Information processing device and control method

Abstract

To reduce the effort required for tasks that need to be performed to prevent battery degradation before long-term storage. [Solution] The information processing device is powered by an AC adapter when the AC adapter is connected, and by an internal battery when the AC adapter is not connected, and comprises a first processor that executes system processing, a charging unit that charges the internal battery using power supplied from the AC adapter, and a second processor that, when the AC adapter is connected and a specific mode is selected by user operation, controls the charging and discharging of the internal battery to a predetermined value, and after the internal battery reaches the predetermined value, instructs the first processor to shut down the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] When a PC (Personal Computer) is not used for a long time, the built-in battery may deteriorate. Therefore, when a PC (Personal Computer) whose battery cannot be removed is not used for a long time, it is recommended to perform an operation for suppressing battery deterioration before long-term storage (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as the operations to be performed before long-term storage as described above, it is necessary to perform operations such as adjusting the battery remaining amount to about 50%, then shutting down the PC, setting the battery to a state where it cannot be used (battery cutoff), and removing the AC adapter in order. When adjusting the battery remaining amount to about 50%, it is necessary to connect and disconnect the AC adapter while checking and monitoring the remaining amount because the remaining amount may increase or decrease too much, and it is also necessary to perform each of the above operations in order. Therefore, the operation is troublesome and time-consuming.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an information processing device and a control method that can reduce the effort required for tasks to suppress battery degradation before long-term storage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that is supplied with power from an AC adapter when an AC adapter is connected, and supplied with power from a built-in battery when an AC adapter is not connected, and comprises a first processor that executes system processing, a charging unit that charges the built-in battery using power supplied from the AC adapter, and a second processor that, when a specific mode is selected by user operation while the AC adapter is connected, performs charge / discharge control on the charging unit to control the charging and discharging of the built-in battery so that the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches a predetermined value, and after the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches the predetermined value, instructs the first processor to shut down the system.

[0007] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may stop discharging from the internal battery when the remaining charge of the internal battery reaches a predetermined value, and after stopping the discharge from the internal battery, it may instruct the first processor to shut down the system.

[0008] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may, after instructing the first processor to shut down the system, notify the user to unplug the AC adapter.

[0009] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may light up or blink a light-emitting unit provided in the information processing device as a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter.

[0010] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may issue a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter when the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches a predetermined value, and after issuing such notification, may instruct the first processor to shut down the system.

[0011] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may stop discharging from the built-in battery after instructing the first processor to shut down the system.

[0012] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may issue an instruction to display a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter on the display unit provided in the information processing device.

[0013] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may, in response to the selection of the specific mode, instruct the display unit of the information processing device to display information indicating a transition to the specific mode.

[0014] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may adjust the control load of the information processing device so that the charging time or discharging time is shortened when it performs charge / discharge control on the charging unit to control the charging and discharging of the built-in battery so that the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches the predetermined value.

[0015] In the above-described information processing device, the control load of the information processing device may include any of the following: the screen brightness of the display unit provided by the information processing device, the load of the first processor, or the rotation speed of the fan provided by the information processing device.

[0016] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may, when adjusting the control load of the information processing device, select the control load to be adjusted from among a plurality of control loads based on user operation.

[0017] In addition, in an information processing apparatus including a first processor that executes system processing, being supplied with power from the AC adapter when the AC adapter is connected and being supplied with power from a built-in battery when the AC adapter is not connected, a charging unit that charges the built-in battery using the power supplied from the AC adapter, and a second processor, a control method includes: a step in which the second processor performs charge / discharge control for controlling charging and discharging of the built-in battery so that the remaining amount of the built-in battery becomes a predetermined value when a specific mode is selected by a user operation while the AC adapter is connected; and a step in which, after the remaining amount of the built-in battery has become the predetermined value, the second processor instructs the first processor to shut down the system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor of the work performed to suppress deterioration of the battery before long-term storage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the appearance of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Diagram showing an outline of processing in the long-term storage mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing an example of a configuration for executing processing in the long-term storage mode in an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing an example of long-term storage mode processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Diagram showing an outline of processing in the long-term storage mode according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing an example of long-term storage mode processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8]A diagram showing an example of a selection screen for control items during battery remaining amount adjustment according to the third embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. The illustrated information processing apparatus 10 is a clamshell-type notebook PC (Personal Computer). The information processing apparatus 10 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, and a hinge mechanism 103. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are substantially rectangular plate-shaped (e.g., flat plate-shaped) housings. One side surface of the first housing 101 and one side surface of the second housing 102 are coupled (connected) via the hinge mechanism 103, and the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are relatively rotatable around the rotation axis formed by the hinge mechanism 103. A state where the opening angle θ around the rotation axis of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 is approximately 0° is a state where the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 overlap and are closed (referred to as the "closed state"). In the closed state, the surfaces of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 facing each other are respectively called their "inner surfaces", and the surfaces opposite to the inner surfaces are called "outer surfaces". The opening angle θ can also be said to be the angle formed by the inner surface of the first housing 101 and the inner surface of the second housing 102. A state where the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are opened with respect to the closed state is called the "open state". The open state is a state where the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are relatively rotated until the opening angle θ becomes larger than a preset threshold value (e.g., 10°).

