Information processing device and control method

Abstract

To more appropriately perform control to transition to a standby state using human detection while suppressing power consumption. [Solution] The information processing device comprises a memory for temporarily storing the system program, a processor for executing system processing based on the program stored in the memory, and a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person within a specified detection range.When the presence of a person within the specified detection range is no longer detected using the detection sensor, the processor transitions the system to a standby state, and after transitioning to the standby state, uses the detection sensor to detect the presence or absence of a person within the specified detection range for a certain period of time only, and returns the system from the standby state when the presence of a person within the specified detection range is detected.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a device that transitions to an operational state where it can be used when a person approaches, and transitions to a standby state where all functions are stopped except for some functions when the person leaves. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses an infrared sensor to detect the strength of infrared light, thereby detecting whether a person is approaching or has left, and controlling the operational state of the device. In addition, with the recent development of computer vision and the like, the detection accuracy when detecting faces from images captured using an image sensor has improved, and it has become common to detect the presence of a person through face detection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-148895 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since detecting people using infrared sensors or image sensors as described above tends to be costly due to the need for additional sensors and image processing, some devices use ultrasound to detect people.Ultrasound has the advantage of being less costly because it can be used with existing devices that are equipped with a microphone and speaker.

[0005] However, detecting people using ultrasound has the disadvantage of high power consumption because it requires the microphone and speaker to be active. Therefore, it is possible to design the device so that it only detects when a person leaves and does not perform person detection in standby mode, where power consumption needs to be reduced. However, there is a concern that this would be inconvenient because it would not be able to automatically return from standby mode even if the user returns relatively soon.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an information processing device and a control method that more appropriately controls the transition to a standby state using person detection while reducing power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a memory for temporarily storing a system program, a processor for executing processing of the system based on the program stored in the memory, and a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person in a predetermined detection range, and when the presence of a person in the detection range is no longer detected using the detection sensor, the processor transitions the system to a standby state, and after transitioning to the standby state, uses the detection sensor to detect the presence or absence of a person in the detection range for only a certain period of time, and returns from the standby state when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range.

[0008] In the information processing device, the processor may stop a function of detecting the presence or absence of a person using the detection sensor after the certain time has elapsed since the transition to the standby state.

[0009] In the above-mentioned information processing device, when the presence of a person is no longer detected in the detection range using the detection sensor, the processor may transition the system to a standby state after a predetermined time has elapsed while no person is detected in the detection range.

[0010] The information processing device may include a display unit that displays information based on the processing of the system, and the processor may turn off the screen of the display unit when transitioning the system to a standby state, and turn on the screen of the display unit when returning the system from the standby state.

[0011] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method for an information processing device including a memory for temporarily storing a system program, a processor for executing processing of the system based on the program stored in the memory, and a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person in a predetermined detection range includes the steps of: when the presence of a person in the detection range is no longer detected using the detection sensor, the processor transitions the system to a standby state; and after transitioning to the standby state, using the detection sensor to detect the presence or absence of a person in the detection range for only a certain period of time, and returning the system from the standby state if the presence of a person is detected in the detection range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above aspect of the present invention, when control for transitioning to a standby state is performed using human detection, the control can be performed more appropriately while suppressing power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a person detection range of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of HPD processing of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of control of HPD processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an HPD process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [overview] First, an overview of the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of an information processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0015] The information processing device 1 is, for example, a notebook (clamshell) type PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 1 includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20, and a hinge mechanism 15. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected using the hinge mechanism 15. The first housing 10 is rotatable relative to the second housing 20 around a rotation axis defined by the hinge mechanism 15. The opening angle resulting from the rotation of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is shown as "θ".

[0016] The first housing 10 is also referred to as the A cover or display housing. The second housing 20 is also referred to as the C cover or system housing. In the following description, the sides of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 that are provided with the hinge mechanism 15 are referred to as side 10c and 20c, respectively. The sides of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 opposite side 10c and 20c are referred to as side 10a and 20a, respectively. In the illustration, the direction from side 20a toward side 20c is referred to as the "rear," and the direction from side 20c toward side 20a is referred to as the "front." The right and left sides of the rear are referred to as the "right" and "left," respectively. The left sides of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are referred to as side 10b and 20b, respectively, and the right sides are referred to as side 10d and 20d, respectively. Furthermore, the state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 overlap and are completely closed (a state in which the opening angle θ=0°) is referred to as the "closed state." In the closed state, the surfaces of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 that face each other are referred to as the "inner surfaces," and the surfaces opposite the inner surfaces are referred to as the "outer surfaces." Furthermore, the state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are open relative to the closed state is referred to as the "open state."

