Electronic device and control method for the same

Abstract

To increase the amount of electrical power supplied from a battery to an external device during a sleep mode.SOLUTION: An electronic device includes a connector to which an external device is connected and which outputs power supplied from a battery to the external device, and a controller. The controller changes a first reference value, which is preset by the operating system as the amount of battery level decrease from a first timing at which the electronic device transitions from an active state to a sleep state while the external device is connected to the connector to a second timing when the electronic device transitions from the sleep state to a hibernation state while the external device remains connected to the connector, to a second reference value larger than the first reference value, and causes the electronic device to transit to the hibernation state when the amount of battery level decrease from the first timing becomes the second reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] One of the standards for computer power management is the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ACPI defines the power states (S0 to S5) of devices. The general power states defined by ACPI are as follows: In S0, the computer is in operation, and in S1 and S2, the computer is in standby. In S3, the computer is in sleep, and in S4, the computer is in hibernation. In S5, the computer is shut down. In addition, a function called Modern Standby (hereinafter referred to as ModS) may be implemented in computers as a sleep state.

[0003] If a computer is equipped with a function called AOU (Always on USB), the computer can supply power from its battery to external devices such as smartphones via USB (Universal Serial Bus). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-047293 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the remaining battery power falls below a predetermined level while the computer is powering an external device in S4 or S5, the computer stops the power supply from the AOU to prevent the battery from running low. The power supply from the battery to the computer's embedded controller does not stop in S4 and S5. Therefore, in a computer in which the embedded controller monitors the battery status, the embedded controller can detect the remaining battery power in S4 and S5 and continue the AOU until the remaining battery power falls below a predetermined level.

[0006] However, in S4 and S5, the battery stops supplying power to the computer's central processing unit (CPU). In computers where the CPU monitors the battery status, the CPU cannot detect the remaining battery charge in S4 and S5. Therefore, in such computers, power cannot be supplied by the AOU in S4 and S5.

[0007] The amount of power that a battery can supply in ModS is set by the OS (Operating System). For example, this amount of power is 5% of the battery's capacity. When the battery in ModS reaches 5%, the computer transitions from ModS to S4. Because the amount of power that a battery can supply in ModS is small, in computers where the CPU monitors the battery status, the power that can be supplied is limited by the AOU.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device that can increase the amount of power supplied from a battery to an external device in a sleep state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is an electronic device comprising: a connector to which an external device is connected and which outputs power supplied from a battery to the external device; and a controller, wherein the controller changes a first reference value preset by an OS (Operating System) as the amount of decrease in the remaining battery power from a first timing at which the electronic device transitions from an operating state to a sleep state while the external device is connected to the connector to a second reference value greater than the first reference value, and when the amount of decrease in the remaining battery power from the first timing reaches the second reference value, the controller transitions the electronic device to the sleep state.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the electronic device includes a memory that stores a third reference value indicating the remaining charge of the battery when the output of power to the external device is stopped in an operating mode in which the electronic device outputs the power to the external device while in the operating state or the sleep state, and the controller detects a fourth reference value that is the remaining charge of the battery when the electronic device transitions from the operating state to the sleep state, the fourth reference value being greater than the third reference value, the controller calculates the second reference value by calculating the difference between the fourth reference value and the third reference value, and after changing the first reference value to the second reference value, when the remaining charge of the battery in the operating mode decreases and reaches the third reference value, the controller stops the output of power to the external device.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, when the external device is a Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) device, the controller may change the first reference value to the second reference value.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a control method for an electronic device to which an external device is connected and which has a connector that outputs power supplied from a battery to the external device, comprising the steps of: changing a first reference value preset by an OS (Operating System) as the amount of decrease in the remaining battery power from a first timing at which the electronic device transitions from an operating state to a sleep state while the external device is connected to the connector to a second reference value greater than the first reference value; and transitioning the electronic device to the hibernation state when the amount of decrease in the remaining battery power from the first timing reaches the second reference value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the above aspect of the present invention, the amount of power supplied from the battery to the external device in the sleep state can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a power state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] An example of the hardware configuration of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic device 10.

[0017] The electronic device 10 includes a CPU 11, a main memory 12, a video subsystem 13, a display unit 14, a chipset 21, a BIOS memory 22, a storage medium 23, an audio system 24, a WLAN card 25, a USB connector 26, an embedded controller 31, an input unit 32, a power supply circuit 33, and a battery 34.

