Electronic apparatus, operation control method of electronic apparatus and program

Abstract

To effectively use power obtained by environmental power generation.SOLUTION: A rectenna loaded apparatus 10 comprises: a rectenna (environmental power generation means) 16 for generating power by using energy obtained according to environment; a battery 17 for storing power generated by the rectenna 16; and a CPU (power consumption means, prediction means) for consuming power stored in the battery 17 to execute a predetermined function and for predicting an amount of power generated by the rectenna 16 within a predetermined time from the current time. The CPU 11 executes the predetermined function when the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 17 is a predetermined amount (80%) or more and the predicted amount of power is an amount of power (20%) required for realizing the predetermined function or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, an operation control method for an electronic device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a wireless communication device has been disclosed that monitors the output voltage from a storage battery, taking into account the voltage drop due to the operating current, and thus makes it possible to select to perform a requested operation that consumes little power, even if the power supply situation at the time is insufficient for the operation that consumes the maximum amount of power (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-195230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the wireless communication device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not disclose any operational control when the storage battery is sufficiently charged. Therefore, when the wireless communication device further performs energy harvesting when the storage battery is sufficiently charged, the power obtained by the energy harvesting must be discarded, resulting in a problem that the power cannot be used effectively.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to effectively utilize the power obtained by energy harvesting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the electronic device of the present invention comprises an environmental power generation means that generates power using energy obtained according to the environment, a battery that stores the power generated by the environmental power generation means, a power consumption means that consumes the power stored in the battery to execute a predetermined function, and a prediction means that predicts the amount of power that will be generated by the environmental power generation means within a predetermined time from the current time, and is characterized in that the power consumption means executes the predetermined function when the remaining amount of power stored in the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and the amount of power predicted by the prediction means is equal to or greater than the amount of power required to execute the predetermined function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively utilize the power obtained by energy harvesting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a data transmission system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the rectenna-equipped device. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a power generation amount table. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for a temperature and humidity data transmission process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a modified example of a rectenna-equipped device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of a coefficient table. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a schedule table. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for heart rate data transmission processing. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph showing mobile communication traffic. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the data transmission system 1 includes a rectenna-equipped device (electronic device) 10 and a server 20. The rectenna-equipped device 10 is connected to the server 20 so as to be able to communicate information with the server 20 via a communication network N. Although Fig. 1 shows one rectenna-equipped device 10, the number of rectenna-equipped devices 10 is not particularly limited.

[0011] The rectenna-equipped device 10 is an IoT (Internet of Things) device for smart agriculture. The rectenna-equipped device 10 is equipped with a device (rectenna (Rectifying Antenna)) that combines a rectifier and an antenna to convert electromagnetic waves (wireless power) into DC power. This allows the rectenna-equipped device 10 to generate power and charge itself using electromagnetic waves emitted by an external device (not shown). The rectenna-equipped device 10 is installed, for example, in a field, measures the temperature and humidity of the field at predetermined times (e.g., 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, and 18:00), and transmits the temperature and humidity data, which are the measurement results, to the server 20 each time. The server 20 receives and manages the temperature and humidity data transmitted from the rectenna-equipped device 10. The communication network N is, for example, a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) network, but may be another network such as the Internet or a Local Area Network (LAN).

[0012] 2, rectenna-equipped device 10 includes CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, storage unit 13, temperature and humidity sensor 14, communication unit 15, rectenna 16, battery 17, and bus 18. The components of rectenna-equipped device 10 are connected via bus 18.

[0013] The CPU (power consumption means, prediction means) 11 is a processor that reads and executes a program 131 stored in the memory unit 13 and performs various arithmetic processing to control the operation of each unit of the rectenna-equipped device 10. While a single CPU 11 is illustrated in FIG. 2, this is not limiting. Two or more processors, such as CPUs, may be provided, and the processing performed by the CPU 11 of this embodiment may be shared and executed by these two or more processors. The CPU 11 also includes a clock circuit (not shown) and acquires the current time measured by this clock circuit. The RAM 12 provides working memory space for the CPU 11 and stores temporary data. The memory unit 13 stores the program 131 executed by the CPU 11, various data, and the like. The program 131 is stored in the memory unit 13 in the form of computer-readable program code. Examples of data stored in the memory unit 13 include a power generation amount table (statistical data) 132 and measurement data 133.

