JP4437526B2 - Information processing apparatus and battery device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, in the information processing device and the battery device, the convenience of the user is ensured by ensuring the power consumption necessary for the system state control (transition to the hibernation state or the like) and making the battery last longer. It is related with the technique for improving.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Non-volatile storage means (hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc.) for system status (memory contents, device register settings, etc.) as countermeasures to be taken when the remaining amount of battery as a power supply source in computer equipment is low ) Is temporarily retracted, and a function of returning to the original state when the operation is resumed thereafter (a so-called “Hibernation function”) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). That is, a sudden power supply stop occurs due to a decrease in the remaining battery power, and safety measures are required to prevent the user from suffering a disadvantage (data loss, etc.). For example, an AC adapter cannot be used in a portable device or the like. Useful in cases.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-324012 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional apparatus has a problem that sufficient measures are not taken in consideration of the environmental conditions and the deterioration state of the battery.
[0005]
For example, problems when using secondary batteries etc. in a low temperature environment include a decrease in voltage at the start of discharge and increased battery consumption, resulting in a sudden increase in load at low temperatures. If the battery voltage drop occurs, the system may be shut down.
[0006]
The remaining battery level is constantly monitored, and the hibernation function (hereinafter referred to as “low battery hibernation” and abbreviated as “LBH”) works when the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than a threshold value (low battery level). By configuring, even when the remaining battery level is low, an unexpected situation (such as data loss) can be avoided, but the following problems remain.
[0007]
For example, when a battery having a large internal impedance is used in a low temperature environment, a large voltage drop becomes a problem. In general, since the remaining battery level is determined by the cell voltage, an increase in the voltage drop in a low temperature environment means that the remaining capacity is significantly reduced. Therefore, in consideration of temperature conditions and usage environment, the remaining capacity threshold (LBH threshold) for activating the LBH function to transition to a safe state (hibernation state) is set with a margin (this) If there is little margin in the threshold, the amount of power required for LBH processing will be insufficient, and power supply will be stopped before LBH functions, leading to an increased risk of quality accidents, etc. is there.).
[0008]
Therefore, as the amount of power that can be used in the device system, the relational expression “(the amount of battery that can be actually used by the user) = (remaining capacity at the start of discharge [maximum 100%]) − (LBH threshold)” is established. If the LBH threshold is too large, the amount of battery that can be used is reduced, which affects user convenience. That is, since the transition to the LBH state is performed with a surplus supply capacity more than necessary when the LBH mechanism works effectively, the actual usable life (actual battery life or There is a problem that the battery duration is shortened.
[0009]
Accordingly, the present invention extends the time during which a battery device can actually be used in an information processing device having a function of controlling the transition of a system state such as a hibernation state by monitoring the remaining capacity of the battery device. Therefore, it is an object to improve user convenience.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention achieves low power consumption or zero power consumption according to information indicating the remaining capacity of the battery and information on environmental conditions such as battery temperature, deterioration state, or power supply state. The transition condition for making the transition to the control state is changed.
[0011]
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent adverse effects caused by judging only by the remaining battery capacity as a transition condition, and to control the transition of the system state by controlling whether or not the state transition is permitted based on an environmental condition or a deterioration state. It is possible to accommodate the remaining power required for the control as the power that can be used by the user.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to improve user convenience by increasing the actual usable time of a battery device in an information processing device and a battery device used therefor. For example, in a portable device (such as a notebook personal computer) driven by a battery device, a mechanism for shifting to a safe state (such as a hibernation state) works to prevent data loss when the remaining battery level decreases. The time for the user to actually use the battery device can be changed by dynamically changing the state transition condition according to the environmental condition and the use condition of the battery device instead of uniformly defining the condition based on the remaining battery level. Can be long.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic configuration of a system according to the present invention. A power management system 1 includes a power supply unit 2, a power supply target 3 that receives power supply from the power supply unit 2, and power state monitoring and It is comprised from the control part 4 which performs electric power feeding control etc.
[0014]
Examples of the battery device that constitutes the power supply unit 2 include a primary battery and a secondary battery (such as a lithium ion battery or a lithium ion polymer battery), and other power generators such as a fuel cell (direct methanol type or the like). Is also included.
[0015]
The power supply target 3 can be applied to, for example, a computer device, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a video device, an imaging device, and the like.
[0016]
For example, the control unit 4 monitors the remaining capacity and state of the battery device and performs power supply control, etc., and compares the remaining capacity with a threshold value or a reference range and determines that the remaining capacity has decreased. , It has a function of shifting to a control state in which the power consumption is lower than that in the operation state or a control state in which the power consumption is zero or almost zero. Here, the “reference range” includes, for example, a comparison reference range including a dead zone with a threshold as a reference, an allowable range allowing for a safety factor, and the like.
[0017]
As an embodiment, the form shown below is mentioned, for example.
[0018]
(I) A form in which a battery device including a power supply unit 2 and a control unit 4 is mounted on a power supply target 3 and used.
(II) A form in which the power supply unit 2 is mounted on the apparatus main body unit including the power supply target 3 and the control unit 4 and used.
(III) A configuration in which the apparatus main body includes the power supply unit 2, the power supply target 3, and the control unit 4.
[0019]
First, as the form (I), for example, a function in which the battery device self-monitors or manages the remaining capacity or state, or a function or state in which bidirectional communication or unidirectional communication is performed with the information processing apparatus. A configuration example having a high-level processing function such as a display function (so-called “Intelligent Battery”) is given, and information such as remaining capacity is notified to the information processing apparatus having the power supply target 3. In this case, as the control unit 4, a microcomputer built in the battery device and a control program executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) are used.