[0017] The external appearance of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an open state. In the open state, the side surface 10a of the first housing 10 and the side surface 20a of the second housing 20 are separated. In the open state, the inner surfaces of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are exposed. The open state is one of the states in which a user uses the information processing device 1, and it is typically used with an opening angle θ of approximately 100 to 130°. The range of the opening angle θ that results in the open state can be determined arbitrarily depending on the range of angles that can be rotated by the hinge mechanism 15, etc.

[0018] A display unit 110 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 10. The display unit 110 is configured to include a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. An imaging unit 120 and a microphone 131 are provided in a peripheral region of the display unit 110 on the inner surface of the first housing 10. For example, the imaging unit 120 and the microphone 131 are arranged on the side surface 10a side of the peripheral region of the display unit 110. In the example shown in the figure, one microphone 131 is arranged on the left and one on the right side of the imaging unit 120. The microphone 131 is a sound collection device for collecting sound of a user's speech in applications such as voice calls, video calls, and video conferences.

[0019] The positions where the imaging unit 120 and the microphone 131 are arranged are just an example, and they may be arranged in other locations as long as they can face in a direction (forward) facing the inner surface of the first housing 10. Furthermore, the number of microphones 131 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0020] In the open state, the imaging unit 120 captures an image of a predetermined imaging range in the direction (forward) facing the inner surface of the first housing 10. The predetermined imaging range is the range of the angle of view determined by the imaging element of the imaging unit 120 and an optical lens provided in front of the imaging surface of the imaging element.

[0021] A keyboard 151 and a touchpad 153 are provided on the inner surface of the second housing 20 as input devices that accept user operation inputs. Note that, instead of or in addition to the keyboard 151 and the touchpad 153, a touch sensor may be provided as the input device, or a mouse or an external keyboard may be connected. In the case where a touch sensor is provided, an area corresponding to the display surface of the display unit 110 may be configured as a touch panel that accepts operations.

[0022] Additionally, speakers 132 are provided on the inner surface of the second housing 20. For example, the speakers 132 are arranged one on each side of the side surface 20c of the inner surface of the second housing 20. Note that the positions at which the speakers 132 are arranged are merely examples, and the speakers 132 may be arranged in any positions. The speakers 132 are audio output devices for outputting, for example, the voice of the other party in an application such as a voice call or video call, the voice of the participants in an application such as a video conference, the voice during music playback or video playback, various notification sounds, and the like.

[0023] A power button 140 is provided on the side surface 20b of the second housing 20. The power button 140 is an operator that allows the user to instruct the power to be turned on or off.

[0024] In addition, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are in the closed state, the display unit 110, the imaging unit 120, and the microphone 131 provided on the inner surface of the first housing 10, and the keyboard 151, the touchpad 153, and the speaker 132 provided on the inner surface of the second housing 20 are covered by the surface of the other housing, and are unable to function.

[0025] The information processing device 1 uses the existing speaker 132 and microphone 131 as ultrasonic sensors to detect the presence of a person in a predetermined range ahead (on the front side) using ultrasonic waves. That is, the existing speaker 132 and microphone 131 are used as detection sensors for detecting the presence of a person.

[0026] For example, the information processing device 1 outputs ultrasonic waves from the speaker 132. Here, the ultrasonic waves output from the speaker 132 are set to a frequency within the range of frequencies that can be output by the existing speaker 132, and are set to 23 kHz as an example. The ultrasonic waves output from the speaker 132 are reflected by a person or object present in space, and among the reflected ultrasonic waves (reflected waves), those that arrive from in front of the information processing device 1 are picked up by the microphone 131. The information processing device 1 detects a person based on the ultrasonic waves picked up by the microphone 131. For example, the information processing device 1 detects the distance to a person present in front based on the time difference between when the ultrasonic waves are output from the speaker 132 and when the reflected waves are picked up by the microphone 131. Note that the reflected waves reflected from an object are reflected waves from a completely stationary object, and therefore can at least be distinguished from reflected waves from a moving person.

