JP2006050510A - Information processing device, radio module, electronic control device, power control method, power control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly save power consumption in a communication device without causing a problem inherent to application software. <P>SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: a radio transmission circuit; an electronic device for executing an application performing data transmission/reception by using the radio transmission circuit; and a power control decision circuit 3 for controlling power consumption in the radio transmission circuit. The power control decision circuit 3 has a transmission/reception operation parameter decision unit 3b for acquiring power control information predetermined for each of the application use states and applications and deciding a low power consumption setting in the radio communication device according to the acquired use state and the power control information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for controlling a communication device and an electronic device associated therewith, and more particularly to a technology for reducing power consumption of these devices. The present invention also relates to a control system for equipment equipped with a communication device.

  In recent years, so-called portable terminals (mobile terminals) such as portable personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “mobile PCs”), PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and cellular phones have been actively used and developed. In particular, a wireless communication function has become essential for these portable terminals. In addition to mobile PCs, PDAs, and the like, other types of mobile phones having a call function have also appeared, for example, having a high-speed communication function such as a wireless LAN function. On the other hand, the power consumption of wireless communication is large, and in the case of mobile devices that are premised on battery driving, the problem of power consumption occupies a large weight. That is, in a communication device, particularly a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone that is often used as a mobile communication terminal, low power consumption is one of the most important issues.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed an information processing apparatus that is controlled so that resume is performed when a wireless communication unit detects a signal that triggers a resume function included in a received signal (for example, Patent Documents). 1). Accordingly, the resume return condition can be flexibly changed, so that a user-friendly device is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  There has also been proposed an information processing apparatus provided with control means for automatically performing data communication with a mobile phone regardless of the operating state of the CPU. As a result, wireless data communication can be realized with low power consumption and ease of use (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Here, a typical technique for reducing power consumption will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a general mobile phone. A dotted arrow indicates a voice or data flow, and a solid arrow indicates a control signal flow. In a normal operation state, data generated by the application 740 in the mobile phone 700 is converted into a radio signal by the Tx2 unit 712 and the Tx1 unit 713 of the RF unit 710 via the MAC unit 730 and the BB unit 720, and the antenna 714 Will be sent. On the other hand, the received radio signal is demodulated into reception data through the Rx1 unit 711 and the BB unit 720 of the RF unit 710 and input as reception data from the MAC unit 730 to the application 740.

  Here, when the device information unit 750 obtains a signal indicating that “the battery level is low” of the mobile phone 700, for example, the Tx2 unit of the RF unit is configured so as to reduce the transmission power by the power supply control unit 770. The control to turn off the power of 712 is performed. Furthermore, the operation control unit 731 in the MAC unit 730 controls the operation of the communication circuit so as to increase the standby interval for intermittent reception. The above two controls reduce power consumption related to mobile phone communication, and as a result, extend battery life.

  On the other hand, there is a communication device that is used by being connected to an electronic device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a “personal computer” or a PC) or a PDA, such as a wireless LAN device, without being used alone. In such a communication apparatus, since only the part that performs wireless communication is provided independently, it is difficult to control power consumption in conjunction with the entire device like a mobile phone.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which a wireless LAN device is connected to an information device such as a personal computer. In FIG. Show. Here, the wireless LAN device 500 performs only control for performing wireless communication, and control for reducing power consumption is performed from the device control unit 620 provided in the information device 600 to the MAC unit 530 in the wireless LAN device 500. This is performed by controlling an operation control unit 531 provided inside (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
JP 2002-341975 A (published on November 29, 2002) JP 2002-312300 A (released on October 25, 2002) JP 2003-15783 A (published January 17, 2003)

  As described above, in order to effectively reduce the power consumption of communication devices, in the case of dedicated products such as mobile phones, the radio unit is positioned as a part of the device body, It is necessary to design a circuit configuration and a control sequence in consideration of functions and characteristics. On the other hand, only a portion that functions as a wireless LAN, such as a wireless LAN device, exists independently, and a device that is used in a form that is mounted on an arbitrary information device mainly according to a user's usage pattern has versatility. Because it is necessary to place importance on it, it is not possible to make a unique circuit configuration capable of detailed control and power saving like a mobile phone, but it must be a communication device configured only with the minimum necessary mechanism. Absent.

  For example, in a notebook computer of a type where portability is important, it is necessary to suppress power consumption assuming battery driving. Not only wireless LAN devices but also other communication devices and devices such as hard disks are connected to the notebook computer, but the connected devices are devices that consist only of the above-mentioned minimum required mechanism, so power consumption There is a limit to suppressing this. As a technique for reducing the power consumption in this case, there is a technique for predicting the usage time of the apparatus and reducing the power consumption by turning off the power of the connected apparatus when not in use (see, for example, Patent Document 3 above). ).

  However, a device connected using the above technique does not always operate even during operation, and there are many times when the device does not operate when the time is divided finely. Therefore, in order to reduce power consumption, it is conceivable to perform fine power control between the laptop computer and the connected device. However, as with the wireless LAN device described above, a special circuit design is used for this purpose. The device needs to have a circuit.

  General-purpose devices such as wireless LAN devices are designed to have a highly versatile circuit configuration and control sequence so that they can be used by connecting to any electronic device. However, it is difficult to effectively reduce the power consumption. For example, considering the case of building a wireless network in the home, information devices such as PCs and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), AV devices such as televisions, videos and audio devices, and communication devices such as cordless phones are the same. It is desirable to be connected with a communication protocol.

  At present, it has become common to connect these devices using the Internet Protocol (IP). These devices are connected by wire or wirelessly, but it is not only shy away from extending the wiring in the home, but considering the troublesomeness of wiring when buying or replacing, wireless connection is common It becomes. From the viewpoint of cost, it is preferable to prepare a PC card slot for all these devices and connect an existing wireless LAN card for wireless connection. However, there are differences in communication control for wireless LANs due to differences in applications handled among PDAs, cordless phones, and televisions. For e-mails and data downloads handled by PDAs, communication can be done only when necessary, but cordless telephones require continuous intermittent reception in order not to miss incoming calls, and voices arrive without delay, and Because it is important not to be interrupted, bandwidth guarantee is necessary. Since televisions handle not only audio but also video, it is necessary to guarantee a larger data bandwidth, and therefore, the time required for communication is longer than that of a cordless telephone, and the power consumption is increased.

  On the other hand, the power consumption of the liquid crystal backlight, which is not a problem for cordless telephones, has a great impact on the battery life in a PDA in which a display device as large as possible is mounted. Since battery-powered televisions are equipped with larger display devices, the demand for power consumption is more stringent than for PDAs.

  In this way, because of the characteristics of each device, the communication control method in the most frequently used situation, the situation and time of low power consumption operation consciously differ, and eventually the best state for each device Although a special communication device to be realized is desired, there is a problem that development cost increases. In other words, when it is intended to realize low power consumption operation of a communication device, it is possible to effectively reduce power consumption by preparing a circuit configuration according to the characteristics and usage status of the device or preparing a control process. However, in that case, the cost reduction effect cannot be expected so much. On the other hand, with a highly versatile wireless module, it is possible to keep costs low due to mass production effects, but there is a limit to power saving because the circuit configuration and control processing cannot be specialized.

  In each electronic device, a plurality of applications are usually used, and the plurality of applications may be activated at the same time.

  However, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 or 2 does not consider a state in which a plurality of applications are activated in one mobile device (electronic device). However, even in mobile PCs, PDAs, mobile phones and the like, the processing capability has been remarkably improved, and there are an increasing number of devices having performance capable of sufficiently performing multitasking.

  In such a case, in a device equipped with a wireless transmission circuit (communication device), a plurality of applications such as e-mail, web access, VoIP (Voice over IP), stream reception, etc. can be performed simultaneously or at different timings. The wireless transmission circuit is used.

  With reference to FIG. 29, the wireless transmission circuit usage status of the application and problems in the application processing when the power saving processing is performed will be described. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a situation when the device user 1001 uses the device 1003. As shown in FIG. 29, various applications can operate in the device 1003. For example, application software having four different characteristics, e.g., mail software 1005, web browsing software 1007, VoIP (Voice over IP) software 1011, and streaming viewing software 1015 can be started. Among these, the mail software 1005 periodically activates the mail software 1005 and uses the wireless transmission circuit 1017, for example, at an interval of 1 minute, in order to check whether there is a received mail. When there is a received mail, the wireless transmission circuit 1017 is continuously used until mail data transmission / reception is completed.

  The web browsing software 1007 transmits and receives web browsing data continuously based on a user's browsing operation, and a wireless transmission circuit is used.

  The streaming viewing software 1015 continuously receives streaming data at regular intervals based on a user's viewing operation, and uses a wireless transmission circuit.

  The VoIP software 1011 needs to be transmitted and received at a relatively short interval, for example, once every 20 ms. The wireless transmission circuit usage time per transmission / reception is very short compared to the time required for data transmission / reception of the other software.

  As described above, when the common wireless transmission circuit 1017 is used with different application software having various usage characteristics, particularly when the power saving function 1018 of the wireless transmission circuit 1017 is used, the missing mail and the response Problems specific to each application software, such as time delay, degradation of stream quality, and delay time, occur.

  Such a problem is particularly concerned with how to perform power saving processing when a plurality of these applications are activated (in the case of multitask processing). In addition, when only one application is activated, a problem specific to the application may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a highly versatile communication device while realizing an effective low power consumption operation. In addition, the present invention is designed to smoothly perform power saving processing in a communication device without causing problems specific to application software such as mail loss, response time delay, stream quality deterioration, and delay time. Is to provide technology.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention reduces power consumption in a wireless communication device, an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device. An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling,
The control device acquires the usage state of the application and power control information predetermined for each application from the electronic device, and based on the acquired usage state and power control information, low power consumption in the wireless communication device A low power consumption setting means for determining the setting;
The wireless communication apparatus includes a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit.

  Here, the power control information is, for example, a control mode indicating a transmission / reception operation in the wireless communication device, a transmission cycle, a reception cycle, a transmission rate, and a reception rate.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus which controls a communication apparatus will be provided separately from a communication apparatus and an electronic device. Therefore, the application does not need to have a special program for controlling the power of the communication device.

  In addition, the low power consumption setting means determines the low power consumption setting based on the usage state and power control information acquired from the electronic device. Then, the low power consumption execution means of the wireless communication device performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting. Therefore, the wireless communication apparatus can perform low power consumption control suitable for the application in operation. As a result, the maximum power saving can be achieved within a range that does not hinder the operation of the application.

  Note that the information processing apparatus includes both a portable information processing apparatus (mobile terminal) that is frequently moved and a fixed information processing apparatus whose installation location is normally fixed. However, many portable devices are equipped with a battery, and there is a high need for power saving. Therefore, the present invention is more useful for a portable information processing apparatus.

  Further, the number of applications executed by the electronic device is not particularly limited. There may be one or more. However, since the low power consumption setting means determines the low power consumption setting based on the usage state of the application, even if there are multiple applications, the low power consumption setting is determined according to only the active application. can do.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a wireless communication device, an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and consumption in the wireless communication device. An information processing apparatus comprising a control device for controlling power,
The control device is: (a) identification information for storing the identification information of an application included in transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and power control information predetermined for the application in association with each other. A storage unit; (b) power control information reading means for reading power control information corresponding to the identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device from the identification information storage unit; and (c) reading the power control information A low power consumption setting means for determining a low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the power control information read by the means,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus which controls a communication apparatus will be provided separately from a communication apparatus and an electronic device. Therefore, the application does not need to have a special program for controlling the power of the communication device.

  The power control information reading unit reads power control information corresponding to identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication apparatus from the identification information storage unit. Therefore, the power control information reading unit reads the power control information corresponding to the active application that is performing data transmission / reception. Then, the low power consumption setting means determines the low power consumption setting based on the power control information read by the power control information reading means, and the low power consumption execution means of the wireless communication apparatus controls the low power consumption according to the low power consumption setting. I do. Therefore, the wireless communication apparatus can perform low power consumption control suitable for the application in operation. As a result, the maximum power saving can be achieved within a range that does not hinder the operation of the application.

  Note that the information processing apparatus includes both a portable information processing apparatus (mobile terminal) that is frequently moved and a fixed information processing apparatus whose installation location is normally fixed. However, many portable devices are equipped with a battery, and there is a high need for power saving. Therefore, the present invention is more useful for a portable information processing apparatus.

  Further, the number of applications executed by the electronic device is not particularly limited. There may be one or more. However, since the low power consumption setting instruction means determines the low power consumption setting based on the use state of the application, even if there are a plurality of applications, the low power consumption setting instruction unit only sets the low power consumption setting according to only the active application. Can be determined.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention has a low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit that includes a transmission / reception operation parameter for controlling a data transmission / reception operation in the wireless communication apparatus. It is characterized by including.

  According to said structure, a radio | wireless communication apparatus performs the transmission / reception operation | movement of data according to the transmission / reception operation parameter. The data transmission / reception operation is, for example, an operation of receiving a beacon signal at a predetermined cycle or an operation of setting a data reception period in advance. As a result, the wireless communication device only needs to perform a minimum transmission / reception operation for the application in operation, and can further save power.

  Furthermore, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the above configuration, the transmission / reception operation parameter includes at least one of a transmission / reception operation mode, a beacon reception interval, and a data transmission / reception period in the wireless communication apparatus. Yes.

  Here, the transmission / reception operation mode is a mode in which data transmission / reception is performed for a predetermined period, for example, and is an operation mode related to data transmission / reception.

  The data transmission / reception period is a period during which data is transmitted / received. For example, when data transmission / reception is performed for a predetermined period in a certain period, the data transmission / reception period is set by a reservation period and a reservation size.

  According to said structure, a radio | wireless communication apparatus performs data transmission / reception according to the transmission / reception operation mode, beacon reception interval, and data transmission / reception period which are suitable for the application in operation and are low power consumption. As a result, power saving can be achieved without affecting the operation of the application.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception, and the control device includes: Power supply amount determination means for determining a power supply amount for at least one of the transmission unit and the reception unit based on use environment information related to a use environment, and the low power consumption execution means includes the power supply amount determination means. According to the determined set power supply amount, a power supply amount for at least one of the transmission unit and the reception unit is controlled.

  Here, the usage environment of the wireless communication device is, for example, a radio wave condition received by the wireless communication device or a power supply amount to the wireless communication device.

  According to said structure, the electric power supply amount determination means can set the electric power supply amount with respect to at least one of the transmission part according to the use environment of a radio | wireless communication apparatus, and the said receiving part. Thereby, the wireless communication apparatus can achieve power saving according to its own usage environment.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception, and the low power consumption setting unit includes the transmission unit. A power supply amount for at least one of the transmission unit and the reception unit, and the low power consumption execution unit applies to the at least one of the transmission unit and the reception unit according to the set power supply amount determined by the low power consumption setting unit It is characterized by controlling the power supply amount.

  According to said structure, the low power consumption setting means can set the electric power supply amount with respect to at least one of the transmission part according to the application in operation, and the said receiving part. As a result, the wireless communication apparatus can save power for the application in operation.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a transmission signal amplifying unit that amplifies a signal of transmission data, and the set power supply amount is included in the transmission signal amplifying unit. The power supply amount is set for the power supply.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide the minimum necessary amount of power supplied to the transmission signal amplifying means according to the application in operation or the usage environment of the wireless communication device, and power saving can be achieved. .

  In addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a reception signal amplifying unit that amplifies a received data signal, and the set power supply amount is included in the reception signal amplifying unit. The power supply amount is set for the power supply.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide the minimum necessary amount of power supplied to the reception signal amplifying means according to the application in operation or the usage environment of the wireless communication device, and power saving can be achieved. .

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a transmission circuit that outputs transmission data via an antenna, and the reception unit receives reception data via an antenna. A receiving circuit is provided, and the set power supply amount is a power supply amount set for the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a necessary minimum amount of power supply to the transmission circuit and the reception circuit according to the application in operation or the usage environment of the wireless communication device, and to save power. Can do.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the control apparatus acquires radio wave condition information indicating a radio wave condition of the wireless communication apparatus, and the acquired radio wave condition information is based on a predetermined value. If it is high, the power supply amount to the wireless communication device is lowered.

  According to said structure, according to the radio wave condition of a radio | wireless communication apparatus, the electric power supply amount of a radio | wireless communication circuit can be lowered | hung and further power saving can be achieved.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the control apparatus acquires battery remaining amount information indicating a remaining battery amount for the wireless communication apparatus, and the acquired battery remaining amount information is predetermined. When the threshold value A is smaller than the threshold value A, the power supply amount to the wireless communication apparatus is lowered, or the transmission output level of the wireless communication apparatus is lowered.

  According to the above configuration, the power supply amount of the wireless communication circuit can be lowered or the transmission output level of the wireless communication device can be lowered according to the remaining battery level of the wireless communication device, thereby further reducing power consumption. Can be achieved.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention may be configured such that the control device turns on the power of the wireless communication device when the remaining battery information is smaller than a threshold value B set smaller than the threshold value A. It is characterized by turning it off.

  According to the above configuration, the power consumption of the wireless communication device can be controlled stepwise according to the magnitude relationship between the remaining battery level and the threshold A and threshold B.

Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of the applications, and the power control information includes a priority of each application,
The control apparatus includes a control mode determination unit that acquires the power control information corresponding to each of a plurality of applications, and selects power control information having the highest priority among the acquired power control information.
The low power consumption setting means determines the low power consumption setting based on the power control information selected by the control mode determination means.

  According to said structure, the low power consumption setting means can determine the low power consumption setting according to a high priority application among several applications. As a result, power saving can be achieved without affecting the operation of high priority applications.

  In addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a first signal processing unit that converts a received radio frequency signal into a lower frequency signal, and a signal of the radio frequency signal. A reception intensity detector that detects the intensity; a second signal processor that performs a process of increasing demodulation accuracy on the signal from the first signal processor; and a demodulator that demodulates the signal from the second signal processor. The low power consumption executing means controls energization of each circuit of the second signal processing unit based on a detection result of the reception intensity detection unit.