[0022] A display unit 110 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 101. A keyboard 130 is provided on the inner surface of the second housing 102. In the illustrated example, the keyboard 130 is a physical keyboard. In addition to the keyboard 130, a touchpad may also be provided. Furthermore, the keyboard 130 is not limited to a physical keyboard but may be a software keyboard. In the case of a software keyboard, for example, a display unit is also provided on the inner surface of the second housing 102.

[0023] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 is equipped with a battery 20 as a built-in battery within the second housing 102. The battery 20 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. An AC adapter 30 is also connected to the information processing device 10. The AC adapter 30 converts commercial alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power for input to the information processing device 10.

[0024] The information processing device 10 operates by receiving power from the AC adapter 30 when the AC adapter 30 is connected, and by receiving power from the battery 20 when the AC adapter 30 is not connected. The battery 20 can be used repeatedly by being charged with power supplied from the AC adapter 30.

[0025] Furthermore, external interfaces such as a USB connector 120 and a power button 125 are located on the side of the second housing 102. Note that this arrangement is just an example; for example, the USB connector 120 or the power button 125 may be located on the opposite side of the second housing 102, or the power button 125 may be located on the inner surface of the second housing 102.

[0026] The USB connector 120 is a connector for connecting peripheral devices that utilize USB (Universal Serial Bus). For example, the USB connector 120 is a USB Type-C connector. For example, an AC adapter 30 can be connected to the USB connector 120. The information processing device 10 may also be equipped with a USB Type-A connector as part of the USB connector 120. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be equipped with a dedicated power terminal for connecting the AC adapter 30.

[0027] [Hardware configuration] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 is composed of a display unit 110, a USB connector 120, a power button 125, a keyboard 130, a cooling fan 135, a communication unit 140, a storage unit 150, an EC (Embedded Controller) 160, a system processing unit 170, and a power supply circuit 180.

[0028] The display unit 110 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an electroluminescent (EL) display, among others. The display unit 110 displays a display image on the screen based on display data generated by system processing performed by the system processing unit 170.

[0029] As explained with reference to Figure 1, the USB connector 120 is, for example, a USB Type-C connector, and can be used to connect an AC adapter 30 or the like.

[0030] The power button 125 is an operator used by the user to indicate whether to turn the power on or off. When the power button 125 is operated by the user, it sends an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the EC160.

[0031] The keyboard 130 is an input unit that receives user input, and in response to user operations (presses) on each key arranged on the keyboard 130, it sends an operation signal corresponding to the operated key to the EC160.

[0032] The cooling fan 135 is a fan for releasing heat from inside the information processing device 10 to the outside, and is provided, for example, on the second housing 102. The start and stop of the rotational operation of the cooling fan 135, as well as the control of the rotational speed, are controlled by the EC160.

[0033] The communication unit 140 connects to other devices via a wireless or wired communication network and transmits and receives various types of data. For example, the communication unit 140 is configured to include communication devices such as a wired LAN interface such as Ethernet® or a wireless LAN interface such as Wi-Fi®. The communication unit 140 may also be configured to include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or a Bluetooth® interface.

[0034] The storage unit 150 is comprised of storage media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The HDD or SSD stores various programs such as the OS, device drivers, and applications, as well as various data acquired through the operation of these programs.

[0035] The EC160 is a microcomputer comprised of a CPU, RAM, ROM, and I / O (Input / Output) logic circuits. The EC160's CPU reads control programs pre-stored in its ROM, executes these programs, and performs its functions. For example, the EC160 operates independently of the system processing unit 170, outputs instruction information that directs the system's operating state transitions (startup, sleep, shutdown, etc.), and manages its operating state. The EC160 is also connected to a power button 125, keyboard 130, cooling fan 135, power supply circuit 180, battery 20, etc., and performs information exchange and control of these connected devices.

[0036] The power supply circuit 180 generates system power and other power supplies to be supplied to each part of the information processing device 10 based on the power supplied from the AC adapter 30 or the battery 20. For example, the power supply circuit 180 includes a charging circuit (battery charger) and multiple power supply ICs, and generates multiple power supplies for each power supply system from the power supplied from the AC adapter 30 or the battery 20 to be supplied to the system processing unit 170 and each part. The power supply circuit 180 also switches between charging and discharging the battery 20 under the control of the EC160. The power supply circuit 180 may also include a PD controller that performs control compatible with USB PD (Power Delivery).