[0020]
In the mode (II), the control unit 4 is provided in the main body of the information processing apparatus, and management of the power supply state, power supply control, and the like are performed in the apparatus main body.
[0021]
In the form (III), the power supply unit 2, the power supply target 3 (various devices), and the control unit 4 are all incorporated in the main body of the information processing apparatus.
[0022]
In the forms (II) and (III), the controller 4 uses, for example, various controllers (an embedded controller, an I / O control hub, a power controller, etc., which will be described later), and an operating system having a power management function ( Hereinafter, in a device equipped with “OS”), a control mechanism or the like realized by an OS power management unit (program) is used.
[0023]
FIG. 2 shows a main part of a configuration example related to hardware, and an application example to a computer device will be described below.
[0024]
The information processing apparatus 5 has the following elements (the numbers in parentheses indicate the symbols given to the respective parts).
[0025]
CPU (6)
・ First control unit (7)
・ Main memory (8)
・ Graphics card (9)
・ Second control unit (10)
Third control unit (11)
・ Hard disk drive device (12, 12)
・ Optical disk drive device (13, 13)
・ Device controller (14)
・ AC adapter (15)
-Battery pack (16).
[0026]
In the figure, various devices such as an input operation device (keyboard, mouse, etc.) and a display device (liquid crystal display, cathode ray tube (CRT), etc.) are omitted. As the auxiliary storage device, a magnetic disk drive device such as a hard disk or an optical disk drive device (optical read disk drive device such as an optical disk or a magneto-optical disk) is shown.
[0027]
The first to third control units (7, 10, 11) are distinguished from each other by assigning numbers in ascending order from the CPU (central processing unit) 6.
[0028]
First, a first control unit (MCH: Memory Control Hub) 7 is a chip set having functions such as memory control and a link with a system bus. The AT compatible machine is called “North Bridge”, and is connected to the CPU 6, the main memory 8, the graphics card 9, and various buses (PCI, AGP, etc.).
[0029]
A second control unit (ICH: I / O Control Hub) 10 is a chip set for performing device bus links, power control, and the like. It is called “South Bridge” in AT compatible machines (also known as “PCI to ISA bridge”). A bus connected to the North Bridge (PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect bus) is a low speed bus (ISA: Industry Standard Architecture bus, etc.) It has a built-in circuit unit having a function of bridging and having functions such as an ISA controller and an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) controller.
[0030]
In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the hard disk drive device 12 and the optical disk drive device 13 are connected to the IDE controller “IDE HC” of the second control unit 10, and the hard disk drive device is connected to the device control unit 14. 12 and a state where the optical disk drive device 13 is connected are also shown. The device control unit 14 controls devices supported in accordance with the “IEEE 1394” standard (defining hardware specifications for adding a serial device to a computer), and is connected to the second control unit 10. ing.
[0031]
The third control unit 11 is an “EC” (Embedded Controller) in this example, and is provided to control the power supply control of the system, the additional functions of the system, and the like. A computer is installed. For example, the EC has a role of detecting and grasping the connection or mounting state of the battery pack 16 using the AC adapter 15 or a secondary battery.
[0032]
FIG. 3 illustrates the configuration of the main part of the embodiment according to the present invention.
[0033]
The part below the broken line in the figure shows the hardware hierarchy. In this example, the embedded controller (EC) and the battery devices 17 and 17 (two types of large capacity type and small capacity type in the figure) are shown. Show.
[0034]
The battery device 17 incorporates a microcomputer as control means 18 that detects the remaining capacity and state and notifies the EC. And the control means 18 detects environmental conditions, such as battery temperature and humidity, a power supply state (load state etc.), the means (sensor) which detects the change, and a deterioration state (for example, charge / discharge frequency etc. in a secondary battery). Understand and perform battery output control (permit or stop discharge, increase / decrease discharge current, etc.).
[0035]
The portion shown above the broken line in the figure shows the software hierarchy. In this example, ACPI 19, API 20, OS power supply control unit 21, device driver 22, and utility (program) 23 are shown.
[0036]
The ACPI specification (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface Specification) is a specification for centrally managing the power management of a computer with an OS, and the ACPI 19 is an interface unit that constitutes an ACPI mechanism. In ACPI, system states S0 to S5 are defined, and “S0” (operating state) is a state in which the system is turned on (on state), the OS is running, and the software is being executed. It is. “S5” (off state) is a state in which the execution of the software is completed and the power of the apparatus system is turned off. Regarding the state of S1 to S4 (sleep state), which is an intermediate stage between S0 and S5, for example, “S3” is a state in which the device system is powered on but is not operating (standby state or suspended) "S4" is a state in which the power is turned off, but the work contents (RAM data) are stored on the hard disk or the like, and no data loss occurs (hibernation state) ). In the “hibernation state”, the contents of the main memory and the like are stored in a predetermined area (hibernation area) of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk (see drive device 12 in FIG. 2) or silicon memory. Then, since all the power is turned off, the power consumption is the smallest in the sleep state (the same power consumption as in the state of S5). Since the saved data, setting information, and the like are restored when the system is subsequently restored, the software can be continued by transition to the S0 state.