[0018] The CPU 11 executes various arithmetic processes under program control and controls the entire electronic device 10. For example, the CPU 11 executes processes based on programs of an OS (Operating System) and a BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The CPU 11 is an example of a processor.

[0019] Main memory 12 is a writable memory used as a read area for the execution program of CPU 11 or as a work area for writing processing data for the execution program. Main memory 12 is composed of, for example, multiple DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. This execution program includes an OS, various drivers for operating peripheral devices, various services / utilities, application programs, etc.

[0020] Video subsystem 13 is a subsystem for realizing functions related to image display, and includes a video controller. The video controller processes drawing commands from CPU 11, writes the processed drawing information to a video memory, and also reads the drawing information from the video memory and outputs it to display unit 14 as drawing data (display data).

[0021] The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays a display screen based on the drawing data (display data) output from the video subsystem 13.

[0022] The chipset 21 includes controllers for a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Serial AT Attachment (Serial ATA), a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express bus, and a Low Pin Count (LPC) bus, and is connected to a plurality of devices, such as a BIOS memory 22 (described later), a storage medium 23, an audio system 24, a WLAN card 25, a USB connector 26, and an embedded controller 31.

[0023] The BIOS memory 22 is configured with an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash ROM. The BIOS memory 22 stores the BIOS and system firmware for controlling the embedded controller 31. The BIOS memory 22 is an example of a sub-memory.

[0024] The storage medium 23 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. For example, the storage medium 23 stores an OS, various drivers, various services / utilities, application programs, and various data.

[0025] The audio system 24 is connected to a microphone and a speaker (not shown) and records, plays back, and outputs sound data. The microphone and the speaker are built into the electronic device 10, for example.

[0026] The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) card 25 connects to a network via a wireless LAN to perform data communication. For example, when the WLAN card 25 receives data from the network, it generates an event trigger indicating that the data has been received. The USB connector 26 is a connector for connecting peripheral devices that use USB.

[0027] The input unit 32 collectively refers to input devices (input equipment) provided in the electronic device 10. The input unit 32 includes a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The input unit 32 outputs input information input by a user operation to the embedded controller 31.

[0028] The power supply circuit 33 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter, a charge / discharge unit, an AC / DC adapter, etc. For example, the power supply circuit 33 converts a DC voltage supplied from an external power source such as an AC adapter (not shown) or a battery 34 into a plurality of voltages required to operate the electronic device 10. The power supply circuit 33 also supplies power to each component of the electronic device 10 based on control from the embedded controller 31.

[0029] The battery 34 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. When power is supplied to the electronic device 10 from an external power source, the battery 34 is charged via the power supply circuit 33. When power is not supplied to the electronic device 10 from an external power source, the battery 34 outputs the stored power via the power supply circuit 33 as operating power for the electronic device 10.

[0030] The embedded controller 31 is a one-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls various devices (peripheral devices, sensors, etc.) regardless of the system state of the electronic device 10. The embedded controller 31 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, A / D input terminals for multiple channels, a D / A output terminal, a timer, and digital input / output terminals (not shown). The digital input / output terminals of the embedded controller 31 are connected to an input unit 32, a power supply circuit 33, etc., and the embedded controller 31 controls the operations of these components. The embedded controller 31 also controls changes in the clock frequency of the CPU 11 via the chipset 21.

[0031] The electronic device 10 may be a clamshell-type personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or other portable device in which a display device is integrally attached to a housing. Alternatively, the electronic device 10 may be a desktop personal computer in which the device body and the display device are separate. The electronic device according to this embodiment is applicable to all devices equipped with a CPU.

[0032] An example of the functional configuration of the electronic device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the electronic device 10 related to power supply to external devices.

[0033] The electronic device 10 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 110, a USB connector 26, a power supply circuit 33, a battery 34, and a switch 35. The functions of the control unit 100 are realized by a CPU 11, an embedded controller 31, or a combination of the CPU 11 and the embedded controller 31.

[0034] The storage unit 110 stores programs executed by the control unit 100, data used by the control unit 100, and data generated by the control unit 100. The functions of the storage unit 110 are realized by the main memory 12, the storage medium 23, or a combination of the main memory 12 and the storage medium 23.

[0035] An external device 40 is connected to the USB connector 26. When power is not supplied to the electronic device 10 from an external power source and the external device 40 is connected to the USB connector 26, the control unit 100 controls the power supply from the battery 34 to the external device 40. The power supply circuit 33 outputs the power output from the battery 34 to the switch 35. The switch 35 outputs the power output from the power supply circuit 33 to the external device 40 via the USB connector 26.

