Information processing device

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device capable of improving energy efficiency. [Solution] The information processing device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the battery power, a calculation unit that calculates the voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adapter based on the information regarding the battery power, and an output unit that sends a control signal to the AC adapter to supply power at the calculated voltage value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that information processing devices such as notebook personal computers can be supplied with power from a USB Type-C AC adapter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2024-002008 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] USB Type-C AC adapters can change the voltage of the power they supply, which means there is room to improve energy efficiency by changing the voltage value.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device capable of improving energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires information about a battery power, a calculation unit that calculates a voltage value of power supplied from an AC adapter based on the information about the battery power, and an output unit that sends a control signal to the AC adapter so as to supply power at the calculated voltage value. The information on the battery power includes a device state that indicates an operating state of the system power supply, and the calculation unit calculates a voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adapter to be lower when the device state is other than the operating state compared to when the device state is the operating state, and the output unit transmits a control signal when the device state is other than the operating state so as to supply power at a voltage value lower than the voltage value when the device state is the operating state. do. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information processing device can control the voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adaptor based on the information related to the battery power, thereby improving energy efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overall configuration including an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the PMU according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating a voltage value supplied from the AC adapter according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating a voltage value supplied from the AC adapter according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, components according to the embodiments and descriptions of the components may be described in a plurality of ways. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be identified by names different from those in this specification. The components may also be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overall configuration including an information processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0011] 1 is an example of a portable electronic device such as a notebook personal computer (PC). However, the electronic device may be a laptop PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game console, a wearable device, etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 is electrically connected to an AC (Alternating Current) adaptor 20 by connecting a connector 203, and can receive power from the AC adaptor 20.

[0013] Specifically, AC adapter 20 includes a cable 201 that is connected to a supply port of a commercial power source or the like, and a cable 202 that transmits AC voltage from the commercial power source or the like to a connector 203 via AC adapter 20.

[0014] The AC adapter 20 converts, for example, an AC voltage from a commercial power source or the like into a DC voltage and supplies the converted DC voltage to the information processing device 10 from the connector 203. Note that, as an example of the AC adapter 20, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C AC adapter is used.

[0015] Next, the connector 203 is, for example, a connector conforming to the USB Type-C / USB Power Delivery (UPD) standard. The connector 203 is connectable to the port 16 of the information processing device 10.

[0016] The connector 203 is also communicatively connected to the PDC 13 by, for example, a configuration channel (CC) that is a dedicated signal line. The connector 203 is also connected to the switch 15 by, for example, a power line that serves as a power supply path.

[0017] Next, a description will be given of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a battery 11, a power management unit (PMU) 12, a power delivery controller (PDC) 13, a narrow voltage direct charging (NVDC) charger 14, a switch 15, and a port 16.

[0018] The battery 11 is a secondary power source capable of storing and discharging electricity, and is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The battery 11 has a plurality of cells arranged in a battery pack. For example, the battery 11 has two or three cells arranged. The battery 11 can also send information on the number of cells installed to the PMU 12.

[0019] The PMU 12 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 to the AC adapter 20 so as to supply power at a calculated voltage value based on, for example, information about the power of the battery 11. The PMU 12 is, for example, an integrated circuit (processor) that executes arithmetic processing and control processing for controlling the AC adapter 20, the NVDC charger 14, etc., according to a program stored in a non-volatile storage medium.

[0020] Specifically, the PMU 12 performs processing for controlling the AC adapter 20 so as to supply power at a calculated voltage value based on information relating to the power of the battery 11, for example.

[0021] Here, examples of information regarding the power of the battery 11 include the power that can be supplied from the AC adapter 20, the remaining charge (voltage) of the battery 11, the power consumption of the battery 11, the charging mode (fast charging) of the battery 11, the number of cells of the battery 11, the power consumption of the system power supply, and the power state (device state) of the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface).

[0022] The device state is, for example, the ACPI standard for managing power when the system power is in an operating state (S0), standby state (S3), hibernation state (S4), shutdown state (S5, G3), etc. The power consumption of the system varies depending on the device state. For example, in the operating state (S0), a maximum of 35W is consumed.

