to see the notification immediately after battery cell replacement, and making it difficult for the user to check the remaining battery level at any time as needed.

[0004] However, even if it is conceivable to trigger the battery level notification by operating the control unit located on the front of the portable device, the user may accidentally trigger wireless communication to the controlled object when operating the control unit to receive the battery level notification.

[0005] [Existing technical documents]

[0006] [Patent Literature]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 4287455

[0008] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-132770 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a portable device and a method for operating the portable device, which can confirm the remaining battery level after replacing the battery cell in a way that avoids accidentally triggering wireless communication with the controlled object.

[0010] This invention provides a portable device. The portable device includes: a portable device body; an operation unit disposed on the portable device body for operation; a battery unit disposed on the portable device body for supplying power; a notification unit disposed on the portable device body for notifying the battery unit of its remaining battery level; a control unit for controlling a controlled object via wireless communication; and a mode transition unit for transitioning from a normal operating mode to a battery level confirmation mode when the battery unit is replaced. While in the battery level confirmation mode via the mode transition unit, when the operation unit is operated, the portable device notifies the remaining battery level via the notification unit without wireless communication with the controlled object.

[0011] The present invention also provides a method for operating a portable device. The portable device includes a portable device body, an operation unit disposed on the portable device body for operation, a battery cell disposed on the portable device body for supplying power, a notification unit disposed on the portable device body for notifying the battery cell of its remaining battery level, a control unit for controlling a device controlling a controlled object via wireless communication, and a mode transition unit for transitioning from a normal operating mode to a battery level confirmation mode when the battery cell is replaced. The method for operating the portable device includes: when the device is in the battery level confirmation mode via the mode transition unit, and the operation unit is operated, the portable device notifies the remaining battery level via the notification unit without wirelessly communicating with the controlled object.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, after a preset standby time has elapsed since the device was switched to the battery remaining power confirmation mode, the portable device switches to the normal operation mode via the mode switching unit and performs the operation as the normal operation mode via the operation unit.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, when a signal is received from the controlled object after migrating to the battery remaining power confirmation mode, the portable device migrates to the normal operation mode via the mode migration unit, and performs the operation as the normal operation mode via the operation unit.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, after receiving a signal from the controlled object and migrating to the normal operating mode, and after a preset idle time, the portable device migrates to the battery remaining power confirmation mode via the mode migration unit.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the device receives a signal from the controlled object and transitions to the normal operating mode, and then receives a signal from the controlled object again, the portable device transitions to the battery remaining power confirmation mode via the mode transition unit.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the operation unit is operated after migrating to the battery remaining power confirmation mode, the notification unit sends two notifications when the battery remaining power is in the first remaining power range, and when the operation unit is operated again, the portable device migrates to the normal operation mode via the mode migration unit.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the operation unit is operated after migrating to the battery remaining power confirmation mode, if the battery remaining power is in a second remaining power range that is lower than the first remaining power range, the notification unit makes a notification, and the portable device then migrates to the normal operation mode via the mode migration unit.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the operation unit is operated after migrating to the battery remaining power confirmation mode, if the battery remaining power is in a third remaining power range that is lower than the second remaining power range, the notification unit sends a notification that is shorter in duration or weaker in intensity than the notification during the second remaining power range, and prohibits the portable device from migrating to the normal operation mode via the mode migration unit.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation part and the notification part are disposed on the same surface of the portable device body.

[0020] Based on the above, in the portable device and its operation method of the present invention, when the battery cell is replaced and the device is switched to a battery level monitoring mode via a mode transition unit, the portable device notifies the user of the remaining battery level via a notification unit when the operation unit is operated, without wirelessly communicating with the controlled object. Thus, the portable device performs battery level monitoring on the replaced battery cell in the battery level monitoring mode (i.e., operates via the operation unit and notifies via the notification unit) without accidentally triggering wireless communication with the controlled object. Accordingly, the portable device and its operation method of the present invention can monitor the remaining battery level after replacing the battery cell in a manner that avoids accidentally triggering wireless communication with the controlled object.