  According to the above configuration, the radio frequency signal received by the first signal processing unit is converted into a lower frequency signal (for example, a baseband signal) by the first signal processing unit. On the other hand, the reception intensity detection unit detects the signal intensity of the received radio frequency signal.

  The signal output from the first signal processing unit is subjected to processing (for example, AGC control or amplification) for improving demodulation accuracy by the second signal processing unit. The signal output from the second signal processing unit is demodulated into information transmitted by the demodulation unit.

  Here, the low power consumption execution unit controls energization of each circuit of the second signal processing unit based on the detection result of the reception intensity detection unit. For example, energization of the second signal processing unit is stopped until the detection result of the reception intensity detection unit clears a predetermined condition. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce power consumption in the second signal processing unit until a signal to be received (that can be demodulated) arrives (during reception standby). Thereby, power saving of the wireless communication device can be realized.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the second signal processing unit includes a gain adjustment circuit that performs gain adjustment on a signal from the first signal processing unit, and a signal from the gain adjustment circuit. The low power consumption execution means stops energization of the gain adjustment circuit and the amplification circuit in a state where the detection result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, and the detection result does not satisfy the predetermined condition. For example, power supply to the gain adjustment circuit and the amplifier circuit is started.

  According to the above configuration, the signal from the first signal processing unit is subjected to gain adjustment processing (for example, auto gain control) and amplification processing by the gain adjustment circuit and amplification circuit of the second signal processing unit. Here, the low power consumption execution means controls energization of the gain adjustment circuit and the amplification circuit based on the detection result of the reception intensity detection unit. That is, energization of the gain adjustment circuit and the amplifier circuit is stopped until the detection result of the reception intensity detection unit clears a predetermined condition. As a result, it is possible to eliminate waste of power in the gain adjustment circuit and the amplification circuit until a signal to be received (demodulatable) arrives (during reception standby).

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a radio frequency signal processing unit that converts a received radio frequency signal into a lower frequency signal, and a signal of the radio frequency signal. A reception intensity detection unit for detecting the intensity, an intermediate frequency signal processing unit for converting the signal from the radio frequency signal processing unit into a low frequency signal, and a demodulation unit for demodulating the signal from the intermediate frequency signal processing unit; The low power consumption execution means controls energization of each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit based on a detection result of the reception intensity detection unit.

  According to the above configuration, the radio frequency signal received by the radio frequency signal processing unit is converted into a lower frequency signal (for example, an intermediate frequency signal) by the radio frequency signal processing unit. Further, the signal from the radio frequency signal processing unit is converted into a lower frequency signal (for example, a baseband signal) by the intermediate frequency signal processing unit. On the other hand, the reception intensity detection unit detects the signal intensity of the received radio frequency signal. The signal output from the intermediate frequency signal processing unit is input to the demodulation unit and demodulated into the transmitted information.

  Here, the low power consumption execution unit controls energization of each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit based on the detection result of the reception intensity detection unit. For example, the energization of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit is stopped until the detection result of the reception intensity detection unit clears a predetermined condition. As a result, power waste in the intermediate frequency signal processing unit until a signal to be received (that can be demodulated) arrives (during reception standby) can be greatly reduced. Thereby, power saving of the wireless communication device can be realized.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the intermediate frequency signal processing unit includes an oscillator and a mixer circuit that mixes a signal from the oscillator and a signal from the radio frequency signal processing unit. Further, the low power consumption executing means stops energization to the mixer circuit when the detection result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, and energizes the mixer circuit when the detection result satisfies the predetermined condition. It is characterized by starting.

  According to the above configuration, the signal from the radio frequency signal processing unit is mixed with the signal from the oscillator in the mixer circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit, and converted to a lower frequency signal (for example, a baseband signal). . Here, the low power consumption execution unit controls energization to the mixer circuit based on the detection result of the reception intensity detection unit. That is, energization to the mixer circuit is stopped until the detection result of the reception intensity detection unit clears a predetermined condition. As a result, it is possible to eliminate waste of power in the mixer circuit until a signal to be received (which can be demodulated) arrives (when waiting for reception).

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a wireless communication device, an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and consumption in the wireless communication device. An information processing apparatus comprising a control device for controlling power,
The electronic device includes user input means for obtaining an instruction from a user,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception.
The control device acquires (a) the usage state of the application, and power control information determined in advance for each application and assigned a priority from the electronic device, and the usage state is in use, And control mode determining means for selecting power control information corresponding to the application with the highest priority, and (b) controlling transmission / reception operations in the wireless communication device based on the power control information selected by the control mode determining means. A transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit for determining a transmission / reception operation parameter to perform, (c) use environment information regarding a use environment of the wireless communication device, an instruction acquired by the user input unit, and the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit Based on at least one of the transmission / reception operation parameters, at least the transmission unit and the reception unit It is characterized in that it comprises a power control parameter determining means for determining a power control parameter for controlling the power supply amount for one.

  According to said structure, a transmission / reception operation parameter determination means determines the transmission / reception operation parameter for controlling the transmission / reception operation | movement in a radio | wireless communication apparatus based on the power control information which the control mode determination means selected. Therefore, it is possible to determine transmission / reception operation parameters according to an application that is operating and has a high priority.

  The power control parameter determination means determines the power control parameter based on at least one of the usage environment information, the instruction from the user, and the transmission / reception operation parameter. Therefore, it is possible to determine the power control parameter according to any of the usage environment information, the instruction, and the transmission / reception operation parameter.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a wireless communication device, an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and consumption in the wireless communication device. An information processing apparatus comprising a control device for controlling power,
The electronic device includes user input means for obtaining an instruction from a user,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception.
The control device acquires (a) the usage state of the application and power control information predetermined for each application from the electronic device, and the power control information acquired from the application whose usage state is in use (B) Control transmission / reception operations in the wireless communication apparatus based on the power control information selected by the control mode determination means. A transmission / reception operation parameter determining means for determining a transmission / reception operation parameter for performing, and (c) use environment information regarding a use environment of the wireless communication device, an instruction acquired by the user input means, and the transmission / reception operation parameter determination means Based on at least one of the transmission / reception operation parameters, the transmission unit and the reception unit It is characterized in that it comprises a power control parameter determining means for determining a power control parameter for controlling the power supply amount for one even without.

  According to the above configuration, it is not necessary for the electronic device to add priority to the power control information, and it is possible to determine transmission / reception operation parameters according to an application that is in operation and should be prioritized.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a wireless communication device, an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and consumption in the wireless communication device. An information processing apparatus comprising a control device for controlling power,
The electronic device includes user input means for obtaining an instruction from a user,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception.
The control device corresponds to (a) identification information of an application included in transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device, and power control information and priority predetermined for the application. An identification information storage unit for storing information; (b) power control information reading means for reading power control information and priority corresponding to the identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device; A control mode determining means for selecting one power control information to be prioritized based on the combination of the power control information read by the power control information reading means; and (d) based on the power control information selected by the control mode determining means. And transmission / reception operation parameter determination means for determining transmission / reception operation parameters relating to transmission / reception operations in the wireless communication device; ) Based on at least one of the usage environment information regarding the usage environment of the wireless communication device, the instruction information acquired by the user input unit, and the transmission / reception operation parameter determined by the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit, the transmission unit and the reception And a power control parameter determining means for determining a power control parameter for controlling a power supply amount to at least one of the units.

  According to the above configuration, the power control information reading unit reads the power control information and the priority corresponding to the identification information of the transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device from the identification information storage unit. Therefore, the power control information reading unit reads the power control information corresponding to the active application that is performing data transmission / reception.

  Then, the control mode determination means selects power control information to be prioritized, and the transmission / reception operation parameter determination means transmits / receives for controlling the transmission / reception operation in the wireless communication apparatus based on the power control information selected by the control mode determination means. Determine operating parameters. Therefore, it is possible to determine transmission / reception operation parameters according to the application that is in operation and should be prioritized. As a result, the maximum power saving can be achieved within a range that does not hinder the operation of the application.

  The power control parameter determination means determines the power control parameter based on at least one of the usage environment information, the instruction from the user, and the transmission / reception operation parameter. Therefore, it is possible to determine the power control parameter according to any of the usage environment information, the instruction, and the transmission / reception operation parameter.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes at least one of a mail receiving application for receiving an electronic mail, an IP telephone application for calling using an Internet protocol, and a web browsing application. It is characterized by including.

  According to said structure, the power saving of the radio | wireless communication apparatus suitable for a mail reception application, the IP telephone application and telephone browsing application using an internet protocol can be achieved.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a wireless communication device, an electronic device that executes an IP telephone application that transmits and receives audio data via the wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device. An information processing apparatus comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in a communication device,
The control device pre-sets a data transmission / reception period for transmitting / receiving voice data when the IP phone application is being executed,
The wireless communication device is characterized in that the power supply amount to a transmitting unit that performs data transmission and a receiving unit that performs data reception is reduced during a period excluding a data transmission / reception period set by the control device.

  According to the above configuration, even during a call, power consumption can be reduced during a period other than the data transmission / reception period, and further power saving can be achieved.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the wireless communication apparatus performs communication using a wireless LAN.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus can perform the power control suitable for wireless LAN.

In addition, in order to solve the above-described problem, the information processing apparatus of the present invention executes a wireless communication apparatus that performs communication using a wireless LAN and an e-mail application that receives an e-mail via the wireless communication apparatus. An information processing apparatus comprising: an electronic device that controls the power consumption of the wireless communication device;
The control device sets a period for checking whether or not there is an email when the email application is running,
The wireless communication device confirms whether or not there is an e-mail for itself during the period set by the control device, and if there is no e-mail, reduces the power supply to the receiving unit that receives the e-mail, and if there is an e-mail Is characterized in that after receiving an e-mail, the power supply amount to the receiving unit is lowered.

  According to the above configuration, power consumption can be reduced during periods other than when checking whether or not an e-mail is received and when receiving an e-mail, and further power saving can be achieved.

In addition, in order to solve the above-described problem, the information processing apparatus of the present invention executes a wireless communication apparatus that performs communication using a wireless LAN and a Web browsing application that browses a Web page via the wireless communication apparatus. An information processing device comprising: an electronic device that controls the power consumption of the wireless communication device;
The control device is characterized in that when the Web browsing application is being executed and the wireless communication device is not transmitting or receiving data, the control device reduces the amount of power supplied to the wireless communication device.

  According to the above configuration, when the user is merely browsing a Web page and is not transmitting / receiving data, the power consumption can be reduced, and further power saving can be achieved.

In order to solve the above problems, a wireless module of the present invention is mounted on an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using a wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device and the wireless communication device A wireless module comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in
The control device includes a low power consumption setting unit that determines a low power consumption setting according to an application in operation based on a usage state of the application and power control information determined for each application.
The wireless communication apparatus includes a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit.

In order to solve the above problems, a wireless module of the present invention is mounted on an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using a wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device and the wireless communication device A wireless module comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in
The control device is: (a) identification information for storing the identification information of an application included in transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and power control information predetermined for the application in association with each other. A storage unit; (b) power control information reading means for reading power control information corresponding to the identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device from the identification information storage unit; and (c) reading the power control information A low power consumption setting means for determining a low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the power control information read by the means,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit.

  According to said structure, the radio | wireless module which can aim at the power saving according to the application in operation can be provided.

In order to solve the above problems, an electronic control device of the present invention is a wireless communication device that can be attached and detached, and an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device. An electronic control device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in a communication device,
The control device includes a low power consumption setting unit that determines a low power consumption setting according to an application in operation based on a usage state of the application and power control information determined for each application.
The wireless communication apparatus includes a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit.

In order to solve the above problems, an electronic control device of the present invention is a wireless communication device that can be attached and detached, and an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device. An electronic control device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in a communication device,
The control device is: (a) identification information for storing the identification information of an application included in transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and power control information predetermined for the application in association with each other. A storage unit; (b) power control information reading means for reading power control information corresponding to the identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device from the identification information storage unit; and (c) reading the power control information A low power consumption setting means for determining a low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the power control information read by the means,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit.

  According to said structure, the electronic control apparatus which can aim at the power saving according to the application in operation can be provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the power control method of the present invention includes a wireless communication device, an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and consumption in the wireless communication device. A power control method for an information processing device including a control device for controlling power,
An acquisition step in which the control device acquires power control information predetermined for each use state of the application and the application from the electronic device;
A determination step of determining a low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the usage state and power control information acquired by the control device in the acquisition step;
The wireless communication apparatus includes a control step for performing low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined in the determining step.

In order to solve the above problems, the power control method of the present invention includes a wireless communication device, an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device, and consumption in the wireless communication device. A power control method for an information processing device including a control device for controlling power,
The control device includes an identification information storage unit that stores identification information of an application included in transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and power control information predetermined for the application in association with each other. Prepared,
A step of reading from the identification information storage unit the power control information corresponding to the identification information of the transmission / reception data transmitted and received by the control device by the wireless communication device;
A determination step of determining a low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the power control information read by the control device in the reading step;
The wireless communication apparatus includes a control step for performing low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined in the determining step.

  According to the above method, it is possible to save power according to the application in operation.

  A power control program for an information processing apparatus according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the power control method.

  The recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that the power control program is stored in a computer readable manner.

  In order to solve the above problems, a control device of the present invention is a control device that controls a communication device and an electronic device that performs communication using the communication device. Information and second information from the communication device are acquired, and the communication device is controlled based on at least one of the first information and the second information.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus which controls a communication apparatus will be provided separately from a communication apparatus and an electronic device. Therefore, the electronic device does not need to be provided with a special means for controlling the power of the communication device, and the circuit configuration can be relatively simplified. Further, the communication device is based on at least one of the first information from the electronic device or the second information from the communication device by the control device while maintaining high versatility so as to be compatible with different electronic devices. Be controlled. As a result, even for general-purpose communication devices that are expected to reduce costs due to mass production effects, optimal low-power consumption operation according to the first information from the electronic device or the second information from the communication device is realized. can do.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the first information and the second information is real-time information that is updated as needed.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus can perform optimal control according to the present condition with respect to a communication apparatus.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is characterized in that the first information includes a request from an application that operates the electronic device. According to said structure, the control apparatus can perform control for the optimal low power consumption according to the execution request of various processes in an application with respect to a communication apparatus.

  In addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is characterized in that the first information includes device information indicating a current operation state of the electronic device. According to said structure, the control apparatus can perform control for the optimal low power consumption according to apparatus information (for example, charge amount of the battery in an electronic device) with respect to a communication apparatus.

  In addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is characterized in that the second information includes information indicating a current operation state of the communication device. According to said structure, a control apparatus performs control for the optimal low power consumption according to the information (for example, power supply amount in a communication apparatus) which shows the present operation state of a communication apparatus with respect to a communication apparatus. It can be carried out.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is characterized in that the second information includes communication path information indicating a current communication path state. According to said structure, the control apparatus can perform control for the optimal low power consumption according to communication path information with respect to a communication apparatus.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device according to the present invention substantially reduces power consumption of at least one of the electronic device and the communication device based on at least one of the first information and the second information. It is characterized by controlling in the direction to minimize. Thereby, the power consumption of the electronic device or the communication device can be reduced.

  In addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is based on at least one of the first information and the second information on the premise that the request of an application for operating the electronic device is satisfied. The power consumption of at least one of the electronic device and the communication device is controlled to be substantially minimized. As a result, the power consumption of the electronic device or the communication device can be reduced in a state where the requirements of the application are satisfied.

  In order to solve the above problems, the control device of the present invention is a control device that controls a communication device and an electronic device that performs communication using the communication device, the electronic device and the communication device. Power consumption of at least one of the electronic device and the communication device from among a plurality of control profiles for controlling the electronic device and the communication device based on an operation state of the device and information including a request to the control device And a profile selection unit that selects a control profile that defines an operation that substantially minimizes the above. Thereby, the power consumption of the electronic device or the communication device can be reduced.

  In addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention further includes an application request interface unit that transmits request information indicating a request from an application that operates the electronic device to the profile selection unit, and a type of the electronic device. An electronic device information interface unit for transmitting device type information to be displayed or device information indicating an operation state of the electronic device to the profile selection unit, operation state information indicating an operation state of the communication device, and communication channel information regarding a communication channel. A communication path information interface unit for transmitting to a profile selection unit, the profile selection unit, based on information transmitted from the application request interface unit, the electronic device information interface unit and the communication channel information interface unit, Control profile It is characterized in that to-option.

  According to said structure, a control apparatus acquires request information, apparatus classification information, apparatus information, operation state information, and communication path information, and selects a control profile based on these information. Therefore, the control device can select the optimal control profile for low power consumption according to the application request, the type and operation state of the electronic device, the operation state of the communication device, and the communication path state.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is a communication device power control that transmits control information related to power control of the communication device to the communication device based on the control profile selected by the profile selection unit. Based on the control profile selected by the profile selection unit, the communication device circuit operation control unit for transmitting control information related to the control of the circuit operation of the communication device to the communication device, and the profile selection unit. And an action command unit that transmits control information for the application of the electronic device based on the control profile. Thereby, the control apparatus can perform power supply control and circuit operation control of the communication apparatus, and control for the application.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the control device of the present invention is a control profile in which the control profile associates a control profile preset based on a combination of information that can be transmitted to the control device with the information. From the table, the profile selection unit uniquely selects information actually transmitted to the control device as a criterion.

  According to said structure, a control apparatus selects a control profile with reference to a control profile table. Therefore, the control profile can be determined immediately.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention includes a control profile table including a first information group including at least device type information, request information, and device information, and a second information group including communication path information. It is characterized by being set as a combination of selected elements.