[0023] The charging mode of the battery 11 may be, for example, rapid charging until the remaining capacity of the battery 11 reaches 80%, and normal charging thereafter. Alternatively, the user may select the charging mode, whether or not to use rapid charging.

[0024] Furthermore, the PMU 12 acquires information such as the remaining capacity, power consumption, and number of cells of the battery 11 from the battery 11, for example, via I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication. The PMU 12 also controls, for example, the opening and closing of the switch 15. For example, the opening and closing of the switch 15 is controlled by communication using a GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) signal.

[0025] The PMU 12 also sends a control signal so as to supply power from the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13. The PMU 12 also controls the opening and closing of a switch 15 so as to send power supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the NVDC charger 14 side.

[0026] In addition, the PMU 12 controls the NVDC charger 14 to supply power supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the system power supply (Power_System), for example.

[0027] Alternatively, the PMU 12 controls the NVDC charger 14 to supply (charge) the power supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the battery 11. Also, the PMU 12 controls the NVDC charger 14 to supply (discharge) the power from the battery 11 to the system power supply.

[0028] In addition, the PMU 12 measures the voltage value charged or discharged to the battery 11 via the NVDC charger 14 using an ADC (Analog Digital Converter).

[0029] The PDC 13 is a unit that controls the distribution path of the power input from the connector 203 based on a control signal from the PMU 12. The PDC 13 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the connector 203. The PDC 13 also obtains information on the power that can be supplied from the AC adapter 20. The PDC 13 communicates with the connector 203, for example, via each CC pin. The PDC 13 also communicates with the PMU 12, for example, via I2C.

[0030] The NVDC charger 14 is controlled by the PMU 12, for example, to send power supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the system power supply. The NVDC charger 14 is also controlled by the PMU 12, for example, to send power supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the battery 11. The NVDC charger 14 is also controlled by the PMU 12, for example, to supply power from the battery 11 to the system power supply.

[0031] The switch 15 is controlled to be opened or closed by, for example, the PMU 12. For example, when the switch 15 is controlled to be closed, it cuts off the power supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the NVDC charger 14. When the switch 15 is controlled to be open, it passes current so that power is supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the NVDC charger 14.

[0032] The port 16 is provided on the body of the information processing device 10 and functions as a power receiving port for receiving power from the outside. The port 16 has a terminal shape that is symmetrical in the vertical and horizontal directions, such as USB Type-C. In addition, the port 16 preferably has a specification that can handle a large-capacity power supply by having the USB Type-C / UPD standard or the like.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an auxiliary storage device 104, a connection I / F 105, and a bus 106.

[0034] The CPU 101 implements the functions of the information processing device 10 by, for example, loading a control program stored in the ROM 103 or the like into the RAM 102 and executing the program.

[0035] The RAM 102 functions as a primary storage device and serves as a working area for the CPU 101. The ROM 103 functions as a storage area in the information processing device 10 and stores various control parameters, control programs, and the like required for the operation of the CPU 101. The auxiliary storage device 104 is a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0036] The connection I / F (Interface) 105 is an interface that realizes a connection to an external power source such as an AC adapter 20. It also includes a port 16. A bus 106 connects these pieces of hardware to each other.

[0037] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the PMU 12 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the PMU 12 includes an acquisition unit 121, a calculation unit 122, an output unit 123, and a control unit 124.

[0038] The acquisition unit 121 acquires, for example, information related to the power of the battery 11. Furthermore, when the connector 203 of the AC adapter 20 is connected to the port 16, the acquisition unit 121 acquires connection information via the PDC 13.

[0039] Examples of information related to the power of the battery 11 include the power that can be supplied from the AC adapter 20, the remaining charge (voltage) of the battery 11, the power consumption of the battery 11, the number of cells of the battery 11, the power consumption of the system power supply, and the device state.

[0040] Next, the calculation unit 122 calculates the voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adapter 20 based on, for example, information related to the power of the battery 11.

[0041] Next, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to, for example, the AC adapter 20 so as to supply power at the calculated voltage value. Specifically, for example, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 so as to supply power at the calculated voltage value via the PDC 13.