[0037] The system processing unit 170 consists of a CPU 171, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 172, a memory controller 173, an I / O (Input-Output) controller 174, and system memory 175. Through system processing by the operating system (OS), it is possible to execute various application software on the OS. The CPU 171 and GPU 172 are sometimes collectively referred to as the processor.

[0038] The CPU 171 controls the operating state, such as system startup and transitions to standby (sleep) states, based on instruction information from the EC 160. For example, if the system is in standby mode and the EC 160 inputs a startup instruction in response to user input, the CPU 171 transitions from standby to normal operation. For example, during startup, when power is supplied from the power supply circuit 180 and startup instruction is received from the EC 160, the CPU 171 executes a POST (Power On Self Test) process using the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and starts the startup process. In the startup process, the CPU 171 detects and initializes a minimum number of devices, such as the system memory 175 and the storage unit 150 (pre-boot). The CPU 171 loads the system firmware from the storage unit 150 into the system memory 175 and detects and initializes other devices such as the communication unit 140 and the display unit 110 (post-processing). Initialization includes processes such as setting initial parameters. Note that some post-processing may be omitted during the transition from standby (sleep) to normal operation (resume). After the startup process is complete, CPU171 begins executing system processing by the OS. Furthermore, when CPU171 receives a shutdown instruction from EC160, it executes the shutdown process of the running OS. Specifically, when the above shutdown instruction is notified from EC160 via the BIOS to a specific application running on CPU171, that specific application instructs the OS to shut down. As a result, the OS executes the shutdown process.

[0039] The GPU 172 is connected to the display unit 110. The GPU 172 performs image processing based on the control of the CPU 171 and generates display data. The GPU 172 outputs the generated display data to the display unit 110. The CPU 171 and GPU 172 may be integrated and formed as a single core, or the load may be shared between the CPU 171 and GPU 172 which are formed as individual cores. The number of processors is not limited to one, but may be multiple.

[0040] The memory controller 173 controls the reading and writing of data from the system memory 175, storage unit 150, etc. The I / O controller 174 controls the input and output of data from the display unit 110, the USB connector 120, the communication unit 140, and the EC160. System memory 175 is used as a loading area for the processor's executable program and as a working area for writing processing data.

[0041] [Explanation of long-term storage mode] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will describe a long-term storage mode that is implemented in advance to suppress the degradation of the battery 20 when the information processing device 10 is not used for a long period of time. Figure 3 shows an overview of the processing in the long-term storage mode according to this embodiment.

[0042] In the long-term storage mode according to this embodiment, there are only two steps that require user operation (work), after which the information processing device 10 automatically performs the necessary processing to suppress the degradation of the battery 20. The only steps the user needs to take are the first step (U1) of setting the information processing device 10 to long-term storage mode, and the second step (U2) of unplugging the AC adapter 30 from the information processing device 10 after the information processing device 10 has performed the processing for long-term storage mode.

[0043] The operation to set the device to long-term storage mode can be performed, for example, through an operation screen provided by the program that executes the long-term storage mode processing. For example, the long-term storage mode can be selected through a menu screen displayed on the desktop screen of the display unit 110 using the GUI (Graphical User Interface) of an application program running on the OS. Alternatively, the operation to set the device to long-term storage mode may also be performed through the BIOS screen.

[0044] When the information processing device 10 is set to long-term storage mode, it executes the following processes in order under the control of the EC160: battery level adjustment process (S1) to adjust the remaining charge of the battery 20, battery cutoff process (S2) to set the battery to cutoff, system shutdown process (S3) to shut down the system, and AC adapter unplugging notification process (S4) to notify the user to unplug the AC adapter 30.

[0045] (S1: Battery level adjustment process) This process adjusts the remaining charge of the battery 20 to a predetermined value. Batteries tend to deteriorate if stored for a long period of time when fully charged (around 100% remaining charge) or with a low remaining charge. Therefore, this battery charge adjustment process adjusts the remaining charge of the battery 20 to a predetermined value (for example, a value set in advance between approximately 50% and 80%). If the remaining charge of the battery 20 is greater than the predetermined value, the EC160 discharges the battery 20, and if the remaining charge of the battery 20 is less than the predetermined value, it charges the battery 20 with power supplied from the AC adapter 30. When the EC160 starts processing for long-term storage mode, it may notify the user by instructing the display unit 110 to display a message such as "Transitioning to long-term storage mode," to caution the user against operating the device. Specifically, the EC160 notifies a specific application running on the CPU 171 via the BIOS to display the above message, and the specific application displays the message on the display unit 110 through its processing.

