Computer program product, control method of electronic device, and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer program product, a control method of an electronic device, and an electronic device. A computer program product in which a program for controlling the operation of an electronic device is recorded, the electronic device being provided with: a communication module including an antenna for performing wireless communication with an external device; a setting interface that selectively sets either a first mode or a second mode that is different from the first mode and that wirelessly communicates with at least an external device; and at least one processor, in which the program causes the at least one processor to execute a process of setting the electronic device to a mode that is more power-saving than the first mode when an input operation to the electronic device is not accepted for a first time in a state in which the first mode is set, and setting the electronic device to a mode that is more power-saving than the second mode in a state in which the second mode is set. When an input operation to the electronic device is not accepted within a second time that is longer than the first time, the electronic device is set to a mode that is more power-saving than the second mode.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] With respect to this application, priority is claimed based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-163921, filed on September 20, 2024, and the entire contents of that basic application are incorporated into this application. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to computer program products, control methods for electronic devices, and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0004] In various electronic devices, if no user input is received for a specified period of time, a process automatically switches to a power-saving mode to reduce power consumption. In the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-97293, in an information processing device with an automatic power-off function, a power-saving mode is set according to the user's input from multiple power-saving modes with varying power reduction effects. In this power-saving mode, the system determines whether to automatically cut off power during processing based on the degree of impact on the device upon completion of the currently executing process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve In electronic devices capable of wireless communication with external devices, the required operating conditions differ depending on whether the electronic device performs highly independent processing within its own device or highly collaborative processing involving an external device as the wireless communication destination. Therefore, there is a need for detailed power-saving settings that correspond to the states of both the electronic device and the external device. Prior art, including Patent Document 1, cannot adequately meet this need.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to achieve optimal power management corresponding to the operating state in an electronic device capable of wireless communication with external devices.

[0007] Methods for solving problems According to one aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is recorded with a program for controlling the operation of an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a communication module including an antenna for wireless communication with an external device; a setting interface for selectively setting either a first mode or a second mode, the second mode being different from the first mode and for at least wireless communication with the external device; and at least one processor, wherein the program causes the at least one processor to perform the following processing: when the first mode is set, if no input operation to the electronic device is received for a first time, setting the electronic device to a power-saving mode compared to the first mode; and when the second mode is set, if no input operation to the electronic device is received for a second time longer than the first time, setting the electronic device to a power-saving mode compared to the second mode.

[0008] Invention Effects Based on the above method, in electronic devices that can communicate wirelessly with external devices, optimal power management corresponding to the operating state can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is the front view of the electronic device.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a block diagram representing the hardware structure of an electronic device.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the concepts of CAL mode and PC mode.

[0012] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the process of connecting electronic devices and external devices via wireless communication.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram that shows the change in the operating mode of an electronic device.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the power management and display unit for each operating mode of an electronic device.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the power management of electronic devices. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1 The electronic device 10 shown can be switched to a first mode, namely calculator mode (hereinafter referred to as CAL mode), which is used as a calculator for calculation, and a second mode, namely external connection mode (hereinafter referred to as PC mode), which is used to wirelessly communicate with external devices and input information to external devices (without using the device as a calculator).

[0017] The operation unit 11 of the electronic device 10 is the part that accepts user operations and has multiple physical keys. The numeric keypad 11a of the operation unit 11 has 11 numeric keys ("0" to "9" and "00") and a decimal point key. The calculation command keypad 11b of the operation unit 11 has four arithmetic operation keys (+, -, ×, ÷) for selecting the type of operation, and an equals sign key for selecting the completion of the operation. The memory keypad 11c of the operation unit 11 has four keys for memory operation (MC, MR, M+, M-). The operation unit 11 also has a clear key (C key) 11d, a clear all key (AC key) 11e, a send key 11f, and a PC / CAL key 11g. When the electronic device 10 is used as a calculator, the previously entered number is deleted by operating the clear key 11d, and all numbers are deleted by operating the clear all key 11e. The SEND key 11f and PC / CAL key 11g are used as operation keys related to wireless communication with the external device 18 described later, constituting a setting unit for selectively setting either the CAL mode as a first mode or the PC mode as a second mode. Furthermore, the operation unit 11 may also include... Figure 1 Keys other than the keys shown (e.g., function keys for tax calculation, function keys for function calculation, etc.), and slide switches other than push-button keys.