[0027] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a person detection range of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. In the example shown, a detection range FoV (Field of View: detection field of view angle) in front of the information processing device 1 is a range in which people can be detected. This detection range FoV corresponds to a range in which sound can be collected by the microphone 131. The range in which sound can be collected is determined by the position and direction in which the microphone 131 is disposed and the directivity of the microphone 131. The information processing device 1 executes HPD (Human Presence Detection) processing to detect people present within the detection range FoV using ultrasonic waves.

[0028] The information processing device 1 controls the operating state of the system of the information processing device 1 according to the presence or absence of a person through HPD processing. For example, the information processing device 1 is controlled to a normal operating state when a person is present in front of the information processing device 1, and is controlled to a standby state when no person is present in front of the information processing device 1.

[0029] The normal operating state is a system operating state in which processing can be executed without any particular restrictions, and corresponds to, for example, the S0 state defined by ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface).

[0030] The standby state is a state in which at least a part of the system processing is restricted. For example, the standby state is a state in which at least the screen of the display unit 110 is turned off (screen off). The standby state may also be a state in which the system is locked. In the locked state of the system, a preset image (for example, a lock image) is displayed on the display unit so that the contents of processing cannot be seen. To release the lock, login authentication by the user is required. The standby state may also be a standby state, a sleep state, or the like, and may be a state equivalent to Modern Standby in Windows (registered trademark) or the S3 state (sleep state) defined by ACPI. For example, the standby state is a state in which power consumption is lower than that in the normal operating state.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the HPD process of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 detects a person in front of the information processing device 1 through the HPD process and controls the system operation state of the information processing device 1 based on the presence or absence of the person. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the information processing device 1 detects a change from a state in which no person is present in front of the information processing device 1 (absence) to a state in which a person is present (presence), i.e., when the information processing device 1 detects that a person has approached the information processing device 1 (approach), the information processing device 1 automatically starts the system and transitions to a normal operation state. Also, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the information processing device 1 detects a state in which a person is present in front of the information processing device 1 (presence), the information processing device 1 continues the normal operation state. Also, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the information processing device 1 detects a change from a state in which a person is present in front of the information processing device 1 (presence) to a state in which a person is not present (absence), i.e., when the information processing device 1 detects that a person has left the information processing device 1 (leave), the information processing device 1 transitions the system to the standby state.

[0032] Here, the function of detecting a change from a state in which a person is present in front of the information processing device 1 (Presence) to a state in which a person is not present in front of the information processing device 1 (i.e., "Leave") and transitioning to a standby state by HPD processing is referred to as the "Leave function." Also, the function of detecting a change from a state in which a person is not present in front of the information processing device 1 (Absence) to a state in which a person is present in front of the information processing device 1 (i.e., "Approach") and returning from the standby state is referred to as the "Wake function."

[0033] In a configuration in which HPD processing is performed using ultrasonic waves, power consumption is high because ultrasonic waves are output from speaker 132 and ultrasonic waves reflected by people and the like are picked up and detected by microphone 131. For this reason, some conventional HPD processing using ultrasonic waves supports (provides) only the leave function in the normal operating state, and does not support (provide) the wake function in the standby state because it is necessary to reduce power consumption.

[0034] However, if the Wake function is not supported after detecting Leave and transitioning to standby mode, the device cannot automatically return from standby mode even if a user who left the device returns relatively soon after, which is inconvenient. Therefore, in this embodiment, after detecting Leave and transitioning to standby mode, the Wake function is enabled for a certain period of time (e.g., about 5 seconds), and then the Wake function is disabled. This reduces power consumption in standby mode, while allowing the device to automatically return from standby mode when the user returns for a certain period of time (e.g., about 5 seconds) after transitioning to standby mode, which is convenient.

[0035] The control of this HPD process will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of HPD processing control according to this embodiment. In this diagram, the horizontal axis represents time (t), and the relationship between the detection results of HPD processing, the state of the system (OS), conventional HPD processing control (A), and HPD processing control according to this embodiment (B) is shown on the time axis.

[0036] The detection result of the HPD process is that a state in which a person is present (Presence) is detected at time t0, and changes to a state in which no person is present (Absence) at time t1. The system is in a normal operating state (screen on) at time t0, but after a predetermined time TH1 (e.g., about 25 to 30 seconds) has elapsed in the state in which no person is present (Absence), at time t2, it transitions to a standby state (screen off). This predetermined time TH1 may be set by the user. At time t2, the system is not locked, but if a certain time TH2 (e.g., about 5 seconds) elapses while remaining in Absence, the system will be locked at time t3.