[0046] (S2: Battery cutoff process) This process sets the battery 20 to a state where it cannot be used. For example, the EC160 instructs the battery 20 to cut off. As a result, the battery 20 stops outputting (discharging).

[0047] (S3: System shutdown process) EC160 outputs a shutdown instruction to the OS running on CPU171. When CPU171 receives the shutdown instruction from EC160, it shuts down the running OS. Specifically, EC160 notifies a specific application running on CPU171 via the BIOS of the shutdown instruction, and that specific application instructs the OS to shut down. As a result, the OS executes the shutdown process.

[0048] (S4: AC adapter unplugging notification process) As the final step in long-term storage mode, the EC160 notifies the user to unplug the AC adapter 30. For example, the EC160 notifies the user to unplug the AC adapter 30 by the state of an LED (solid, blinking, etc.). Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the LED can be, for example, an LED located on the side of the second housing 102 that indicates the charging status by its color, an LED that lights up when the power is on, or an LED provided on the keyboard 130.

[0049] Once the processing for long-term storage mode is complete, the user unplugs the AC adapter 30 from the information processing device 10 in accordance with a notification prompting them to do so. This allows the information processing device 10 to suppress battery degradation during long-term storage simply by the user performing the initial operation of setting the device to long-term storage mode and the final operation of unplugging the AC adapter 30.

[0050] [Configuration of long-term storage mode processing] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 10 that performs the processing for the long-term storage mode, which was outlined with reference to Figure 3, will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 4.

[0051] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration for performing processing in long-term storage mode in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. In this figure, the same reference numerals are used for the components corresponding to the parts in Figures 1 and 2.

[0052] Figure 4 shows only the main components necessary for explanation from the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 2, and other components are omitted as appropriate. The motherboard 200 housed in the second enclosure 102 is equipped with an EC160, a CPU 171, a power supply circuit 180, and an LED 115. The LED 115 is one of the means of notifying the user in long-term storage mode, and as mentioned above, it can be an LED that notifies the charging status by the color of its illumination, or an LED that lights up when the power is turned on. Alternatively, the LED provided on the keyboard 130 may be used as the LED 115.

[0053] The power supply circuit 180 includes a charging circuit 181 (battery charger) and multiple power supply ICs 171. When the AC adapter 30 is connected, the charging circuit 181 supplies power (power input) from the AC adapter 30 to multiple power supply ICs 182 as power to generate system power supplied to various parts of the information processing device 10, and also supplies it as charging power to the battery 20. When the AC adapter 30 is not connected, the charging circuit 181 supplies power discharged (supplied) from the battery 20 to multiple power supply ICs 182 as power to generate system power supplied to various parts of the information processing device 10. Each of the multiple power supply ICs 182 converts the power supplied from the charging circuit 181 into a power supply voltage corresponding to its respective power supply system and outputs it.

[0054] When the AC adapter 30 is connected and the user selects the long-term storage mode, the EC160 first performs the battery level adjustment process (S1) shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the EC160 obtains the battery level value from the battery 20 and performs charge / discharge control on the charging circuit 181 to control the charging and discharging of the battery 20 so that the battery level of the battery 20 becomes a predetermined value (for example, a value set in advance between approximately 50% and 80%).

[0055] Furthermore, the EC160 may display information on the display unit 110 indicating the transition to long-term storage mode when long-term storage mode is selected. For example, the EC160 may notify the user of the transition to long-term storage mode by instructing the display unit 110 to display a message such as "Transitioning to long-term storage mode," and warn the user not to operate the device.

[0056] Furthermore, when the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value through the battery charge adjustment process (S1), the EC160 executes a battery cutoff process (S2). Specifically, the EC160 stops discharging from the battery 20 by instructing the battery 20 to cut off.

[0057] Furthermore, after the battery cutoff process (S2), the EC160 performs a system shutdown process (S3). Specifically, the EC160 outputs instruction information to the OS running on the CPU171 to shut down. When the CPU171 receives the shutdown instruction information from the EC160, it shuts down the running OS.

[0058] Furthermore, after the system shutdown process (S3), the EC160 performs an AC adapter unplugging notification process (S4). Specifically, the EC160 notifies the user to unplug the AC adapter 30. For example, the EC160 notifies the user to unplug the AC adapter 30 by lighting up or blinking the LED 115.

[0059] Furthermore, the EC160 may also control the CPU load of the CPU 171, the screen brightness of the display unit 110, and the rotation speed of the cooling fan 135 in long-term storage mode, but this control will be explained in the third embodiment described later.

[0060] [Operation of long-term storage mode processing] Next, the operation of the long-term storage mode processing performed by EC160 in the information processing device 10 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the long-term storage mode processing according to this embodiment. The following long-term storage mode processing is initiated when the long-term storage mode is set by the user's operation.