[0042] Next, the control unit 124 controls, for example, the switch 15 and the NVDC charger 14. For example, the control unit 124 controls the switch 15 to cut off and supply power supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the NVDC charger 14 side.

[0043] The control unit 124 also controls the NVDC charger 14 to send power supplied from the AC adapter 20 to the system power supply, for example, and controls the NVDC charger 14 to charge the battery 11 with the power supplied from the AC adapter 20.

[0044] Then, the AC adapter 20 supplies power of the calculated voltage value to the information processing device 10 in accordance with the control signal. This makes it possible to reduce the difference between the voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adapter 20 and the voltage value output from the battery 11. This makes it possible to improve the energy efficiency of the information processing device 1.

[0045] For example, the control unit 124 can control the voltage value supplied from the AC adapter 20 based on information about the power of the battery 11, thereby improving energy efficiency compared to when the voltage value supplied from the AC adapter 20 is always high.

[0046] Next, Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating a voltage value supplied from the AC adapter 20 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating a voltage value supplied from the AC adapter 20 according to the embodiment. The process for calculating a voltage value supplied from the AC adapter 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0047] First, a description will be given of examples of preconditions for the flowcharts shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The information processing device 1 supports, for example, a battery 11 with two or three cells (Max 4.3V / cell).

[0048] The AC adapter 20 is a Type-C Spec compliant product. When the information processing device 1 is in the device state S0, for example, it consumes a maximum of 35 W. When the device state is S3, S4, S5, or G3, it consumes approximately 0 W.

[0049] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 has higher energy efficiency as the difference (absolute value) between the output voltage of the AC adapter 20 and the output voltage of the battery 11 becomes smaller. Furthermore, the battery 11 is charged at a rapid rate up to 80% of the battery capacity.

[0050] For example, when the battery capacity fluctuates and the closest voltage between the output voltage of the AC adapter 20 and the output voltage of the battery 11 changes, the PMU 12 changes the power output from the AC adapter 20.

[0051] From here, a flowchart will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, for example, when the connector 203 of the AC adapter 20 is connected to the port 16 of the information processing device 1, the acquisition unit 121 of the PMU 12 acquires information that the AC adapter 20 is connected via the PDC 13 (step S11).

[0052] Next, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the power that can be supplied to the information processing device 1 from the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 (step S12).

[0053] In step S12, for example, if the power that can be supplied from the AC adapter 20 is less than a first predetermined value (for example, 45 W), the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply the maximum power that can be supplied (step S13).

[0054] Furthermore, in step S12, for example, if the power that can be supplied from the AC adapter 20 is a first predetermined value (for example, 45 W), the acquisition unit 121 acquires the number of cells of the battery 11 from the battery 11 (step S14).

[0055] Furthermore, in step S12, for example, if the power that can be supplied from the AC adapter 20 is greater than the first predetermined value (for example, 45 W), the acquisition unit 121 proceeds to the next step S20. Steps after S20 will be described later.

[0056] Next, in step S14, for example, if the number of cells of the battery 11 is three, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power at a voltage value close to the maximum output voltage of the battery 11 (step S15).

[0057] For example, the output unit 123 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 to the AC adapter 20 so as to supply power of a first predetermined value. Specifically, the output unit 123 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 so as to supply power at a current of 3 A and a voltage of 15 V.

[0058] Next, in step S14, for example, when the number of cells of the battery 11 is two, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the device state (step S16).

[0059] Next, in step S16, for example, when the device state is S0 (the system power supply is in operation), the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power at a voltage value close to the maximum output voltage of the battery 11 (step S17).

[0060] For example, the output unit 123 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 to the AC adapter 20 so as to supply power of a first predetermined value. Specifically, the output unit 123 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 so as to supply power at a current of 3 A and a voltage of 15 V.

[0061] Next, in step S16, for example, when the device state is S3, S4, S5, or G3 (other than S0), the output unit 123 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 to the AC adapter 20 to supply power lower than a voltage value close to the maximum output voltage of the battery 11 (step S18).