[0037] It would be convenient if the system could return from standby mode if a person is detected (if the user returns) during this fixed time TH2 (for example, about 5 seconds) (while the system is not locked after transitioning to standby mode). However, in conventional HPD processing control (A), the Leave function works from time t0 to time t2, and although the Leave function is replaced by the Wake function when the system transitions to standby mode (screen off) at time t2 due to the Leave function, the Wake function is not supported from the perspective of power consumption. Therefore, the Wake function does not work after time t2, and the system cannot return from standby mode even if a person is detected during the fixed time TH2 (for example, about 5 seconds).

[0038] On the other hand, in the HPD processing control (B) of this embodiment, the Wake function itself is not not supported, but the Wake function is enabled only for a certain period of time TH2 (e.g., about 5 seconds) from the transition to standby mode (screen off) at time t2 until time t3, and the Wake function is disabled after time t3. This makes it possible to return from standby mode if a person is detected during the certain period of time TH2 (e.g., about 5 seconds), and also makes it possible to reduce power consumption after the certain period of time TH2 (e.g., about 5 seconds) has elapsed.

[0039] The configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. [Hardware configuration of information processing device] Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 6, components corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. The information processing device 1 includes a display unit 110, an imaging unit 120, an audio system 130, a microphone 131, a speaker 132, a power button 140, an input device 150, a communication unit 160, a storage unit 170, an EC (Embedded Controller) 200, a main processing unit 300, and a power supply unit 400.

[0040] The display unit 110 displays display data (images) generated based on system processing executed by the main processing unit 300 and processing of application programs running on the system processing.

[0041] The imaging unit 120 captures an image of an object within a predetermined imaging range (angle of view) in the direction facing the inner surface of the first housing 10 (forward), and outputs the captured image to the main processing unit 300. For example, the imaging unit 120 is a visible light camera (RGB camera) that captures images using visible light. Note that the imaging unit 120 may further include an infrared camera (IR camera) that captures images using infrared light.

[0042] The audio system 130 is connected to a microphone 131 and a speaker 132, and performs input / output, recording, playback, etc. of sound data. For example, in response to instructions from the main processing unit 300, the audio system 130 converts sound data into an electrical signal and outputs it as a sound wave or ultrasound from the speaker 132. The audio system 130 also converts the electrical signal of the sound wave or ultrasound picked up by the microphone 131 into sound data and outputs it to the main processing unit 300.

[0043] The power button 140 outputs an operation signal to the EC 200 in response to a user operation. The input device 150 is an input unit that accepts user input, and is configured to include, for example, a keyboard 151 and a touchpad 153. In response to accepting an operation on the keyboard 151 and the touchpad 153, the input device 150 outputs an operation signal indicating the operation content to the EC 200. Note that the input device 150 may be a touch panel that detects a touch operation on the display surface of the display unit 110.

[0044] The communication unit 160 is communicably connected to other devices via a wireless or wired communication network, and transmits and receives various types of data. For example, the communication unit 160 is configured to include a wired LAN interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN interface such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc.

[0045] The storage unit 170 includes storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), RAM, and ROM. The storage unit 170 stores various programs such as an OS, device drivers, and applications, as well as various data acquired by the operation of the programs.

[0046] The power supply unit 400 supplies power to each unit of the information processing device 1 according to the operating state of each unit. The power supply unit 400 includes a DC (Direct Current) / DC converter. The DC / DC converter converts the voltage of direct current power supplied from an AC (Alternate Current) / DC adapter or a battery (battery pack) into the voltage required by each unit. The power whose voltage is converted by the DC / DC converter is supplied to each unit via each power supply system. For example, the power supply unit 400 supplies power to each unit via each power supply system based on a control signal input from the EC 200.

[0047] The EC200 is a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and I / O (Input / Output) logic circuits. The CPU of the EC200 reads a control program (firmware) pre-stored in its own ROM, executes the read control program, and performs its functions. The EC200 operates independently of the main processing unit 300, controls the operation of the main processing unit 300, and manages its operating state. The EC200 is also connected to the power button 140, the input device 150, the power supply unit 400, and the like.

[0048] For example, the EC 200 communicates with the power supply unit 400 to acquire information on the battery status (such as remaining capacity) from the power supply unit 400, and outputs to the power supply unit 400 control signals and the like for controlling the supply of power according to the operating state of each unit of the information processing device 1. The EC 200 also acquires operation signals from the power button 140 and the input device 150, and outputs to the main processing unit 300 operation signals related to processing by the main processing unit 300 among the acquired operation signals.