[0014] 3, the power generation amount table 132 stores the amount of power generation (average value) generated by the rectenna 16 (described later) in the past for each time slot on weekdays and on holidays. Here, each amount of power generation shown in the power generation amount table 132 is expressed as a percentage (%) of the capacity (e.g., 10,000 mAh) of the battery 17. Note that each time power generation is actually performed by the rectenna 16 in a corresponding time slot, the amount of power generation at that time may be newly added to derive the amount of power generation (average value) for the corresponding time slot, and the amount of power generation shown in the power generation amount table 132 may be updated to the derived amount of power generation.

[0015] Returning to FIG. 2 , the temperature and humidity sensor (environmental information measuring means) 14 measures the temperature and humidity around the rectenna-equipped device 10, i.e., measures the temperature and humidity of the field in which the rectenna-equipped device 10 is installed, and outputs the measurement results (temperature data, humidity data) to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 associates the measurement results acquired from the temperature and humidity sensor 14 with the time of measurement and stores them in the memory unit 13 as measurement data 133. That is, newly measured measurement results and measurement times are written to the measurement data 133 in such a manner that they are added. The communication unit 15 performs communication operations in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (e.g., an LPWA communication method). Through this communication operation, the communication unit (transmitting means) 15 transmits and receives information to and receives from the server 20 via the communication network N. The rectenna (environmental power generation means) 16 has an antenna, a rectifier circuit, a boost circuit, a charging circuit, etc., and generates electricity by converting received electromagnetic waves into electricity. The rectenna 16 can supply the converted power to each component of the rectenna-equipped device 10. Therefore, the rectenna 16 can charge the battery 17 by supplying the converted power to the battery 17. The antenna constituting the rectenna 16 may also serve as the antenna constituting the communication unit 15. In such a case, an RF switch is provided to switch the transmission path of the electromagnetic waves (signals) received by the antenna to either the communication unit 15 side or the rectenna 16 side. The battery 17 supplies power to each component of the rectenna-equipped device 10. In this embodiment, a rechargeable battery 17 is used. Note that the power supply paths from the battery 17 to each component are omitted from FIG. 2.

[0016] 4, the server 20 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a storage unit 23, a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, a communication unit 26, and a bus 27. The components of the server 20 are connected to each other via the bus 27.

[0017] The CPU 21 is a processor that reads and executes a program 231 stored in the storage unit 23 and performs various arithmetic processing to control the operation of each unit of the server 20. While a single CPU 21 is illustrated in FIG. 4, this is not limiting. Two or more processors such as CPUs may be provided, and the processing executed by the CPU 21 of this embodiment may be shared and executed by these two or more processors. The RAM 22 provides a working memory space for the CPU 21 and stores temporary data. The storage unit 23 stores the program 231 executed by the CPU 21 and various data (for example, temperature and humidity data (measurement data 133) received from the rectenna-mounted device 10). The program 231 is stored in the storage unit 23 in the form of a computer-readable program code.

[0018] The display unit 24 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and displays various information according to display information instructed by the CPU 21. The operation unit 25 has at least one of a touch panel overlaid on the display screen of the display unit 24, physical buttons, a pointing device such as a mouse, and an input device such as a keyboard, and outputs operation information according to input operations on the input device to the CPU 21. The communication unit 26 performs communication operations in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (for example, an LPWA communication method). Through this communication operation, the communication unit 26 transmits and receives information to and receives information from the rectenna-equipped device 10 via the communication network N.

[0019] Next, we will explain the operation of the data transmission system 1. Specifically, we will explain the temperature and humidity data transmission process executed by the rectenna-mounted device 10. Here, the temperature and humidity data transmission process is executed every 30 minutes, for example, at 0:00, 0:30, 1:00, and so on.

[0020] 5, when the temperature and humidity data transmission process is started, the CPU 11 of the rectenna-equipped device 10 first determines whether the current time is 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, or 18:00 (step S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the current time is 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, or 18:00 (step S1; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery 17 is 20% or more of the capacity of the battery 17 (step S5). Here, it is assumed that 20% of the capacity of the battery 17 is consumed by the CPU 11 each time it transmits the measurement data 133 stored in the memory unit 13 to the server 20. For example, if the capacity of the battery 17 is 10,000 mAh, transmitting the measurement data 133 once consumes 2,000 mAh of power.