[0018] The display unit 12 of the electronic device 10 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or other display devices. The display unit 12 includes a first display area 12a and a second display area 12b. The first display area 12a is composed of multiple 7-segment display units 12c. In the electronic device 10, 12 7-segment display units 12c are arranged in a row, and the first display area 12a has a 12-bit display capability. Each 7-segment display unit 12c has seven segments that are elongated rod-shaped display units, and the display of each segment can be switched on and off independently. The displayed content changes according to the combination of the on and off states of the seven segments. Specifically, the 7-segment display unit 12c can display Arabic numerals from 0 to 9, or a portion of Latin letters. The second display area 12b is provided with markings and icons specifically for displaying specific information in the electronic device 10. Specifically, the second display area 12b is equipped with a communication indicator 12d indicating the status of communication or connection with external devices, an arithmetic operation indicator 12e displaying addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (+, -, ×, ÷) operations, and a memory indicator 12f displaying the status of memory calculations. Figure 1For convenience, the diagram shows the simultaneous display of all indicators in the second display area 12b. However, in practice, only the indicators corresponding to the user-operated keys in the calculation command key area 11b and memory key area 11c are displayed for the arithmetic operation indicator 12e and memory indicator 12f. The communication indicator 12d is displayed in accordance with the communication status described later. Furthermore, the second display area 12b may also have... Figure 1 Display elements (markers, icons, etc.) other than the indicators shown.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 13 of the electronic device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14 as a processor, a memory 15 as a storage unit, and a display driver 16 for driving and controlling the display unit 12. When the keys of the operation unit 11 are operated, operation signals are input to the control unit 13. The memory 15 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for controlling the electronic device 10 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as a temporary data expansion area. By reading the program stored in the ROM of the memory 15 and performing calculations by the memory 15, the various parts of the electronic device 10 are controlled. The display driver 16 controls the display unit 12 based on control signals sent from the CPU 14, performing displays in the first display area 12a and the second display area 12b.

[0020] Communication unit 17 is a wireless communication module for enabling wireless communication between electronic device 10 and other external devices 18, including an antenna for wireless communication with external devices 18. External devices 18 that communicate via communication unit 17 include, for example, personal computers, tablet computers, and smartphones. The communication standard of communication unit 17 is a communication standard for exchanging encryption keys with external devices 18 to conduct encrypted data communication; for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark) is used. The following description assumes that electronic device 10 uses Bluetooth Low Energy as its communication standard, i.e., that communication unit 17 is a Bluetooth Low Energy communication module. External device 18 has a communication module capable of encrypted communication with communication unit 17.

[0021] The electronic device 10 has a built-in power supply 19, and the electronic device 10 operates by being supplied with power from the power supply 19. The power supply 19 is a rechargeable battery (lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc.) that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, and can operate via power supply terminal 19a ( Figure 1The power supply 19 is supplied with power to charge the device. Alternatively, the electronic device 10 may also be equipped with a solar panel that converts light energy into electricity, and the power generated by the solar panel is supplied to the power supply 19.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, in CAL mode of electronic device 10, when the user operates operation unit 11, electronic device 10 functions as a calculator, performing calculations corresponding to the user's operation. The operation content (e.g., the value entered via numeric keypad operation) and the calculation result are displayed on display unit 12. As will be described later, CAL mode includes the case where electronic device 10 functions as a stand-alone terminal that does not communicate with external device 18. Figure 5 The ST1 shown is in CAL mode (non-connected) and the electronic device 10 can communicate with the external device 18. Figure 5 The ST3 shown is in CAL mode (connected), but in either case, the electronic device 10 functions as a calculator on its own.