[0062] For example, the output unit 123 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 to the AC adapter 20 so as to supply power at a voltage value lower than the first predetermined power value. Specifically, the output unit 123 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 so as to supply power at a current of 3 A and a voltage of 9 V.

[0063] In steps S17 and S18, for example, if the device state is changed after the output unit 123 has sent the control signal, the process returns to step S16.

[0064] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S12 of FIG. 4, for example, if the power that can be supplied from the AC adapter 20 is greater than a first predetermined value (for example, 45 W), the acquisition unit 121 proceeds to the next step S20.

[0065] The acquisition unit 121 acquires the number of cells of the battery 11 from the battery 11 (step S20).

[0066] Next, in step S20, for example, when the number of cells in the battery 11 is two, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the device state (step S21).

[0067] Next, in step S21, for example, when the device state is S0 (the system power is in operation), the acquisition unit 121 acquires the charging mode of the battery 11. For example, it acquires whether the battery 11 is being fast charged. Or, it acquires from the battery 11 whether the remaining charge of the battery 11 is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 80%) (step S22).

[0068] Next, in step S22, for example, when quick charging is in progress or when the remaining charge of the battery 11 is equal to or less than a threshold, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power at a first voltage which is the maximum voltage of the AC adapter 20 (step S23).

[0069] Next, in step S22, for example, if quick charging is not in progress or if the remaining charge of the battery 11 exceeds a threshold, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power at a second voltage lower than the first voltage (step S24).

[0070] Specifically, for example, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power with a current of 3 A and a voltage of 15 V (second voltage).

[0071] Next, in step S21, for example, when the device state is S3, S4, S5, or G3 (other than S0), the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power at a third voltage lower than the second voltage (step S25).

[0072] Specifically, for example, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power with a current of 3 A and a voltage of 9 V (third voltage).

[0073] In steps S23, S24, and S25, for example, if the device state is changed after the output unit 123 has sent the control signal, the process returns to step S21. In addition, in steps S23, S24, and S25, if the remaining charge of the battery 11 exceeds a threshold value after the output unit 123 has sent the control signal, the process returns to step S22.

[0074] Returning to step S20, for example, when the number of cells in the battery 11 is three, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the device state (step S31).

[0075] Next, in step S31, for example, when the device state is S0 (the system power is in operation), the acquisition unit 121 acquires the charging mode of the battery 11. For example, it acquires whether the battery 11 is being fast charged. Or, it acquires from the battery 11 whether the remaining charge of the battery 11 is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 80%) (step S32).

[0076] Next, in step S32, for example, if quick charging is in progress or if the remaining charge of the battery 11 is below a threshold, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power at a first voltage that is the maximum voltage of the AC adapter 20 (step S33).

[0077] Next, in step S32, for example, if quick charging is not in progress or if the remaining charge of the battery 11 exceeds a threshold, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power at a second voltage lower than the first voltage (step S34).

[0078] Specifically, for example, the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power with a current of 3 A and a voltage of 15 V (second voltage).

[0079] Next, in step S31, for example, when the device state is S3, S4, S5, or G3 (other than S0), the output unit 123 sends a control signal to the AC adapter 20 via the PDC 13 to supply power at a second voltage lower than the first voltage (step S35).

[0080] Specifically, for example, the output unit 123 sends a control signal via the PDC 13 to the AC adapter 20 so as to supply power at a current of 3 A and a voltage of 15 V (second voltage). Note that although the second voltage is set to 15 V, it may be 9 V.

[0081] In steps S33, S34, and S35, for example, if the device state is changed after the output unit 123 has sent the control signal, the process returns to step S31. In addition, in steps S33, S34, and S35, if the remaining charge of the battery 11 exceeds the threshold value after the output unit 123 has sent the control signal, the process returns to step S32.

[0082] The above process is controlled by the PMU 12 to change the voltage of the power supplied from the AC adapter 20 when the device state is changed, when the remaining charge of the battery 11 exceeds a threshold, or when the charging mode of the battery 11 (whether or not it is fast charging) is changed.