  According to the above configuration, the control device simply acquires the first information group including the device type information, the request information, and the device information and the second information group including the communication path information, and refers to the control profile table. The optimal control profile can be selected immediately.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device according to the present invention is characterized in that the communication path information includes information on delay dispersion of the communication path.

  According to the above configuration, a circuit for maintaining communication characteristics is normally provided in the BB unit when multipath occurs, but the operation of the circuit can be controlled according to delay dispersion. An appropriate control profile can be selected.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is assigned a weighting coefficient for each element, and the profile selection unit refers to the weighting coefficient to select the control profile. It is a feature.

  According to the above configuration, the control device gives priority to an element having a large coefficient over an element having a small weighting coefficient. Then, the control device can select a control profile corresponding to a change in an element having a large coefficient.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the control device of the present invention is characterized in that the weighting coefficient assigned to each element changes depending on the combination pattern of the elements.

  According to the above configuration, since the weighting coefficient also changes in accordance with the change in the combination of elements, finer control according to the change in each element can be performed.

  In addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is characterized in that the weighting coefficient changes depending on an application and a remaining capacity of a battery provided in the electronic device.

  According to the above configuration, the control device can prioritize the change between the application and the remaining capacity of the battery, and select a control profile corresponding to the change.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device of the present invention is characterized in that the communication device is a wireless communication device.

  Wireless communication devices consume a relatively large amount of power. Therefore, the power saving effect by the control device is increased.

  In order to solve the above problems, an electronic device of the present invention is connected to the control device and controlled by the control device. In order to solve the above problems, the communication device of the present invention is connected to the control device and controlled by the control device.

  Moreover, in order to solve said subject, the communication apparatus of this invention is provided with the said control apparatus and the said communication apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. According to said structure, since a communication apparatus is provided with the said control apparatus and the said communication apparatus, the power saving of a communication apparatus can be achieved only by connecting this communication apparatus to an electronic device. At this time, the communication device is not directly controlled from the electronic device, but is controlled by the control device, so that the communication device can have high versatility.

  In order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus of the present invention provides the control device and information for selecting the profile to the control device, and is controlled based on the control profile. An electronic device that operates according to an application, and a communication device that provides information for profile selection to the control device and is controlled based on the control profile.

  According to said structure, even if it is a general purpose communication apparatus from which the cost reduction by a mass production effect is anticipated, the optimal low consumption according to the 1st information from an electronic device or the 2nd information from a communication apparatus Power operation can be realized.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the communication apparatus is a wireless communication apparatus. Wireless communication devices consume a relatively large amount of power. Therefore, the power saving effect by the control device is increased.

  As described above, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the control device acquires the usage state of the application and the power control information predetermined for each application from the electronic device, and the acquired usage state and power control information. On the basis of the low power consumption setting means for determining the low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting means A low power consumption execution means is provided.

  Therefore, a control device for controlling the communication device is provided separately from the communication device and the electronic device. Therefore, the application does not need to have a special program for controlling the power of the communication device.

  In addition, the low power consumption setting means determines the low power consumption setting based on the usage state and power control information acquired from the electronic device. Then, the low power consumption execution means of the wireless communication device performs low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting. Therefore, the wireless communication apparatus can perform low power consumption control suitable for the application in operation. As a result, the maximum power saving can be achieved within a range that does not hinder the operation of the application.

Embodiment 1
In the present specification, “application” refers to software that has an interface with a user, such as a mailer that transmits / receives e-mail and a web browser that browses a homepage, and that is installed in an electronic device and operates. The “electronic device” is a device that operates based on the above-described application, and generally includes, for example, a notebook PC, a PDA, and a household electrical appliance with a built-in microcomputer. The “communication device” is a device having a communication function such as data communication, and is a device capable of giving a communication function to the electronic device in cooperation with the electronic device. "Control profile" refers to the control status related to communication under certain conditions, and "Control profile table" is optimal based on various information obtained from hardware and software connected directly or indirectly to the communication device. Refers to the table used to select the correct control profile.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a profile controller (control device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the profile controller 100 according to the present embodiment is centered on a profile selection unit 110, with a communication circuit power supply control unit 120, a communication circuit operation control unit 130, and a communication path information I / F unit 140. And the application request I / F unit 150, the action command unit 160, and the device information I / F unit 170 are associated with the profile selection unit 110. The profile controller 100 has three input units and three output units.

  Output signals from the communication path information I / F unit 140, the application request I / F unit 150, and the device information I / F unit 170 are input to the profile selection unit 110, and the output signals from the profile selection unit 110 are communicated. The circuit power control unit 120, the communication circuit operation control unit 130, and the action command unit 160 are input. This is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic apparatus (information processing apparatus) 180 includes a profile controller 100, a communication apparatus 200, and an electronic apparatus 300. Connection lines 121, 131, 141, 151, 161, and 171 are the same as the connection lines shown in FIG. Three inputs to the profile controller 100 are “request” from the application 310, “apparatus information report” indicating the apparatus information 320 in the electronic apparatus 300, and “communication path” indicating the communication path information 220 in the communication apparatus 200. Information report ”, and three outputs are“ application control ”for the application 310,“ power control ”and“ operation control ”for the communication circuit 210. Note that device type information indicating the device type of the electronic apparatus 300 is added to the device information report.

  The six connection lines 121, 131, 141, 151, 161, 171 for transmitting three input signals and three output signals are the six interfaces (120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) shown in FIG. Is connected to the profile selection unit 110. The profile selection unit 110 is a core part of the profile controller 100. The profile selection unit 110 includes three input signals “request”, “device information report”, “communication path information” input through the application request I / F section 150, the device information I / F section 170, and the communication path information I / F section 140. The appropriate control profile is selected according to the value of “Report”.

  In addition, the profile selection unit 110 transmits the instructions stored in association with the selected control profile through the communication circuit power control unit 120, the communication circuit operation control unit 130, and the action command unit 160. ”“ Operation control ”and“ Application control ”. By these three output signals, the next power control state of the communication circuit 210, the operation state, and the next state of the application 310 are clarified, and the communication circuit 210 and the application 310 promptly follow the above instructions. Transition.

  The control profile table prepared in the profile selection unit 110, which is also the core of the profile controller 100, is a combination of various possible states such as device characteristics, application states, device states, and communication path states. In order to achieve the lowest power consumption operation at that time, the power supply state of the communication circuit 210 and the operation state of the communication circuit 210 necessary for operating the communication device 200 and the application deeply related to the power saving of the electronic device 300 It is a table which can find out (read) the combination of the control signal for instruct | indicating a state.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the control profile can be uniquely determined if the three items of the request from the application, the communication path information, and the device information are prepared. It does not have to be a profile. In addition, when the types of electronic devices 300 are different, the control profiles are different, but different control profiles may not be prepared for all the electronic devices 300. The control profile table stores a control profile in association with the device type of the electronic device 300 so that the profile selection unit 110 can select a control profile corresponding to a different electronic device 300.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation flow of the profile controller 100. Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2 as appropriate. First, in step S11, the device information I / F unit 170 checks the device information unit 320 for the presence of device information. If there is device information, the device information I / F unit 170 acquires device information in the form of “device information report” in step S12. . At this time, the device type information added to the device information is also acquired. Similarly, in step S13, the communication path information I / F unit 140 confirms the presence or absence of the communication path information, and if there is communication path information, acquires the communication path information in the form of “communication path information report” in step S14.

  In step S15, if there is no action request from the application to the application request I / F unit 150 (NO in S15), the process returns to step S11 again to monitor in order from the device information. On the other hand, when there is an action request (YES in S15), in step S16, the profile selection unit 110 receives the application request I / F unit 150, the communication path information I / F unit 140, and the device information I / F unit 170. The control profile is selected from the received signal with reference to the control profile table.

  Thereafter, the profile selection unit 110 sequentially executes instructions stored in association with the selected control profile. In step S17, it is confirmed whether communication circuit operation control is instructed by the selected control profile. If communication circuit control is instructed, an “operation control” signal is output from the communication circuit operation control unit 130 to the communication circuit 210 in step S18. Similarly, in step S19, it is confirmed whether communication circuit power control is instructed by the selected control profile. If communication circuit power control is instructed, a “power control” signal is output from the communication circuit power control unit 120 to the communication circuit 210 in step S20. Furthermore, in step S21, it is confirmed whether or not control for the application is instructed by the selected control profile.

  If control for the application is instructed, an “application control” signal is output from the action command unit 160 to the application 310 in step S22. In step S <b> 23, the profile controller 100 ends when the operation end control of the profile controller 100 is performed by a control system instruction or a reset signal of the electronic apparatus 300. However, if the operation end control is not performed, the process returns to step S11, and the processing is executed again in order from the acquisition of the device information.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of a device connection structure centering on the profile controller 100 according to the present embodiment. The six blocks provided in the profile controller 100 shown in FIG. 4 correspond to the same numbered interfaces shown in FIG. The dotted arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the flow of communication data, and the solid arrows indicate the flow of control data. For example, in the electronic device 300, the operation mode information of the device input by the user through the user I / F unit 330 provided therein, the power supply unit information obtained from the power supply unit (not shown) provided in the electronic device 300, and the like. Device type information indicating the device type of the electronic apparatus 300 is collected in the device information unit 320 and a “device information report” signal is sent to the device information I / F unit 170 in the profile controller 100.

  A wireless communication device (communication device) 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a profile controller 100, an RF unit 410, a BB unit 420, and a MAC unit 430. Here, the RF unit 410, the BB unit 420, and the MAC unit 430 constitute a wireless communication circuit and correspond to the communication device 200 shown in FIG. That is, the wireless communication device 400 is a device including the profile controller 100 and the communication device 200.

  Further, in the MAC unit 430 constituting the communication circuit in the wireless communication device (communication device) 400, information related to the communication path such as the received signal quality and the electric field strength is collected by the communication path information unit 432, and “communication path information” ”Signal is sent to the communication path information I / F unit 140 in the profile controller 100. When the applications (for example, application # 1, application # 2, application #N) 311 to 313 installed in the electronic apparatus 300 issue a “request” signal to the application request I / F unit 150, the profile controller 100 Outputs signals from three outputs based on the selected control profile.

  When the selected control profile instructs an action to the application, it corresponds to one of the applications (application # 1, application # 2, application #N) 311 to 313 from the action command unit 160. Output an “application control” signal to the application. The application that has received the “application control” signal changes the operation state of the application based on the signal.

  Further, the communication circuit operation control unit 130 outputs an “operation control” signal to the operation control unit 431 in the MAC unit 430. The operation control unit 431 performs predetermined operation control on the communication circuit, creates basic operation states such as transmission operation, reception operation, and reception standby, and repeats a basic operation state transition pattern for a certain period of time, etc. I do. Under the control of the operation control unit 431, the BB unit 420 performs modulation / demodulation operations, and the RF unit 410 performs wireless transmission / reception operations.

  When the “power control” signal is output from the communication circuit power control unit 120 according to the control profile, the respective power supplies of the RF unit 410, the BB unit 420, and the MAC unit 430 that configure the wireless communication circuit based on the output signal. Not only the circuit blocks (Rx1, Rx2, Tx1, Tx2) 411 to 414 in the RF unit 410 and the operation power sources of the circuit blocks (Rx1, Rx2, Tx) 421 to 423 in the BB unit 420 are individually controlled. Each circuit is turned ON / OFF. Appropriate selection of this circuit block reduces excessive power consumption and enables power saving.

  In FIG. 4, the profile controller 100 is provided in the wireless communication device 400. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to reduce power consumption when the wireless communication device 400 is used regardless of the type of the electronic device 300. As the number of types of electronic devices 300 that can be handled by the profile controller 100 increases, convenience (general versatility) increases and cost reduction due to mass production effects becomes possible. That is, it is possible to configure a low-cost and highly versatile communication apparatus that can operate with low power consumption. Of course, various configurations other than the configuration example shown in FIG. 4 can be adopted.

  The profile controller 100 can be configured only by software, or can be configured by both hardware and software. When configured only by software, the profile controller 100 may be provided in the electronic apparatus 300 instead of in the wireless communication device 400. In the case where the profile controller 100 configured by software is provided in the electronic device 300, the element of “device type” that is an item of the control profile is only the electronic device 300 in which the profile controller 100 is provided. For example, it is possible to save memory capacity such as ROM.

  In addition, for reasons of design and manufacturing, the profile controller 100 is provided not only in one of the wireless communication device 400 and the electronic device 300 but also in the form of straddling both the wireless communication device 400 and the electronic device 300. May be. For example, a function sharing type in which a hardware part of the profile controller 100 is provided in the wireless communication device 400 and a software part of the profile controller 100 is provided in the electronic apparatus 300 may be employed. In such a case, the wireless communication device 400 and the electronic device 300 are configured to function effectively without being conscious of each other as separate devices, thereby enabling an effective low power consumption operation. Is preferred.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control profile table according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the control profile table according to this embodiment includes a device type (device type information) 111 that is an item indicating information regarding what type of device the electronic device 300 is, and 3 for the profile controller 100. It includes four items of a request 112 as one input, device information 113, and communication path information 114. In the example shown in FIG. 5, two types of elements, a notebook PC and a PDA, are described as the device type 111, download by a browser and reception of an IP phone are described as the application request 112, and device information 113 A case where the remaining battery level is low (small amount) and a case where the battery level is high (full charge) are described, and the communication path information 114 includes a case where the electric field strength is large and a case where the electric field strength is small. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the total number of combinations is 16, but a profile number 115 is assigned to each combination. As shown in FIG. 5, a control profile is uniquely determined for each combination of items (elements), but not all have different control profiles. In this example, there are 16 options. In contrast, only 10 control profiles are prepared. Note that the device information (remaining battery capacity) and the communication path information (electric field strength or error rate) may be represented as binary values based on a certain threshold as shown in FIG. Finer control is possible.

  The elements of items prepared in the actual control profile table are not limited to those shown in FIG. In the device type 111, in addition to the notebook PC and the PDA, for example, an electronic device 300 related to a communication function such as a television, a cordless phone, and a mobile phone is described. As the application request 112, for example, a data transmission or data reception processing request such as a browser, mail, IP phone, or streaming is described. The device information 113 describes whether or not the battery is driven (AC drive), the remaining battery level, whether or not the power saving function is in operation according to a user instruction, and the like. As the communication path information 114, for example, communication data quality, delay dispersion, and the like are described in addition to the presence / absence of carriers and electric field strength. Since most of the parameters to be considered when performing the low power consumption operation correspond to any of these items, the more effective these items are, the more effective power consumption can be reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the control profile table. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the model type 111 is a cordless phone, and the application request 112 describes four types of items, e-mail (transmission, reception) and IP phone (transmission, reception). In the device information 113, two types of items, a small amount of battery and a fully charged battery, are described. As the communication channel information 114, two types of error rate large and small are described. There are nine types of profile numbers from 11 to 19, and there are combinations having the same profile number in some of the total 16 combinations. For example, in the case of mail transmission and IP telephone transmission, if the battery is small and the error rate is large, the situation is almost the same, so the same profile number 16 is assigned.

  As described above, the control profile table is a table that associates real-time information about the electronic device 300 and real-time information about the communication device 200, and this control profile table exchanges information between the electronic device 300 and the communication device 200. It can be controlled to mediate and reduce power consumption.

  Next, an actual operation example based on the control profiles shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 7A and 8A are diagrams showing examples of instructions based on the control profile 1 and the control profile 7, respectively. FIGS. 7B and 8B show the respective controls. FIG. 7C is a diagram schematically illustrating a control example for a communication circuit in a profile, and FIG. 7C and FIG. 8C are diagrams schematically illustrating an interval of intermittent reception performed during power save (PS). The communication circuits shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B are assigned the same numbers as the communication circuits shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7A shows that the device type 111 in FIG. 5 is a notebook PC, the application request 112 is a browser download, the device information 113 is low in battery power, and the communication path information 114 is high in electric field strength. The control profile in the case of The control profile obtained from the combination of FIG. 5 is profile # 1. FIG. 7A also shows three outputs in profile # 1. According to FIG. 7A, in the case of profile # 1, the action command 116 that is an “application control” signal is “no instruction”, and the communication power control 117 that is a “power control” signal is “BB-Rx2”. The communication operation control 118, which is “off” and “RF-Rx1 off” and is an “operation control” signal, is “PS period X”. Since the action command 116 is “no instruction”, the application is not controlled by the profile controller 100. Therefore, only the communication circuit is controlled by the remaining two output signals.

  FIG. 7B shows how the communication circuit is controlled. Since the communication power supply control 117 (FIG. 7A) is “BB-Rx2 off”, a control signal is output so that the Rx2 unit 423 in the BB unit 420 shown in FIG. 423 is in a power stop state. Similarly, since it is also “RF-Rx1 off”, a control signal is output so that the Rx1 unit 411 in the RF unit 410 is also turned off, and the Rx1 unit 411 is in a power-off state. Accordingly, the received signal demodulated via the antenna 415, the Rx1 unit 411 in the RF unit 410, the Rx2 unit 412, the Rx1 unit 421 in the BB unit 420, and the Rx2 unit 423 is the Rx1 unit in the RF unit 410. 411 is demodulated and does not pass through the Rx2 unit 423 in the BB unit 420. As a result, the reception characteristics are lowered, but the reception quality necessary for demodulation is obtained, so that data can be received. In addition, since two circuit blocks of the receiving circuit block are shifted to the power supply stop state, it is possible to save power compared to the normal operation.

  Further, since the communication operation control 118 is “PS period X”, when the PS operation is performed on the operation control unit 431 in the MAC unit 430, an instruction is given to set the reception interval at that time to X seconds. In accordance with the above instruction, the operation control unit 431 sets the operation after the current communication to the power save mode (PSM), and starts the time counter to start communication again after X seconds. This is shown in FIG. In FIG.7 (c), it is in a communication state in the time described as Awake, and the time which becomes PS period is time when neither transmission nor reception is carried out.