[0023] In PC mode, electronic device 10 does not function as an independent calculator. When the user operates the operation unit 11, the signal corresponding to the operation is wirelessly transmitted from electronic device 10 to external device 18 via communication unit 17, where the signal is processed. In other words, the operation unit 11 of electronic device 10 can be used as an input device for external device 18. The operation content of each key on the operation unit 11 in PC mode is appropriately set according to the type of operating system of external device 18 and the application being performed on external device 18. For example, when external device 18 is in a state of accepting numerical input, when each key in the numeric keypad area 11a is operated on electronic device 10 in PC mode, the numerical information corresponding to that key is input to external device 18, and electronic device 10 can be used as a numerical input device (a so-called numeric keypad device) in external device 18. Furthermore, in PC mode, keys other than those in the numeric keypad area 11a of the operation unit 11 can also be used as command keys for inputting specified instructions other than numerical values ​​to external device 18. For example, the keys in the calculation command key area 11b and the memory key area 11c can function as arrow keys for cursor movement, or as command keys for copying and pasting strings. In PC mode, the operation content input via the operation unit 11 and the processing content based on that operation are displayed on the display unit 18a of the external device 18. As described above, the PC mode of the electronic device 10 is a mode in which information is input to the external device 18 without using the device as a calculator.

[0024] like Figure 4As shown, communication between electronic device 10 and external device 18 is conducted with electronic device 10 as the peripheral device and external device 18 as the central device. When the communication unit 17 is powered on and electronic device 10 is not connected to external device 18, electronic device 10 advertises at predetermined intervals. This advertisement is a broadcast communication where the peripheral device sends data to a large number of undefined objects; it is a state where the central device indicates its location and waits for connection (an attempt to connect). When external device 18, acting as the central device, requests a connection from electronic device 10 in the advertisement, electronic device 10 stops advertising and switches to one-to-one communication with external device 18.

[0025] Data communication between electronic device 10 and external device 18 is performed using data encryption. In a one-to-one communication state, a pairing process is conducted, exchanging encryption keys between electronic device 10 and external device 18. If the pairing is successful, the connection between electronic device 10 and external device 18 is established, enabling data communication. If an electronic device 10 and external device 18 have a prior connection history, and a key exchanged in a previous pairing has been bound, then during the initial communication phase between electronic device 10 and external device 18, no pairing process is performed, and the connection transitions to a state enabling encrypted communication.

[0026] like Figure 5 As shown, the electronic device 10 has approximately five operating modes, ST1 to ST5. ST0 and ST6 represent the main power-off state of the electronic device 10. When the main power is off and the user turns it on, a power-on instruction is input to the control unit 13, and the electronic device 10 starts up. Turning the main power on and off can be done, for example, by pressing and holding the clear button 11e or by operating the power switch (not shown). The control unit 13 stores the operating mode of the electronic device 10 when the main power was last turned off in the memory 15. If the last operating mode was CAL mode, turning on the main power will start the electronic device 10 in CAL mode; if the last operating mode was PC mode, turning on the main power will start the electronic device 10 in PC mode.

[0027] When electronic device 10 is started in CAL mode by turning on the main power, CAL mode (non-connected) of ST1 is selected. In CAL mode (non-connected) of ST1, control unit 13 keeps the power off of communication unit 17 and operates electronic device 10 in a non-connected state without communicating with external device 18. That is, electronic device 10 operates as a stand-alone calculator. When the user operates the SEND key 11f in CAL mode (non-connected) of ST1, control unit 13 turns on the power of communication unit 17 to enter the notification state and switches to CAL mode (AD) of ST2. When a connection request is received from external device 18 in CAL mode (AD) of ST2, and the connection with external device 18 (a state in which encrypted data communication is possible) is established, it switches to CAL mode (connected) of ST3.

[0028] In ST1's CAL mode (non-connected), when the user operates the operation unit 11 to input values ​​into the electronic device 10 or causes the electronic device 10 to perform calculations, the value input or the calculation result (the value displayed in the first display area 12a of the display unit 12) at the time the SEND key 11f is pressed is sent to the external device 18 during ST3's CAL mode (connected). Furthermore, in ST3's CAL mode (connected), when the user operates the operation unit 11 to input values ​​into the electronic device 10 or causes the electronic device 10 to perform calculations, when the SEND key 11f is pressed, the value input at the time of the SEND key 11f press and the calculation result (the value displayed in the first display area 12a of the display unit 12) are sent to the external device 18. That is, in CAL mode, by pressing the SEND key 11f, the value input in CAL mode or the calculation result obtained in CAL mode can be shared between the external device 18 wirelessly connected to the electronic device 10.