[0021] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is an operational schematic diagram of wireless communication between a portable device and a controlled object according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the portable device shown;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the functional components of the portable device.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the timing sequence of the operation process of the portable device.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The diagram shown illustrates the main flow of the operation method for the portable device.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An additional flowchart illustrating the operation method of the portable device is shown.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 50: Controlled object;

[0030] 100: Portable computer;

[0031] 110: The portable device itself;

[0032] 112: Front;

[0033] 114: Back side;

[0034] 116: Bottom;

[0035] 120: Operations Department;

[0036] 130: Battery cell;

[0037] 140: Notification Department;

[0038] 150: Control Department;

[0039] 160: Pattern Migration Department;

[0040] P1: During battery cell replacement;

[0041] P2: Battery residual capacity confirmation period;

[0042] P3: During operations in the operations department;

[0043] P4: Notification period from the Notification Department;

[0044] P5: During standby;

[0045] t1, t2, t3, t4, t5: time. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherein, Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is an operational schematic diagram illustrating wireless communication between a portable device and a controlled object according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shown is a 3D representation of the portable device. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the functional components of the portable device. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the timing sequence of the operation process of the portable device. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The diagram shown illustrates the main flow of the portable device's operation. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An additional flowchart illustrating the operation method of the portable device is shown below. Figures 1A to 6 This invention describes the specific composition of the portable device 100 and its operation method, but it is not intended to limit the invention.

[0047] First, please refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B In this embodiment, the portable device 100 is suitable for using as a smart key to control the controlled object 50. For example, when a user carrying the portable device 100 approaches the vehicle, which is the controlled object 50, such as... Figure 1A As shown, as one mechanism for triggering the wireless communication, the user operates the vehicle 50, the object of control, for example, by touching the vehicle's exterior door handle. Thus, the portable device 100 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle 50, wherein the vehicle 50 sends an external request signal, and the portable device 100 sends a response signal. If the identification code of the portable device 100 is confirmed to match via the response signal, control of the vehicle 50 is permitted, such as unlocking the doors.

[0048] Furthermore, when a user carrying the portable device 100 enters the vehicle that is the object of control 50, such as Figure 1BAs shown, as one mechanism for triggering the wireless communication, the user operates the vehicle 50, the controlled object, for example, by pressing the brake pedal and rotating the knob that serves as the engine start switch, or by pressing the brake pedal and pressing the button that serves as the engine start switch. Thus, the portable device 100 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle 50, the controlled object. When the vehicle 50 sends an in-vehicle request signal, the portable device 100 sends a response signal. If the identification code of the portable device 100 is confirmed to match via the response signal, control of the vehicle 50 is permitted, such as starting the engine and unlocking the steering wheel.

[0049] In other embodiments not shown, a user carrying the portable device 100 can also operate the vehicle 50, which is the control object, by operating the portable device 100. That is, as one mechanism to trigger the wireless communication, the user operates the portable device 100 (as described later). Thus, the portable device 100 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle 50, and if the identification code of the portable device 100 is confirmed to be consistent, control of the vehicle 50 is permitted. Therefore, the present invention does not limit the mechanism for triggering the wireless communication, and it can be adjusted according to needs.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the portable device 100 includes a portable device body 110, an operation unit 120, a battery unit 130, a notification unit 140, a control unit 150, and a mode transfer unit 160. The portable device body 110 is the main structure constituting the hardware casing of the portable device 100. The operation unit 120 includes, for example, buttons for locking and unlocking vehicle doors and opening the tailgate, and is located on the portable device body 110 for operation. The battery unit 130 includes, for example, a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery, and is located on the portable device body 110 to supply power. The notification unit 140 includes, for example, an LED light (or a display screen), and is located on the portable device body 110 to notify the battery unit 130 of the remaining battery level. Preferably, the operation unit 120 and the notification unit 140 are disposed on the same surface (e.g., front 112) of the portable device body 110, while the battery unit 130 is disposed on another surface (e.g., back 114) of the portable device body 110, or is disposed by means of a bracket inserted inward from the bottom surface 116 of the portable device body 110. However, the present invention does not limit the specific composition of the portable device body 110, the operation unit 120, the battery unit 130, and the notification unit 140, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 150 is, for example, a control circuit with transmitting and receiving circuits installed in the portable device body 110, which controls the device of the controlled object 50 (e.g., a wireless communication module installed in a vehicle) via wireless communication (e.g., performing tasks such as...). Figure 1A and Figure 1B (As shown in the diagram). The mode transition unit 160 is implemented, for example, by a processor, memory, and / or software installed in the portable device body 110, to transition from the normal operating mode to the battery level check mode when the battery unit 130 is replaced. However, the present invention does not limit the specific composition of the control unit 150 and the mode transition unit 160, which can be adjusted as needed.