[0036] The control unit 100 controls the power state of the electronic device 10 according to the remaining charge of the battery 34. The electronic device 10 has the function of an AOU that outputs power from the battery 34 to the external device 40 in S0 (operating state) or ModS (sleep state). The control unit 100 controls the state of the switch 35 to control the power supply from the battery 34 to the external device 40. When the electronic device 10 is in S0 (operating state) or ModS (sleep state), the control unit 100 turns on the switch 35, and the AOU supplies power from the battery 34 to the external device 40. When the electronic device 10 transitions from ModS to S4 (hibernation state), the control unit 100 turns off the switch 35, and stops the power supply by the AOU.

[0037] The changes in the power state of the electronic device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 schematically shows the power state of the electronic device 10. Fig. 3 shows the remaining capacity of the battery 34 and the corresponding power state.

[0038] State PS1 indicates the power state of the electronic device 10 when the control unit 100 executes the control according to the prior art. State PS2 indicates the power state of the electronic device 10 when the control unit 100 executes the control according to the embodiment.

[0039] 3 corresponds to the remaining capacity of the battery 34. For example, the remaining capacity of the battery 34 is expressed as RSOC (Relative State of Charge). RSOC is the ratio (RM / FCC) of the remaining capacity RM (Remaining Capacity) of the battery 34 to the full charge capacity FCC (Full Charge Capacity) of the battery 34.

[0040] First, state PS1 will be described. When RSOC is 100% in state PS1, the electronic device 10 is in S0. At this time, power supply by the AOU is possible. When a preset event occurs in state PS1, the control unit 100 transitions the electronic device 10 from S0 to ModS. For example, if the electronic device 10 is a clamshell-type personal computer, the event occurs when the user closes the lid. Alternatively, the event occurs when the user presses the power button. For example, the RSOC when the event occurs is 80%. When the amount of decrease in RSOC in ModS in state PS1 reaches a reference value preset by the OS (for example, 5% of FCC), the control unit 100 transitions the electronic device 10 from ModS to S4.

[0041] When the control unit 100 is configured with a CPU 11, the control unit 100 is in a sleep state in S4. Therefore, the control unit 100 cannot detect the remaining charge of the battery 34. In state PS1, when the electronic device 10 transitions from ModS to S4, the control unit 100 stops the power supply by the AOU. In state PS1, power supply by the AOU is possible within the RSOC range R1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] Next, state PS2 will be described. The OS presets a reference value (e.g., 5% of FCC) for the amount of decrease in RSOC in ModS. The reference value indicates the amount of decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 34 from the time when the electronic device 10 transitions from S0 to ModS to the time when the electronic device 10 transitions from ModS to S4. The storage unit 110 stores the reference value. The control unit 100 changes the reference value to a value greater than the reference value, for example, by changing the standby budget allocated to ModS.

[0043] The storage unit 110 stores a reference value (e.g., 15%) of RSOC when the electronic device 10 stops the power supply by the AOU. When the electronic device 10 transitions from S0 to ModS, the control unit 100 detects the remaining charge of the battery 34. The control unit 100 changes the reference value of the amount of decrease in RSOC in ModS based on the detected remaining charge and the reference value stored in the storage unit 110. For example, the control unit 100 calculates the difference between the detected remaining charge (e.g., 80%) and the reference value (e.g., 15%) stored in the storage unit 110, and changes the reference value of the amount of decrease in RSOC in ModS to the difference (e.g., 65%).

[0044] When RSOC is 100% in state PS2, the electronic device 10 is in state S0. At this time, power supply from the AOU is possible. When a preset event occurs in state PS2, the control unit 100 transitions the electronic device 10 from state S0 to ModS. For example, RSOC at this time is 80%.

[0045] When the amount of decrease in RSOC in ModS in state PS2 reaches a reference value (e.g., 65%) changed by the control unit 100, the control unit 100 transitions the electronic device 10 from ModS to S4. At this time, the RSOC is the same as the reference RSOC value (e.g., 15%) for stopping the power supply by the AOU. Therefore, the control unit 100 stops the power supply by the AOU. In state PS2, power supply by the AOU is possible within the RSOC range R2 shown in FIG. 3. Range R2 is wider than range R1. In other words, in state PS2, more power can be supplied to the external device 40 by the AOU than in state PS1.

[0046] The operation of the electronic device 10 in controlling the power state will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows an example of processing executed by the electronic device 10 to control the power state. The OS sets a reference value related to the power state of the electronic device 10 in advance. The storage unit 110 stores the reference value set by the OS.