[0021] If it is determined in step S5 that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is not 20% or more of its capacity, i.e., that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is less than 20% of its capacity (step S5; NO), the CPU 11 ends the temperature and humidity data transmission process. If it is determined in step S5 that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is 20% or more of its capacity (step S5; YES), the CPU 11 acquires the measurement data 133 stored in the memory unit 13 (step S6). Then, the CPU 11 transmits the measurement data 133 acquired in step S6 to the server 20 via the communication unit 15 (step S7). Then, the CPU 11 ends the temperature and humidity data transmission process.

[0022] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S1 that the current time is not 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, or 18:00 (step S1; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery 17 is 80% or more of its capacity (step S2).If it is determined in step S2 that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is not 80% or more of its capacity, that is, that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is less than 80% of its capacity (step S2; NO), the CPU 11 ends the temperature and humidity data transmission process.

[0023] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S2 that the remaining charge of battery 17 is 80% or more of its capacity (step S2; YES), CPU 11 derives the amount of power generated by rectenna 16 for six hours from the current time (step S3). Specifically, the CPU 11 refers to the power generation amount table 132, and, for example, if the current time is 9:00 on a weekday, derives the power generation amount by the rectenna 16 for six hours from the current time as "40%," which is the sum of the power generation amount from 9:00 to 10:00 "5%", the power generation amount from 10:00 to 11:00 "5%", the power generation amount from 11:00 to 12:00 "6%", the power generation amount from 12:00 to 13:00 "10%", the power generation amount from 13:00 to 14:00 "7%", and the power generation amount from 14:00 to 15:00 "7%". Furthermore, for example, if the current time is midnight on a holiday, the amount of power generated by rectenna 16 for six hours from the current time is calculated as "11%," which is the sum of the power generation amount from midnight to 1:00, "6%", the power generation amount from 1:00 to 2:00, "3%", the power generation amount from 2:00 to 3:00, "0%", the power generation amount from 3:00 to 4:00, "0%", the power generation amount from 4:00 to 5:00, and the power generation amount from 5:00 to 6:00.

[0024] Next, based on the amount of power generation derived in step S3, CPU 11 determines whether or not 20% or more of power generation is possible within six hours from the current time (step S4). Here, as described above, if the current time is 9:00 on a weekday, the amount of power generation derived in step S3 is 40%, so it is determined that 20% or more of power generation is possible within six hours from the current time. On the other hand, if the current time is 0:00 on a holiday, the amount of power generation derived in step S3 is 11%, so it is determined that 20% or more of power generation is not possible within six hours from the current time.

[0025] If it is determined in step S4 that power generation of 20% or more is not possible within six hours from the current time (step S4; NO), the CPU 11 ends the temperature and humidity data transmission process. If it is determined in step S4 that power generation of 20% or more is possible within six hours from the current time (step S4; YES), the CPU 11 acquires the measurement data 133 stored in the memory unit 13 (step S6). Then, the CPU 11 transmits the measurement data 133 acquired in step S6 to the server 20 via the communication unit 15 (step S7). Then, the CPU 11 ends the temperature and humidity data transmission process.

[0026] As described above, the rectenna-equipped device 10 of this embodiment includes a rectenna (environmental power generation means) 16 that generates power using energy obtained from the environment, a battery 17 that stores (charges) the power generated by the rectenna 16, and a CPU (power consumption means, prediction means) 11 that consumes the power stored in the battery 17 to execute a predetermined function (a function of acquiring measurement data 133 stored in memory unit 13 and transmitting the measurement data 133 to server 20) and predicts the amount of power that will be generated by rectenna 16 within a predetermined time from the current time. CPU 11 executes the predetermined function when the remaining amount of power stored in battery 17 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (80%) and the predicted amount of power (predicted value of the amount of power to be generated) is equal to or greater than the amount of power required to execute the predetermined function (20%). Therefore, according to the rectenna-equipped device 10, when the battery 17 is nearly fully charged and further power generation by the rectenna 16 is expected, the power obtained by this power generation can be used effectively without being wasted.

[0027] Furthermore, the CPU (power consumption means) 11 executes the predetermined function when, at a predetermined time, the remaining amount of power stored (charged) in the battery 17 is equal to or greater than the amount of power (20%) required to execute the predetermined function (the function of acquiring measurement data 133 stored in the memory unit 13 and transmitting the measurement data 133 to the server 20), and also executes the predetermined function when, at a time other than the predetermined time, the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 17 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (80%) and the predicted amount of power (the predicted value of the amount of power to be generated) is equal to or greater than the amount of power (20%) required to execute the predetermined function. Therefore, the rectenna-mounted device 10 can execute a predetermined function not only at a predetermined time but also at times other than the predetermined time.