[0029] When a specific time has elapsed in ST2's CAL mode (AD mode) or when the clear key 11e is pressed, the control unit 13 shuts off the power to the communication unit 17 to cancel the notification and switches to ST1's CAL mode (non-connected). When communication with the external device 18 is cut off in ST3's CAL mode (connected mode) (e.g., the power to the external device 18 is off, or the distance between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 is significantly reduced), it switches to ST2's CAL mode (AD mode).

[0030] When the user operates the PC / CAL key 11g in CAL mode (non-connected) of ST1, the control unit 13 powers on the communication unit 17, enters the notification state, and transitions to the mode switching state (AD) of ST4. When a connection request is received from external device 18 in the mode switching state (AD) of ST4, and a connection with external device 18 (a state capable of encrypted data communication) is established, the system transitions to PC mode (connected) of ST5. Furthermore, when the user operates the PC / CAL key 11g in CAL mode (connected) of ST3, the system transitions to PC mode (connected) of ST5. In CAL mode (connected) of ST3, the connection between electronic device 10 and external device 18 is already established, so the system can transition to PC mode (connected) of ST5 without notification. Thus, the system can switch from CAL mode to PC mode based on any user operation. In ST5's PC mode (connected), the user's operations on the operation unit 11 of the electronic device 10 are input to the external device 18, enabling the electronic device 10 to be used as an input device for the external device 18. Furthermore, when the user operates the PC / CAL key 11g in ST5's PC mode (connected), it switches to ST3's CAL mode (connected).

[0031] When a specific time has elapsed in the ST4 mode switching state (AD mode) or when the clear button 11e is pressed, the control unit 13 shuts off the power to the communication unit 17 to cancel the notification and switches to the ST1 CAL mode (non-connected). When in the ST5 PC mode (connected mode), and communication with the external device 18 is cut off (e.g., the external device 18 is powered off, or the electronic device 10 is far from the external device 18), it switches to the ST4 mode switching state (AD mode).

[0032] When electronic device 10 is started in PC mode by turning on the main power, control unit 13 supplies power to communication unit 17, turning on the power and initiating a notification. After entering mode switching state ST4 (AD), connection with external device 18 is established. The previous use of electronic device 10 in PC mode ended when there was a pairing and connection with external device 18. Therefore, if external device 18 is started and becomes capable of communicating with electronic device 10 during the connection processing phase on the electronic device 10 side, the connection between electronic device 10 and external device 18 is immediately established, and electronic device 10 enters PC mode (connecting) at ST5. However, if external device 18 is not powered on, or if electronic device 10 is too far away to communicate with external device 18, PC mode is not established, and mode switching state ST4 (AD) continues.

[0033] When electronic device 10 operates in CAL mode (ST1, ST3) or PC mode (PT5), if a user performs an operation to turn off the main power and receives a transfer instruction to power off, the control unit 13 turns off the main power of electronic device 10. Furthermore, electronic device 10 has an automatic power-off function that automatically turns off the main power after a specific time. When there is no user input operation in CAL mode (ST1, ST3) or PC mode (PT5) for a specific time, the control unit 13 receives a transfer instruction to power off triggered by the elapsed time and turns off the main power of electronic device 10. When the main power is turned off in CAL mode (ST1, ST3), it becomes the ST0 power-off state; when the main power is turned off in PC mode (ST5), it becomes the ST6 power-off state. The control unit 13 monitors the operating mode of electronic device 10 when the main power is off and stores whether the operating mode at the last operation was CAL mode or PC mode in the memory 15. That is, when transitioning to the power-off state of ST0, information indicating that the last operation was in CAL mode is stored in memory 15; when transitioning to the power-off state of ST6, information indicating that the last operation was in PC mode is stored in memory 15. Therefore, when the main power of the electronic device 10 is turned on, the control unit 13 selects whether to start in CAL mode (the CAL mode of ST1 (non-connected) where no power is supplied to the communication unit 17) or in PC mode by referring to the information stored in memory 15.