[0037]
An API (Application Programming Interface) 20 provided by the OS is located in a layer above the ACPI 19 and mediates between the ACPI 19 and the OS power supply control unit 21 or the utility 23. The device driver 22 mediates between the EC and the utility 23.
[0038]
The OS power supply control unit 21 includes a program that realizes functions provided as a standard when an operating system having specifications (ACPI specifications, etc.) for performing power management and power control is installed in the apparatus. . For example, in a configuration having a state control unit that controls the transition to the control state (sleep state) based on information on the remaining amount of the battery (the remaining capacity can be determined from the voltage of the battery cell), the battery The transition to the hibernation state is performed under the transition condition that the remaining amount falls below a predetermined threshold (LBH mechanism).
[0039]
FIG. 4 exemplifies a state transition diagram. After transitioning to the S0 state, the state transitions to a monitoring state, where state control is performed according to transition conditions based on environmental conditions, deterioration states, power feeding states, etc. of the battery device. Is called. For example, after transition to a state of “SI” (for example, I = 3 or I = 4) when a transition condition defined in advance based on the temperature or remaining capacity of the battery device is satisfied, Transition to the state of “SJ” (for example, J = 4 or J = 5) is performed. As an example, the state transition related to the LBH mechanism will be described. The system is started from the S5 state, transitioned to the S0 state, and the state is being monitored. Here, the remaining capacity of the battery device is compared with a threshold value or a reference range. If the remaining capacity is sufficient and there is no problem in the supply capacity, the monitoring state is continued. If the remaining capacity is not sufficient, S4 is performed. After transitioning to a state (hibernation) and saving work contents, the system is turned off. Thereafter, at the time of transition to the S0 state, the saved information is restored and the original state is restored.
[0040]
When “Windows” (trademark of Microsoft Corporation) or the like is installed as an OS having specifications for power management and power control, the user can set the remaining battery level for the state transition at low battery on the power setting screen. Such a threshold can be set by relative capacity (percentage of maximum capacity). That is, when the remaining battery level reaches a value corresponding to the relative capacity that is the set value, the state can be changed to a preset state (standby state, hibernation state, etc.).
[0041]
When the user makes such settings, the OS power supply control unit 21 inquires the remaining battery capacity from the EC to the battery device 17 via the API 20 and ACPI 19, monitors the remaining capacity by polling, and sets the user setting. Accordingly, the occurrence of a quality accident (data lost, etc.) can be prevented by making a transition to the above state.
[0042]
In addition, about the said setting by a user, the structure form which provides the same function using the utility 23, the device driver 22, or API20 is possible, without using the mechanism which OS power supply control part 21 provides as standard. FIG. 3 shows both forms together. That is, in the method of setting the threshold value of the transition condition at the time of low battery by the relative capacity of the battery, for example, in the case of a configuration that can be used by mounting battery devices having different full charge capacities to the device set, the threshold value There is a problem that standardization is difficult. When using multiple types of battery devices with different full charge capacities in the same set, as a transition condition for transitioning to a safe state such as a hibernation state, the threshold or reference range of the remaining capacity of the battery device must be absolutely It is preferable to use a capacity (Wh: watt hour). Because the amount of power required to transition to a safe state varies from device to device (that is, not on a per-battery basis), it is easier to standardize using absolute capacity rather than relative capacity. It is. For example, in a mode in which a small capacity battery and a large capacity battery can be selectively mounted on the apparatus body and used, when the relative capacity% value (setting threshold) is the same, a safe state (hibernation state, etc.) The amount of power required to make the transition to is sufficiently supplied when using a large-capacity battery, but insufficient when using a small-capacity battery, or relative to the threshold when using a small-capacity battery. When the capacity is set, the transition to the hibernation state etc. is performed despite the sufficient supply capacity when the large capacity battery is used. As a result, the advantage of using the large capacity battery is not utilized. There are inconveniences.
[0043]
Therefore, when the absolute capacity is used for the remaining capacity of the battery device as the state transition condition, a dedicated utility or the like is separately prepared without using the relative capacity setting function of the remaining capacity threshold prepared by the OS. It is preferable that the remaining amount threshold can be set by the amount of power.
[0044]
Note that the flow of procedures when the OS or utility acquires battery information, for example, the remaining battery level, is generally as shown below (see FIG. 3).
[0045]
(1) Remaining amount acquisition request from OS power supply control unit or utility to ACPI
(2) Receiving remaining amount acquisition request (ACPI)
(3) Request for remaining amount acquisition to EC
(4) Receiving remaining amount acquisition request (EC)
(5) If the remaining amount has been acquired, proceed to (9), but if not, proceed to (6)
(6) Request for remaining amount acquisition to battery device (built-in microcomputer)
(7) Reply remaining amount to EC
(8) Remaining amount received (EC)
(9) Residual amount reply to ACPI
(10) Remaining amount acquisition (ACPI)
(11) Reply remaining amount to OS power supply controller and utility
(12) Remaining amount acquisition (OS power supply control unit or utility).
[0046]
As described above, the OS power supply control unit 21 and the utility 23 acquire battery information (remaining amount, etc.) using the ACPI mechanism. For details, the ACPI mechanism can describe, for example, “How to acquire battery information” in a control program using an intermediate language called AML (ACPI Machine Language). AML is a language for describing a program that operates on the ACPI mechanism. By compiling a source file of a system description language ASL (ACPI Source Language), an AML code (intermediate code) is created. The main part of the ACPI mechanism that interprets and executes this is prepared in the OS. The AML program is included as part of a system BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). The use of AML is preferable from the viewpoint of hardware abstraction from the viewpoint of the OS (the device configuration can be hidden).