[0049] The main processing unit 300 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) 302, a chipset 303, and a system memory 304, and is capable of executing processing of various application programs on an OS (Operating System) through system processing based on the OS.

[0050] The CPU 301 executes processes based on BIOS programs, processes based on OS programs, and processes based on application programs running on the OS. The CPU 301 also controls the operating state of the system based on control from the chipset 303. For example, the CPU 301 executes a startup process that transitions the operating state of the system from a standby state to a normal operating state based on the HPD process. The CPU 301 also executes a process that transitions the operating state of the system from a normal operating state to a standby state based on the HPD process.

[0051] The GPU 302 is connected to the display unit 110. The GPU 302 generates display data by executing image processing under the control of the CPU 301. The GPU 302 outputs the generated display data to the display unit 110.

[0052] The chipset 303 has functions as a memory controller and an I / O controller. For example, the chipset 303 controls the CPU 301 and GPU 302 to read and write data from and to the system memory 304, the storage unit 170, etc. The chipset 303 also controls the communication unit 160, the display unit 110, and the EC 200. The chipset 303 also has a function as a sensor hub. For example, the chipset 303 temporarily stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit 120 in the system memory 304. The chipset 303 also outputs sound waves or ultrasound waves from the speaker 132 via the audio system 130. The chipset 303 also acquires sound data of sound waves or ultrasound waves collected by the microphone 131 via the audio system 130. For example, the chipset 303 performs HPD processing to detect a person (user) by outputting ultrasound waves from the speaker 132 and acquiring reflected waves of the ultrasound waves from the microphone 131. Furthermore, the chipset 303 controls the operating state of the system based on the result of human detection by HPD processing.

[0053] The system memory 304 is used as a reading area for programs executed by the CPU 301 and a working area for writing processing data, etc. The system memory 304 also temporarily stores image data of images captured by the imaging unit 120, sound data to be output via the audio system 130, sound data acquired via the audio system 130, etc.

[0054] The CPU 301, GPU 302, and chipset 303 may be configured as a single integrated processor, or some or each may be configured as individual processors. For example, in a normal operating state, the CPU 301, GPU 302, and chipset 303 are all in operation, but in a standby state, only at least a part of the chipset 303 is in operation.

[0055] [Functional configuration of information processing device] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 relating to the control of the HPD processing described with reference to FIG. 4 will be described in detail.

[0056] 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a processing unit 310 as a functional configuration realized by the CPU 301, chipset 303, or the like executing a system program or a program for HPD processing. The processing unit 310 includes an HPD processing unit 311, an HPD control unit 312, an HID input detection unit 313, an operation control unit 314, a leave timer 315, and a lock timer 316.

[0057] The HPD processing unit 311 performs HPD processing to detect a person based on ultrasound (reflected waves) collected by the microphone 131 by outputting ultrasound from the speaker 132 via the audio system 130. For example, the HPD processing unit 311 generates ultrasound sound data of a specific frequency (e.g., 23 kHz) and outputs it to the audio system 130, thereby causing the speaker 132 to output ultrasound of the specific frequency (e.g., 23 kHz). The detection processing unit 331 also acquires sound data of the sound waves or ultrasound collected by the microphone 131 from the audio system 130, detects the sound data of the specific frequency (e.g., 23 kHz) from the acquired sound data, and performs HPD processing. In particular, when ultrasound of, for example, 23 kHz is output from the speaker 132, the detection processing unit 331 may detect whether ultrasound of a frequency including a certain degree of error with respect to 23 kHz (e.g., 23 kHz±1 kHz) is collected by the microphone 131.

[0058] As described above, the HPD processing unit 311 uses ultrasonic waves to detect whether a person is present in the detection range FoV (Presence) or not (Absence) in the detection range FoV. Furthermore, the HPD processing unit 311 detects a person's departure from the information processing device 1 based on a change from a state in which a person is present in the detection range FoV (Presence) to a state in which a person is not present (Absence). Furthermore, the HPD processing unit 311 detects a person's approach to the information processing device 1 based on a change from a state in which a person is not present in the detection range FoV (Absence) to a state in which a person is present (Presence). The HPD processing unit 311 outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 314.