[0028] In addition, the CPU (prediction means) 11 predicts the amount of power that will be generated by the rectenna 16 within a predetermined time (6 hours) from the current time based on a power generation amount table (statistical data) 132 that shows the amount of power generated by the rectenna 16 in each time period in the past. Therefore, the rectenna-mounted device 10 can accurately predict the amount of power that will be generated by the rectenna 16 within a predetermined time from the current time.

[0029] The rectenna-equipped device 10 also includes a temperature and humidity sensor (environmental information measuring means) 14 that measures the temperature and humidity around the device itself, and a communication unit (transmission means) 15 that transmits temperature and humidity data (measurement data 133) relating to the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 14 to a server (external device) 20. The CPU (power consumption means) 11 executes the above-mentioned predetermined function, which is the function of transmitting the temperature and humidity data (measurement data 133) relating to the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 14 to the server 20 via the communication unit 15. Therefore, according to the rectenna-equipped device 10, it is possible to transmit temperature and humidity data (measurement data 133) related to the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 14 to the server 20 via the communication unit 15 not only at a predetermined time but also at times other than the predetermined time. This allows the server 20 to not only acquire the measurement data 133 measured by the rectenna-equipped device 10 at a predetermined time, but also at times other than the predetermined time. This allows the server 20 to efficiently manage new measurement data 133.

[0030] Next, a data transmission system 1A of a modified example will be described. Note that components similar to those of the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The rectenna-equipped device (electronic device) 110 that constitutes the data transmission system 1A of this modified example is a wearable terminal device worn on the user's arm. The rectenna-equipped device 110 measures the user's heartbeat at predetermined times (e.g., 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, and 18:00), and transmits the measurement result, that is, heartbeat data, to the server 20 each time.

[0031] 6, rectenna-equipped device 110 of this modified example includes CPU 11, RAM 12, memory unit 13, heart rate sensor 114, communication unit 15, rectenna 16, battery 17, and bus 18. The various components of rectenna-equipped device 110 are connected via bus 18. Memory unit 13 of rectenna-equipped device 110 of this modified example stores program 131, power generation amount table (statistical data) 132, coefficient table 134, and schedule table 135.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, coefficient table 134 stores, for each reference point such as point A (e.g., Skytree), point B (e.g., an LTE (Long Term Evolution) base station), a coefficient corresponding to the distance from the reference point. Specifically, in coefficient table 134, "1.2" is set as a coefficient corresponding to a place (planned stay) that is less than 100 m away from point A. Also, "1.1" is set as a coefficient corresponding to a place (planned stay) that is 100 m or more but less than 200 m away from point A. Note that for a range outside the range set in coefficient table 134 (e.g., a place (planned stay) that is 200 m or more away from point A), a coefficient of "1.0" is set.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 8, schedule table 135 stores planned places of stay and contents (scheduled events, etc.) for each time period for each date (scheduled date). Specifically, schedule table 135 stores a schedule for February 1, 2024 (weekday) from 9:00 to 10:00, in which the planned place of stay "home" and the content "telework" are linked together. Also, a schedule for February 1, 2024 (weekday) from 13:00 to 14:00 is stored in which the planned place of stay "M Corporation" and the content "business trip" are linked together. Here, information about the planned places of stay, such as "home" and "M Corporation," includes latitude and longitude information for the corresponding planned places of stay.

[0034] 6, the heartbeat sensor (user information measuring means) 114 detects the user's heartbeat and counts the detected heartbeat. The heartbeat sensor 114 derives the number of heartbeats per unit time (for example, 60 seconds) and outputs the measurement result (heartbeat data) to the CPU 11.

[0035] Next, we will explain the operation of the data transmission system 1A. Specifically, we will explain the heartbeat data transmission process executed by the rectenna-equipped device 110. Here, the heartbeat data transmission process is executed every 30 minutes, for example, at 0:00, 0:30, 1:00, and so on.