[0052] In this embodiment, the normal operating mode refers to the ability of the portable device 100 to operate the vehicle 50, which is the controlled object, via wireless communication by operating the operation unit 120. Correspondingly, the battery level confirmation mode refers to the ability of the portable device 100 to confirm the battery level by operating the operation unit 120, that is, to notify the user of the battery level via the notification unit 140. Therefore, when the battery cell 130 is replaced and the device is switched to the battery level confirmation mode via the mode transition unit 160, the portable device 100 notifies the user of the battery level via the notification unit 140 when the operation unit 120 is operated, without wirelessly communicating with the controlled object 50.

[0053] Specifically, please refer to Figure 4 The diagram shows a timing sequence of the operation process of the portable device 100. In this embodiment, the battery unit 130 is replaced during battery unit replacement P1. For example, if the battery unit 130 is replaced at time t1, the battery unit 130 changes from a cut-off state to a conduction state at time t1, and the mode transition unit 160 transitions from the normal operation mode to the battery level check mode at time t2, which is a preset time (e.g., several seconds) after time t1. Thus, after the battery unit 130 is installed on the back 114 of the portable device body 110, there is a buffer time (i.e., the time between time t1 and time t2) that allows the user to flip the portable device body 110 to the front 112 to operate the operation unit 120 and recognize notifications from the notification unit 140. However, in other embodiments not shown, the mode transition unit 160 may also transition from the normal operation mode to the battery level check mode immediately after the battery unit 130 is replaced. The present invention is not limited thereto and can be adjusted as needed.

[0054] Next, in this embodiment, during the battery balance confirmation period P2, the portable device 100 enters a standby state until the operation unit 120 is operated at time t3. In the early part of the battery balance confirmation period P2, the portable device 100 has just transitioned from the normal operating mode to the battery balance confirmation mode, thus requiring an initial setting time (e.g., several milliseconds (ms) to several seconds) as a buffer. This initial setting time means that even if the operation unit 120 is operated, no action can be performed. Subsequently, in the later part of the battery balance confirmation period P2, operation of the portable device 100 via the operation unit 120 is permitted to confirm the battery balance. However, in other embodiments not shown, operation of the portable device 100 via the operation unit 120 may be permitted in the early part of the battery balance confirmation period P2 (i.e., the initial setting time is omitted). This invention is not limited thereto and can be adjusted as needed.