[0061] (Step S101) A message indicating the transition to long-term storage mode is notified. For example, EC160 instructs the display unit 110 to display a message such as "Transitioning to long-term storage mode." Specifically, EC160 notifies a specific application running on CPU 171 via the BIOS to display the above message, and the processing of that specific application causes the message to be displayed on the display unit 110. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0062] (Step S103) EC160 obtains the battery level value from battery 20 and proceeds to step S105.

[0063] (Step S105) EC160 compares the battery level value of battery 20 obtained in step S103 with a predetermined value (for example, a value set in advance within a range of approximately 50% to 80%). If EC160 determines that the battery level is greater than the predetermined value, it proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if EC160 determines that the battery level is less than the predetermined value, it proceeds to step S109. Also, if EC160 determines that the battery level is at the predetermined value, it proceeds to step S111.

[0064] (Step S107) EC160 controls the charging circuit 181 to discharge the battery 20. Then, the process returns to step S103.

[0065] (Step S109) EC160 controls the charging circuit 181 to charge the battery 20 with power supplied from the AC adapter 30. Then, the process returns to step S103.

[0066] Then, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0067] (Step S113) EC160 outputs instruction information to the OS running on CPU171 to shut down. When CPU171 receives the shutdown instruction information from EC160, it shuts down the running OS. Specifically, the shutdown instruction information is notified from EC160 via the BIOS to a specific application running on CPU171, and that specific application instructs the OS to shut down. As a result, the OS executes the shutdown process. Then, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0068] (Step S115) The EC160 notifies the user to unplug the AC adapter 30. For example, the EC160 notifies the user to unplug the AC adapter 30 by lighting up or blinking the LED 115.

[0069] This prepares the device for long-term storage, after which the user will unplug the AC adapter 30 from the information processing device 10 and store it. If the user leaves the AC adapter 30 plugged into the information processing device 10, the EC160 may turn off the LED 115 after a certain period of time. Also, if a specific button (for example, the power button 125) is pressed before the user unplugs the AC adapter 30 from the information processing device 10, the EC160 may turn off the LED 115.

[0070] Furthermore, there may be cases where the user wants to interrupt the long-term storage mode process while it is in progress (before the long-term storage mode finishes). For this reason, for example, a "cancel" button could be provided on the menu screen that the user operates when setting the long-term storage mode, so that the user can use it to interrupt the process.

[0071] Furthermore, it is assumed that users will unplug the AC adapter 30 when storing the device for an extended period, even without a notification prompting them to unplug it. Therefore, in the processing for the long-term storage mode, the AC adapter unplugging notification process (S4) may be omitted from the battery level adjustment process (S1), battery cutoff process (S2), system shutdown process (S3), and AC adapter unplugging notification process (S4). For example, in the processing for the long-term storage mode, the information processing device 10 may execute the battery level adjustment process (S1), battery cutoff process (S2), and system shutdown process (S3) in order, and may not execute the AC adapter unplugging notification process (S4).

[0072] Furthermore, if the standby power consumed when the information processing device 10 is not used for a long period of time is very low, the battery 20 will not deplete easily even without cutting off the battery, and the impact on degradation will be minimal. For this reason, the battery cutoff process (S2) may be omitted. For example, in the processing of the long-term storage mode, the information processing device 10 may execute the battery level adjustment process (S1), the system shutdown process (S3), and the AC adapter unplugging notification process (S4) in order, and not execute the battery cutoff process (S2). Alternatively, in the processing of the long-term storage mode, the information processing device 10 may execute at least the battery level adjustment process (S1) and the system shutdown process (S3) in order, and not execute the battery cutoff process (S2) and the AC adapter unplugging notification process (S4).

[0073] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment is supplied with power from the AC adapter 30 when the AC adapter 30 is connected, and with power supplied from the battery 20 (an example of a built-in battery) when the AC adapter 30 is not connected. The information processing device 10 includes a CPU 171 (an example of a first processor) that executes system (e.g., OS) processing, a charging circuit 181 (an example of a charging unit) that charges the battery 20 using power supplied from the AC adapter 30, and an EC160 (an example of a second processor). When the AC adapter 30 is connected and the user selects a long-term storage mode (an example of a specific mode), the EC160 performs charge and discharge control on the charging circuit 181 to control the charging and discharging of the battery 20 so that the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value. Furthermore, after the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value, the EC160 instructs the CPU 171 to shut down the system.

[0074] As a result, the information processing device 10 automatically adjusts the battery 20 to a level that is less prone to degradation and shuts down the system simply by the user selecting the long-term storage mode, eliminating the need for the user to plug and unplug the AC adapter 30 to adjust the battery 20's charge level. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can reduce the effort required of the user to suppress battery degradation before long-term storage.