[0036] 9, when the heartbeat data transmission process is started, the CPU 11 of the rectenna-equipped device 110 first determines whether the current time is 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, or 18:00 (step S11). If it is determined in step S11 that the current time is 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, or 18:00 (step S11; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery 17 is 20% or more of its capacity (step S16). Here, it is assumed that 20% of the remaining charge of the battery 17 is consumed each time the CPU 11 performs the operation of acquiring heartbeat data from the heartbeat sensor 114 and transmitting the heartbeat data to the server 20. Note that the data transmitted to the server 20 may be data stored in the storage unit 13 (data of multiple records linking heartbeat data with measurement times), as in the above embodiment.

[0037] In step S16, if it is determined that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is not 20% or more of its capacity, i.e., that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is less than 20% of its capacity (step S16; NO), the CPU 11 ends the heartbeat data transmission process. Also, in step S16, if it is determined that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is 20% or more of its capacity (step S16; YES), the CPU 11 acquires heartbeat data indicating the heartbeat at the corresponding time from the heartbeat sensor 114 (step S17). Subsequently, the CPU 11 transmits the heartbeat data acquired in step S17 to the server 20 via the communication unit 15 (step S18). Then, the CPU 11 ends the heartbeat data transmission process.

[0038] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S11 that the current time is not 0:00, 6:00, 12:00, or 18:00 (step S11; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery 17 is 80% or more of its capacity (step S12).If it is determined in step S12 that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is not 80% or more of its capacity, that is, that the remaining charge of the battery 17 is less than 80% of its capacity (step S12; NO), the CPU 11 ends the heartbeat data transmission process.

[0039] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S12 that the remaining charge of battery 17 is 80% or more of its capacity (step S12; YES), CPU 11 acquires schedule information for the period from the current time until six hours have elapsed from schedule table 135 (see FIG. 8) (step S13). Next, based on the schedule information acquired in step S13 and coefficient table 134 (see FIG. 7), CPU 11 derives the amount of power generation by rectenna 16 for the period from the current time until six hours have elapsed, taking into account the coefficient corresponding to the planned place of stay (step S14). Specifically, the CPU 11 refers to the power generation amount table 132 (see FIG. 3), and if the current time is, for example, 9:00 on February 1, 2024 (weekday), first extracts the power generation amount from 9:00 to 10:00 of "5%,", the power generation amount from 10:00 to 11:00 of "5%,", the power generation amount from 11:00 to 12:00 of "6%,", the power generation amount from 12:00 to 13:00 of "10%,", the power generation amount from 13:00 to 14:00 of "7%,", and the power generation amount from 14:00 to 15:00 of "7%". Next, CPU 11 refers to coefficient table 134 (see FIG. 7 ), and if "M Corporation," the planned stay location from 13:00 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 15:00, is less than 100 meters from point A, CPU 11 multiplies the power generation amounts "7%" for 13:00 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 15:00 by the coefficient "1.2," which corresponds to a location less than 100 meters from point A, to obtain "8.4%" for each of the times 13:00 to 14:00 and 14:00 to 15:00. CPU 11 then calculates the total power generation amount "42.8%" obtained by adding up the power generation amounts for each time period from the current time until six hours have elapsed, as the power generation amount by rectenna 16 for six hours from the current time.

[0040] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not 20% or more of the power generation amount can be generated within six hours from the current time based on the power generation amount derived in step S14 (step S15). Here, if the current time is 9:00 on February 1, 2024 (weekday) as described above, the power generation amount derived in step S14 is 42.8%, and therefore it is determined that 20% or more of the power generation amount can be generated within six hours from the current time. If it is determined in step S15 that 20% or more of the power generation amount is not possible within six hours from the current time (step S15; NO), the CPU 11 terminates the heartbeat data transmission process. If it is determined in step S15 that 20% or more of the power generation amount can be generated within six hours from the current time (step S15; YES), the CPU 11 acquires heartbeat data indicating the heartbeat at the corresponding time from the heartbeat sensor 114 (step S17). Subsequently, the CPU 11 transmits the heartbeat data acquired in step S17 to the server 20 via the communication unit 15 (step S18). Then, the CPU 11 ends the heart rate data transmission process.

[0041] As described above, the CPU 11 of the rectenna-equipped device 110 of this modified example acquires schedule information (schedule table 135) that links and records planned stay locations with planned stay dates and times at those planned stay locations, and based on the acquired schedule information and the power generation amount table (statistical data) 132, derives the amount of power to be generated by the rectenna 16 during the stay time at each planned stay location from the current time until a predetermined time (6 hours) has elapsed by multiplying the coefficient corresponding to that planned stay location, and predicts the amount of power to be generated by the rectenna 16 within a predetermined time from the current time by adding up the derived amounts of power for each planned stay location. Therefore, according to the rectenna-equipped device 110, the amount of power to be generated by the rectenna 16 is predicted taking into consideration the user's planned location, and therefore the prediction can be made with high accuracy.