[0055] Next, in this embodiment, when the operation unit 120 is operated at time t3, the battery remaining balance confirmation period P2 ends, and the operation unit operation period P3 begins. The operation mode of the operation unit 120 is, for example, pressing a button (as described later), so the operation unit operation period P3 (i.e., the period from time t3 to time t4) may only last for a few milliseconds to a few seconds. Subsequently, the operation unit 120 completes the operation at time t4, the operation unit operation period P3 ends, and the notification unit notification period P4 begins, where the notification unit 140 notifies the battery remaining balance. The notification mode of the notification unit 140 is, for example, turning off the LED light of the notification unit 140, so the notification unit notification period P4 (i.e., the period from time t4 to time t5) may only last for a few milliseconds to a few seconds. However, in other embodiments not shown, the notification unit 140 may notify the battery remaining amount after a period of time following the completion of the operation by the operation unit 120, or the notification unit 140 may begin notifying the battery remaining amount during the operation of the operation unit 120 (i.e., the operation period P3 of the operation unit overlaps with the notification period P4 of the notification unit). This invention is not limited thereto and can be adjusted according to requirements.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, after the notification period P4 ends, the device enters standby period P5. During standby period P5, depending on different operating mechanisms, the portable device 100 may continue to be in battery level confirmation mode, or it may be transitioned to normal operating mode via mode transition unit 160. Examples of this include... Figure 5 The main flow of the operation method of the portable device 100 shown, and as follows Figure 6 The operation method of the portable device 100 will be explained by an additional procedure shown.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 5In this embodiment, the operation method of the portable device 100 includes the following steps. First, preferably while the portable device 100 is in normal operating mode, the battery unit 130 is replaced (step S110). For example, the portable device 100 enters... Figure 4 During the battery cell replacement period P1, the portable device 100 then transitions to the battery remaining power verification mode (step S120) via the mode transition unit 160, for example, by entering... Figure 4 During the battery remaining charge verification period P2, it is then determined whether to operate the operation unit 120 (step S130). If the operation unit 120 is not operated (step S130, No), the following steps are performed: Figure 6 The additional process shown is (step S140). Correspondingly, when the device is switched to the battery remaining power check mode via the mode transition unit 160, and the operation unit 120 is operated (step S130, Yes), the portable device 100, for example, enters... Figure 4 During operation of the operation unit P3, the remaining battery level of the battery unit 130 is subsequently confirmed (step S150). At this time, since the portable device 100 has switched to the battery level confirmation mode, normal operation (e.g., unlocking the door, starting the engine, etc.) cannot be performed even if the operation unit 120 is operated. Therefore, the portable device 100 can notify the battery level via the notification unit 140 without wirelessly communicating with the controlled object 50.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after confirming the remaining battery level in battery cell 130, the portable device 100, for example, enters... Figure 4 During the notification period P4, the notification unit 140 notifies the remaining battery level. The notification state of the notification unit 140 may be, for example, by turning off the LED light of the notification unit 140. Preferably, the notification state of the notification unit 140 has multiple stages (e.g., the number of times the LED light turns off or the duration) to visually indicate the remaining battery level. For example, when the operation unit 120 is operated after switching to the remaining battery level confirmation mode (step S130, Yes), the remaining battery level of the battery cell 130 is confirmed (step S150) to determine whether the remaining battery level of the battery cell 130 is high, medium, or low.

[0059] For example, when the operation unit 120 is operated after switching to the battery remaining power confirmation mode (step S130, Yes), and it is confirmed that the battery remaining power of the battery unit 130 is in the first remaining power range, that is, when it is confirmed that the battery remaining power of the battery unit 130 is a large remaining power (step S150, 1), the notification unit 140 makes two notifications (step S160), for example, by turning off the LED light of the notification unit 140 twice. After the notification unit 140 completes the notification, the portable device 100, for example, enters... Figure 4During the standby period P5, it is confirmed whether to operate the operation unit 120 again (step S162). When the operation unit 120 is operated again (step S162, yes), the portable device 100 is switched to the normal operation mode via the mode transition unit 160 (step S164), and then the operation process ends (step S170). When the operation unit 120 is not operated again (step S162, no), the portable device 100 can selectively execute... Figure 6 The additional process shown (step S140) determines whether to transition to normal operating mode or remain in battery level confirmation mode. However, in other embodiments not shown, the portable device 100 may also make this determination via other mechanisms, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0060] Accordingly, when the operation unit 120 is operated after switching to the battery remaining power confirmation mode (step S130, Yes), if it is confirmed that the battery remaining power of the battery unit 130 is in a second remaining power range lower than the first remaining power range, that is, when it is confirmed that the battery remaining power of the battery unit 130 is in the medium remaining power range (step S150, 2), the notification unit 140 issues a notification (step S180), for example, by turning off the LED light of the notification unit 140. After the notification unit 140 completes the notification, the portable device 100, for example, enters... Figure 4 During the standby period P5, since the remaining battery charge of battery cell 130 is lower than the first remaining charge range, after notification by notification unit 140, preferably without consuming additional power, the portable device 100 then transitions to normal operating mode via mode transition unit 160 (step S182), and then ends the operation process (step S170). However, in other embodiments not shown, the portable device 100 may also determine whether to transition to normal operating mode or remain in battery charge confirmation mode via other determination mechanisms, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] Furthermore, when the operation unit 120 is operated after switching to the battery remaining power confirmation mode (step S130, Yes), if it is confirmed that the battery remaining power of the battery unit 130 is in a third remaining power range lower than the second remaining power range, that is, if it is confirmed that the battery remaining power of the battery unit 130 is low (step S150, 3), the notification unit 140 sends a notification (step S190) with a shorter duration or lower intensity than the second remaining power range. For example, the LED light of the notification unit 140 is turned off once, but the time for turning off is shorter or the intensity is lower than the second remaining power range. After the notification unit 140 completes the notification, the portable device 100 enters, for example, a state where... Figure 4During the standby period P5, since the remaining battery charge of battery cell 130 is lower than the second remaining charge range, it is difficult to continue operation. Therefore, after notification from notification unit 140, it is preferable to prevent the portable device 100 from transitioning to normal operating mode via mode transition unit 160 (step S192), and then end this operation process (step S170). However, in other embodiments not shown, the portable device 100 may selectively transition to normal operating mode and then replace battery cell 130 again (i.e., return to step S110), or determine whether to transition to normal operating mode or remain in battery charge confirmation mode through other determination mechanisms. The present invention is not limited to this.