[0047]
For example, in the AML program, it is possible to describe a process in which the EC is inquired about the remaining battery level and the EC receives the inquiry and returns the remaining battery level. As described above, the EC makes an inquiry about the remaining amount to the microcomputer with the built-in battery device, and after the remaining amount is acquired, the value is returned.)
[0048]
As another example of the embodiment, there is a mode in which the remaining capacity is acquired by communicating with a microcomputer having a built-in battery device in the AML program description. The present invention can also be applied to example embodiments. Of course, a configuration in which the utility 23 obtains necessary information by accessing the EC via a driver is also possible.
[0049]
Next, a configuration form for changing the transition condition to the control state described above according to the remaining capacity of the battery device, the environmental conditions (battery temperature, etc.), the deterioration state, the power supply state, etc. of the battery device will be described.
[0050]
For example, there are two forms shown below.
[0051]
(A) A mode in which the comparison result between the remaining capacity of the battery device and its threshold value or reference range is used as the transition condition, and the threshold value or reference range is changed according to the environmental condition, the deterioration state, or the power supply state of the battery device.
(B) The comparison result between the remaining capacity of the battery device and its threshold value or reference range is used as a transition condition, and the threshold value or reference range is fixed, but depending on conditions including the remaining capacity and battery temperature A form in which state control is performed using fake information obtained by modifying the actual remaining capacity.
[0052]
First, the above-described form (A) is based on the determination of whether or not state transition is permitted by comparing the remaining capacity of the battery device with a threshold value or a reference range. The threshold value or the reference range is not fixed and is dynamically changed according to the environmental conditions, the deterioration state, and the power supply state of the battery device.
[0053]
For example, the battery time (driving time) that can be actually used by the user can be extended by dynamically changing the threshold value of the remaining capacity in the LBH mechanism according to the temperature of the battery cell or the like and using the plurality of threshold values.
[0054]
The control entity in this embodiment is, for example, an EC (embedded controller) in FIG. 3, monitors the remaining capacity of the battery device 17, and transitions the system to a safe state (such as a hibernation state) when the remaining capacity is low. In actual control, as will be described later, state transition is performed by notifying the utility 23 or the OS power supply control unit 21 constituting the state control unit 24 from the EC.
[0055]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing, and shows a control procedure in EC.
[0056]
In this example, two types of remaining amount threshold values “R_cld” and “R_nt” are determined according to the battery temperature, “R_cld” is for low temperature, “R_nt” is for normal temperature (for determining the low temperature range) For a temperature region above the threshold). Each threshold value is set so as to satisfy the relationship of “R_cld> R_nt”, which takes into account that the remaining capacity is greatly reduced when used in a low temperature environment (that is, in the case of a low temperature state Because more power is required at the transition.) The “notified flag” shown below means a flag prepared for distinguishing whether or not the LBH request has been notified to the system constituting the state control unit 24 (for example, “Notified” in the set state.)
[0057]
First, after obtaining battery information (temperature, remaining amount, etc.) in step S1, it is determined in next step S2 whether or not the apparatus is driven by the supply of commercial AC power (AC). That is, when the AC adapter 15 is connected to the apparatus and receiving power supply, the process proceeds to step S3, and when the AC adapter 15 is not connected or not receiving power supply from the adapter, the process proceeds to step S4. .
[0058]
In step S3, the setting of the notified flag is canceled, and then the process returns to step S1.
[0059]
In step S4, the battery temperature acquired in step S1 is compared with the threshold value. And when battery temperature is below a threshold value, it progresses to step S5, and when that is not right, it progresses to step S6.
[0060]
In step S5, the threshold value relating to the remaining battery level is defined as the low temperature threshold value R_cld, and then the process proceeds to step S7. In step S6, the threshold relating to the remaining battery level is defined as the normal temperature threshold R_nt, and then the process proceeds to step S7.
[0061]
In step S7, the current remaining battery level acquired in step S1 is compared with a threshold value. That is, the remaining battery level is compared with R_cld in a low temperature environment, and the remaining battery level is compared with R_nt in the normal temperature range. If the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S8. If not, the process proceeds to step S9.
[0062]
In step S8, the notified flag is checked. If the flag is set, the LBH request has already been notified and the process returns to step S1 without doing anything. If the notified flag is not set (clear), the process proceeds to step S10, the LBH request is notified to the system, the process proceeds to step S11, the notified flag is set, and the process returns to step S1. . It should be noted that the object to be notified of the LBH request is a control entity (OS power supply control unit, utility, etc.) of the state control processing in the system (see the portion located above the broken line in FIG. 3).
[0063]
In step S9, since the remaining battery level is sufficient, the process returns to step S1 after the notification flag is cleared.
[0064]
As described above, the remaining battery threshold value used for the determination when notifying the LBH request is dynamically changed according to the battery temperature (cell temperature), so that the remaining battery threshold value is lowered during use in the normal temperature range. Can be set. That is, by lowering the LBH threshold, the battery duration time (drive time) that can be actually used by the user becomes longer. In other words, since the threshold value R_nt is smaller than when the low temperature threshold value R_cld is used, the time that can be driven by the battery is increased by an amount corresponding to the power corresponding to the difference between the two (this is the temperature Regardless of whether or not R_cld and R_nt are always the same, it is clear that in this case, the larger threshold is set in consideration of safety.) Also, by setting the threshold value R_cld to a value that allows a normal transition to a safe state (hibernation state) even in an environment where the battery cannot fully perform its intended performance in a low temperature environment or the like. It is possible to prevent quality accidents.