  Note that PSM is an operation mode prepared as an option in the wireless LAN standard IEEE 802.11, and receives a packet called a beacon at regular intervals and starts communication if there is data addressed to itself. If there is no data addressed to itself, the communication is not performed again and the operation of waiting until the next reception timing is repeated. The period not in the reception operation can be arbitrarily set, and is shown as the PS period in FIG.

  In this way, three outputs are determined by a control profile uniquely selected from the three inputs to the profile controller 100, and the communication circuit is finely controlled by the three outputs, so that low power consumption operation can be easily performed. It becomes.

  Although the device type 111 is a notebook PC in FIG. 7, a case where the same communication apparatus 200 is mounted on a PDA will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the device type 111 in FIG. 5 is a PDA, the application request 112 is a browser download, the device information 113 is a low battery level, and the communication path information 114 is a high electric field strength. The main difference from the example of FIG. 7 is only the device type 111, and the other three items (112 to 114) are the same. The control profile obtained from the combination of FIG. 5 is profile # 7.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the three outputs in the case of profile # 7 are that the action command 116 is “no instruction”, the communication power supply control 117 is “BB-Rx2 off”, and the communication operation control 118. Is “PS period Y”. The PDA mainly intended to be used in a portable manner is less likely to stabilize reception compared to a notebook PC, so “RF-Rx1 off” shown in FIG. 7A is described. Absent. Further, since there is a high possibility that the user moves while communicating, the PS period set in the communication operation control is also such that the AP is not lost, that is, set to Y seconds shorter than X seconds. As described above, it is possible that the profiles are different due to the different device types 111. If the control profile is different, the control received by the communication circuit is also different.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the communication circuit is controlled by the three outputs illustrated in FIG. Since the communication power supply control 117 is “BB-Rx2 off”, a control signal is output to the Rx2 unit 423 in the BB unit 420 so as to be turned off, and the state of the Rx2 unit 423 becomes the power supply stopped state. Further, since the communication operation control 118 is “PS period Y”, the operation control unit 431 in the MAC unit 430 is instructed to perform the PS operation and set the reception interval at that time to Y seconds. In response to this instruction, the operation control unit 431 controls the RF unit 410 and the BB unit 420 and performs an operation of repeating the reception operation at intervals of Y seconds as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, in FIG. 5, a case where a profile number different from the above examples is selected will be described. For example, when the model type 111 is a notebook PC, the application request 112 is an IP phone, the device information 113 is a low battery, and the communication path information 114 is a low electric field strength, the profile selection unit 110 selects a control profile of profile # 5. .

  Here, since the IP telephone needs to transmit and receive at regular intervals, the communication power supply control 117 cannot issue a command to turn off Rx and Tx of BB and Rx and Tx of RF. The power supplies are all turned on during the PS period Z (Z <X, because one data transmission / reception time is shorter than browser download). Further, under a situation where the electric field strength is small, the communication apparatus 200 needs to increase the transmission power to a level that can be received by the communication partner, so that the power consumption inevitably increases.

  However, in a situation where the remaining battery level is low, it is expected that it will be difficult to continue the operation of the electronic device 300 itself when the power supply to the communication device 200 is increased, and thus the electronic application (IP phone) is used for a long time. It is not possible. Therefore, the profile controller 100 gives an action command “stop the application of the IP phone after a predetermined time” to the application. As a result, the application of the IP phone stops after a certain period of time, and the power consumption of the electronic device 300 is reduced.

  As described above, even if the same communication device 200 is connected to a different electronic device 300, optimal control is performed for each electronic device 300 by being connected to the electronic device 300 via the profile controller 100. . Therefore, the provision of the profile controller 100 provides a highly versatile communication apparatus 200 that can operate with low power consumption within an appropriate operating range.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the application type and the remaining battery level with respect to the priority (weighting coefficient) to be referred to when selecting a control profile.

  When considering an environment where image transmission (streaming), IP phone, and e-mail are moving simultaneously as an application, the most frequent communication needs to be transmitted or received without interruption. (Streaming), and the next is an IP phone that periodically monitors the presence or absence of an incoming call so that it can respond to the incoming call even when not talking. It is sufficient to communicate only when necessary, and e-mail has the lowest communication frequency. The amount of power consumed by these three applications decreases in the order of image transmission (streaming), IP phone, and mail in proportion to the communication frequency.

  As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the battery is fully charged or AC power available, the priority of an application with high communication frequency such as image transmission (streaming), that is, an application with high power consumption is increased. On the other hand, the reception of IP telephones has a medium priority and the communication frequency is low, so that the reception of electronic mail with low power consumption has a low priority. As a result, when the battery is in a fully charged state or AC power available state, execution processing is performed with control optimal for a high priority application among applications that can be executed. Next, when the remaining battery level drops to about 90%, the priority of so-called high power consumption applications such as image transmission (streaming) is gradually reduced and the reception priority of the IP phone is increased. When the remaining battery level is less than 70%, so-called high power consumption applications such as image transmission (streaming) cannot be used to prevent battery consumption and power consumption while keeping the priority of IP phone reception high. Will increase the priority of receiving small emails. By selecting a control profile corresponding to the application based on such a concept, a target low power consumption operation can be efficiently realized. Actually, a weighting coefficient is determined for each element such as the model type, application request, device information, and communication path information shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the weighting coefficient also changes in accordance with changes in the combination of elements. By doing so, it is possible to perform finer control.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing that high versatility can be obtained by using a communication device equipped with the profile controller 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a general communication device, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a communication device equipped with the profile controller 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10A, in a general communication device, when an efficient low power consumption operation is performed, in the case of a mobile phone 810, a communication device 811 optimally designed for the mobile phone 810 is provided. The PDA 820 requires a communication device 821 optimally designed for the PDA 820, and the TV 830 requires a communication device 831 optimally designed for the TV 830.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, the communication device 840 equipped with the profile controller 100 according to the present embodiment is optimal for any of the mobile phone 810, the PDA 820, and the television 830 by the profile controller 100. Control for realizing low power consumption operation is possible. Such high versatility means that communication equipment can be produced without depending on the number of electronic devices to be connected. That is, a communication device equipped with the profile controller 100 can be reduced in cost due to the mass production effect. In the above description, the profile controller 100 is mounted on a communication device. However, the profile controller 100 may be mounted on each electronic device. Even in this case, the communication device can be expected to be reduced in cost due to the mass production effect.

  The profile controller 100 requires at least three inputs and three outputs shown in FIG. However, in order for the user to intentionally limit the operation, a request from the user may be added to the input. This request is positioned as a part of the device information in the specific example of FIG. When a request from a user is added to the profile controller, it is necessary to add a new “request from user” item to the control profile table referenced by the profile selection unit. It is clear that nothing will change.

  Further, the profile controller 100 may acquire operation state information indicating the operation state of the communication device 200 from the communication device 200. The operation state information indicating the operation state in the communication device 200 is information indicating the power supplied to the communication device 200, for example. In this case, an item “operation state in communication device 200” is newly added to the control profile table, and profile selection unit 110 selects a control profile based on the acquired operation state information. Thereby, the profile controller 100 can perform control according to the operation state in the communication apparatus 200.

  As described above, the control device (profile controller) of the present invention determines an optimal control profile at that time from three inputs (request from application, device information, communication path information (for example, BER, PER, etc.)). The communication device and / or communication device is installed by controlling the communication device and application by selecting and outputting three outputs (application control, communication circuit power supply control, communication circuit operation control) according to the selected control profile. The low power consumption operation of the entire device can be realized.

  At least a profile controller having three inputs (request from application, device information, communication path information) and three outputs (application control, communication circuit power supply control, communication circuit operation control) Even if it is a general-purpose communication device that is expected to reduce costs due to mass production effects by placing it between the connected electronic device bodies, it is optimally low power consumption according to the situation such as application, equipment status, communication path, etc. Operation is possible without selecting an electronic device in which the communication device is mounted.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, another embodiment for smoothly performing the power saving process of the communication apparatus will be described in detail.

  In this specification, the usage characteristics of an application are usage characteristics (time, time) required for a wireless transmission circuit when the application uses the wireless transmission circuit (communication device) in terms of power saving processing. Data volume). The influence on the application refers to the influence on the processing result expected by each application.

  Before describing a device control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the principle of the present invention will be briefly described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of power saving processing in the wireless transmission circuit (wireless communication apparatus) 5 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, a device (information processing device) Z of the device control system includes a power control determination circuit (control device) 3, a wireless transmission circuit 5, and three applications (applications D, E, and F). And an electronic device 2 for execution.

  The device Z is, for example, a mobile phone or a personal computer. Either a portable device that moves frequently or a fixed device in which the installation location is normally fixed may be used. However, since the present invention aims to save power, it is particularly effective for a portable device in which a normal battery is mounted.

  The power control decision circuit 3 includes usage states of individual applications, for example, application D, application E, application F,..., That is, whether or not currently used, and device usage environment information, for example, a wide range of areas used. The environment in which the device is placed, such as the radio wave status and the remaining battery level, and power control information and priority are input.

  The power control information may be preset for each application or may be input by the user. The same applies to the priority.

  Here, the power control information includes a control mode indicating a transmission / reception operation in the wireless transmission circuit 5, a transmission cycle, a reception cycle, a transmission rate, and a reception rate.

  The power control determination circuit 3 determines an optimal control method based on the input application usage state, device usage environment, control mode and priority, and wirelessly transmits a control signal corresponding to the determined control method. Output to the transmission circuit 5. The wireless transmission circuit 5 operates in an optimal control mode determined by the power control determination circuit 3. Here, the optimum control method is to determine a control mode advantageous for lack, response, delay, and quality, and control the wireless transmission circuit 5 in the control mode. Feedback information (remaining battery level, radio wave status, etc.) from the wireless transmission circuit 5 is fed back to the power control determination circuit 3 as usage environment information. Thereby, the optimal control system is updated, and more appropriate control can be performed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a device configuration example of a device (information processing apparatus) Z of the device control system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the device Z of the device control system according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an application execution unit 2a that executes a plurality of applications D, E, and F and a system unit 2b that exchanges information with a user. Including an electronic device 2, a power control determination circuit 3, a wireless transmission circuit 5, an application interface 1 connecting the application execution unit 2 a and the power control determination circuit 3, the system unit 2 b and the power control determination circuit 3 And a system interface 6 for connecting the two. Further, the device Z includes a battery 11 for supplying power to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  The electronic device 2 includes an application execution unit 2a and a system unit 2b. The application execution unit 2a includes an application D execution unit 2a-1 for executing the application D, an application E execution unit 2a-2 for executing the application E, and an application F execution unit 2a for executing the application F. -3. Applications D, E, and F use the wireless transmission circuit 5 to transmit and receive data. Therefore, the application execution unit 2 outputs transmission data to be transmitted to the wireless transmission circuit 5 via the application interface 1 and receives reception data received by the wireless transmission circuit 5. Each application execution unit 2 a-1, 2 a-2, 2 a-3 outputs application parameters and application usage statuses to the power control determination circuit 3 via the application interface 1. The application parameters include priority of each application, a command indicating an instruction from the user, a control mode that is power control information for controlling power in the wireless transmission circuit 5, a transmission period, a reception period, a transmission rate, and a reception rate.

  Next, the system unit 2b will be described. FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the system unit 2b. The system unit 2b has a function of exchanging information with the user. The system unit 2b includes a user input unit (user input unit) 2b-1 for acquiring instruction information from the user, and a battery remaining amount information display unit 2b that displays battery remaining amount information L-2 from the battery 11. -3 and a radio wave status information display unit 2b-4 that displays radio wave status information L-1 indicating the strength of the radio waves received from the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  The user input unit 2b-1 includes, as information from the user, area information (for example, room size) L-3 regarding the area where the device Z is used and a command L- indicating a request to the power control determination circuit 3 4 is input. The user input unit 2b-1 outputs the area information L-3 and the command L-4 input from the user to the power control determination circuit 3 via the system interface 6.

  The battery remaining amount information display unit 2b-3 receives battery remaining amount information L-2 indicating the remaining amount of battery from the battery 11, and displays the remaining battery amount information L-2. Thereby, the user can check the remaining amount of the battery 11. Note that the remaining battery level information display unit 2b-3 may notify the user of the remaining battery level information L-2 by voice.

  The radio wave status information display unit 2b-4 receives the radio wave status information L-1 from the wireless transmission circuit 5, and displays the radio wave status information L-1. Thereby, the user can confirm the radio wave condition. The radio wave condition information display unit 2b-4 may notify the user of the radio wave condition information L-1 by voice.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the application interface 1 includes, for example, an interface 1-1 of the application D, an interface 1-2 of the application E, and an interface 1-3 of the application F. Each of the interfaces 1-1 to 1-3 receives a priority, a control mode, a use state, a command, a transmission cycle, a reception cycle, a transmission rate, and a reception rate, which will be described later, from the application execution unit 2a. This is sent to the control decision circuit 3. Furthermore, the application interface 1 exchanges transmission / reception data to be transmitted / received to / from the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  The system interface 6 outputs remaining battery level information L-2, radio wave status information (communication path information) L-1, area information L-3, and command L-4 to the power control determination circuit 3.

  The power control determination circuit 3 receives these input signals, creates a detailed parameter determination signal 33, and outputs it to the wireless transmission circuit 5. The detailed parameter determination signal 33 includes detailed parameters for controlling the power of the wireless transmission circuit 5, and details thereof will be described later.

  The battery 11 supplies power to the wireless transmission circuit 5 and outputs remaining battery information L-2 to the system unit 2b and the power control determination circuit 3 via the system interface 6.

  Next, an input signal to the power control determination circuit 3 will be described. Regarding the application, the priority, usage state, command, and power control information (control mode, transmission cycle, reception cycle, transmission rate, and reception rate) are input to the power control determination circuit 3 from the application interface 1. In addition, area information L-3, battery remaining amount L-2, which is feedback information, radio wave status information L-1, and command L-4 are input from the system interface 6 to the power control determination circuit 3.

  Next, each input signal described above will be described. First, as described above, the input signal related to the application includes the priority, the control mode, the transmission period, the reception period, the transmission rate, the reception rate, the use state, and the command.

  The priority indicates which application power-saving processing is preferentially performed among a plurality of applications. In this embodiment, the smaller the number is a positive integer, the higher the priority is. The same is applied to different applications. Do not have priority. This priority is set by the user, but may be appropriately changed from the default value, or the default value may be updated according to the past use state.

  The control mode indicates a control method of power control related to the application, and is set by the user selecting, for example. Alternatively, the default value may be determined for each application.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, in the device Z of the device control system according to the present embodiment, each application execution unit 2a-1, 2a-2, 2a-3 and the system unit 2b perform power control in an interrupted manner. You can output commands to do. The user can input this command to the user input unit 2b-1. The user input unit 2b-1 outputs the input command L-4.

  Examples of commands include a power control command, a transmission output level control command, and a reception sensitivity level control command. For example, the command output from the application interface 1 is determined based on the priority and the usage state, as in the power control method determination process described later. On the other hand, the command L-4 output from the system interface 6 has priority over the command related to the application interface 1 and is input to the wireless transmission circuit 5 via the power control determination circuit 3.

  The transmission cycle is a cycle when data is transmitted, and the reception cycle is a cycle when data is received. For example, when the transmission cycle is 10 ms, data is transmitted every 10 ms.

  The transmission rate indicates a rate (speed) at which data is transmitted, and the reception rate indicates a rate at which data is received. For example, the rate is 64 kbps.

  The usage state indicates whether or not an application is being executed. The usage state indicates “in use” when the application is being executed, and “not in use” when the application is not being executed.

  Next, the configuration of the power control determination circuit 3 will be described. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the power control determination circuit 3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 31, the power control determination circuit 3 of this embodiment includes a control mode determination unit (control mode determination unit) 3a and a transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit (low power consumption setting unit, transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit). 3b, a parameter table storage unit 3c, a power control parameter determination unit (power supply amount determination means) 3d, a power control table storage unit 3e, and a command processing unit 3f. As described above, the power control determination circuit 3 determines detailed parameters for controlling the wireless transmission circuit 5 and outputs a signal including the determined detailed parameters (detailed parameter determination signal 33) to the wireless transmission circuit 5. To do.

  The control mode determination unit 3a receives the control mode, priority, use state, transmission cycle, reception cycle, transmission rate, reception rate, and command input from the execution units 2a-1, 2a-2, and 2a-3 of each application. Based on the control mode to be executed (execution control mode), the transmission cycle and / or the reception cycle to be executed (execution transmission cycle and / or the execution reception cycle), the transmission rate and / or the reception rate to be executed (execution transmission rate) And / or an execution reception rate) and a command to be executed (execution command). The control mode determination unit 3a outputs the determined execution control mode, execution transmission cycle and / or execution reception cycle, and execution transmission rate and / or execution reception rate to the transmission / reception operation control parameter determination unit 3b, and determines the determined execution command Is output to the command processing unit 3f.

  The execution mode determination unit 3a includes an execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 that determines an execution control mode, an execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 that determines an execution transmission cycle and / or an execution reception cycle, an execution transmission rate and / or an execution reception. It includes an execution rate determination unit 3a-3 for determining a rate and an execution command determination unit 3a-4 for determining an execution command.

  The execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 confirms the usage state of each application, and confirms the priority input from the execution units 2a-1, 2a-2, and 2a-3 of the application being used. Then, the execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 determines the control mode input from the execution unit of the application with the highest priority as the execution control mode. The execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 outputs the determined execution control mode to the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b.

  When there is only one execution unit of the application that outputs the transmission cycle and / or the reception cycle, the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 determines the transmission cycle and / or the reception cycle of the application as the execution transmission cycle and / or the execution reception cycle. And decide. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of application execution units that output the transmission cycle (or reception cycle), the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 executes and transmits the least common divisor of the input transmission cycles (or reception cycles). It is determined as a cycle (or execution reception cycle). For example, when a transmission cycle of 20 ms and 50 ms is input, the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 determines 10 ms as the execution transmission cycle. Then, the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 outputs the determined execution transmission cycle and / or execution reception cycle to the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b.