[0042] Rectenna-equipped device 110 is a wearable terminal device worn on the arm of a user, and includes a heartbeat sensor (user information measuring means) 114 that measures the user's heartbeat, and a communication unit (transmission means) 15 that transmits heartbeat data (physical data) related to the heartbeat measured by heartbeat sensor 114 to server (external device) 20. CPU (power consumption means) 11 realizes a predetermined function, which is to transmit heartbeat data related to the heartbeat measured by heartbeat sensor 114 to server 20 via communication unit 15. Therefore, with the rectenna-equipped device 110, it is possible to transmit heart rate data relating to heart rates measured by the heart rate sensor 114 at not only a predetermined time but also at times other than the predetermined time to the server 20 via the communication unit 15. This allows the server 20 to manage not only the user's heart rate at a predetermined time but also heart rates at times other than the predetermined time.

[0043] The above-described embodiment and the modified example are merely examples of the electronic device, the operation control method for the electronic device, and the program according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, in the rectenna-equipped device 10 of the above embodiment and the rectenna-equipped device 110 of the above modification, the rectenna 16 is used as an example of an energy harvesting means, but an energy harvesting means that generates power using energy such as vibration, light, or heat may also be used. For example, if an energy harvesting means that generates power using solar energy is used, the amount of power that will be generated by the energy harvesting means (solar power generation) within a predetermined time from the current time may be predicted using weather forecast information.

[0044] Furthermore, in the rectenna-mounted device 10 of the above embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 14 is used as the environmental information measuring means, but the temperature and humidity sensor 14 is merely one example. The environmental information measuring means used in the rectenna-mounted device 10 may be, for example, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor that measures the carbon dioxide concentration (environmental information), an ultraviolet sensor that measures the amount of ultraviolet light (environmental information), or a barometric pressure sensor that measures barometric pressure (environmental information).

[0045] Furthermore, in the rectenna-equipped device 110 of the above-described modified example, heartbeat sensor 114 is used as user information measuring means, but heartbeat sensor 114 is merely one example. The user information measuring means used in rectenna-equipped device 110 may be, for example, a body temperature sensor that measures body temperature (physical information), a blood flow sensor that measures blood flow (physical information), or an inertial sensor that measures the user's moving speed and position (body movement information).

[0046] Furthermore, in the rectenna-equipped device 10 of the above embodiment and the rectenna-equipped device 110 of the above modification, the amount of power generated by the rectenna 16 for six hours from the current time is calculated by referring to the power generation amount table 132 (see FIG. 3). However, for example, the amount of power generated by the rectenna 16 for six hours from the current time may be calculated using mobile communication traffic data (see FIG. 10). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the amount of data (traffic) transmitted and received within a certain period of time over a communication line between, for example, a smartphone and a mobile phone base station. The horizontal axis of FIG. 10 represents the time period, and the vertical axis represents the amount of data. Specifically, a traffic coefficient table (e.g., 1.05 for 4000 Gbps, 1.10 for 4500 Gbps, etc.) in which coefficients similar to those included in the coefficient table 134 (e.g., 1.2) are set according to the amount of data shown in FIG. 10 is stored in advance in the storage unit 13. The CPU 11 then derives the amount of power generated by the rectenna 16 by referring to the traffic coefficient table. Furthermore, when using the mobile communication traffic data, data on mobile communication traffic for each frequency band, such as microwave or UHF, may be used. Radio waves have the property that they propagate differently depending on their frequency band. Specifically, the longer the wavelength of the radio waves, the greater the degree to which the radio waves can bend around obstacles, and the less attenuation the radio waves undergo during propagation. Therefore, the longer the wavelength of the radio waves received by the rectenna 16 (the lower the frequency band of the radio waves), the better the power generation efficiency tends to be. Therefore, a correction factor may be applied to the derived power generation amount depending on the frequency band of the radio waves received by the rectenna 16. Specifically, the correction factor for the microwave band is set smaller than the correction factor for the VHF band. In this way, the method for deriving the power generation amount may be switched depending on the frequency band of the radio waves received by the rectenna 16.