[0065]
In this example, one threshold is set for the temperature, and two thresholds are set for the remaining amount according to the temperature condition. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and by using a larger number of thresholds, multiple thresholds can be used. Various embodiments are possible, such as a mode in which the determination process is performed over a range, or a mode in which the determination process is performed by continuously changing the threshold value according to conditions.
[0066]
In the processing of FIG. 5, EC is assumed as the control subject. In the case of the above-described form (I), the control subject is the control means 18 (microcomputer or the like) in the battery device 17, and the control means A notification of an LBH request or a command or information necessary for the notification is transmitted to the system state control means 24 through an EC or the like.
[0067]
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of the battery device 17 and includes a voltage detection unit 25V, a temperature detection unit 25T, and a supply control unit 26 (note that although illustration is omitted, current detection, capacity determination, etc.) Various detection means are provided as required.)
[0068]
The voltage detection means 25V detects the cell voltage of the battery cell 27 (only one of which is shown in the figure) and sends the detection information to the supply control unit 26.
[0069]
Further, the temperature detection means 25T detects the temperature of the battery cell 27 and sends the detection information to the supply control unit 26. In addition, there are a method for detecting the temperature for each cell, a method for determining a place representative of the temperature for a plurality of cells, and detecting the temperature.
[0070]
The supply control unit 26 always knows the state of the battery cell 27, performs communication processing with an external circuit (for example, EC), or uses a power control element 28 (in the figure, simply indicated by a switch symbol). And a semiconductor switching element such as a field effect transistor or a bipolar transistor is used to permit power supply to a power supply target by discharging the battery cell 27, or the power control element 28 is turned off. By doing so, control such as stopping the discharge is performed.
[0071]
In the mode (I), each element is incorporated in the battery device, and the functions of the detection means and the supply control unit 26 are executed by the built-in microcomputer constituting the control means 18 and its CPU. Realized by the program. Moreover, in the said form (II) and (III), the supply control part 26 grade | etc., Is provided in the information processing apparatus main body.
[0072]
For the purpose of ensuring safety and preventing deterioration related to battery use, it is necessary to set a minimum voltage (drive voltage threshold) for driving the battery (this voltage is determined based on the discharge curve, etc.). Yes.) That is, the cell voltage is constantly or periodically monitored, and when the voltage falls below a predetermined set value (threshold), for example, the power control element 28 is forcibly turned off. Thus, a protection mechanism such as stopping the discharge of the battery cell works.
[0073]
When using a battery with a high impedance inside the cell (for example, depending on the chemical characteristics of the battery, the impedance increases as the temperature decreases), or when a heavy load is applied in a low temperature environment, the voltage drop during discharge may decrease. Therefore, there is a possibility that the cell voltage immediately falls below the set value (threshold value), the discharge is stopped, the apparatus main body is shut down, and the transition process to the hibernation state or the like is not in time.
[0074]
In addition, although the remaining battery capacity is sufficient and there is no problem with the supply capacity, the cell voltage falls below the threshold value due to a temporary voltage drop due to an increase in load in a low temperature environment, etc. There is a risk of causing a shutdown or the like due to the stop.
[0075]
The reason for this is that the detected value of the battery voltage is simply compared with a fixed threshold at all times.Therefore, as a countermeasure, the environmental condition of the battery, the change in the power supply state, the deterioration state, etc. It is necessary to perform discharge control related to the battery device in consideration. That is, the battery voltage is detected and compared with a threshold value or a reference range that is variable according to the environmental condition, the deterioration state, or the power supply state, and the battery discharge is permitted or stopped according to the comparison result. What is necessary is just to comprise.
[0076]
For example, the following configuration forms are mentioned.
[0077]
(A) The form which detects battery temperature and changes a battery voltage threshold value or a reference range according to a temperature detection value
(B) A mode in which the battery voltage threshold or the reference range is changed according to the remaining battery level
(C) A combination of (a) and (b).
[0078]
First, in the form (a), for example, a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value are defined as battery voltage threshold values, and processing is performed according to the following conditions.
[0079]
When the battery temperature exceeds the threshold value and the battery voltage is less than or equal to the first threshold value, discharging of the battery device is stopped.
[0080]
When the battery temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold and the battery voltage exceeds the second threshold, discharging of the battery device is permitted.
[0081]
In the mode (b), for example, a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value are defined as the battery voltage threshold value, and processing is performed according to the following conditions.
[0082]
When the remaining capacity of the battery device is equal to or lower than the threshold value and the battery voltage is equal to or lower than the first threshold value, discharging of the battery device is stopped.
[0083]
When the remaining capacity of the battery device exceeds the threshold value and the battery voltage exceeds the second threshold value, discharge of the battery device is permitted.
[0084]
In the mode (c), processing is performed in accordance with a plurality of determination results according to the battery temperature and remaining amount conditions. For example, when the battery voltage threshold is two (first threshold> second threshold) in the same manner as described above, it is as follows.
[0085]
In the case of “(battery temperature> threshold) && (battery voltage ≦ first threshold)”, the discharge of the battery device is stopped.
[0086]
In the case of “(battery temperature ≦ threshold) && (remaining battery amount <threshold)”, “(battery voltage> first threshold)” permits discharge of the battery device and “(battery voltage ≦ first threshold) ) "Stops the discharging of the battery device.