  The execution rate determination unit 3a-3 determines the transmission rate and / or reception rate of the application when the execution unit of the application that has output the transmission rate and / or reception rate is one. And decide. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of execution units of applications that output the transmission rate (or reception rate), the execution rate determination unit 3a-3 executes a rate obtained by summing the input transmission rates (or reception rates). Set the transmission rate (or effective reception rate). For example, when the transmission rates of 64 kbps and 1 Mbps are received, the execution rate determination unit 3a-3 determines the total 1.064 Mbps as the execution transmission rate. Then, the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 outputs the determined execution transmission rate and / or execution reception rate to the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b.

  Similar to the execution control mode determination unit 3a-1, the execution command determination unit 3a-4 determines a command input from the execution unit of the application with the highest priority among the applications in use as an execution command. The execution command determination unit 3a-1 outputs the determined execution command to the command processing unit 3f.

  The transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b is configured to execute the execution control mode, the execution transmission cycle and / or the execution reception cycle, the execution transmission rate and / or the execution reception rate from the control mode determination unit 3a, and the remaining battery level from the system interface 6. Based on the information L-2, a transmission / reception operation parameter 33a for controlling the transmission / reception operation in the wireless transmission circuit 5 is determined. Then, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3 b outputs the generated transmission / reception operation parameter 33 a to the wireless transmission circuit 5. The transmission / reception operation parameter 33 a is included in the detailed parameter determination signal 33.

  The parameter table storage unit 3c stores a table in which the execution control mode is associated with the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a storage example of the parameter table storage unit 3c. For example, the parameter table storage unit 3c associates the execution control mode “beacon interval variable” with the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a as the transmission / reception operation mode “beacon interval variable”, beacon interval “large: 5 minutes, small: calculation unit” “Calculation” and monitoring period “3 minutes” are stored. Further, for example, the parameter table storage unit 3c stores the transmission / reception operation mode “power off” and the monitoring period “3 minutes” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a in association with the execution control mode “power off”. In addition, for example, the parameter table storage unit 3c associates with the execution control mode “reserved reception” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a. ”, Reservation size“ calculated by calculation unit ”, and monitoring period“ 3 minutes ”.

  The transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b includes a reading unit 3b-1 and a calculation unit 3b-2.

  The reading unit 3b-1 refers to the parameter table storage unit 3c and reads the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a corresponding to the execution control mode received from the control mode determination unit 3a-1. Then, the reading unit 3 b-1 outputs the read transmission / reception operation parameter 33 a to the wireless transmission circuit 5 as the detailed parameter determination signal 33. However, when the battery remaining amount information L-2 indicates “low”, the reading unit 3b-1 does not have “execution control mode” other than “power off” when the execution control mode from the control mode determination unit 3a-1 is other. The transmission / reception operation parameter 33a corresponding to the execution control mode “power off” is read from the parameter table storage unit 3c. In addition, when the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a read from the transmission / reception operation parameter storage unit 3c includes “calculation by the calculation unit”, the reading unit 3b-1 issues a calculation instruction for calculating the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a. Send to.

  Note that there are five types of operation modes in this embodiment: normal operation, beacon interval constant operation, beacon interval variable operation, reservation reception operation, and power-off mode, which will be described later.

  When receiving the calculation instruction from the reading unit 3b-1, the calculation unit 3b-2 reserves the beacon interval from the execution transmission cycle and the execution reception cycle, reserves the reservation cycle from the execution reception cycle, and reserves from the execution reception cycle and the execution reception rate. Calculate the size. Then, the calculation unit 3b-2 outputs the calculated beacon interval, reservation period, and reservation size to the wireless transmission circuit 5 as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a.

  Here, a calculation method in the calculation unit 3b-2 will be described.

  Receiving the calculation instruction of the transmission / reception operation parameter “beacon interval”, the calculation unit 3b-2 sets the beacon interval to a value having a small execution transmission cycle and execution reception cycle. For example, when the execution transmission cycle is 20 ms and the execution reception cycle is 60 ms, the calculation unit 3b-2 sets the beacon interval to 20 ms.

  Further, the calculation unit 3b-2 that has received the calculation instruction of the transmission / reception operation parameter “reservation cycle” sets the received execution reception cycle value as the reservation cycle. For example, when the execution transmission cycle is 20 ms and the execution reception cycle is 20 ms, the calculation unit 3b-2 sets the reservation cycle to 20 ms.

  Further, the calculation unit 3b-2 that has received the calculation instruction of the transmission / reception operation parameter “reservation size” sets the value of execution reception rate × execution reception cycle / effective rate as the reservation size. Here, the effective rate is a value measured based on a physical rate set in each communication standard. For example, in the case of IEEE802.11b, the effective rate is 4 Mbps (physical rate: 11 Mbps), and in the case of IEEE802.11a, the effective rate is 20 Mbps (physical rate: 24 bps). Also, for example, when VoIP communication (reception cycle 20 ms, reception rate 64 kbps) is performed by IEEE802.11b (effective rate 4 Mbps, physical rate 11 Mbps), the calculation unit 3b-2 sets the reservation size to 320 μs, while 1EEE802. In the case of 11a (effective rate 20 Mbps, physical rate 24 Mbps), the calculation unit 3b-2 sets the reservation size to 64 μs.

  As described above, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b outputs the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a (operation mode, beacon interval, monitoring period, reservation period, reservation size) as the detailed parameter determination signal 33.

  The power control parameter determination unit 3d is a parameter (power control parameter 33b) for controlling a power supply amount for a configuration in which data transmission / reception is performed in the wireless transmission circuit 5 based on area information and radio wave status information input from the system interface 6. ) And the determined power control parameter 33 b is output as the detailed parameter determination signal 33.

  The power control parameter 33b includes a signal for controlling the transmission output level in the wireless transmission circuit 5 (transmission output level control signal), a signal for controlling the level of reception sensitivity (reception sensitivity level control signal), and A signal (power control signal) that determines the amount of power supplied to the transmission circuit and the reception circuit is included. The power control parameter 33 b is included in the detailed parameter determination signal 33.

  Further, the level control table storage unit 3e stores the area information L-3 and the radio wave status information L-1, the transmission output level control signal, and the reception sensitivity level control signal in association with each other. FIG. 33 shows an example of a table stored in the level control table storage unit 3e. As shown in FIG. 33, the level control table storage unit 3e includes, for example, an input signal of area information “small” and radio wave status information “strong”, a transmission output level control signal “small”, and a reception sensitivity level control signal “ “Small” is stored in association with each other.

  The power control parameter determination unit 3d includes a level control determination unit 3d-1 that determines a transmission output level control signal and a reception sensitivity level control signal.

  The level control determination unit 3d-1 receives the transmission output level control signal and the reception sensitivity level control signal corresponding to the area information L-3 and the radio wave status information L-1 received from the system interface 6 from the level control table storage unit 3e. The read transmission output level control signal and the received sensitivity level control signal are output as the power control parameter 33b.

  The command processing unit 3 f outputs a transmission output level control signal, a reception sensitivity level control signal, and a power supply control signal according to the command L-4 from the execution command determination unit 3 a-4 or the system interface 6 to the wireless transmission circuit 5. When receiving a command from the execution command determination unit 3a-4 and the system interface 6 at the same time, the command processing unit 3f gives priority to the command L-4 from the system interface 6.

  FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the wireless transmission circuit 5 illustrated in FIG. The wireless transmission circuit 5 is, for example, a wireless LAN device that performs communication using a wireless LAN. As shown in FIG. 13, the radio transmission circuit 5 according to the present embodiment includes an antenna 15, a T / R (transmission / reception changeover switch) 17, a power amplifier PA (transmission unit, transmission signal amplification means) 18, A transmission circuit (transmission unit) 21, a low noise amplifier LNA (reception unit, reception signal amplification unit) 23, a reception circuit (reception unit) 25, power control switches (low power consumption execution units) 27 to 30, and And a detailed parameter execution unit (low power consumption execution means) 26.

  The detailed parameter execution unit 26 controls each unit in the wireless transmission circuit 5 in accordance with the detailed parameter determination signal 33 (the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a and the power control parameter 33b) that is an output signal from the power control determination circuit 3. . As described above, the detailed parameter determination signal 33 includes the operation mode, the monitoring time, the beacon interval, the reservation period, the reservation size, the power supply control, the transmission output level control, and the reception sensitivity, which are detailed parameters. The value with level control is determined individually.

  The detailed parameter execution unit 26 controls the power supply by controlling the power supply of the power amplifier PA 18 with the power control switch 28 in accordance with the transmission output level control signal, thereby suppressing the transmission output. Further, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 controls the power supply control of the low noise amplifier LNA 23 with the power control switch 29 according to the reception sensitivity level control signal, thereby suppressing the reception sensitivity level and performing power saving control. Further, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 controls the power saving of the transmitting circuit 21 and the receiving circuit 25 by controlling the respective power supplies by the power control switch 27 and the power control switch 30 according to the power control signal.

  The power amplifier PA18 amplifies the transmission data signal sent from the transmission circuit 21 and outputs it to the T / R 17 at the subsequent stage. For example, when the parent device and the child device are close to each other, there is no need to increase the transmission output, so the power supply control switch 28 stops the power supply to the power amplifier PA18. Thereby, power saving can be achieved. On the other hand, when the master unit and the slave unit are far from each other, the power control switch 28 supplies power to the power amplifier PA18 to transmit and output the amplified signal.

  The low noise amplifier LNA 23 amplifies the reception data signal received by the antenna 15. For example, when the parent device and the child device are close to each other, the received signal level is originally high and there is no need to amplify the received signal, so the power control switch 29 stops supplying power to the low noise amplifier LNA 23. Thereby, power saving can be achieved. On the other hand, when the master unit and the slave unit are far from each other, the power control switch 29 supplies power to the low noise amplifier LNA 23 to amplify the received data signal.

  The transmission circuit 21 includes, for example, an interface circuit for receiving transmission data from the application execution unit 2a, a baseband signal processing circuit that performs signal processing necessary for transmission data input via the interface circuit, A modulation circuit and a mixer circuit are provided for spreading the transmission data signal-processed by the band signal processing circuit into a spread spectrum signal. Similarly, the receiving circuit 25 includes a mixer circuit and a demodulating circuit that demodulates a received signal into a baseband signal, a baseband signal processing circuit, and an interface circuit for sending received data to the application execution unit 2a. Such a circuit configuration is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-028696.

  The operation mode indicates a power control method to be described later, and the monitoring period, beacon reception interval, reservation cycle, and reservation size are used in each operation mode. Transmission data 31 input to the transmission circuit 21 is data from the applications D, E, and F. The reception data 32 output from the reception circuit 25 is data output to the applications D, E, and F. The radio wave status information L-1 indicates the radio wave status of the wireless transmission circuit 5 calculated based on the information of the receiving circuit 25.

  The wireless data transmission operation of the wireless transmission circuit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The transmission data 31 of each application is output to the wireless network as wireless data using the transmission circuit 21, the power amplifier PA18, the transmission / reception changeover switch 17, and the antenna 15. The reception data 32 of each application is extracted from the wireless network via the antenna 15, the transmission / reception changeover switch 17, the low noise amplifier LNA 23, and the reception circuit 30. In addition, this embodiment is an example of wireless data transmission in which transmission / reception is alternately switched and processed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a result of listing items such as an operation mode of power saving control of the wireless transmission circuit 5, a power saving effect, and an influence on an application. As shown in FIG. 14, the operation mode has five operation modes: normal operation, beacon interval constant operation, beacon interval variable operation, reservation reception operation, and power-off operation. Each operation mode differs in operation to the wireless transmission circuit 5, power saving effect, and influence on the application.

  The normal operation is an operation without power saving control and has no power saving effect. The impact on the application is almost no missing mail, and the response speed is fast. Quality (throughput) is good.

  The beacon interval constant operation is an operation in which a beacon signal BS is received at a constant time interval and a power saving state is established when there is no data transmission / reception. In this case, the power saving effect is greater than in normal operation. Data loss, response, and quality all become standard.

  The beacon interval variable operation is an operation of widening the interval for receiving the beacon signal BS if there is no data transmission / reception for a predetermined time. The interval for receiving the beacon signal BS is restored to the original interval by transmitting / receiving data or receiving a command. In this case, the power saving effect is greater than in the case of a beacon interval constant operation, and data loss and quality are standard, but the response speed is somewhat slow because it takes time to recover.

  The beacon interval constant operation and the beacon interval variable operation are performed when the wireless transmission circuit 5 increases the power supply amount to the reception circuit 25 and the low-noise amplifier LNA 23 when receiving a beacon signal and is in a normal state. 25 and the low noise amplifier LNA 23 are controlled to reduce the reception signal level to the minimum, and the reception function is put into a dormant state. However, when the received beacon signal includes a signal notifying that there is data addressed to the wireless transmission circuit 5, the wireless transmission circuit 5 supplies power to the reception circuit 25 and the low noise amplifier LNA 23 until the next beacon signal is received. Is left in the raised state.

  The reservation receiving operation is an operation for setting the timing for receiving data in advance. The power saving state is maintained until the reception timing. That is, the wireless transmission circuit 5 increases the power supply amount to the reception circuit 25 and the low noise amplifier LNA 23 during the reception reservation period to bring it into a normal state. Reduce the power supply amount, set the reception signal level to the minimum, and set the reception function to the sleep state. In this case as well, the power saving effect is great, and in applications where the timing can be set, there is almost no omission, the response speed is fast, and the quality is good. However, in the case of other applications that do not support the timing setting, the influence on the application is the same as in the case of the beacon interval constant operation.

  The power-off operation is an operation for setting a power-saving state if data is not transmitted / received for a predetermined time, and returns to a normal state by a data transmission and / or a power control command. In this case, since the power saving state is set, the power saving effect is very large, but there is a possibility that data may be lost, and the response speed is also slowed. Quality is common. Thus, each operation mode has both advantages and disadvantages.

  Next, using FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the detailed parameter determination signal 33 (that is, the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a and the power control parameter 33b) input to the wireless transmission circuit 5, and preliminary processing for deriving the same An intermediate processing signal (that is, the execution control mode, the execution transmission cycle and / or the execution reception cycle, the execution transmission rate and / or the execution reception rate), which is information, is determined by the power control determination circuit 3. explain.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for determining an intermediate processing signal as preliminary intermediate processing information for determining the detailed parameter determination signal 33 of the wireless transmission circuit 5. The usage state of the application is determined based on the timing signal. When the timing signal is detected, the application is in use / when the timing signal is not detected. In this case, the timing may be detected by an application that outputs a signal indicating a timing indicating that the device is in use, or may be extracted from information managed by the device. In-use / non-use timing signal and priority output from application interfaces 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 of applications D, E, F, use state, control mode, transmission cycle, reception cycle, transmission An execution control mode, an execution transmission cycle and / or an execution reception cycle, an execution transmission rate and / or an execution reception rate, which are intermediate processing signals, are determined from the rate and the reception rate.

  FIG. 16 illustrates a procedure for determining a transmission / reception operation parameter 33a and a power control parameter 33b, which are detailed parameter determination signals 33 input to the wireless transmission circuit 5, from the intermediate processing signal determined in FIG. 15 and the system interface 6. FIG. The system interface 6 outputs area information L-3, radio wave status L-1, battery remaining amount L-2, and the like.

  The area information L-3 relates to the magnitude of the radio wave environment in which the corresponding device is used. For example, it is small when used in a 10 m square narrow room, and large when used in a larger room. The remaining battery level L-2 indicates the remaining battery level of the battery 11 and is, for example, an AC driving state, a remaining battery level, a remaining battery level, and a low battery level. The radio wave status information L-1 indicates information related to the communication path. The radio wave status information L-1 indicates, for example, the radio wave intensity in the environment and is strong / weak.

  Subsequently, a procedure in which the power control determination circuit 3 determines the detailed parameter determination signal 33 such as the operation mode of the wireless transmission circuit 5 in the following two stages will be described in more detail.

  As exemplarily shown in FIG. 15, the first step is a step of determining an execution control mode (that is, the above-described intermediate processing signal) for each hour from the application interface 1. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 16, the second step determines detailed parameters for controlling the radio transmission circuit 5 based on the execution control mode determined in the first step, feedback information from the system interface 6, and the like. This is a step of determining the signal 33 (transmission / reception operation parameter 33a and power control parameter 33b).

  In the first step, the control mode determination unit 3a determines an execution transmission period and / or an execution reception period, an execution transmission rate and / or an execution reception rate, and an execution command in addition to the execution control mode. In FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, illustration is omitted. Similarly, in the second step, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b, the power control parameter determination unit 3d, and the command processing unit 3f include the monitoring period, the reservation cycle, in addition to the operation mode, transmission output level control, and reception sensitivity level control. The reservation size and power control are determined, but are not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

  First, the execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 of the power control determination circuit 3 determines the execution control mode (intermediate processing signal) for each time according to the usage state from the application D to F with the horizontal axis as time. . As illustrated in FIG. 15, the execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 receives the priority “1” and the control mode “power off” from the application interface 1-1 set by the application D, and the application set by the application E A priority “2” and a control mode “reservation reception” are received from the interface 1-2, and a priority “3” and a control mode “beacon interval variable” are received from the application interface 1-3 set by the application F. Applications D, E, and F are in use during the first period from time t0 to time t1, and applications E and F are used during the second period from time t1 to t2 (t2> t1). In the third period from time t2 to time t3 (t3> t2), the application F is in use. In this case, in the first step, in the first period, the power-off control mode that is the control mode of the application D having a high priority (priority “1”) is determined. In the second period, the reception is determined to be the reservation reception which is the control mode of the application E having a high priority (priority “2”) during the period. In the third period, the beacon interval is determined to be variable, which is the control mode of the application F operating during the period.