[0059] The HPD control unit 312 controls enabling and disabling of the Leave function from the normal operation state by HPD processing, and the Wake function that returns from the standby state to the normal operation state by HPD processing. For example, the HPD control unit 312 enables the Leave function in the normal operation state. Furthermore, when the HPD control unit 312 transitions to the standby state by the Leave function, it enables the Wake function only for a certain period of time (e.g., about 5 seconds) after the transition to the standby state. Then, the HPD control unit 312 disables the Wake function if no person is detected in the detection range FoV within the certain period of time (e.g., about 5 seconds).

[0060] The HID input detection unit 313 detects a user input (hereinafter referred to as "HID input") to an HID (Human Interface Device) such as the keyboard 151 or the touchpad 153. For example, the HID input detection unit 313 detects the HID input via the EC 200 to which operation signals are input from the keyboard 151 and the touchpad 153. Note that the HID input is not limited to an input to the keyboard 151 or the touchpad 153, but may be an input using an external keyboard or mouse, or may be an audio input to a microphone (not shown). For example, when the HID input detection unit 313 detects an HID input, it outputs information indicating that an HID input has been detected to the operation control unit 314.

[0061] The operation control unit 314 controls the operation state of the system based on the detection result of the HPD processing by the HPD processing unit 311. For example, when the leave function is enabled in the normal operation state, the operation control unit 314 transitions the system to a standby state when the state changes from a state in which a person is present in the detection range FoV (Presence) to a state in which a person is not present (Absence). For example, when the presence of a person is no longer detected in the detection range FoV, the operation control unit 314 transitions the system to a standby state (e.g., screen off) after a predetermined time TH1 (e.g., approximately 25 to 30 seconds) has elapsed while no person is detected in the detection range FoV. Furthermore, the operation control unit 314 locks the system after a certain time TH2 (e.g., approximately 5 seconds) has elapsed after transitioning the system to the standby state (e.g., screen off).

[0062] Furthermore, when the Wake function is temporarily enabled in the standby state, if the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV, the operation control unit 314 returns from the standby state to the normal operating state (for example, screen on). Furthermore, if an HID input is detected by the HID input detection unit 313 in the standby state, the operation control unit 314 returns from the standby state to the normal operating state (for example, screen on).

[0063] The Leave timer 315 is a timer for measuring a predetermined time TH1 (for example, about 25 to 30 seconds), and the Lock timer 316 is a timer for measuring a certain time TH2 (for example, about 5 seconds).

[0064] [HPD processing control operation] Next, the control operation of the HPD process executed by the processing unit 310 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the HPD process according to this embodiment.

[0065] (Step S101) The processing unit 310 enables the Leave function in the normal operating state, and proceeds to step S103.

[0066] (Step S103) The processing unit 310 determines whether or not a person is present in the detection range FoV by HPD processing. If the processing unit 310 determines that a person is present in the detection range FoV (YES), it performs the processing of step S103 again. On the other hand, if the processing unit 310 determines that a person is not present in the detection range FoV (NO), it proceeds to step S105.

[0067] (Step S105) Processing unit 310 starts measuring a predetermined time TH1 (for example, about 25 to 30 seconds) using leave timer 315. Then, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0068] (Step S107) The processing unit 310 continues to determine whether or not a person is present in the detection range FoV by HPD processing. The processing unit 310 also determines whether or not there has been an HID input. If the processing unit 310 determines that a person is present in the detection range FoV or that there has been an HID input while the leave timer 315 is timing (YES), the processing unit 310 proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the processing unit 310 determines that no person is present in the detection range FoV and that there has been no HID input (NO), the processing unit 310 proceeds to step S111.

[0069] (Step S109) The processing unit 310 resets the leave timer 315, and the process returns to step S103.

[0070] (Step S111) The processing unit 310 completes the counting of the leave timer 315, and proceeds to step S113.

[0071] (Step S113) The processing unit 310 transitions the system to a standby state (for example, screen off), and proceeds to step S115.

[0072] (Step S115) The processing unit 310 disables the Leave function, and the process proceeds to step S117.

[0073] (Step S117) The processing unit 310 starts counting a certain period of time TH2 (for example, about 5 seconds) using the lock timer 316. Then, the process proceeds to step S119.

[0074] (Step S119) The processing unit 310 determines whether the Wake function is enabled. If the processing unit 310 determines that the Wake function is enabled (YES), the processing unit 310 proceeds to step S123. On the other hand, if the processing unit 310 determines that the Wake function is not enabled (NO), the processing unit 310 temporarily enables the Wake function (step S121) and then proceeds to step S123.