[0087]
When “(battery temperature ≦ threshold) && (remaining battery amount ≧ threshold)”, “(battery voltage> second threshold)” permits discharge of the battery device, and “(battery voltage ≦ second threshold) ) "Stops the discharging of the battery device.
[0088]
“&&” means a logical product (AND) for each condition shown in parentheses.
[0089]
In any form, when the battery voltage (detection voltage) is compared with a threshold value or the battery voltage is within the reference range, and it is determined that the voltage is not excessively reduced, Is permitted and power is supplied to the apparatus.
[0090]
Next, the mode (B) will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0091]
In the present embodiment, the state control means 24 for controlling the transition to the control state such as the hibernation state based on the information on the remaining capacity of the battery device, the actual state according to the conditions including the remaining battery amount and the battery temperature. By controlling the state transition by providing means for notifying the information of the appearance, with the remaining battery amount corrected.
[0092]
The control subject (see FIG. 7) in this embodiment may be any one of EC, ICH, AML code control program (hereinafter simply abbreviated as “AML”), and the like. For example, when a battery remaining amount acquisition request is received from an ACPI specification OS, the system is controlled (transition to a safe state) when the remaining amount information is returned to a portion that performs power state control in the OS. For the purpose, the remaining amount information of the battery is manipulated and controlled intentionally (the remaining amount is pretending to be more than the actual amount, or conversely, it is pretending to be less). That is, it should be noted that any control entity exists on the transmission path that returns the remaining amount information to the remaining amount information requesting entity.
[0093]
In FIG. 7, the connection with the control means 18 (built-in microcomputer) in the battery device 17 is EC or ICH. Depending on the device configuration, the EC may not be connected to the built-in microcomputer of the battery device and the battery may not be monitored. In such a case, the microcomputer is connected to an ICH serial bus (SMBus or the like). And the battery is monitored.
[0094]
For example, the following three forms can be cited depending on the difference in control subject.
[0095]
1. Battery device <-> "EC" <-> AML <-> API
2. Battery device <-> EC <-> "AML" <-> API
3. Battery device <-> ICH <-> "AML" <-> API
In addition, what is enclosed by “” is a control subject, and “<->” means mutual communication between elements shown on both sides. In addition, in “1.” and “2.”, information transmission between EC and AML is performed by ICH LPC (Low Pin Count: serial bus) or parallel bus (X-bus compatible etc.). In “3.”, battery information is transmitted to the AML using the ICH serial bus (SMBus). The OS power supply control unit 21 (part constituting the standard LBH mechanism) or the utility 23 exists at the upper end of the API.
[0096]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the control subject.
[0097]
Note that two types of remaining amount threshold values “R_cld” and “R_nt” corresponding to the battery temperature are the same as those in the above-described form (A). Further, in this example, the OS power supply control unit 21 sets the low temperature threshold R_cld, and when the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than the threshold, a process of transitioning to a safe state (hibernation state) is performed. (The value of R_cld is defined so as to have a power amount greater than the minimum required for state transition in consideration of a low temperature environment or the like.)
[0098]
The following description is based on the assumption that the apparatus is not driven by the supply of commercial AC power (the apparatus is driven only by a battery).
[0099]
First, after acquiring battery information (temperature, remaining amount, etc.) in step S21, the process proceeds to next step S22, where the battery temperature (cell temperature) is compared with the threshold value. If the battery temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S26. If not, the process proceeds to step S23.
[0100]
In step S23, the current remaining battery level is compared with the normal temperature threshold value R_nt, and if it is equal to or less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S26, but if not, the process proceeds to step S24.
[0101]
In step S24, the current remaining battery level is compared with the low temperature threshold value R_cld. If the remaining battery level is equal to or greater than the threshold value R_cld, the process proceeds to step S26. If not, the process proceeds to step S25.
[0102]
In step S25, a value obtained by adding an offset value (this is written as “α” and “α> 0” in this example) to the low temperature threshold value R_cld, and “R_cld + α” is notified to the system as the remaining battery level. After that, the process returns to step S21.
[0103]
In step S26, the system notifies the system of the remaining battery amount (correct remaining amount) obtained in step S21, and then returns to step S21.
[0104]
Note that the target for notifying the remaining battery level in steps S25 and S26 is the control entity (OS power supply control unit in this example) of the state control process in the system (see the portion located above the broken line in FIG. 7). The offset value α in step S25 indicates the absolute capacity. In FIG. 7, the remaining battery level is handled as an absolute capacity in the range below the API 20, but the OS adopting the setting method based on the relative capacity as described above. In this case, it should be noted that the upper layer of the API 20 (such as the OS power supply control unit 21) is converted to a relative value (% value) based on the maximum capacity or the like and handled as a relative capacity.
[0105]
As can be seen from FIG. 8, the conditions for notification of “R_cld + α” as the remaining battery level are as follows.
[0106]
・ "(Battery temperature> Threshold) && (Battery remaining amount> R_nt) && (Battery remaining amount <R_cld)"
Note that “&&” means a logical product for each condition as described above.
[0107]
In other words, if a correct value is not notified as the remaining battery level in a low temperature environment, there is a possibility that the transition to a safe state cannot be guaranteed. The same applies when the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the threshold value R_nt in the normal operating temperature range. If the remaining battery level is not less than the threshold value R_cld in a low temperature environment, the remaining capacity is sufficient. A remaining amount notification is made (does not transition to the hibernation state). This can be easily understood, for example, when it is assumed that the correct remaining battery level is notified in step S25 or when the α value is set to zero (the remaining battery level falls below the threshold value R_cld). If the remaining battery level exceeds the threshold value R_nt, whether the state transition is permitted or not is determined based on R_cld.