[0075] For example, EC160 stops discharging from battery 20 (cuts off) when the remaining charge of battery 20 reaches a predetermined value, and after stopping the discharge from battery 20, instructs CPU 171 to shut down the system.

[0076] As a result, the information processing device 10 adjusts the battery 20 to a level that is less prone to degradation, automatically stops the discharge from the battery 20 (cutoff), and then shuts down the system. Therefore, even if the device is not used for a long period of time, the battery 20, which has been adjusted to a level that is less prone to degradation, will be maintained. Thus, the information processing device 10 can reduce the effort required of the user to take measures to suppress the degradation of the battery 20 before long-term storage.

[0077] Furthermore, after instructing the CPU 171 to shut down the system, the EC160 notifies the user to unplug the AC adapter 30.

[0078] This allows the information processing device 10 to notify the user that it is necessary to unplug the AC adapter 30 after the processing for the long-term storage mode has been performed.

[0079] For example, the EC160 lights up or blinks an LED 115 (an example of a light-emitting part) on the information processing device 10 as a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter 30.

[0080] As a result, the information processing device 10 can notify the user by lighting or flashing the LED 115 that it is necessary to unplug the AC adapter 30 after the processing for the long-term storage mode has been performed.

[0081] Furthermore, EC160 may instruct the display unit 110 of the information processing device 10 to display information (messages) indicating the transition to long-term storage mode, depending on whether long-term storage mode has been selected.

[0082] As a result, when the information processing device 10 starts processing in long-term storage mode, it can notify the user of a message to warn them not to operate the device.

[0083] Furthermore, the control method in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes the steps of: when the EC160 (an example of a second processor) is connected and a long-term storage mode (an example of a specific mode) is selected by user operation, the EC160 performs charge / discharge control on the charging circuit 181 to control the charging and discharging of the battery 20 so that the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value; and after the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value, the EC160 instructs the CPU 171 to shut down the system.

[0084] As a result, the control method in the information processing device 10 automatically adjusts the battery 20 to a level that is less prone to degradation and shuts down the system simply by selecting the long-term storage mode by user operation. Therefore, the user does not need to plug and unplug the AC adapter 30 to adjust the battery 20's charge level. Thus, the control method in the information processing device 10 reduces the effort required of the user to suppress battery degradation before long-term storage.

[0085] Thus, the information processing device 10 can be put into a state where battery degradation during long-term storage is suppressed simply by the user initially setting it to long-term storage mode and finally unplugging the AC adapter 30. This reduces the effort required of the user to perform tasks to suppress battery degradation before long-term storage.

[0086] For example, regarding the "preparation work to suppress battery degradation before long-term storage," which was previously only explained on the website, by incorporating a "two-step method" into the product, it is expected that users will actively utilize it, and as a result, the degradation of battery 20 will be suppressed. This will lead to a reduction in the replacement cycle of battery 20 (suppression of battery degradation progression).

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is expected that companies (for example, large corporations) that have introduced a large number of personal computers (information processing devices 10) with the same configuration will be able to improve the efficiency of maintenance of backup units (for example, periodic battery charging work).

[0088] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the battery level adjustment process (S1), battery cutoff process (S2), system shutdown process (S3), and AC adapter removal notification process (S4) are executed in that order during processing in long-term storage mode. However, by performing the AC adapter removal notification process (S4) before the system shutdown process (S3), a notification prompting the user to remove the AC adapter 30 can be clearly displayed as a message on the display unit 110 instead of the LED 115 lighting up or flashing.

[0089] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the processing in the long-term storage mode according to this embodiment. The example of the long-term storage mode processing shown in Figure 6 differs from the example of the long-term storage mode processing shown in Figure 3 only in the order of the processes executed by the information processing device 10; the user still only has two steps to perform. Specifically, the user only has two steps: (U1) to first set the information processing device 10 to long-term storage mode, and (U2) to unplug the AC adapter 30 from the information processing device 10 while the information processing device 10 is executing the long-term storage mode processing.

[0090] When the information processing device 10 is set to long-term storage mode, it executes the following processes in order under the control of the EC160: battery level adjustment process (S1), AC adapter removal notification process (S4), system shutdown process (S3), and battery cutoff process (S2). The reason why the battery cutoff process (S2) is performed last is to ensure that the power necessary for the system shutdown process (S3) is secured even if the AC adapter 30 is removed by the user due to the AC adapter removal notification process (S4). For this reason, the battery cutoff process (S2) is performed last, but as explained in the first embodiment, the battery cutoff process (S2) may be omitted if, for example, the standby power consumption is low.

[0091] The contents of the battery level adjustment process (S1), system shutdown process (S3), and battery cutoff process (S2) are the same as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the AC adapter removal notification process (S4) may be notified by lighting or blinking the LED 115, as in the first embodiment, but since the system has not shut down, it is possible to display it on the display unit 110. Therefore, the EC160 may instruct the display unit 110 to display a message (text, illustration, etc.) prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter 30.