[0047] (Step S100) The control unit 100 monitors the state of the USB connector 26 and determines whether or not the external device 40 is connected to the USB connector 26. If the external device 40 is not connected to the USB connector 26, the control unit 100 repeats the determination in step S100.

[0048] (Step S101) If the external device 40 is connected to the USB connector 26, the control unit 100 acquires information indicating the type of the external device 40 from the external device 40. Based on the information, the control unit 100 determines whether the external device 40 is a Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) device. A smartphone or tablet terminal is an MTP device. A human interface device (HID) such as a mouse or keyboard is not an MTP device. If the external device 40 is not an MTP device, the process shown in FIG. 4 ends. In this case, control similar to that in the prior art is executed. Note that when the external device 40 is connected to the USB connector 26 and the electronic device 10 is in ModS, the control unit 100 transitions the electronic device 10 from ModS to S0. Step S101 is executed when the electronic device 10 is in S0.

[0049] (Step S102) If the external device 40 is an MTP device, the control unit 100 reads from the storage unit 110 a reference value (e.g., 80%) of the remaining capacity of the battery 34 when the electronic device 10 transitions from S0 to ModS. The control unit 100 also reads from the storage unit 110 a reference value (e.g., 15%) of the remaining capacity of the battery 34 when power supply by the AOU is stopped. The control unit 100 calculates the difference (e.g., 65%) between the two reference values. The control unit 100 changes the initial value (e.g., 5%) of the reference value preset by the OS as the amount of decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 34 in ModS to the difference calculated as described above.

[0050] (Step S103) The control unit 100 detects the remaining charge of the battery 34 at S0.

[0051] (Step S104) The control unit 100 determines whether or not a preset event has occurred, thereby determining whether or not to cause the electronic device 10 to transition from S0 to ModS.

[0052] (Step S110) If a preset event has not occurred, the control unit 100 determines not to transition the electronic device 10 from S0 to ModS. The control unit 100 monitors the state of the USB connector 26 and determines whether the external device 40 has been removed from the USB connector 26. If the external device 40 has not been removed from the USB connector 26, step S103 is executed.

[0053] (Step S105) When a preset event occurs, the control unit 100 transitions the electronic device 10 from S0 to ModS. The control unit 100 stores the remaining charge of the battery 34 detected in step S103 as a reference value in the storage unit 110. This reference value indicates the remaining charge of the battery 34 when the electronic device 10 transitions from S0 to ModS.

[0054] (Step S106) The control unit 100 detects the remaining capacity of the battery 34 in the ModS.

[0055] (Step S107) The control unit 100 reads from the storage unit 110 a reference value (e.g., 80%) of the remaining capacity of the battery 34 when the electronic device 10 transitions from S0 to ModS. The control unit 100 calculates the amount of decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 34 in ModS by subtracting the remaining capacity of the battery 34 detected in step S106 from the reference value. The control unit 100 reads from the storage unit 110 a reference value (e.g., 65%) of the amount of decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 34 in ModS. The control unit 100 compares the calculated amount of decrease with the reference value and determines whether to transition the electronic device 10 from ModS to S4.

[0056] (Step S111) If the decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 34 in ModS is smaller than the reference value, the control unit 100 determines not to transition the electronic device 10 from ModS to S4. The control unit 100 monitors the state of the USB connector 26 and determines whether the external device 40 has been removed from the USB connector 26. If the external device 40 has not been removed from the USB connector 26, step S106 is executed.

[0057] (Step S108) When the decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 34 in ModS reaches a reference value, the control unit 100 causes the electronic device 10 to transition from ModS to S4.

[0058] (Step S109) When the electronic device 10 transitions from ModS to S4, the remaining charge of the battery 34 is less than the reference value (e.g., 15%) of the remaining charge of the battery 34 when the power supply by the AOU is stopped. Therefore, the control unit 100 stops the power supply by the AOU.

[0059] The order in which steps S108 and S109 are executed may be different from the above order, that is, step S108 may be executed after step S109 is executed.

[0060] (Step S112) When the external device 40 is removed from the USB connector 26, the control unit 100 changes the reference value (e.g., 65%) of the remaining amount of power consumed by the battery 34 in the ModS to an initial value (e.g., 5%). Thereafter, when the external device 40 that is an MTP device is connected to the USB connector 26, the reference value of the remaining amount of power consumed by the battery 34 in the ModS is changed according to the above process. When the external device 40 that is not an MTP device is connected to the USB connector 26, the reference value of the remaining amount of power consumed by the battery 34 in the ModS is not changed. When the external device 40 is not an MTP device, the consumption of the battery 34 in the ModS is limited.