[0108]
As described above, when the battery temperature exceeds the threshold value and the remaining battery level is lower than the threshold value (R_cld), the detection value obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined offset value to the threshold value (addition in this example) is state-controlled. By notifying the means 24, whether or not to transition to a safe state is determined. That is, by using an offset value that is not zero, it is possible to intentionally control the transition to a safe state (it is possible to determine whether or not to allow a state transition). As a result, during use in the normal temperature range, state control can be performed according to the comparison result with the remaining amount threshold value R_nt, and the battery duration time that the user can actually use is increased by lowering the LBH threshold value. . In addition, even in an environment where the battery cannot sufficiently perform its intended performance in a low temperature environment or the like, by setting the threshold value R_cld to a value that can be normally shifted to a safe state (hibernation state) Quality accidents can be prevented.
[0109]
In this example, regarding the setting of the temperature condition, the remaining amount threshold value, and the offset value, the threshold value or the offset value is set according to a form in which determination processing is performed in multiple stages by using a larger number of threshold values or offset values, or the conditions. Of course, various embodiments are possible, such as a mode in which the determination process is performed by continuously changing.
[0110]
Further, according to the present embodiment (B), even when only a setting method based on the relative capacity of the remaining battery capacity is prepared in the standard power management function in the OS, the threshold value is set as the absolute capacity (power amount) with respect to the remaining battery capacity. Settings can be made. For example, when the threshold value (relative capacity) at the time of low battery is set to 2% or the like by the OS power management program or the like, the remaining amount is 2% when the threshold value that must be shifted to a safe state is reached. The remaining amount (absolute capacity) calculated backward to be less than 1 (such as 1%) may be notified from the control subject to the OS (notified to the OS as a relative capacity via the API). With this process, even when battery devices having different full charge capacities are used in the same device, the threshold value (absolute capacity) can be determined uniformly. Note that the present invention is not limited to the threshold setting method based on the relative capacity, and the mode (B) can be used when the threshold setting method based on the absolute capacity is adopted. In that case, the system is configured. The state control means is consistently notified of the remaining capacity value in absolute capacity.
[0111]
Note that the difference between the present embodiment (B) and the embodiment (A) is that in the embodiment (A), when the control subject (such as EC) constantly monitors the battery state and the remaining battery level falls below the threshold, the system In contrast to requiring notification of a special message for transitioning the state to a safe state, in the form (B), for example, in response to a request for acquiring the remaining battery level from the OS power supply control unit 21, When the remaining battery level is returned, the correct remaining value is normally returned (when the above conditions are not met). However, when the remaining battery level is low, the correct remaining value is determined according to the battery temperature, etc. It is to return with a different value (fake value). As a result, the system state can be controlled by making the system believe that the battery level is different from the actual value (for example, using the notification of the sham value as a trigger for transitioning to a safe state) And does not require special message notification for state transitions.)
[0112]
Further, the present embodiment (I) can also be applied to this embodiment (B), and the control subject in that case is the control means 18 in the battery device 17. For example, when a microcomputer with a built-in battery device responds to a request for acquiring the remaining battery capacity from the main body of the apparatus, the remaining capacity value may be notified with a value different from the correct value. However, since the threshold value for transitioning to a safe state usually differs depending on the target system using the battery device, the threshold value is unique to the battery device connected only to the target system, or the battery device It is necessary to assume that the device identifies the connection partner (target system) through communication or the like.
[0113]
Although the remaining battery capacity is sufficient and there is no problem with the supply capacity, the cell voltage falls below the threshold value due to a temporary voltage drop due to an increase in load in a low-temperature environment, etc., and the discharge is stopped. As for measures for preventing the occurrence of harmful effects, the configuration and method described in the form (A) can be used as they are in the form (B).
[0114]
In addition to this, with regard to the control of the system state, measures are taken to extend the battery usable time by reducing the power required to transition to the standby state (standby state, etc.) or hibernation state (hibernation state, etc.). It is preferable. This can be achieved, for example, by reducing the power consumption required for the transition to the standby state, thereby ensuring the time until the user connects the AC adapter to the device when the battery is low, or in the hibernation state (safe state). ) Means that the remaining amount threshold value used for the determination of the transition condition can be lowered by using the method of reducing the power consumption required in the process of transition to ().
[0115]
For this purpose, it is preferable to provide a power reduction means (or power saving means) for reducing the power consumption required at the time of state transition. For example, the control main body transitions the target system to a safe state. When it is determined that it is necessary (when notifying the above-mentioned LBH request or when the information on the battery remaining amount is returned), the following configuration may be adopted. .
[0116]
(I) A configuration that reduces power consumption of devices that are not required for state transition control
(Ii) A configuration in which, for example, the processing capability of an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU is limited or reduced in order to reduce the heat generation amount or power consumption of the device.
[0117]
In the above (i), for example, the power of the backlight constituting the display device may be turned off (turned off) or the luminance of the backlight may be lowered. For this purpose, a mask process is performed on the control signal related to the power supply to the backlight at the time of transition to a safe state, the power supply voltage supply to the backlight is forcibly cut off, or the backlight is driven. When the inverter circuit is a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method, there is a method of controlling the control duty to reduce the brightness of the backlight.