  In this way, the execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 of the power control determination circuit 3 determines the control mode that is in use and set to the application with the highest priority as the execution control mode for that period. To do. This execution control mode is used as an intermediate processing signal in the next second step.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 determines the execution transmission cycle and / or the execution reception cycle, and the execution rate determination unit 3a-3 determines the execution transmission rate and / or Alternatively, the execution reception rate is determined, and the execution command determination unit 3a-4 determines the execution command.

  Next, the power control determination circuit 3 sets the horizontal axis as time, and inputs it to the wireless transmission circuit 5 according to the intermediate processing signal obtained from the usage state from the application D to F and the feedback information from the system interface 6. The detailed parameter determination signal 33 to be processed is determined.

  That is, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b determines the operation mode (transmission / reception operation parameter 33a) based on the execution control mode and the battery remaining amount information L-2. Further, the level control determination unit 3d-1 refers to the feedback information from the system interface 6 while referring to the level control table storage unit 3e, and transmits the transmission output level control signal and the reception sensitivity level control signal (power control parameter 33b). decide.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the second step, in addition to the intermediate processing signal determined in the first step described above, area information L-3, radio wave status information L-1 in the system interface 6, The detailed parameter determination signal 33 is derived from the remaining battery level L-2 and the command L-4.

  The detailed parameter determination signal 33 is input to the wireless transmission circuit 5, and the detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 performs an operation mode, power control, transmission output level control, reception sensitivity level included in the detailed parameters. Control according to the control.

  That is, based on the intermediate processing signal that is the execution control mode for each time obtained in the first step, feedback information from the system interface 6, and the like, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b of the power control determination circuit 3 With reference to the parameter table storage unit 3c, the detailed parameter determination signal 33 for each operation time input to the wireless transmission circuit 5 is determined. The detailed parameter determination operation mode is set to the same mode as the intermediate processing signal which is the control mode for each time. However, when the battery is driven, when the battery remaining amount information L-2 indicates “small”, the reading unit 3b-1 has an execution control mode other than “power off” from the control mode determination unit 3a-1. Even so, it is assumed that the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a corresponding to the execution control mode “power off” is read from the parameter table storage unit 3c. As a result, the operation mode of the detailed parameter determination signal 33 is forcibly shifted to “power off”. For example, in a mobile environment, whether or not the remaining amount of the battery is the most important is most important, and such forced transition of the operation mode is effective.

  In addition to the operation mode, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b outputs a beacon interval, a reservation period, a reservation size, and a monitoring period. Note that the beacon interval, the reservation period, and the reservation size may be stored in the parameter table storage unit 3c or may be calculated by the calculation unit 3b-2.

  The power control parameter determination unit 3d of the power control determination circuit 3 refers to the level control table storage unit 3e, and transmits a transmission output level control signal and reception sensitivity level control corresponding to the area information L-3 and the radio wave status information L-1. Determine the signal. That is, the power control determination circuit 3 determines the transmission output level control according to the area information L-3 in the system interface 6. The power control parameter determination unit 3d determines reception sensitivity level control in the system interface 6 according to the radio wave condition information L-1.

  The command processing unit 3f outputs a transmission output level control signal, a reception sensitivity level control signal, and a power control signal according to a command from the execution command determination unit 3a-4 or the system interface 6.

  The area information L-3 and the command L-4 in the system interface 6 may be set automatically or may be manually input by the user.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing of the wireless transmission circuit 5. The wireless transmission circuit 5 transmits transmission data from each application based on the input of the detailed parameter determination signal 33 including the operation mode, the monitoring period, the beacon interval, the reservation period, the reservation size, the transmission output level control, the reception sensitivity level control, and the like. Are transmitted to the wireless transmission network, data from the wireless transmission network is received, and the received data is transmitted to each application as necessary.

  Next, the power saving operation of the wireless transmission circuit 5 for each of the various operation modes shown in FIG. 14 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a power saving operation example in a beacon interval constant operation in the power saving operation of the wireless transmission circuit 5. In the operation mode “constant beacon interval”, the wireless transmission circuit 5 receives the beacon interval (T1) from the power control determination circuit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the wireless transmission circuit 5 receives the beacon signal BS at time t11, it enters a receivable state in order to confirm the presence / absence of data addressed to itself. If there is no data addressed to itself, the power saving state is maintained until there is a next beacon signal BS (during the beacon interval T1 (= t12-t11)). When the next beacon signal BS arrives (time t12), it enters a receivable state in order to confirm the presence / absence of data addressed to itself. If there is data addressed to itself, it waits in a receivable state until it receives data addressed to itself.

  If the reception data RT is sent between time t13 and t15, it is received by the wireless transmission circuit 5 between time t14 and t16 with a certain delay time. Thereafter, the power saving state is maintained until the next beacon signal BS is received. In this way, the power saving operation in the beacon interval constant control mode receives the beacon signal BS sent from the parent device AP at a constant interval (T1), and until the next beacon signal BS is received by this beacon signal BS. It is possible to know whether there is received data RT stored in the AP. Therefore, it waits in a receivable state until the next beacon signal BS arrives starting from the time t12 or starting from time t12 '(not shown) having an interval of a certain time from t12. Thereby, a power saving operation can be performed.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a power saving operation example in the beacon interval variable operation in the power saving operation of the wireless transmission circuit 5. In the operation mode “variable beacon interval”, the wireless transmission circuit 5 receives a beacon interval large (T3 ′), a beacon interval small (T3), and a monitoring period from the power control determination circuit 3.

  In this operation mode, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 receives the beacon reception interval of the wireless transmission circuit 5 from the power control determination circuit 3 when there is no data transmission / reception during the monitoring period input from the power control determination circuit 3. The power saving operation is performed by performing control to increase the beacon interval (T3 ′). However, when the detailed parameter execution unit 26 performs data transmission / reception after expanding the beacon reception interval, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 performs control to reduce the beacon reception interval to the small beacon interval (T3) input from the power control determination circuit 3. As shown in FIG. 19, first, when there is no data transmission / reception during the monitoring period from time t20 during the beacon interval T3, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 performs setting to change the beacon reception interval. If transmission data or the like is received during this period, control is performed to return the next beacon reception interval to the original interval T3. At this time, control for widening or narrowing the beacon reception interval may be performed on the beacon reception interval T3. In addition to the change once, the original state may be restored.

  The reservation reception operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B. FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a power saving operation of the wireless transmission circuit 5 in the reservation receiving operation. FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating a setting sequence for a reservation reception operation. In the operation mode “reservation reception”, the wireless transmission circuit 5 receives a beacon interval (T3 ′), a reservation cycle, and a reservation size from the power control determination circuit 3.

  Based on the reservation cycle and the reservation size, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 reserves a reception period to be received in advance in the parent device AP, performs a reception operation only during that period, and performs power saving control.

  The setting sequence of the reservation reception operation shown in FIG. 20B sets the reception period by exchanging signals between the parent device AP and the child device STA. Here, the handset STA corresponds to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  First, a reservation reception setting request C1 is made from the child device STA to the parent device AP. At this time, handset STA (wireless transmission circuit 5) sets the reservation cycle (for example, 20 ms) and reservation size (for example, 5 ms) received from power control determination circuit 3 as parameters of reservation reception setting request C1. . Next, in the parent device AP that receives the parameter from the child device STA, a reservation reception setting process is performed. Next, a reservation reception setting response C2 is made from the parent device AP to the child device STA, the reservation reception setting of the parent device AP is completed, and the apparatus waits while waiting for a reservation reception start request C3 from the child device STA.

  Next, when the detailed parameters of the child device STA are determined to be the reservation reception control mode, a reservation reception start request C3 is sent to the parent device AP, and a reservation reception start response C4 is sent from the parent device AP to the child device STA. returned. Thereafter, reservation reception processing is performed in base unit AP. When the detailed parameter of the child device STA is switched to a power-off operation other than the reservation reception operation, a reservation reception end request C5 is sent from the child device STA to the parent device AP, and reservation reception is received from the parent device AP to the child device STA. An end response C6 is sent, and the series of operations ends.

  As described above, in the reservation reception process, the base AP counts 5 ms every 20 ms with a beacon period of 100 ms as a reference, and reserves the time 5 ms as the data processing time of the slave STA. The handset STA receives the beacon signal BS at time t30 as shown in FIG. 20A. At this time, the slave unit STA uses an internal timer to count the timing of receiving data based on a beacon period of 100 ms, and sets a time of 5 ms as a reception period every 20 ms. Thereafter, the power source of the wireless transmission circuit 5 is put into a power saving state. At the reserved timing t31, the reception is enabled and the received data is received between t32 and t33. A period from t30 to t31 is a power saving state. Thereafter, the power saving state is entered until reception or the next reserved timing.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the power saving operation in the power-off operation among the power saving operations of the wireless transmission circuit 5. In the case of the operation mode “power off”, the wireless transmission circuit 5 receives the monitoring period (T11) from the power control determination circuit 3.

  In the power-off operation, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 performs control to turn off the power of the wireless transmission circuit 5 if there is no data transmission / reception during the monitoring period T11 received from the power control determination circuit 3 (from t40 to t43). Is the method. After that, for example, when any one of transmission data, a signal to turn on the power, and a signal to turn on the power control of the detailed parameter is received at t44, the power may be returned to the on state at t44. To do.

  As described above, the representative operation modes of the device control system according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described example, and these operation modes are appropriately combined and operated. May be.

<Example 1>
Next, specific examples in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, preconditions and setting items will be described. As an application of the device described in this embodiment, application D is mail reception, application E is homepage browsing, and application F is VoIP (IP phone).

  Next, the mail receiving process is a process of checking whether there is a mail in the mail server at regular intervals (for example, 1 minute) and receiving the mail if there is a mail. At this time, the application D execution unit 2a-1 outputs, for example, a priority “3”, a control mode “variable beacon interval”, a transmission cycle “100 ms”, and a reception cycle “100 ms”. The parameter table storage unit 3c includes an execution control mode “beacon interval variable control”, an operation mode “beacon interval variable” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a, a beacon interval “large: 5 minutes, small: calculated by the calculation unit”, Assume that the monitoring period “3 minutes” is stored in association with each other.

  Next, the process related to homepage browsing is a process in which a user browses a homepage using a browser. At this time, the application E execution unit 2a-2 outputs, for example, a priority “2”, a control mode “power off”, a transmission cycle “100 ms”, and a reception cycle “100 ms”. Further, it is assumed that the parameter table storage unit 3c stores the execution control mode “power off”, the operation mode “power off” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a, and the monitoring period “3 minutes” in association with each other.

  Next, the processing related to VoIP is processing for digitally processing an audio signal and transmitting / receiving digital audio data at regular intervals (for example, 20 ms). At this time, the application F execution unit 2a-3, for example, has the priority “1”, the control mode “reserved reception”, the transmission cycle “20 ms”, the reception cycle “20 ms”, the transmission rate “64 kbps”, and the reception rate “64 kbps”. And In addition, the parameter table storage unit 3c includes an execution control mode “reservation reception”, an operation mode “reservation reception” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a, a beacon interval “100 ms”, a reservation cycle “calculation by the calculation unit”, and a reservation size “calculation”. Assume that “calculated in part” is stored in association with each other.

  The usage environment is the use of an AC adapter / battery drive system, and when the AC adapter is removed in the case of carrying around while going out, the battery is automatically switched to battery drive. This device (slave device STA) and the parent device AP of this device are located in the vicinity (assuming a so-called wireless LAN environment, a general usage pattern in which a wireless LAN access point is connected to the Internet) ) It is assumed that the application interface 1 outputs the usage state of the application to the power control determination circuit 3 by embedding a timing signal output indicating start and end in the management system (OS etc.) of the device or an application.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the application and the power control, and is a diagram illustrating an input signal and an output signal of the power control determination circuit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 22, mail reception, homepage browsing, and VoIP are used under the above setting conditions.

  In FIG. 22, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents input signals from the application interface 1 and the system interface 6 to the power control determination circuit 3 and output signals from the power control determination circuit 3 (that is, the power control determination circuit 3). Is determined by the detailed parameter determination signal 33: transmission / reception operation parameter 33a and power control parameter 33b).

  From t50 to t52 (period A), VoIP is in use. It is assumed that homepage browsing is started at t51 (a) during this period and continues until t54.

  A period from t52 to t54 is defined as period B. It is assumed that mail reception is started at t53 (b) during this period and continues until t57.

<< Procedure for determining intermediate processing signal in period A >>
Next, a procedure for determining an intermediate processing signal (intermediate processing signal in the processing of the power control determination circuit 3 in step 1) described above in the period A (t50 to t52) will be described separately for t50 to t51 and t51 to t52.

  In the period from t50 to t51, since the application in use is only VoIP, based on the control mode of the VoIP application interface 1-3, the control mode determination unit 3a executes the execution control mode which is an intermediate processing signal. Then, “reservation reception” is determined.

  In the period from t51 to t52, the application in use is VoIP and homepage browsing, and the priority (1) of the VoIP application interface 1-3 is the priority of the homepage browsing application interface 1-2 ( 2), the control mode determination unit 3a determines “reservation reception” as the execution control mode that is an intermediate processing signal based on the control mode of the VoIP application interface 1-3.

  In addition, the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 determines the maximum of the transmission cycle “20 ms” received from the VoIP application F execution unit 2a-3 and the transmission cycle “100 ms” received from the homepage browsing application E execution unit 2a-2. The common divisor “20 ms” is set as the execution transmission cycle. Similarly, the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 sets “20 ms” as the execution reception cycle.

  Furthermore, since the execution rate determination unit 3a-3 receives the transmission rate “64 kbps” and the reception rate “64 kbps” only from the VoIP application F execution unit 2a-3, the “64 kbps” is used as it is. Determine the reception rate.

<< Procedure for determining intermediate processing signal in period B >>
Next, the procedure for determining the intermediate processing signal in the period B (t52 to t54) will be described separately for t52 to t53 and t53 to t54.

  In the period from t52 to t53, since the application in use is in use for homepage browsing, the control mode determination unit 3a sets the execution control mode as an intermediate processing signal from the control mode of the application interface 1-2 for homepage browsing. , “Power off” is determined.

  In the period from t53 to t54, the application in use is the homepage browsing and mail reception, and the priority (2) of the homepage browsing application interface 1-2 is the priority of the mail reception application interface 1-1. Since priority is given to degree (3), the control mode determination unit 3a determines “power off” as the execution control mode, which is an intermediate processing signal, from the control mode of the application interface 1-2 for browsing the home page.

<< Procedure for determining intermediate processing signal in period C >>
Next, the procedure for determining the intermediate processing signal in the period C (from t54 to t56) will be described.

  In the period from t54 to t56, since the application whose use state is in use is mail reception, from the control mode of the mail reception application interface 1-1, the control mode determination unit 3a sets the execution control mode as an intermediate processing signal. , “Variable beacon interval” is determined.

  Further, since the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 receives the transmission cycle “100 ms” and the reception cycle “100 ms” only from the mail reception application D execution unit 2a-1, these are used as they are as the execution transmission cycle and the execution reception cycle. And decide.

<< Procedure for determining intermediate processing signal in period D >>
Next, the procedure for determining the intermediate processing signal in the period D (from t56 to t57) will be described.

  In the period from t56 to t57, since the application whose use state is in use is mail reception, from the control mode of the mail reception application interface 1-1, the control mode determination unit 3a sets the execution control mode as an intermediate processing signal. , “Variable beacon interval” is determined.

  Next, the area information L-3 of the system interface 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  During a period from timing t50 to t53, use is made at a location where the distance between the parent device AP and the present device is large, and at timing t53, the user moves to a location where the distance between the parent device AP and the present device is small, and the user moves the distance. And area information indicating “small” is input to the user input unit 2b-1 of the system unit 2b. Thereby, the system interface 6 outputs the “small” area information L-3 after the timing t53.

Next, the radio wave condition information L-1 of the system interface 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
The radio wave status information L-1 changes as appropriate. For example, before t51, the radio wave status information L-1 is “weak”, and thereafter the radio wave status information L-1 “strong” until t55, and the radio wave status information L-1 thereafter. −1 “Weak”. The radio wave status information L-1 is counted and output by the receiving circuit 25 of the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  Next, the remaining battery level information L-2 of the system interface 6 will be described with reference to FIG. Before the time t56, the remaining battery level information L-2 is “medium”, and after that, the remaining battery level information L-2 is “small”. The remaining battery information L-2 is counted and output based on the charging current of the battery 11.

  Based on the above-mentioned intermediate processing signal, area information L-3 obtained from the system interface 6, radio wave status information L-1, and remaining battery level information L-2, transmission / reception operation parameter determination of the power control determination circuit 3 is performed. The unit 3b, the power control parameter determination unit 3d, and the command processing unit 3f output a detailed parameter determination signal 33 (transmission / reception operation parameter 33a and power control parameter). Next, the procedure for determining the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a and the power control parameter will be described with reference to FIG.

  It is assumed that the parameter table storage unit 3c stores transmission / reception operation parameters 33a as shown in FIG. Further, it is assumed that the level control table storage unit 3e stores a table as shown in FIG.

<< Output of power control decision circuit in period A >>
As described above, in the period A, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b receives, from the control mode determination unit 3a, the execution control mode “reservation reception”, the execution transmission cycle “20 ms”, the execution reception cycle “20 ms”, the execution transmission rate, and The effective reception rate “64 kbps” is received.

  The reading unit 3b-1 refers to the parameter table storage unit 3c, and as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a corresponding to the execution control mode “reservation reception”, the operation mode “reservation reception”, the beacon interval “100 ms”, and the reservation cycle “calculation” "Calculate by section" and reservation size "Calculate by calculation section" are read. Then, the reading unit 3b-1 outputs the operation mode “reservation reception” and the beacon interval “100 ms” to the wireless transmission circuit 5, and outputs a calculation instruction for the reservation period and the reservation size to the calculation unit 3b-2.