[0075] (Step S123) The processing unit 310 determines whether or not a person is present in the detection range FoV through HPD processing. The processing unit 310 also determines whether or not there has been an HID input. If the processing unit 310 determines that a person is present in the detection range FoV or that there has been an HID input while the lock timer 316 is timing (YES), the processing unit 310 proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if the processing unit 310 determines that no person is present in the detection range FoV and that there has been no HID input (NO), the processing unit 310 proceeds to step S129.

[0076] (Step S125) The processing unit 310 transitions the system from a standby state (for example, screen off) to a normal operating state (for example, screen on), and proceeds to step S127.

[0077] (Step S127) The processing unit 310 disables the Wake function, and the process returns to step S101.

[0078] (Step S129) The processing unit 310 completes the counting of the Lock timer 316, and proceeds to step S131.

[0079] (Step S131) ​​The processing unit 310 disables the Wake function, and the process proceeds to step S133.

[0080] (Step S133) The processing unit 310 locks the system.

[0081] [Summary of the embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a system memory 304 (an example of a memory) that temporarily stores a system program, a processor (e.g., CPU 301, chipset 303, etc.) that executes system processing based on the program stored in the system memory 304, and ultrasonic sensors (an example of detection sensors) such as a microphone 131 and a speaker 132 that detect the presence or absence of a person in a detection range FoV (an example of a predetermined detection range). The processing unit 510, which is a functional configuration realized by the processor (e.g., CPU 301, chipset 303, etc.) executing the program, transitions the system to a standby state (e.g., screen off) when the presence of a person in the detection range FoV is no longer detected using the ultrasonic sensor, and after transitioning to the standby state, detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection range FoV using the ultrasonic sensor for only a certain time TH2 (e.g., about 5 seconds), and returns from the standby state (e.g., screen on) when the presence of a person in the detection range FoV is detected.

[0082] This allows the information processing device 1 to reduce power consumption in the standby state, and is convenient because it can automatically return from the standby state when the user returns for a certain period of time TH2 (for example, about 5 seconds) after transitioning to the standby state (for example, until locking). Therefore, the information processing device 1 can more appropriately control transition to the standby state using person detection while reducing power consumption.

[0083] Furthermore, after a certain time TH2 (for example, about 5 seconds) has elapsed since the transition to the standby state, the processing unit 510 stops the function of detecting the presence or absence of a person using the ultrasonic sensor (for example, the Wake function). Here, by stopping the function of detecting the presence or absence of a person using the ultrasonic sensor (for example, the Wake function), the HPD process using the ultrasonic sensor is disabled.

[0084] As a result, the information processing device 1 does not perform the HPD process after a certain period of time TH2 (for example, about 5 seconds) has elapsed since it transitioned to the standby state, and therefore power consumption in the standby state can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, when the ultrasonic sensor no longer detects the presence of a person in the detection range FoV, the processing unit 510 transitions the system to a standby state (e.g., screen off) after a predetermined time TH1 (e.g., about 25 to 30 seconds) has elapsed while no person is detected.

[0086] This allows the information processing device 1 to prevent the device from immediately transitioning to a standby state against the user's intention when the user's posture changes momentarily and the device moves out of the detection range FoV or the user simply moves away for a moment, thereby appropriately controlling the transition to a standby state using person detection.

[0087] The information processing device 1 also includes a display unit 110 that displays information based on system processing. The processing unit 510 turns off the screen of the display unit 110 (screen off) when transitioning the system to a standby state, and turns on the screen of the display unit 110 (screen on) when returning the system from the standby state.

[0088] This allows the information processing device 1 to reduce power consumption by turning off the screen of the display unit 110 (screen off) in the standby state.

[0089] Furthermore, the control method in the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment includes the steps of: a processing unit 510, which is a functional configuration realized by a processor (e.g., CPU 301, chipset 303, etc.) provided in the information processing device 1 executing a program, transitioning the system to a standby state (e.g., screen off) when the presence of a person is no longer detected in the detection range FoV (an example of a predetermined detection range) using ultrasonic sensors (an example of detection sensors) such as the microphone 131 and speaker 132; and after transitioning to the standby state, detecting the presence or absence of a person in the detection range FoV using the ultrasonic sensors for only a certain period TH2 (e.g., about 5 seconds), and returning from the standby state (e.g., screen on) when the presence of a person is detected in the detection range FoV.