[0118]
Note that these controls are performed at the time of state transition (such as when an LBH request is issued). For example, if the display screen is unexpectedly darkened, there is a risk of confusion or anxiety for a user who does not know the reason. Therefore, it is desirable to take measures such as blinking a light emitting means such as a power display element (LED) or alarming with a beep sound or the like.
[0119]
In addition to display devices, storage devices such as drive devices for optical media (optical disks, magneto-optical disks, etc.), hard disk drive devices (second hard disks, etc.) that are not used for saving work contents of the main memory, tape streamers, etc. The power consumption can be reduced by shutting off the power supply to the modem and the communication device for network connection.
[0120]
In (ii) above, for example, a mode in which the CPU processing speed and performance mode are changed to reduce power consumption, a mode in which power consumption is reduced by using a throttling function to reduce performance, and the like can be mentioned. .
[0121]
Thus, according to the configuration described above, the following advantages can be obtained.
[0122]
-Considering when discharging at low temperatures or with high power, the remaining amount threshold for transitioning to a safe state can be set according to the actual usage situation of the user, etc. The battery time that can be used for is increased.
[0123]
-The threshold value can be set with the absolute capacity (Wh) for setting the remaining battery level. Further, according to the mode (B), the threshold setting and control based on the absolute capacity value is realized even when the function provided as standard in the OS only supports the threshold setting method based on the relative capacity. Therefore, complicated controls and mechanisms are not required.
[0124]
【The invention's effect】
  As is apparent from the above description, according to the inventions according to claims 1 and 7, the battery state of the battery is appropriately controlled by appropriately performing the transition control of the system state based on the environmental condition or the deterioration state of the battery. It is possible to increase the convenience for the user by extending the usable time.Furthermore, the state transition can be easily controlled only by adding and subtracting the offset value, and the state control unit of the system does not need to know whether the remaining amount information (detected value) is true or false.
[0125]
  According to the invention according to claim 2 or claim 8, depending on the environmental conditions, etc.ThresholdThe state transition control can be performed in detail by changing.
[0126]
  Claim 3 and claims9According to the present invention, state transition control can be performed in consideration of the influence of environmental changes by monitoring the battery temperature.
[0129]
  According to the invention according to claims 4, 5, 10, and 11, when the battery devices having different battery capacities are selectively used or used together in the same device, the remaining capacities are affected.ThresholdBy setting the absolute capacityThresholdStandardization becomes easier.
[0130]
  Claim6And claims12According to the invention, the power saving function and the function for preventing data loss can be effectively exhibited by changing the transition condition to the standby state or the hibernation state according to the use environment or the situation.
[0131]
  Claim13According to the present invention, the convenience of the user can be improved by performing the output control of the battery in consideration of the environmental condition and the deterioration state of the battery.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic configuration example according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a system configuration example.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating state transition.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to LBH.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of output control of a battery device.
7 is a diagram for explaining a control mode together with FIG. 8, and is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of a system configuration example. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to LBH.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus, 17 ... Battery apparatus, 24 ... State control means

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus having a function of monitoring a remaining capacity of a battery device and, when the remaining capacity is reduced, shifting to a control state in which power consumption is lower than in an operation state or a control state in which power consumption is zero In
The transition condition to the control state is changed according to the information indicating the remaining capacity and the information regarding the environmental condition or the deterioration state or the power supply state of the battery device,
State control means for controlling the transition to the control state based on the result of comparing the information of the remaining capacity with a threshold value or a reference range,
When the temperature of the battery device exceeds the threshold value and the remaining capacity is equal to or lower than the threshold value, a detection value obtained by adding or subtracting an offset value to the threshold value of the remaining capacity is notified to the state control means. By doing so, permission / inhibition of the transition to the control state is determined. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
With permission of the transition of the remaining capacity to the control state by comparing with the threshold value is determined, and wherein the threshold value is changed according to the environmental conditions or degradation state or the powered state of the battery device Information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
An information processing apparatus, wherein the temperature of the battery device is monitored, and the threshold value is changed according to a temperature detection value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the threshold value is set as an absolute capacity value related to electric energy. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The threshold value of the remaining capacity is set as an absolute capacity value related to electric energy. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the control state is a standby state or a hibernation state. In a battery device that is used by being mounted on an information processing device having a function of transitioning to a control state in which power consumption is low compared to an operation state or a control state in which power consumption is zero when the remaining battery capacity is reduced ,
When the battery temperature exceeds the threshold value and the remaining capacity is equal to or lower than the threshold value, a detection value obtained by adding or subtracting an offset value to the remaining capacity threshold value is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. A battery device. The battery device according to claim 7, wherein
Information for determining whether to permit transition to the control state the remaining capacity by comparing with the threshold value as well as sent to the information processing apparatus, said threshold value depending on the environmental conditions or degradation state or the powered state of the battery The battery device is characterized by being changed. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein
The battery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is changed according to a detected value of the battery temperature. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein
The battery device characterized in that the threshold value is set as an absolute capacity value related to electric energy. The battery device according to claim 7, wherein
The threshold value of the said remaining capacity is set by the absolute capacity value which concerns on electric energy. The battery apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The battery device according to claim 7, wherein
The battery state, wherein the control state is a standby state or a hibernation state. The battery device according to claim 7, wherein
A battery device comprising: control means for detecting an environmental condition, a deterioration state, or a power feeding state, and performing output control of the battery.

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