[0034] The control unit 13 causes the display unit 12 to display in each of the ST1 to ST5 modes via the display driver 16. By observing the display content on the display unit 12, the user can confirm the operating mode of the electronic device 10. Figure 6 Examples of display on display unit 12 in various modes are shown. In CAL mode, in any of the following modes—no connection to external device 18 (ST1), notification (ST2), or connection to external device 18 (ST3)—the user-inputted value or calculation result is displayed in the first display area 12a. Figure 6The example shows the operation of the "1", "2", and "3" keys in the numeric keypad area 11a. During announcements (ST2, ST4), the communication indicator 12d in the second display area 12b flashes. In CAL mode (AD) of ST2, as described above, the numerical value or calculation result is displayed in the first display area 12a. However, in the mode switching state (AD) of ST4, a special display using four 7-segment display units 12c (combining two hyphens and two underscores) is displayed in the first display area 12a. During connection to the external device 18 (ST3, ST5), the communication indicator 12d in the second display area 12b is illuminated (continuously illuminated). In ST3's CAL mode (connected), as described above, the numerical value or calculation result is displayed in the first display area 12a. However, in ST5's PC mode (connected), the first display area 12a displays a special display using four 7-segment display units 12c (a combination of two hyphens and PC characters).

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 13 of the electronic device 10 performs power management corresponding to the operating mode when the main power supply of the electronic device 10 is on. When the electronic device 10 is not in a notification state (ST1, ST3, ST5), if no user input operation is received for a specified time, the control unit 13 performs an automatic power-off process to shut down the main power supply of the electronic device 10. The control unit 13 has a time function (system time) provided by the operating system of the electronic device 10, or a timing function that obtains time information from an integrated circuit (real-time clock) with a time function and measures the elapsed time (timing). The detection of elapsed time described below is achieved through the timing function of the control unit 13.

[0036] When the electronic device 10 operates in CAL mode (ST1, ST3) functioning as a calculator, if no user input is received for more than 6 minutes (non-operational state lasting more than 6 minutes) in either ST1 CAL mode (non-connected) or ST3 CAL mode (connected) functioning with external device 18, the control unit 13 shuts down the main power of the electronic device 10. When the electronic device 10 operates in PC mode (ST5) functioning as an input device for external device 18, if no user input is received for more than 60 minutes (non-operational state lasting more than 60 minutes), the control unit 13 shuts down the main power of the electronic device 10.

[0037] When the electronic device 10 is used as a calculator in CAL mode, most of the calculations the user wants to perform are carried out through input to the operation unit 11. Therefore, it is assumed that the user continuously inputs data to the keys of the operation unit 11 at regular intervals until the calculation is completed. Therefore, even if the standby time before the control unit 13 performs automatic power-off is set to a relatively short first time (6 minutes), the possibility of the electronic device 10 switching to automatic power-off frequently against the user's will is relatively small. In addition, since the automatic power-off state is entered within a relatively short first time (6 minutes), unnecessary power consumption can be minimized when the user has no intention of operating the electronic device 10. In particular, in CAL mode ST3 (connected) when the power of the communication unit 17 is turned on, power consumption is greater than in CAL mode ST1 (not connected) when the power of the communication unit 17 is turned off. Therefore, even in CAL mode ST3 (connected), the system is controlled to automatically power off after the same first time (6 minutes) as in CAL mode ST1 (not connected), thereby improving the power consumption reduction effect. Furthermore, the first time only needs to meet the condition that it is shorter than the second time described later, and is not limited to 6 minutes.

[0038] When using electronic device 10 in PC mode, the tasks performed on external device 18 may include not only inputting values ​​(such as values ​​used as input devices for electronic device 10), but also creating emails, viewing web browsers, enjoying multimedia such as music or videos, image processing, and playing games. When using external device 18 in this multitasking mode, it is assumed that the standby time for the operation unit 11 of electronic device 10 in PC mode tends to be longer than in CAL mode. Therefore, if electronic device 10 switches to automatic power-off control after a time equal to or less than that in CAL mode, it may become unable to accept input values ​​(such as values) via operation unit 11 earlier than the user's desired timing, requiring restarting of electronic device 10 and reconnection to external device 18. Therefore, the ease of use of electronic device 10 in PC mode may deteriorate. On the other hand, if automatic power-off control is not applied in PC mode of electronic device 10 and the main power supply remains on continuously, power consumption increases.