[0047] Furthermore, in the rectenna-mounted device 110 of the above-described modified example, the schedule table 135 is stored in the storage unit 13, but the schedule table 135 may also be stored in an external server device such as the server 20, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component in the rectenna-equipped device 10 of the above embodiment and the rectenna-equipped device 110 of the above modified example can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Data transmission system, 10 Rectenna-mounted equipment, 11 CPU, 13 Memory unit, 132 Power generation amount table, 133 Measurement data, 14 Temperature and humidity sensor, 15 Communication unit, 16 Rectenna, 17 Battery, 20 Server, 1A Data transmission system, 110 Rectenna-mounted equipment, 134 Coefficient table, 135 Schedule table, 114 Heart rate sensor

Claims

1. an energy harvesting means for generating electricity using energy obtained according to the environment; a battery that stores the power generated by the energy harvesting means; a power consumption means for consuming the power stored in the battery to execute a predetermined function; a prediction unit that predicts the amount of power that will be generated by the energy harvesting unit within a predetermined time from the current time; Equipped with The power consumption means When the remaining amount of power stored in the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and the amount of power predicted by the prediction means is equal to or greater than the amount of power required to execute the predetermined function, the predetermined function is executed. An electronic device characterized by:

2. The power consumption means If, at a predetermined time, the remaining amount of power stored in the battery is equal to or greater than the amount of power required to execute the predetermined function, the predetermined function is executed, and if, at a time other than the predetermined time, the remaining amount of power stored in the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and the amount of power predicted by the prediction means is equal to or greater than the amount of power required to execute the predetermined function, the predetermined function is executed.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

3. The power consumption means When the remaining amount of power stored in the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and the amount of power predicted by the prediction means is less than the amount of power required to execute the predetermined function, the predetermined function is not executed.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

4. The prediction means predicting the amount of power to be generated by the energy harvesting means within a predetermined time from the current time based on statistical data indicating the amount of power generated by the energy harvesting means in each time period in the past; 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

5. the energy harvesting means generates the power by passing radio waves received by an antenna through a rectifier; 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

6. environmental information measuring means for measuring environmental information around the device itself; a transmitting means for transmitting environmental information data relating to the environmental information measured by the environmental information measuring means to an external device; Equipped with The power consumption means causing the transmitting means to execute a function of transmitting the environmental information data to an external device, which is the predetermined function; 6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

7. An acquisition means for acquiring schedule information recorded in association with a planned place of stay and a planned date and time of stay at the planned place of stay, The prediction means based on the schedule information and the statistical data acquired by the acquisition means, for each of the planned places of stay from the current time until a predetermined time has elapsed, derive the amount of power to be generated by the energy harvesting means during the stay at the planned place by multiplying a coefficient corresponding to the planned place of stay by the coefficient, and predict the amount of power to be generated by the energy harvesting means within a predetermined time from the current time by adding up the derived amounts of power for each of the planned places of stay; 5. The electronic device according to claim 4.

8. a user information measurement means for measuring physical information or body movement information of a user; a transmitting means for transmitting physical data relating to physical information or body movement data relating to body movement information measured by the user information measuring means to an external device; Equipped with The power consumption means Executing the predetermined function, which is a function of transmitting the body data or the body movement data to an external device by the transmitting means.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7,

9. 1. An operation control method for an electronic device including an energy harvesting unit that generates power using energy obtained according to the environment, and a battery that stores the power generated by the energy harvesting unit, comprising: a power consumption step of consuming the power stored in the battery to execute a predetermined function; a prediction step of predicting the amount of power to be generated by the energy harvesting means within a predetermined time from the current time; Includes The power consumption step includes: executes the predetermined function when the remaining amount of power stored in the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and the amount of power predicted in the prediction step is equal to or greater than the amount of power required to execute the predetermined function.

10. A method for controlling the operation of an electronic device, comprising:

10. A computer of an electronic device comprising: an energy harvesting unit that generates power using energy obtained according to the environment; and a battery that stores the power generated by the energy harvesting unit; a power consumption means for consuming the power stored in the battery to perform a predetermined function; a prediction means for predicting the amount of power to be generated by the energy harvesting means within a predetermined time from the current time; It functions as The power consumption means When the remaining amount of power stored in the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and the amount of power predicted by the prediction means is equal to or greater than the amount of power required to execute the predetermined function, the predetermined function is executed. A program characterized by:

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