[0090] This allows the control method in the information processing device 1 to reduce power consumption in the standby state, while automatically returning from the standby state when the user returns for a certain period of time TH2 (for example, about 5 seconds) after transitioning to the standby state (for example, until locking), which is convenient. Therefore, the control method in the information processing device 1 can more appropriately reduce power consumption when controlling the transition to the standby state using person detection.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configurations described in the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the HPD process is performed to detect the presence or absence of a person using an ultrasonic sensor (microphone 131 and speaker 132), but the detection method is not limited to this example. For example, the detection method used when performing the HPD process may be a method of detecting the presence or absence of a person by performing face detection or the like from an image captured by the imaging unit 120. Note that when a detection method that consumes relatively high power is used, it is more effective to limit the execution of the HPD process in the standby state to only a certain period of time.

[0093] Furthermore, the CPU 301 and the chipset 303 may be configured as separate processors, or may be integrated into a single processor. Furthermore, the CPU 301 and the GPU 302 may be configured as separate processors, or may be integrated into a single processor. Furthermore, each unit included in the main processing unit 300 may be configured as a single chip as an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0094] The above-mentioned standby state may include a hibernation state, a power-off state, etc. The hibernation state corresponds to, for example, the S4 state defined by ACPI. The power-off state corresponds to, for example, the S5 state (shutdown state) defined by ACPI. Among the standby states, the standby state, sleep state, hibernation state, and power-off state are states in which power consumption is lower (states in which power consumption is reduced) than in the normal operating state.

[0095] The information processing device 1 described above includes an internal computer system. A program for implementing the functions of each component of the information processing device 1 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the information processing device 1. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, or other communication lines. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. The recording medium storing the program may also be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0096] The recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined by the components of the information processing device 1, or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a medium that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0097] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 1 in the above-described embodiment may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually implemented as a processor, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0098] Furthermore, the information processing device 1 of the above embodiment is not limited to a notebook PC, but may be, for example, a desktop PC. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 Information processing device, 10 First housing, 20 Second housing, 15 Hinge mechanism, 110 Display unit, 120 Imaging unit, 130 Audio system, 131 Microphone, 132 Speaker, 140 Power button, 150 Input device, 151 Keyboard, 153 Touchpad, 160 Communication unit, 170 Memory unit, 200 EC, 300 Main processing unit, 301 CPU, 302 GPU, 303 Chipset, 304 System memory, 310 Processing unit, 311 HPD processing unit, 312 HPD control unit, 313 HID input detection unit, 314 Operation control unit, 315 Leave timer, 316 Lock timer, 400 Power supply unit

Claims

1. a memory for temporarily storing system programs; a processor that executes processing of the system based on a program stored in the memory; a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined detection range; Preparation, The processor: a first function for transitioning the system to a standby state when the presence of a person in the detection range is no longer detected using the detection sensor, and a second function for returning the system from the standby state when the presence of a person in the detection range is detected using the detection sensor for a certain period of time after the transition to the standby state by the first function; If the certain time has elapsed without the presence of a person being detected in the detection range by the second function after the transition to the standby state by the first function, the function of detecting the presence or absence of a person using the detection sensor is stopped until the next return from the standby state. Information processing device.

2. The processor: When the presence of a person in the detection range is no longer detected by the detection sensor, after a predetermined time has elapsed while the presence of a person is not detected in the detection range, the system is transitioned to a standby state. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. a display unit that displays information based on the processing of the system; The processor: When the system is transitioned to a standby state, the screen of the display unit is turned off, and when the system is restored from the standby state, the screen of the display unit is turned on. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. A control method for an information processing device including a memory that temporarily stores a system program, a processor that executes processing of the system based on the program stored in the memory, and a detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined detection range, comprising: the processor: executing a first function of transitioning the system to a standby state when the presence of a person in the detection range is no longer detected by the detection sensor; a step of executing a second function of returning the device from the standby state when the presence of a person is detected within the detection range by the detection sensor for only a certain period of time after the device has transitioned to the standby state by the first function; when the certain time has elapsed without the second function detecting the presence of a person in the detection range after the first function has transitioned to a standby state, stopping the function of detecting the presence or absence of a person using the detection sensor until the next return from the standby state; A control method comprising:

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