[0061] As described above, the external device 40 is connected to the USB connector 26, and the USB connector 26 outputs power supplied from the battery 34 to the external device 40. The control unit 100 (controller) changes a first reference value (e.g., 5%) preset by the OS as the amount of decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 34 from a first timing at which the electronic device 10 transitions from S0 (operating state) to ModS (sleep state) while the external device 40 is connected to the USB connector 26 to a second timing at which the electronic device 10 transitions from ModS to S4 (hibernation state) while the external device 40 is connected to the USB connector 26, to a second reference value (e.g., 65%) greater than the first reference value. When the amount of decrease in the remaining capacity of the battery 34 from the first timing reaches the second reference value, the control unit 100 transitions the electronic device 10 to S4. This allows the electronic device 10 to increase the amount of power supplied from the battery 34 to the external device 40 in the sleep state. The above operation is possible in both cases where the control unit 100 is configured with the CPU 11 and where the control unit 100 is configured with the embedded controller 31.

[0062] The storage unit 110 (memory) stores a third reference value (e.g., 15%) indicating the remaining charge of the battery 34 when the electronic device 10 stops outputting power to the external device 40 in an operating mode (AOU) in which the electronic device 10 outputs power to the external device 40 while in S0 or ModS. The control unit 100 detects a fourth reference value, which is the remaining charge of the battery 34 when the electronic device 10 transitions from S0 to ModS. The fourth reference value is greater than the third reference value. The control unit 100 calculates a second reference value by calculating the difference between the fourth reference value and the third reference value. After changing the first reference value to the second reference value, when the remaining charge of the battery 34 in the AOU decreases and reaches the third reference value, the control unit 100 stops outputting power to the external device 40. This allows the electronic device 10 to increase the amount of power supplied from the battery 34 to the external device 40 by the AOU.

[0063] If the external device 40 is an MTP device, the control unit 100 changes the first reference value to the second reference value, thereby enabling the electronic device 10 to increase the amount of power supplied from the battery 34 to the MTP device in the sleep state.

[0064] The above has described in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10 Electronic device, 11 CPU, 12 Main memory, 13 Video subsystem, 14 Display unit, 21 Chipset, 22 BIOS memory, 23 Storage medium, 24 Audio system, 25 WLAN card, 25 WLAN card, 26 USB connector, 31 Embedded controller, 32 Input unit, 33 Power supply circuit, 34 Battery, 35 Switch, 100 Control unit, 110 Storage unit

Claims

1. An electronic device, a connector to which an external device is connected and which outputs power supplied from the battery to the external device; A controller; Equipped with the controller changes a first reference value, which is preset by an OS (Operating System), as a reduction amount of the remaining battery charge from a first timing at which the electronic device transitions from an operating state to a sleep state while the external device is connected to the connector to a second timing at which the electronic device transitions from the sleep state to a hibernation state while the external device is connected to the connector, to a second reference value which is greater than the first reference value; When the amount of decrease in the remaining battery power from the first timing reaches the second reference value, the controller transitions the electronic device to the hibernation state. electronic equipment.

2. a memory that stores a third reference value that indicates a remaining amount of the battery when the output of power to the external device is stopped in an operation mode in which the electronic device outputs the power to the external device while in the operating state or the sleep state; the controller detects a fourth reference value that is a remaining charge of the battery when the electronic device transitions from the operating state to the sleep state; the fourth reference value is greater than the third reference value; the controller calculates the second reference value by calculating a difference between the fourth reference value and the third reference value; After changing the first reference value to the second reference value, when the remaining capacity of the battery in the operation mode decreases and reaches the third reference value, the controller stops the output of the power to the external device. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. If the external device is a Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) device, the controller changes the first reference value to the second reference value. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

4. 1. A method for controlling an electronic device to which an external device is connected and which has a connector that outputs power supplied from a battery to the external device, changing a first reference value preset by an OS (Operating System) as a reduction amount of the remaining battery charge from a first timing at which the electronic device transitions from an operating state to a sleep state while the external device is connected to the connector to a second timing at which the electronic device transitions from the sleep state to a hibernation state while the external device is connected to the connector, to a second reference value greater than the first reference value; transitioning the electronic device to the hibernation state when the amount of decrease in the remaining battery power from the first timing reaches the second reference value; A control method for an electronic device comprising:

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