[0062] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the operation unit 120 is operated after migrating to the battery remaining power confirmation mode (step S130, Yes), the notification unit 140 uses different notification modes to notify according to different stages of battery remaining power, and the portable device 100 migrates to the normal operation mode or prohibits migration according to different operation mechanisms. The battery remaining power of the battery unit 130 is defined into three stages: large, medium, and small, based on a first remaining power range, a second remaining power range, and a third remaining power range. The notification status of the notification unit 140 is correspondingly set to three stages (e.g., the LED light is turned off twice, turned off once, or turned off once for a shorter time, etc.), so that the battery remaining power of the battery unit 130 can be known by a simple means. Among them, the first remaining power range, the second remaining power range, and the third remaining power range are, for example, preset power percentages, such as 80%~100%, 50%~80%, 20%~50%, etc., but are not limited to these. In addition, in other embodiments not shown, the battery level of battery cell 130 and the notification status of notification unit 140 may have fewer or more stages, and when notification unit 140 displays a battery level table or text on a display screen, it may correspond to more stages (e.g., displaying each percentage from 0% to 100%), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, if the operation unit 120 is not operated after switching to the battery remaining power confirmation mode (step S130, No), the following is executed: Figure 6 The additional process shown (step S140). That is, in Figure 4 During the battery residual quantity verification period P2, if the operation unit 120 is not operated and the process does not proceed... Figure 4 During operation of the operating unit in P3 mode, the battery remaining capacity monitoring mode can be maintained continuously, and it can also be achieved through methods such as... Figure 6 The additional process shown will be used for further judgment.

[0064] For details, please refer to Figure 6In this embodiment, if the operation unit 120 is not operated after transitioning to the battery remaining power confirmation mode (i.e., entering the additional process of step S140), and a signal is received from the control object 50 (step S200), the portable device 100 transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition unit 160 (step S210), and performs the operation as the normal operation mode via the operation unit 120. The signal from the control object 50 is, for example, as follows: Figure 1A The aforementioned external request signal or such Figure 1B The aforementioned in-vehicle request signal. If, after transitioning to the battery level check mode, the operation unit 120 is not operated, but a signal is received from the control object 50, it is assumed that the user will not check the battery level but intends to perform normal operations via the portable device 100. Therefore, the portable device 100 is preferably subsequently transitioned to the normal operation mode via the mode transition unit 160, and the operation unit 120 performs actions in the normal operation mode (e.g., unlocking the doors, starting the engine, etc.).

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after receiving a signal from the control object 50 (step S200) and transitioning to the normal operating mode (step S210), and after a preset idle time (step S220), the portable device 100 transitions to the battery level check mode via the mode transition unit 160 (step S230). Correspondingly, after receiving a signal from the control object 50 (step S200) and transitioning to the normal operating mode (step S210), and then receiving a signal from the control object 50 again (step S240), the portable device 100 also transitions to the battery level check mode via the mode transition unit 160 (step S230).