[0083] This allows the information processing device 1 to change the voltage of the power supplied from the AC adapter 20 depending on the device state, the charging mode of the battery 11 (whether or not quick charging is in progress), and the remaining charge of the battery 11, thereby reducing power loss. Also, since the voltage of the power supplied from the AC adapter 20 can be changed depending on the device state, power loss can be reduced. Also, since the voltage of the battery 11 and the voltage supplied from the AC adapter 20 can be set to similar values, power loss can be reduced.

[0084] In the embodiment, the case has been described in which the step of acquiring the number of cells by the acquiring unit 121 is included, but the number of cells may be acquired in advance, in which case the step of acquiring the number of cells can be omitted.

[0085] Also, it is not necessary to perform all steps. For example, it is not necessary to perform all steps of obtaining the number of cells, obtaining the device state, and determining whether rapid charging is in progress. Specifically, obtaining the device state may be omitted, and the voltage may be controlled based on the determination of whether rapid charging is in progress. Also, the determination of whether rapid charging is in progress may be omitted, and the voltage may be controlled based on the device state.

[0086] The specific values ​​of power, voltage, and current explained above are merely examples, and may vary depending on the number of cells and the device.

[0087] As described above, the information processing device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the battery power, a calculation unit that calculates the voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adapter based on the information related to the battery power, and an output unit that sends a control signal to the AC adapter to supply power at the calculated voltage value.

[0088] This allows, for example, the information processing device to control the voltage value output from the AC adapter 20 based on information related to the battery power. This makes it possible to reduce the difference between the battery output voltage and the voltage value output from the AC adapter 20, thereby reducing power loss. This makes it possible to improve energy efficiency.

[0089] In addition, in the information processing device according to the present embodiment, the information on the power of the battery includes the charging mode of the battery. This allows the information processing device to change the voltage value output from the AC adapter when the charging mode is switched from quick charging to normal charging, for example. This allows the power loss to be reduced, and energy efficiency to be improved.

[0090] In addition, in the information processing device according to the present embodiment, the information on the power of the battery includes the device state. This allows the information processing device to change the voltage value output from the AC adapter when the device state is switched from an operating state to a non-operating state, for example. This allows the power loss to be reduced, and energy efficiency to be improved.

[0091] In addition, in the information processing device according to the present embodiment, the voltage value supplied from the AC adapter is calculated based on information related to the power of the multiple batteries, including the battery charging mode and the device state. This allows the information processing device to finely set the voltage value output from the AC adapter based on the information related to the power of the multiple batteries, for example.

[0092] The above-described embodiment of the present invention does not limit the scope of the invention, but is merely an example included in the scope of the invention. An embodiment of the present invention may be modified, omitted, or added to the above-described embodiment, for example, with respect to at least a part of the specific use, structure, shape, action, and effect, without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10: information processing device, 11: battery, 12: PMU, 13: PDC, 14: NVDC charger, 15: switch, 20: AC adapter, 203: connector, 121: acquisition unit, 122: calculation unit, 123: output unit, 124: control unit.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the power of a battery; a calculation unit that calculates a voltage value of power supplied from an AC adapter based on the information on the power of the battery; an output unit that sends a control signal to the AC adapter so as to supply power at the calculated voltage value; The information about the battery power includes a device state representative of an operating state of a system power source; the calculation unit calculates, when the device state is other than an operating state, a voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adapter to be lower than when the device state is the operating state; When the device state is other than an operating state, the output unit sends a control signal to supply power at a voltage value lower than a voltage value when the device state is in an operating state. Information processing device.

2. The information regarding the power of the battery includes a charging mode of the battery, which is indicative of whether or not the charging mode is fast charging; the calculation unit calculates, when the charging mode is other than rapid charging, a voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adapter to be lower than when the charging mode is rapid charging; When the charging mode is other than the rapid charging mode, the output unit sends a control signal to supply power at a voltage value lower than a voltage value when the charging mode is the rapid charging mode. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the calculation unit calculates, when the device state is an operating state and the charging mode is other than rapid charging, a voltage value of the power supplied from the AC adapter to be lower than when the device state is an operating state and the charging mode is rapid charging. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

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