[0092] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the long-term storage mode processing according to this embodiment. Similar to the long-term storage mode processing shown in Figure 5, the long-term storage mode processing is started when the long-term storage mode is set by user operation.

[0093] Note that the processes S201, S203, S205, S207, and S209 shown in Figure 7 are the same as the processes S101, S103, S105, S107, and S109 shown in Figure 5, and their explanation will be omitted. In the long-term storage mode process shown in Figure 7, the order of processes from step S211 onwards differs from the order of processes from step S111 onwards shown in Figure 5.

[0094] (Step S211) EC160 notifies the user to unplug the AC adapter 30. For example, EC160 notifies the user by instructing the display unit 110 to display a message such as "Please unplug the AC adapter". Specifically, EC160 notifies a specific application running on the CPU 171 via the BIOS to display the above message, and the application processes to display the message on the display unit 110. Then the process proceeds to step S213. The user will see this message and unplug the AC adapter 30 from the information processing device 10, but the actual timing of unplugging the AC adapter 30 can be at any point after this.

[0095] (Step S213) EC160 outputs a shutdown instruction to the OS running on CPU171. When CPU171 receives the shutdown instruction from EC160, it shuts down the running OS. Specifically, the shutdown instruction is notified from EC160 via the BIOS to a specific application running on CPU171, and that specific application instructs the OS to shut down. As a result, the OS executes the shutdown process. Then, the process proceeds to step S215.

[0096] (Step S215) EC160 cuts off the battery 20 (stops discharging) by instructing the battery 20 to cut off. This prepares the battery for long-term storage.

[0097] Thus, in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment, the EC160 issues a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter 30 when the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value, and after issuing the notification, instructs the CPU 171 to shut down the system.

[0098] As a result, while the information processing device 10 is performing processing for long-term storage mode, once the battery level 20 has been adjusted, the user can unplug the AC adapter 30 at any time thereafter (for example, without waiting for the system to shut down), making it easier for the user to perform tasks before long-term storage.

[0099] Furthermore, after instructing the CPU 171 to shut down the system, the EC160 stops discharging from the battery 20.

[0100] As a result, the information processing device 10, in processing for long-term storage mode, stops (cuts off) the discharge from the battery 20 at the end, which provides flexibility in the order of processing and the order of user tasks, making it easier for the user to perform tasks before long-term storage.

[0101] For example, the EC160 instructs the display unit 110 of the information processing device 10 to display a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter 30.

[0102] This allows the information processing device 10 to clearly display a message on the display unit 110 prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter 30.

[0103] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment, when the EC160 performs charge / discharge control on the charging circuit 181 in the battery level adjustment process (S1) to control the charging and discharging of the battery 20 so that the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value, the EC160 adjusts the control load of the information processing device 10 so that the charging time or discharging time is shortened.

[0104] As a result, the information processing device 10 can shorten the processing time required for long-term storage mode, making it more convenient.

[0105] For example, the control load of the information processing device 10 includes one of the following: the screen brightness of the display unit 110 provided by the information processing device 10, the load of the CPU 171 (CPU load), or the rotation speed of the cooling fan 135 provided by the information processing device 10.

[0106] For example, when the EC160 controls the charging of the battery 20, it may reduce the control load by lowering the screen brightness of the display unit 110, lowering the upper limit of the CPU 171 load, or lowering or stopping the rotation speed of the cooling fan 135, thereby shortening the charging time until the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value.

[0107] On the other hand, when the EC160 controls the discharge of the battery 20, it may increase the control load by increasing the brightness of the display unit 110, increasing the load on the CPU 171, or increasing the rotation speed of the cooling fan 135, in order to shorten the discharge time until the remaining charge of the battery 20 reaches a predetermined value. In this case, when the EC160 increases the load on the CPU 171, it may prepare and execute a dedicated program for the purpose of increasing the CPU load.

[0108] Note that the screen brightness of the display unit 110, the load of the CPU 171, and the rotation speed of the cooling fan 135 are just examples of how to adjust the control load, and the EC160 may control some of these, all of them, or other control loads.

[0109] Furthermore, the user may be allowed to select items to adjust the control load during the battery level adjustment process (S1). For example, the EC160 instructs the display unit 110 to display a selection screen in which the user can select items to adjust the control load (control items during battery level adjustment) when adjusting the battery level. Specifically, the EC160 notifies a specific application running on the CPU 171 via the BIOS of the instruction to display the above selection screen, and the processing of that specific application causes the display unit 110 to display the above selection screen.