[0039] In contrast, as with the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, in the PC mode (connected) of ST5, the control unit 13 controls the automatic power-off of the electronic device 10 for a second time (60 minutes) longer than the first time (6 minutes). This suppresses unnecessary power consumption without compromising the user's convenience in PC mode. Furthermore, the second time is only required to be longer than the first time and is not limited to 60 minutes. An optimal second time can be appropriately set based on factors such as the frequency of operations performed by the operation unit 11 of the electronic device 10 in PC mode (assuming the user is the one performing the operation) and the types of applications performed on the external device 18.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, in the announcements of electronic device 10 (ST2, ST4), if the state of failure to connect to external device 18 continues for more than one minute as the third time, control unit 13 shuts down the power of communication unit 17 and cancels (stops) the announcement. By canceling the announcement, it switches to CAL mode (non-connection) of ST1. Therefore, in the CAL mode of ST2 (in AD) and the mode switching state of ST4 (in AD), if the connection to external device 18 is not established and no user input operation to operation unit 11 is received, when the total standby time of 1 minute before the announcement is canceled and the standby time of 6 minutes before the automatic power-off in CAL mode has elapsed for a total of 7 minutes, the main power of electronic device 10 is automatically turned off. In this way, even if the electronic device 10 fails to connect to external device 18 during an announcement of an attempt to establish a communication connection, it can switch to power-saving mode under the control of control unit 13 to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0041] Figure 7 An example of power management processing performed by the control unit 13 in the electronic device 10 is shown. The control unit 13 starts timing as power management processing begins. First, in step S1, the control unit 13 determines whether the electronic device 10 is in notification mode. If it is not in notification mode (No in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2, where the control unit 13 determines whether the electronic device 10 is in CAL mode. If the electronic device 10 is in CAL mode (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3, where the control unit 13 determines whether 6 minutes have elapsed since the start of timing without any input operation to the operation unit 11. If 6 minutes have elapsed (Yes in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4, where the control unit 13 shuts off the main power supply of the electronic device 10. In this case, since the power is shut off from CAL mode, the control unit 13 stores the last operating mode as CAL mode in the memory 15.

[0042] If electronic device 10 is not in CAL mode (No in step S2), proceed to step S5, where control unit 13 determines whether electronic device 10 is in PC mode. If electronic device 10 is in PC mode (Yes in step S5), proceed to step S6, where control unit 13 determines whether 60 minutes, designated as a second time interval, has elapsed since the start of the timing period without any input operation to operation unit 11. If 60 minutes have elapsed (Yes in step S6), proceed to step S4, where control unit 13 shuts off the main power supply of electronic device 10. In this case, since the power is shut off from PC mode, control unit 13 stores in memory 15 that the operating mode at the time of the last operation was PC mode.

[0043] In step S3, if an input operation to the operation unit 11 is received 6 minutes before the first time (No in step S3), or in step S6, if an input operation to the operation unit 11 is received 60 minutes before the second time (No in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7, where the counter indicating automatic power-off processing is decremented, and the process returns to the start of the power management process.

[0044] In step S5, if it is determined that electronic device 10 is not in PC mode (step S5 "No"), then none of the states in ST1 to ST5 are met, and the process returns to the beginning of the power management process. Furthermore, since it is usually either CAL mode or PC mode, it can be determined that electronic device 10 is in PC mode based on the fact that it is determined not to be in CAL mode (step S2 "No"). Regarding step S5, if the processing of step S5 is invoked when some error occurs, it is determined to be "No," and no processing is performed regarding automatic power-off, thus functioning as a safety code. Therefore, step S5 can also be omitted.

[0045] If the notification is detected in step S1 (Yes in step S1), the process proceeds to step S8, where the control unit 13 determines whether one minute has elapsed since the start of the timing when the connection with the external device 18 was not established. If one minute has elapsed (Yes in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9, where the control unit 13, based on the first time of automatic power-off (6 minutes), shuts off the power to the communication unit 17 in step S10, causing the electronic device 10 to switch its operating mode to CAL mode (CAL mode (non-connected) in ST1). This results in the "Yes" state determined in step S2 as described above.