[0066] In other words, after receiving a signal from the control object 50 (step S200) and transitioning to the normal operation mode (step S210), if normal operation is not performed after a preset idle time, or if a signal from the control object 50 is received again before the preset idle time has elapsed, it is assumed that the user does not perform normal operation through the portable device 100 but wishes to check the remaining battery level. Therefore, the portable device 100 preferably then transitions to the battery level checking mode via the mode transition unit 160 (step S230). The portable device 100, upon transitioning to the battery level checking mode, can selectively terminate this operation process (step S250). However, in other embodiments not shown, the portable device 100 may also selectively refer to step S120, determine whether to operate the operation unit 120 (step S130) when transitioning to the battery level checking mode, and execute subsequent steps, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0067] Additionally, please refer to Figure 6In this embodiment, if the operation unit 120 is not operated after switching to the battery level check mode (i.e., the additional process of step S140 is entered), and a preset standby time has elapsed (step S260), the portable device 100 switches to the normal operating mode via the mode switching unit 160 (step S270), and performs the operation of the normal operating mode via the operation unit 120. In other words, if the operation unit 120 is not operated after the preset standby time has elapsed since switching to the battery level check mode, it is assumed that the user will not check the battery level, and therefore the portable device 100 switches to the normal operating mode via the mode switching unit 160.

[0068] This can be understood as follows: if a signal is received from the control object 50 before the preset standby time has elapsed, step S200 is entered; if the preset standby time has elapsed without any operation on the operation unit 120 or any signal received from the control object 50, step S260 is entered. The preset standby time is, for example, 10 minutes, but can be adjusted according to needs. Furthermore, since step S260 occurs when the portable device 100 has switched to the battery level check mode without any operation on the operation unit 120 and without any signal received from the control object 50 after the preset standby time, assuming the user does not wish to perform any operation on the portable device 100, the portable device 100, having switched to the normal operating mode (step S270), preferably ends this operation process (step S250). However, in other embodiments not shown, the portable device 100 may also selectively refer to step S210 to determine whether a preset idle time has elapsed (step S220) or to receive a signal from the controlled object 50 again (step S240) when transitioning to the normal operating mode (step S210), and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0069] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the operation unit 120 is not operated after transitioning to the battery level confirmation mode, but a signal from the controlled object is received (step S200), or a preset standby time has elapsed (step S260), the portable device 100 transitions to the normal operation mode (steps S210, S270). After the portable device 100 transitions to the normal operation mode (steps S210, S270), it can selectively transition back to the battery level confirmation mode (step S230) or end the operation process (step S250) depending on different operation states (steps S220, S240). Therefore, even if the operation unit 120 is not operated after the battery unit 130 is replaced, i.e., no operation is performed as described above, the portable device 100 transitions to the normal operation mode (steps S210, S270). Figure 4 The operation period P3 of the operation unit, the notification period P4 of the notification unit, and the standby period P5 are shown. Figure 5 The main process shown can also be implemented by the portable device 100 according to a pre-set judgment mechanism (i.e., such as...). Figure 6The additional process shown is used to determine whether the mode of the portable device 100 has changed. However, the above is only one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] In summary, in the portable device and its operation method of the present invention, when the battery cell is replaced and the device is switched to the battery level confirmation mode via the mode transition unit, the portable device notifies the user of the remaining battery level via the notification unit when the operation unit is operated, without wirelessly communicating with the controlled object. Preferably, the portable device switches to the normal operation mode after receiving a signal from the controlled object or after a preset standby time following the switch to the battery level confirmation mode. Furthermore, when the operation unit is operated after switching to the battery level confirmation mode, the notification unit uses different notification modes to notify the user depending on the remaining battery level, and the portable device switches to the normal operation mode or prevents switching based on different operating mechanisms. Moreover, the operation unit and the notification unit are located on the same surface of the portable device body for easy identification. Thus, the portable device performs the battery level confirmation operation (i.e., operation via the operation unit and notification via the notification unit) on the replaced battery cell in the battery level confirmation mode without accidentally triggering wireless communication with the controlled object. Accordingly, the portable device and its operation method of the present invention can confirm the remaining battery level after replacing the battery cell in a manner that avoids accidentally triggering wireless communication with the controlled object.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable machine characterized by comprising: The portable device includes: a portable device body; an operation section provided on the portable device body to perform an operation; a battery unit provided on the portable device body to supply electric power; a notification section provided on the portable device body to notify a battery residual amount of the battery unit; a control section to control a device as a control target via wireless communication; and a mode transition section to transition from a normal operation mode to a battery residual amount confirmation mode when the battery unit is replaced, when the replacement of the battery unit is completed in a state where the portable device is transitioned from the normal operation mode to the battery residual amount confirmation mode via the mode transition section, the portable device is in a standby state until the operation section is operated, when the operation section is operated, the portable device confirms the battery residual amount without wireless communication with the control target, and after the battery residual amount is confirmed and the operation of the operation section is completed, the notification of the battery residual amount is performed via the notification section. when a predetermined standby time elapses after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, the portable device transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section, and an operation as the normal operation mode is performed via the operation section.