  Receiving this calculation instruction, the calculation unit 3b-2 sets the execution reception cycle “20 ms” as the reservation cycle in accordance with the calculation method described above. In addition, according to the above calculation method, the calculation unit 3b-2 determines “320 μs” as the reserved size when the effective rate is 4 Mbps (physical rate 11 Mbps). Then, the calculation unit 3b-2 outputs the calculated reservation period “20 ms” and the reservation size “320 μs”.

  As described above, in the period A, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b outputs the operation mode “reservation reception”, the beacon interval “100 ms”, the reservation period “20 ms”, and the reservation size “320 μs”.

  On the other hand, the power control parameter determination unit 3d receives the area information L-3 “Large” and the radio wave status information L-1 “Weak” during the period from t50 to t51. As a result, the level control determination unit 3d-1 refers to the level control table storage unit 3e and outputs the transmission output level control “large” and the reception sensitivity level control “large” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  Further, the power control parameter determination unit 3d receives the area information L-3 “Large” and the radio wave status information L-1 “High” during the period from t51 to t52. As a result, the level control determining unit 3d-1 refers to the level control table storage unit 3e and outputs the transmission output level control “large” and the reception sensitivity level control “small” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  In the period from t51 to t52, an application for browsing the homepage transmits a transmission output level control command (command 1) for reducing the transmission output level, and then a transmission output level control (command 1 ′ for increasing the transmission output level). And the command is input to the power control determination circuit 3. In this case, since the priority (1) of the application interface 1-3 of VoIP is lower than the priority (2) of the application interface 1-2 for browsing the home page, the execution command determination unit 3a-4 executes the command Not determined as. Therefore, there is no change regarding the transmission output level control of the detailed parameter determination signal 33, and the transmission output level control “large” determined based on the area information L-3 is output.

<< Output of power control decision circuit in period B >>
As described above, in the period B, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b receives the execution control mode “power off” from the control mode determination unit 3a.

  The reading unit 3b-1 refers to the parameter table storage unit 3c, and reads the operation mode “power off” and the monitoring period “3 minutes” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a corresponding to the execution control mode “power off”. Then, the reading unit 3 b-1 outputs the read operation mode “power off” and the monitoring period “3 minutes” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  On the other hand, the power control parameter determination unit 3d receives the area information L-3 “Large” and the radio wave status information L-1 “High” during the period from t52 to t53. As a result, the level control determining unit 3d-1 refers to the level control table storage unit 3e and outputs the transmission output level control “large” and the reception sensitivity level control “small” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  However, at a timing before the time point b in the period B, the homepage browsing application transmits a transmission output level control command (command 2) to reduce the transmission output level, and then transmits output level control to increase the transmission output level. A command (command 2 ′) is set, and the command is input to the power control determination circuit 3. In this case, the execution command determination unit 3a-4 determines that the command is an execution command because the priority of the application for browsing the home page is the highest in this period, and outputs the determined execution command to the command processing unit 3f. Based on this command pair, the command processing unit 3f changes the transmission output level control of the detailed parameter determination signal 33 from large to small within the period of the command pair. The output of the command processing unit 3f has priority over the output of the level control determination unit 3d-1.

  As a result, the power control determination circuit 3 changes the transmission output level control in the order of “large”, “small”, and “large” during the period from t52 to t53.

  As described above, it is determined whether or not the command of the application interface 1 related to the application is to be interrupted based on the priority or the like. On the other hand, the command of the system interface 6 is a command that forcibly performs a process related to the command regardless of the priority or the like. By using these commands, it is possible to perform a desired power control process by a command output by a user operation as well as a mode control of the application interface 1 set in advance.

  Further, the power control parameter determination unit 3d receives the area information L-3 “small” and the radio wave status information L-1 “strong” during the period from t53 to t54. Thereby, the level control determination unit 3d-1 refers to the level control table storage unit 3e, and outputs the transmission output level control “low” and the reception sensitivity level control “low” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

<< Output of power control decision circuit in period C >>
As described above, in the period A, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b receives the execution control mode “beacon interval variable”, the execution transmission cycle “100 ms”, and the execution reception cycle “100 ms” from the control mode determination unit 3a.

  The reading unit 3b-1 refers to the parameter table storage unit 3c, and transmits and receives the operation mode “beacon interval variable”, the beacon interval “large: 5 minutes” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a corresponding to the execution control mode “beacon interval variable”. Small: “Calculate by calculation unit” and monitoring period “3 minutes” are read out. Then, the reading unit 3b-1 outputs the operation mode “variable beacon interval”, the beacon interval “large: 5 minutes”, and the monitoring period “3 minutes” to the wireless transmission circuit 5, and issues a calculation instruction for the beacon interval small. It outputs to calculation part 3b-2.

  Receiving this calculation instruction, the calculation unit 3b-2 sets the minimum value “100 ms” of the execution reception cycle and the execution transmission cycle to a small beacon interval according to the above calculation method. Then, the calculation unit 3 b-2 outputs the calculated beacon interval “small: 100 ms” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  As described above, in the period C, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b outputs the operation mode “variable beacon interval”, the beacon interval “large: 5 minutes, small: 100 ms”, and the monitoring period “3 minutes”.

  On the other hand, the power control parameter determination unit 3d receives the area information L-3 “small” and the radio wave status information L-1 “strong” during the period from t54 to t55. Thereby, the level control determination unit 3d-1 refers to the level control table storage unit 3e, and outputs the transmission output level control “low” and the reception sensitivity level control “low” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  Further, the power control parameter determination unit 3d receives the area information L-3 “small” and the radio wave status information L-1 “weak” in the period from t55 to t56. Thereby, the level control determination unit 3d-1 refers to the level control table storage unit 3e and outputs the transmission output level control “low” and the reception sensitivity level control “high” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

<< Output of power control decision circuit in period D >>
As described above, in the period D, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b receives the execution control mode “variable beacon interval”, the execution transmission cycle “100 ms”, and the execution reception cycle “100 ms” from the control mode determination unit 3a. The battery remaining amount information L-2 “small” is received from the interface 6.

  When the battery remaining amount information L-2 is “small”, the reading unit 3b-1 forcibly performs the transmission / reception operation corresponding to the execution control mode “power off” even if the execution control mode is other than “power off”. The parameter 33a is read from the parameter table storage unit 3c. Then, the reading unit 3 b-1 outputs the operation mode “power off” and the monitoring period “3 minutes” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  On the other hand, the power control parameter determination unit 3d receives the area information L-3 “small” and the radio wave status information L-1 “weak” in the period from t55 to t56. Thereby, the level control determination unit 3d-1 refers to the level control table storage unit 3e and outputs the transmission output level control “low” and the reception sensitivity level control “high” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  Next, the operation of the wireless transmission circuit 5 in each period of FIG. 22 will be described.

<< Operation of wireless transmission circuit in period A >>
First, details of the period A in FIG. 22 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As described above, in the period A, the wireless transmission circuit 5 receives the operation mode “reservation reception”, the reservation period “20 ms”, the reservation size “320 μs”, and the beacon interval “100 ms”. Based on this, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 registers the timing of data transmission / reception as a reservation reception operation in the parent device AP. That is, a data transmission period from the parent device AP to the device Z is reserved for a period of 20 ms and a period of 320 μs. Similarly, a data transmission period from the device Z to the parent device AP is reserved for a period of 20 ms and a period of 320 μs. Note that the upper part of FIG. 23 shows the timing of data transmission from the parent device AP to the device Z. Although the timing of data transmission from the device Z to the parent device AP is not shown in the figure, the timing is different from the timing of data transmission from the parent device AP to the device Z by a predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the above-described beacon signal BS is transmitted from the parent device AP at a constant interval of 100 ms. In this case, since only VoIP is activated as an application until time a, transmission / reception data of the parent device AP and transmission / reception data of the device Z (child device STA) are alternately transmitted / received. Meanwhile, beacon signals with an interval of 100 ms are transmitted and received. At this time, the power control state of the wireless transmission circuit 5 is the power supply state when data is transmitted / received, the beacon signal BS is received, and the power saving state is at other times. Therefore, even during a VoIP call, power is not supplied to the transmission circuit 21 and the reception circuit 25 except during the reservation period, and further power saving can be achieved.

  At timing a, a homepage browsing application is activated, and at this point, two types of applications, VoIP and homepage browsing, operate. At this time, the power saving state is canceled and the power supply state is set. When the application for browsing the homepage stops operating, the power supply state and the power saving state in the reservation receiving operation may be repeated again. When returning from the state after a, the same operation as that in the period before a is performed.

<< Operation of Wireless Transmission Circuit in Period B >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 24, details of the period B during which the homepage browsing and the mail reception are performed will be described. The transmission / reception operation parameter 33a of the detailed parameter determination signal 33 input to the wireless transmission circuit 5 is the monitoring period “3 minutes” and the operation mode “power off”. When the user first clicks the URL of the home page on the device Z, the home page can be browsed by accessing the home page server via the parent device AP, and the user browses the home page. If there is no data transmission / reception during the monitoring period of 3 minutes while the user is browsing the home page, the wireless transmission circuit 5 controls the switches 27 and 30 of the transmission circuit 21 and the reception circuit 25 to turn off the power. In the meantime, when another application is started or homepage browsing is resumed and data transmission is performed, the wireless transmission circuit 5 controls the switch 27 and the switch 30 of the transmission circuit 21 and the reception circuit 25 to perform wireless transmission. The circuit 5 is brought into a power supply state. In FIG. 24, since no other applications are activated during the monitoring period of 3 minutes, the power is turned off after 3 minutes of the monitoring period. Thereafter, the mail reception operation is started at time point b, and since the mail reception starts from time point b, the power supply state is entered.

<< Operation of Wireless Transmission Circuit in Period C >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the period C during which the mail is received will be described in detail. The transmission / reception operation parameter 33a of the detailed parameter determination signal 33 input to the wireless transmission circuit 5 includes a monitoring period “3 minutes”, a beacon interval “large: 5 minutes, small: 100 ms”, and an operation mode “variable beacon interval”. . In the first stage, the mail address of the received mail and authentication data are sent from the parent device AP to the child device STA. For example, an authentication password is returned from the child device STA to the parent device AP. The Thereafter, mail reception data is sent from the parent device AP to the child device STA. This period is a power supply state. It is assumed that the reception of the mail reception data is completed and no data is transmitted / received for 3 minutes thereafter. The wireless transmission circuit 5 determines that there is no data transmission / reception during the monitoring period “3 minutes” of the detailed parameter determination signal 33, and widens the beacon reception interval of the detailed parameter determination signal 33 to 5 minutes. In this way, by extending or narrowing the beacon reception interval based on the presence / absence of transmission / reception data or the like, finer power control can be performed as compared with the case where the beacon interval is constant.

<< Operation of Wireless Transmission Circuit in Period D >>
Next, FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating details of the operation in the period D. As shown in FIG. 26, in the period D, the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a of the detailed parameter determination signal 33 input to the wireless transmission circuit 5 is the monitoring period “3 minutes” and the operation mode “power off”. In the period D, the received mail application is activated, but the remaining battery level information display unit 2b-3 of the electronic device 2 displays that the remaining battery level is low and notifies the user. Thus, the user can have an opportunity to select whether to charge the device or to safely stop the device after performing processing such as saving the device data. If the user still does not notice, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 confirms that there is no data transmission / reception during the monitoring period “3 minutes” and then forcibly increases the driving time as much as possible. Perform power-off control.

  Although the embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made with respect to the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the mobile PC has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to a mobile phone with a wireless LAN function, a PDA, and the like.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, it demonstrated as a structure with which the some application D, E, and F was provided. However, a configuration in which only one application is provided may be used. Even if there is only one application as in the period C, the period D, and the period from t52 to t53 in FIG. 22, the radio wave status information L-1, the remaining battery information L-2, the area information L-3, Based on the command, the power control determination circuit 3 can determine an operation mode, transmission output level, and reception sensitivity level suitable for power saving. Thereby, reduction of the power consumption of the apparatus Z can be aimed at.

  Further, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a wireless transmission circuit 5 that performs wireless communication as a communication apparatus. However, it may be a communication device that performs wired communication. When performing wired communication, the power control determination circuit 3 determines a detailed parameter determination signal in accordance with at least one of information (communication path information) on the wired communication path and battery remaining amount information.

  In the above description, the usage state of the application indicates whether or not the application is activated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the usage state of the application may indicate whether a specific process is activated in the application. For example, when the application is web browsing software, “use state” is when the home page data is being downloaded, and “not in use” when the user is viewing the downloaded home page. Thereby, the power control determination circuit 3 can output the detailed parameter determination signal according to the processing content currently performed by the application.

  Further, an information processing system including a plurality of the devices Z may be constructed. Included in the detailed parameters determined by the power control determination circuit 3 in order to control the wireless transmission circuit 5 included in one device Z when the devices Z are in a state where they can communicate with each other wirelessly and / or wiredly. The reservation cycle and reservation size may be set as the reservation cycle and reservation size of the other device Z. As a result, both devices Z have the same reservation cycle and reservation size. For example, it is assumed that one device Z is a child device and the other device Z is its parent device. In this case, the child device can set the same reservation cycle and reservation size for the parent device and itself.

  Further, the power control parameter determination unit 3d may determine other parameters of the transmission output level control and the reception sensitivity level control. For example, the number of operation clocks in the wireless transmission circuit 5 may be used. In this case, the level control parameter storage unit 3e stores the number of operation clocks corresponding to the radio wave status information and the area information. Thus, the wireless transmission circuit can save power by changing the number of operation clocks.

  In the above description, the execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 is configured to determine the execution control mode based on the priority received from the application interface 1. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the control mode determination unit 3a includes a priority table storage unit that stores a priority table in which a control mode and a priority set in advance for the control mode are associated with each other. Then, the execution control mode determination unit 3a-1 refers to the priority table, reads the priority corresponding to the control mode received from the application interface 1, and sets the control mode corresponding to the highest priority to the execution control mode. May be determined as In this case, the application interface 1 does not need to output the priority.

  In the above description, the level control determination unit 3b-1 determines the transmission output level and the reception sensitivity level in the wireless transmission circuit 5 with reference to the level control table storage unit 3e based on the radio wave status information L-1. It was set as the structure to do. However, the level control determination unit 3b-1 may determine the amount of power supplied to the wireless transmission circuit 5 based on the radio wave status information L-1 indicating the radio wave intensity. For example, the level control determination unit 3b-1 acquires the radio wave status information L-1 indicating the value of the radio wave intensity from the wireless transmission circuit 5. When the acquired value is higher than a predetermined value (for example, when the scale of the RSSI signal is 0 to 1 V, the level control determining unit 3b-1 has a low LNA gain of the received signal, and In the case of 500 mV or higher), it may be determined that the transmission output level or the reception sensitivity level can be reduced, and a control signal for reducing the power supply amount to the wireless transmission circuit 5 may be output. Thereby, the power control determination circuit 3 can control the power supply amount of the wireless transmission circuit 5 according to the radio wave condition of the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  In the above description, when the battery remaining amount information L-2 indicates “small”, the reading unit 3b-1 outputs the operation mode “power off”, and the detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 The radio transmission circuit 5 is turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the battery remaining amount information L-2 indicates “medium”, the reading unit 3b-1 reduces the power supply amount of the wireless transmission circuit 5 or transmits the wireless transmission circuit 5 A control signal for lowering the output level may be output to the wireless transmission circuit 5, and a control signal for turning off the power of the wireless transmission circuit 5 may be output when the remaining battery level information L-2 indicates “low”. Alternatively, the reading unit 2b-1 acquires the value of the remaining battery level from the battery 11, and when the acquired value is smaller than a predetermined threshold A, reduces the power supply amount of the wireless transmission circuit 5, or When the control signal for lowering the transmission output level of the wireless transmission circuit 5 is output to the wireless transmission circuit 5 and the acquired value is smaller than a predetermined threshold B (threshold B <threshold A), the wireless transmission circuit A control signal for turning off the power source 5 may be output. As a result, the power control determination circuit 3 can control the power consumption of the wireless transmission circuit 5 in a plurality of stages according to the remaining battery level, and can achieve further power saving.

[Embodiment 3]
In the second embodiment, in the beacon interval variable operation mode and the power-off operation mode, the radio transmission circuit 5 changes the beacon interval depending on whether data is transmitted / received during the monitoring period or turns off the power. In the present embodiment, the power control determination circuit 3 determines the presence / absence of data transmission / reception in the monitoring period. This simplifies the control in the wireless transmission circuit 5 and eliminates the need for information transfer such as a monitoring period from the power control determination circuit to the wireless transmission circuit. Therefore, the wireless transmission circuit can be configured with a general-purpose circuit.

  The present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in the drawings described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the power control determination circuit (control device) 103 in the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 34, the power control determination circuit 103 includes a control mode determination unit (control mode determination unit) 103a instead of the control mode determination unit 3a, as compared with the power control determination circuit 3 of the second embodiment. The transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 3b replaces the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit (low power consumption setting unit, transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit) 103b, and the parameter table storage unit 103c replaces the parameter table storage unit 3c. A power control parameter determination unit (power supply amount determination unit) 103d is provided instead of the unit 3d, and further includes a power control table storage unit 3h, a power control output unit 3g, and an execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s. It is different in point. The control mode determination unit 103a includes an execution control mode determination unit 103a, the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 103b includes a reading unit 103b-1, and the power control parameter determination unit 103d includes a power supply control determination unit 3d-2.

  The execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s stores a combination of control modes input to the later-described execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 and an execution control mode that is a priority control mode. . FIG. 50 shows a storage example of the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s. As shown in FIG. 50, the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s is, for example, normally “none”, reservation reception “none”, beacon interval variable “present”, beacon interval constant “present or absent”, and power off. The input signal “present or not” and the execution control mode “variable beacon interval” are stored in association with each other.