[0046] In step S8, if the connection with external device 18 is established 1 minute before the third time (No in step S8), proceed to step S11, and return to the beginning of the power management process based on decrementing the counter in the notification.

[0047] As described above, in the electronic device 10, when no input operation is received for the device within a first time period (6 minutes) in the first mode (CAL mode) or for a second time period (60 minutes) longer than the first time in the second mode (PC mode), the control unit 13 switches to a power-saving mode that turns off the main power. In both the first and second modes, by switching to a power-saving mode when no input operation is received for a predetermined period, power consumption can be suppressed when the user does not operate the electronic device 10. Furthermore, in the first mode (CAL mode) and the second mode (PC mode), the time before switching to power-saving mode when no input operation is performed on the device differs. The second time before switching to power-saving mode in the second mode (PC mode) is set longer than the first time before switching to power-saving mode in the first mode (CAL mode). The first mode (CAL mode) is a highly independent mode in which the electronic device 10 functions as a calculator, consistently performing input operations, calculation processing, and display processing within the device. The second mode (PC mode) is a mode for processing the electronic device 10's operation of the external device 18, the destination of wireless communication. Therefore, in the second mode (PC mode), even if the time when the user does not perform input operations on the electronic device 10 increases to some extent, the electronic device 10 does not switch to power-saving mode and maintains its connection with the external device 18, thus improving the ease of use when using the electronic device 10 in the second mode (PC mode). Therefore, in an electronic device 10 capable of wireless communication with the external device 18, optimal power management (power-saving setting) corresponding to the operating state can be achieved.

[0048] In particular, as with the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, in usage methods such as using the device as a calculator in the first mode and inputting information to an external device 18 in the second mode without using the device as a calculator, by making the second time of switching from the second mode to the power-saving mode longer than the first time of switching from the first mode to the power-saving mode, power management is adapted to different usage methods of the electronic device 10 in each mode, and the balance between power saving and ease of use in each mode is excellent.

[0049] In the electronic device 10, when the control unit 13 receives a transfer instruction to the second mode (PC mode) in the first mode (CAL mode) (input operation of the SEND key 11f or the PC / CAL key 11g), the communication unit 17 initiates connection processing (announcement) with the external device 18. Then, if the connection with the external device 18 fails and a third time (1 minute) has elapsed, the connection processing is terminated (announcement) and the device returns to the first mode (CAL mode), setting the time before switching to power-saving mode to a first time (6 minutes). Thus, even if the connection processing with the external device 18 fails, the device can automatically switch to power-saving mode, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, after the connection processing is terminated (announcement), by setting the waiting time for the input operation to switch to power-saving mode to a first time (6 minutes), the device can switch to power-saving mode without waiting for a second time (60 minutes) longer than the first time (6 minutes), suppressing power consumption.

[0050] The above embodiments are specific examples shown for ease of understanding of the invention. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0051] In the above embodiment, when no input operation is received on the device within a first time period (6 minutes) while the first mode (CAL mode) is set, or when no input operation is received on the device within a second time period (60 minutes) longer than the first time while the second mode (PC mode) is set, the control unit 13 switches to a mode that turns off the main power of the electronic device 10 as a mode that saves more power than the first mode (CAL mode) and the second mode (PC mode). By turning off the main power, an excellent power-saving effect with minimal power consumption can be obtained. However, the process of setting the control unit 13 to a mode that saves more power than the first mode (CAL mode) and the second mode (PC mode) can also be any process other than turning off the power of the electronic device 10.

[0052] As a different example of a power-saving mode compared to the first mode (CAL mode) and the second mode (PC mode), the control unit 13 can also switch to a sleep mode that puts the electronic device 10 into a sleep state. The sleep state in the electronic device 10 is, for example, a state where the main power is on, a standby state where power supply to each component is temporarily stopped or minimized, except for the minimum power supply used to maintain the storage content of the RAM constituting the memory 15. In sleep mode, the operation unit 11 can accept input operations (including operations other than turning on the main power). When the operation unit 11 accepts an input operation, it resumes power supply to each component and deactivates the sleep mode. Furthermore, it can be controlled to deactivate the sleep mode only when a specific key on the operation unit 11 is pressed, or it can be controlled to deactivate the sleep mode by pressing all keys on the operation unit 11.