[0110] Figure 8 shows an example of a selection screen for control items when adjusting the battery level according to this embodiment. The selection screen SG shown displays screen brightness, CPU load, and fan speed as control items when adjusting the battery level, and a checkbox is displayed for each item. If screen brightness is selected, the screen brightness of the display unit 110 becomes the control target; if CPU load is selected, the load of the CPU 171 becomes the control target; and if fan speed is selected, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 135 becomes the control target.

[0111] The user can select checkboxes for the items they want to control. They can select one item, multiple items, or none. In the illustrated example, screen brightness and CPU load are selected. In this case, when the EC160 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 20 to the charging circuit 181 during the battery level adjustment process (S1), it adjusts the screen brightness of the display unit 110 and the load of the CPU 171 so that the charging time or discharging time is shortened.

[0112] In this way, when adjusting the control load of the information processing device 10, the EC160 selects the control load to be adjusted from among multiple control loads based on user operation.

[0113] As a result, the information processing device 10 can select only CPU load and fan speed as control items when the user wants to avoid screen brightness, or select screen brightness and CPU load as control items when the user wants to avoid noise, depending on the usage environment or user preference, which is convenient for the user.

[0114] Although each embodiment of this invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. For example, each configuration described in the above embodiments can be combined in any way.

[0115] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 described above has a computer system inside. The processing in each configuration of the information processing device 10 may be performed by recording a program for realizing the functions of each configuration of the information processing device 10 onto a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into the computer system, and executing it. Here, "loading the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0116] Furthermore, the recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from the distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined in each configuration of the information processing device 10. The distribution servers for each of the divided programs may also be different. Moreover, "computer-readable recording media" includes volatile memory within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. The program itself may also be intended to implement some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0117] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually processorized, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single processor. In addition, the method of implementing the integrated circuit is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit using that technology may be used.

[0118] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 in the above embodiment is not limited to a notebook PC, but may also be a tablet PC or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 10 Information processing unit, 20 Battery, 30 AC adapter, 101 First enclosure, 102 Second enclosure, 110 Display unit, 115 LED, 120 USB connector, 125 Power button, 130 Keyboard, 135 Cooling fan, 140 Communication unit, 150 Memory unit, 160 EC, 170 System processing unit, 171 CPU, 172 GPU, 173 Memory controller, 174 I / O controller, 175 System memory, 180 Power supply circuit, 181 Charging circuit, 182 Power supply IC, 200 Motherboard

Claims

1. An information processing device in which power is supplied from an AC adapter when the AC adapter is connected, and from a built-in battery when the AC adapter is not connected, A first processor that executes system processing, A charging unit that charges the built-in battery using power supplied from the AC adapter, When the AC adapter is connected and a specific mode is selected by user operation, the charging unit performs charge / discharge control to control the charging and discharging of the internal battery so that the remaining charge of the internal battery reaches a predetermined value, and after the remaining charge of the internal battery reaches the predetermined value, the second processor instructs the first processor to shut down the system. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The second processor is, When the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches the predetermined value, the discharge from the built-in battery is stopped, and after the discharge from the built-in battery is stopped, the first processor is instructed to shut down the system. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The second processor is, After instructing the first processor to shut down the system, a notification is issued prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The second processor is, As a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter, the information processing device illuminates or flashes a light-emitting unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The second processor is, When the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches the predetermined value, a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter is issued, and after issuing the notification, the first processor is instructed to shut down the system. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The second processor is, After instructing the first processor to shut down the system, the discharge from the built-in battery is stopped. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The second processor is, The system instructs the display unit of the information processing device to display a notification prompting the user to unplug the AC adapter. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The second processor is, In response to the selection of the aforementioned specific mode, the information processing device is instructed to display information indicating a transition to the aforementioned specific mode on its display unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The second processor is, When performing charge / discharge control on the charging unit to control the charging and discharging of the built-in battery so that the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches the predetermined value, the control load of the information processing device is adjusted so that the charging time or discharging time is shortened. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The control load of the information processing device includes any one of the following: the screen brightness of the display unit provided by the information processing device, the load of the first processor, or the rotation speed of the fan provided by the information processing device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The second processor is, When adjusting the control load of the information processing device, the control load to be adjusted is selected from among multiple control loads based on user operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. A control method for an information processing device comprising: a first processor that executes system processing, power supplied from the AC adapter when the AC adapter is connected, power supplied from the internal battery when the AC adapter is not connected, a charging unit that charges the internal battery using the power supplied from the AC adapter, and a second processor, The second processor, When the AC adapter is connected and a specific mode is selected by the user, the charging unit performs charge / discharge control to control the charging and discharging of the built-in battery so that the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches a predetermined value. The steps include: after the remaining charge of the built-in battery reaches the predetermined value, instructing the first processor to shut down the system; A control method including

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