2. The portable machine of claim 1, wherein when a signal from the control target is received after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, the portable device transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section, and an operation as the normal operation mode is performed via the operation section.

3. The portable machine of claim 1, wherein when a predetermined idle time elapses after the transition to the normal operation mode by the reception of the signal from the control target, the portable device transitions to the battery residual amount confirmation mode via the mode transition section.

4. The portable machine of claim 3, wherein when a signal from the control target is received again after the transition to the normal operation mode by the reception of the signal from the control target, the portable device transitions to the battery residual amount confirmation mode via the mode transition section.

5. The portable machine of claim 3, wherein when the operation section is operated after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, when the battery residual amount is in a first residual amount range, the notification section performs notification twice, and when the operation section is operated again, the portable device transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section.

6. The portable machine of claim 1, wherein when the operation section is operated after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, when the battery residual amount is in a second residual amount range lower than the first residual amount range, the notification section performs notification once, and the portable device subsequently transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section.

7. The portable machine of claim 6, wherein when the operation section is operated after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, when the battery residual amount is in a third residual amount range lower than the second residual amount range, the notification section performs notification once which is shorter in time or lower in intensity than that in the second residual amount range, and the portable device is prohibited from transitioning to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section.

8. The portable machine of claim 7, wherein, the operation section and the notification section are provided on the same surface of the portable device body.

9. The portable machine of claim 1, wherein ​ 10. A portable device including a portable device body, an operation section provided on the portable device body to perform an operation, a battery unit provided on the portable device body to supply power, a notification section provided on the portable device body to notify a battery residual amount of the battery unit, a control section to control a device to be controlled via wireless communication, and a mode transition section to transition from a normal operation mode to a battery residual amount confirmation mode in a case where the battery unit is replaced, the operation method of the portable device characterized by comprising: when the replacement of the battery unit is completed, in a state where the mode transition section transitions from the normal operation mode to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, the portable device is in a standby state until the operation section is operated, when the operation section is operated, the portable device confirms the battery residual amount without wireless communication with the device to be controlled, and after the battery residual amount is confirmed and the operation of the operation section is completed, the notification of the battery residual amount is performed via the notification section.

11. The method of operating a portable machine of claim 10, wherein, in a case where a predetermined standby time elapses after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, the portable device transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section, and an operation as the normal operation mode is performed via the operation section.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, in a case where a signal from the device to be controlled is received after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, the portable device transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section, and an operation as the normal operation mode is performed via the operation section.

13. The method of operating a portable machine of claim 12, wherein, in a case where a predetermined idle time elapses after the transition to the normal operation mode by the reception of the signal from the device to be controlled, the portable device transitions to the battery residual amount confirmation mode via the mode transition section.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, in a case where a signal from the device to be controlled is received again after the transition to the normal operation mode by the reception of the signal from the device to be controlled, the portable device transitions to the battery residual amount confirmation mode via the mode transition section.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein, in a case where the operation section is operated after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, when the battery residual amount is in a first residual amount range, the notification section performs notification twice, and when the operation section is operated again, the portable device transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, in a case where the operation section is operated after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, when the battery residual amount is in a second residual amount range lower than the first residual amount range, the notification section performs notification once, and the portable device subsequently transitions to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, in a case where the operation section is operated after the transition to the battery residual amount confirmation mode, when the battery residual amount is in a third residual amount range lower than the second residual amount range, the notification section performs notification once which is shorter in time or lower in intensity than that in the second residual amount range, and the portable device is prohibited from transitioning to the normal operation mode via the mode transition section.

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