[0053] As a different example of a power-saving mode compared to the first mode (CAL mode) and the second mode (PC mode), the control unit 13 can also switch to a display-off mode that turns off the display of the display unit 12. For example, when switching to the display-off mode, the control unit 13 causes... Figure 6 The display content of each mode shown (the display of numbers or special modes in the first display area 12a, and the flashing or lighting of the communication indicator 12d in the second display area 12b) stops. In both the PC mode (connecting) of ST5 and the CAL mode (connecting) of ST3, the power to the communication unit 17 is turned on to establish wireless communication with the external device 18, and this is performed on the display unit 12. Figure 6 As shown, by turning off the display on display unit 12, it is possible to set it to a power-saving mode compared to the first mode (CAL mode) and the second mode (PC mode). Furthermore, in ST1's CAL mode (non-connected), when the communication unit 17 is powered off, the display unit 12 is used for... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, by turning off the display of the display unit 12 in power-saving mode, power consumption can be further suppressed.

[0054] The electronic device 10 described in the above embodiment functions as a calculator in the first mode, but the electronic device to which this invention is applied is not limited to calculators. For example, in watch-type wearable devices, there are known wearable devices capable of switching between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the device performs processing such as timing or managing a life log when an input operation is received, and the second mode is a mode in which the device performs certain operations (such as playing or stopping music) on an external device through wireless communication with an external device such as a smartphone. This invention can also be applied to such electronic devices, enabling power management suitable for both the first and second modes.

[0055] The electronic device 10 described above has multiple physical keys in the operation unit 11, but the means of accepting input operations in the electronic device is not limited to such physical keys. It can also be a soft keyboard or the like that is used to perform input operations by touching a touch panel.

Claims

1. A computer program product containing a program for controlling the operation of an electronic device, said electronic device comprising: A communication module, including an antenna for wireless communication with external devices; The interface is configured to selectively configure either a first mode or a second mode, wherein the second mode is different from the first mode and at least allows for wireless communication with the external device; and At least one processor, in, The program causes the at least one processor to perform the following processing: When the first mode is set, if no input operation is received for the electronic device within a first time period, the electronic device is set to a power-saving mode compared to the first mode. When the second mode is set, if no input operation is received for the electronic device within a second time period longer than the first time period, the electronic device is set to a power-saving mode compared to the second mode.

2. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein, The program causes the at least one processor to perform the following processing: When a transfer instruction to the second mode is received in the first mode, the communication module initiates connection processing with the external device. If the connection with the external device fails and a third time has elapsed since the start of the connection process, the system reverts to the first mode.

3. The computer program product according to claim 1, wherein, The program causes the at least one processor to perform the following processing: The first mode is the mode in which the electronic device is used as a calculator. The second mode is a mode in which the electronic device is not used as a calculator but at least information is input to the external device.

4. The computer program product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The program causes the at least one processor to perform the following processing: In the power-saving mode, the power supply to the electronic device is turned off, or the electronic device is put into sleep mode, or the display of the electronic device is turned off.

5. A control method for an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A communication module, including an antenna for wireless communication with external devices; The interface is configured to selectively configure either a first mode or a second mode, wherein the second mode is different from the first mode and at least allows for wireless communication with the external device; and At least one processor, in, The at least one processor performs: If no input operation is received on the electronic device within the first time period after the first mode is set, the electronic device is switched to a power-saving mode compared to the first mode. When the second mode is set, if no input operation is received on the electronic device for a second period of time longer than the first time, the electronic device is set to a power-saving mode compared to the second mode.

6. An electronic device, wherein, have: A communication module, including an antenna for wireless communication with external devices; The interface is configured to selectively configure either a first mode or a second mode, wherein the second mode is different from the first mode and is a mode that enables wireless communication with at least the external device; as well as At least one processor, The at least one processor performs: If no input operation is received from the electronic device within the first time period while the first mode is set, the electronic device is switched to a power-saving mode compared to the first mode. When the second mode is set, if no input operation is received on the electronic device for a second period of time longer than the first time, the electronic device is set to a power-saving mode compared to the second mode.

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