  The control mode determination unit 103a of the present embodiment acquires power control information (control mode, transmission cycle, reception cycle, transmission rate, reception rate), command, and usage state from the application interface 1 as in the second embodiment. . However, unlike the second embodiment, the control mode determination unit 103a does not acquire the priority from the application interface 1.

  The control mode determination unit 103a includes an execution control mode determination unit 103a-1, an execution cycle determination unit 3a-2, an execution rate determination unit 3a-3, and an execution command determination unit 3a-4. Since the execution cycle determination unit 3a-2, the execution rate determination unit 3a-3, and the execution command determination unit 3a-4 have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  The execution control mode determination unit (control mode determination unit) 103a-1 refers to the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s, and executes one execution control to be prioritized based on the combination of control modes received from the application interface 1. The mode is determined.

  For example, a case where the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s stores a table as shown in FIG. 50 and receives the control modes “variable beacon interval” and “power off” from the application interface 1 will be described. In this case, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 normally has a signal regarding the control mode from the application interface 1 “None”, reservation reception “None”, beacon interval variable “Yes”, beacon interval constant “None”, and power off It is determined that there is “Yes”, and the execution control mode “beacon interval variable” corresponding to this combination is read from the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s. Then, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 outputs the read execution control mode to the subsequent transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit 103b.

  The parameter table storage unit 103c stores the execution control mode and the presence / absence of data transmission / reception, the transmission / reception operation parameter, and the power control parameter in association with each other. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a storage example of the parameter table storage unit 103c. As shown in FIG. 35, the parameter table storage unit 103c, for example, associates the execution control mode “variable beacon interval” and the transmission / reception data “monitoring period 3 minutes, data present” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a with the operation mode “ "Power save" and beacon interval "calculated by calculation unit" are stored. The parameter table storage unit 103c stores, for example, the operation mode “normal” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a and the power control “power off” as the power control parameter 33b in association with the execution control mode “power off”. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, there are three types of operation modes included in the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a: “normal”, “power save”, and “reservation reception”. “Normal” and “Reservation reception” are the same as in the above embodiment.

  “Power save” is a state in which the wireless transmission circuit 5 increases the power supply amount to the receiving circuit 25 and the low noise amplifier LNA 23 when receiving the beacon signal to normal state, and the receiving circuit 25 and the low noise amplifier LNA 23 are not receiving the beacon signal. The power supply amount is lowered, the reception signal level is minimized, and the reception function is suspended. However, if the received beacon signal includes a signal notifying that there is data addressed to the wireless transmission circuit 5, the wireless transmission circuit 5 supplies power to the reception circuit 25 and the low-noise amplifier LNA 23 until the next beacon signal is received. Is left in the raised state. For the wireless transmission circuit 5, this is the same as “fixed beacon interval” in the above embodiment.

  The reading unit 103b-1 receives the execution control mode, the execution transmission cycle and / or the execution reception cycle, the execution transmission rate, and / or the execution reception rate from the control mode determination unit 103a.

  Further, the reading unit 103b-1 monitors the presence / absence of transmission data from the application interface 1 and reception data from the wireless transmission circuit 5. That is, the reading unit 103b-1 relays transmission / reception data between the application interface 1 and the wireless transmission circuit 5, and detects the presence / absence of the transmission / reception data. Further, the reading unit 103b-1 includes a timer (not shown), and measures a period when there is no transmission / reception data.

  The reading unit 103b-1 reads detailed parameters corresponding to the execution control mode and the presence / absence of transmission / reception data from the parameter table storage unit 103c. The reading unit 103 b-1 outputs the read transmission / reception operation parameter 33 a to the wireless transmission circuit 5. On the other hand, the reading unit 103b-1 outputs power control, which is the read power control parameter 33b, to the power control output unit 3g.

  However, when the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a read from the transmission / reception operation parameter storage unit 3c includes “calculation by the calculation unit”, the reading unit 103b-1 issues a calculation instruction for calculating the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a. Send to.

  The power control table storage unit 3h stores a table in which the battery remaining amount information L-2 and power control are associated with each other. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a storage example of the power control table storage unit 3h. As illustrated in FIG. 36, the power control table storage unit 3h stores, for example, power control “power off” in association with the battery remaining amount information L-2 “small”.

  The power control determination unit 3d-2 refers to the power control table storage unit 3h, reads the power control corresponding to the remaining battery information L-2, and outputs the read power control to the power control output unit 3g.

  The power control output unit 3g outputs power control “power off” when power control indicating “power off” is received from at least one of the power control determination unit 3d-2 and the reading unit 103b-1.

  Next, a specific procedure for determining the detailed parameter determination signal 33 in the present embodiment will be described.

  For example, in a certain period, the control mode determination unit 103a outputs the execution control mode “variable beacon interval”, and it is assumed that there is no transmission / reception data during the monitoring period of 3 minutes.

  In this case, the reading unit 103b-1 detects that there is no transmission / reception data in the monitoring period of 3 minutes. Then, the reading unit 103b-1 reads detailed parameters corresponding to the detection result “monitoring period 3 minutes, no data” and the execution control mode “variable beacon interval” from the parameter table storage unit 103c. If the parameter table storage unit 103c stores a table as shown in FIG. 35, the reading unit 103b-1 outputs the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “1000 ms” as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a.

  As a result, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 shifts to the operation mode in which the beacon interval is relatively large as 1000 ms.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the power control determination circuit 3 detects the presence / absence of transmission / reception data in the monitoring period, the wireless transmission circuit 5 does not need to monitor the presence / absence of transmission / reception data. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the wireless transmission circuit 5 can be simplified. Further, the power control determination circuit 3 does not need to output the parameter “monitoring period” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  As another example, it is assumed that the control mode determination unit 103a outputs the execution control mode “power off” in a certain period, and there is no transmission / reception data during the monitoring period of 3 minutes.

  In this case, the reading unit 103b-1 detects that there is no transmission / reception data in the monitoring period of 3 minutes. Then, the reading unit 103b-1 reads detailed parameters corresponding to the detection result and the execution control mode “power off” from the parameter table storage unit 103c. If the parameter table storage unit 103c stores a table as shown in FIG. 35, the reading unit 103b-1 outputs the operation mode “normal” to the wireless transmission circuit 5 as the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a, and the power control “ "Power off" is output to the power control output unit 3g.

  In response to this, the power control output unit 3 g outputs the power control “power off” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  As a result, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 turns off the power to the transmission circuit 21 and the reception circuit 25.

  Furthermore, as another example, in a certain period, the control mode determination unit 103a outputs the execution control mode “normal”, and the system interface 6 outputs the battery remaining amount information L-2 indicating “small”.

  In this case, the reading unit 103b-1 reads the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a (operation mode “normal”) corresponding to the execution control mode “normal” from the parameter table storage unit 103c, and outputs the read parameter to the wireless transmission circuit 5. To do.

  On the other hand, the power supply control determination unit 3d-2 that has received the battery remaining amount information L-2 refers to the power supply control table storage unit 3h as shown in FIG. Output to.

  In response to this, the power control output unit 3 g outputs the power control “power off” to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  As a result, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 turns off the power to the transmission circuit 21 and the reception circuit 25 even when the operation mode is “normal”. Thereby, the wireless transmission circuit 5 can realize further power saving.

  In the above description, the power control determination unit 3d-2 is configured to output the power control “power off” to the power control output unit 3g when the remaining battery information L-2 indicates “small”. However, not limited to this, the power supply control determination unit 3d-2 reduces the power supply amount of the wireless transmission circuit 5 or the wireless transmission circuit 5 when the remaining battery level information L-2 indicates “medium”. Even if a control signal for turning off the power of the wireless transmission circuit 5 is output when the control signal for lowering the transmission output level of the wireless transmission circuit 5 is output to the wireless transmission circuit 5 and the remaining battery level information L-2 indicates “low”. Good. Alternatively, the power control determination unit 3d-2 acquires the value of the remaining battery level from the battery 11, and reduces the power supply amount of the wireless transmission circuit 5 when the acquired value is smaller than the predetermined threshold A. Alternatively, when a control signal for lowering the transmission output level of the wireless transmission circuit 5 is output to the wireless transmission circuit 5 and the acquired value is smaller than a predetermined threshold B (threshold B <threshold A), the wireless A control signal for turning off the power supply of the transmission circuit 5 may be output. Thereby, the power control determination circuit 3 can control the power consumption of the wireless transmission circuit 5 in a stepwise manner in accordance with the magnitude relationship between the remaining battery level and the threshold A and the threshold B.

  According to the present embodiment, the power control determination circuit 103 can perform detailed power control on the wireless transmission circuit 5 based on the presence / absence of transmission / reception data. Examples will be described below.

<Example 2 (E-mail reception)>
In the present embodiment, the application executed by the application D execution unit 2a-1 is e-mail reception software. “100 ms” and a reception cycle “100 ms” are output. Furthermore, it is assumed that the parameter table storage unit 103c stores a table as shown in FIG. 35, and the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s stores a table as shown in FIG.

  At this time, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 has only the “variable beacon interval” as the control mode input from the application interface 1, and therefore, the execution control mode corresponding to “existing” beacon interval and “none” other than that. “Variable beacon interval” is read from the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s. Then, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 outputs the read execution control mode “variable beacon interval”. The execution cycle determination unit 3a-2 outputs an execution transmission cycle “100 ms” and an execution reception cycle “100 ms”.

  Then, the reading unit 103b-1 checks whether there is reception data from the wireless transmission circuit 5 or transmission data from the application interface 1 in the monitoring period of 3 minutes. When there is no transmission / reception data, the reading unit 103b-1 refers to the parameter table stored in the parameter table storage unit 103c, and reads and reads the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “1000 ms” that are the transmission / reception operation parameters 33a. The transmission / reception operation parameter 33 a is output to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  Upon receiving this transmission / reception operation parameter 33a, the detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 receives a beacon signal every 1000 ms and, when not receiving a beacon signal, lowers the reception sensitivity level to the minimum to save power. . Thereby, the wireless transmission circuit 5 can achieve further power saving.

  On the other hand, when there is transmission / reception data, the reading unit 103b-1 refers to the parameter table stored in the parameter table storage unit 103c, and calculates the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “calculation unit” which are the transmission / reception operation parameters 33a. "Is read out. Then, the reading unit 103b-1 outputs an operation mode “power save” to the wireless transmission circuit 5 and a beacon interval calculation instruction to the calculation unit 3b-2.

  The calculation unit 3 b-2 calculates the beacon interval “100 ms” according to the calculation method described above, and outputs it to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  The detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 that has received the transmission / reception operation parameter 33a receives a beacon signal every 100 ms and, when not receiving a beacon signal, lowers the reception sensitivity level to the minimum and puts the reception function into a dormant state And Thereby, the wireless transmission circuit 5 can achieve further power saving.

<Example 3 (Web browsing)>
In this embodiment, the application executed by the application D execution unit 2a-1 is Web browsing software, and the application D execution unit 2a-1 outputs the control mode “power off” and the use state “in use”. . Furthermore, it is assumed that the parameter table storage unit 103c stores a table as shown in FIG. 35, and the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s stores a table as shown in FIG.

  At this time, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 has only the “power off” control mode input from the application interface 1, and therefore the execution control mode “power” corresponding to “off” and “no” is set. "OFF" is read from the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s. Then, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 outputs the read execution control mode “power off”.

  Then, the reading unit 103b-1 checks whether there is reception data from the wireless transmission circuit 5 or transmission data from the application interface 1 in the monitoring period of 3 minutes. When there is no transmission / reception data, the reading unit 103b-1 refers to the parameter table stored in the parameter table storage unit 103c, reads the power control parameter "Power off" that is the power control parameter 33b, and sets the read power control parameter 33b. Output to the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  The detailed parameter execution unit 26 of the wireless transmission circuit 5 that has received the power control parameter 33 b does not supply power to the transmission circuit 21 and the reception circuit 25.

  Thereby, the wireless transmission circuit 5 can achieve power saving.

<Example 4 (VoIP)>
In the present embodiment, the application executed by the application D execution unit 2a-1 is VoIP (IP telephone), and the application D execution unit 2a-1 outputs the control mode “variable beacon interval” and the use state “in use”. Shall. Further, the parameter table storage unit 103c stores the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “20 ms” in correspondence with the execution control mode “variable beacon interval” and the transmission / reception data “transmission data present”. Assume that the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “1000 ms” are stored in correspondence with the mode “variable beacon interval” and the transmission / reception data “no transmission data”. Further, it is assumed that the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s stores a table as shown in FIG.

  At this time, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 has only the “variable beacon interval” as the control mode input from the application interface 1, and therefore, the execution control mode corresponding to “existing” beacon interval and “none” other than that. “Variable beacon interval” is read from the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s. Then, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 outputs the read execution control mode “variable beacon interval”.

  The reading unit 103a that has received the execution control mode “beacon interval variable” from the control mode determination unit 103a determines whether there is transmission data from the application execution unit 2a-1.

  The case where there is transmission data from the application execution unit 2a-1 indicates a state in which VoIP is in a call and voice data is transmitted as transmission data from the application execution unit 2a-1 to the wireless transmission circuit 5. On the other hand, the case where there is no transmission data from the application execution unit 2a-1 indicates that VoIP is in an incoming standby state.

  When there is no transmission data, that is, when VoIP is in an incoming call waiting state, the reading unit 103a refers to the parameter table storage unit 103c to set the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “1000 ms” to the wireless transmission circuit 5. Output.

  The wireless transmission circuit 5 that has received the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “1000 ms” requests the parent device AP to change the beacon interval to 1000 ms. The detailed parameter execution unit 26 turns on the power to the low noise amplifier LNA 27 and the receiving circuit 25 at the timing of receiving the beacon signal, and turns off the power to the low noise amplifier LNA 27 and the receiving circuit 25 except when receiving the beacon signal. And

  As a result, in the incoming call waiting state, the wireless transmission circuit 5 only has to turn on the power supply to the low noise amplifier LNA 27 and the reception circuit 25 every 1000 ms, so that power saving can be achieved.

  On the other hand, when there is transmission data, that is, when VoIP is in a call, the reading unit 103a refers to the parameter table storage unit 103c and sets the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “20 ms” to the wireless transmission circuit 5. Output to.

  The wireless transmission circuit 5 that has received the operation mode “power save” and the beacon interval “20 ms” requests the parent device AP to change the beacon interval to 20 ms. The detailed parameter execution unit 26 turns on the power to the low noise amplifier LNA 27 and the receiving circuit 25 at the timing of receiving the beacon signal, and turns off the power to the low noise amplifier LNA 27 and the receiving circuit 25 except when receiving the beacon signal. And

  Thereby, even during a call, the wireless transmission circuit 5 may turn on the power to the low noise amplifier LNA 27 and the reception circuit 25 every 20 ms, and power saving can be achieved. Note that the beacon interval may be any value that does not affect the call.

  As described above, when there is voice data of the IP phone of the application D execution unit 2a-1 (“data transmission is present”), the voice data is transmitted as a signal for data communication following the beacon signal. In this way, the presence or absence of audio data to be transmitted from the wireless transmission circuit 5 to the base station can be notified by the beacon signal.

  At the time of standby, when the beacon reception time at the time of standby is reached, the power of the receiving circuit 25 is turned on to receive a beacon signal from the base station. Repeat the operation to turn off the power. Also, during a call, when the beacon reception time during the call is reached, the receiving circuit 25 is turned on to receive a beacon signal from the base station, and after receiving voice data, the receiving circuit 25 is turned off. Repeat the operation. As described above, when the wireless transmission circuit 5 finishes receiving the signal transmitted from the base station, the wireless transmission circuit 5 turns off the power supply of the reception circuit 25 until the next beacon signal is received. That is, the wireless transmission circuit 5 turns off the power of the receiving circuit 25 when no signal is received. Thereby, it is possible to save power even during a call.

  In the third embodiment, the control mode determination unit 103a does not acquire the priority from the application interface 1. This eliminates the need for the application interface 1 to output the priority. However, the control mode determination unit 103a of the third embodiment may be configured by the control mode determination unit 3a. In this case, the power control determination circuit 3 acquires the priority from the application interface 1.

  In addition, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 according to the present embodiment may acquire a priority from the application interface 1. At this time, if all of the acquired priorities are different, the execution control mode determination unit 103a-1 determines the execution control mode based on the priorities in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and the highest of the acquired priorities. When there are a plurality of high priority items, execution control modes corresponding to these control modes may be read from the execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s.

[Embodiment 4]
Further, another embodiment of the power control determination circuit will be described in detail. The present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in the drawings described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a device (information processing apparatus) Z2 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 37, the device Z2 differs from the device Z of the second embodiment in that a power control determination circuit (control device) 203 is provided instead of the power control determination circuit 3. Although the illustration of the electronic device 2 is omitted in FIG. 37, the device Z2 includes the electronic device 2 including the application execution unit 2a and the system unit 2b, as in the above embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 37, the power control determination circuit 203 receives transmission data from the application interface 1 and reception data from the wireless transmission circuit 5, similarly to the power control determination circuit 103. However, the power control determination circuit 203 receives only transmission data from the application interface 1 and does not receive a control mode or the like.

  Next, transmission / reception data transmitted and received by the wireless transmission circuit 5 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a format of transmission data and reception data. As shown in FIG. 40, the transmission data and the reception data include four fields: an application ID field, a data length field, a data field, and a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) field.

  The application ID field is an area including an application ID (identification information) for identifying an application that uses data to be transmitted or received. For example, when the application is “Web browsing software”, “01” is set as the application ID, and when the application is “VoIP”, “02” is set as the application ID.

  The data field contains a data block to be transmitted or received.

  The data length field includes the length of the data field. The CRC field includes an error detection code for detecting an error in the data block included in the data field.

  FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the power control determination circuit 203. As shown in FIG. 38, the power control determination circuit 203 includes an application determination unit 3j and an application parameter storage unit (identification information storage unit) 3k, as compared with the power control determination circuit 103 of the above embodiment. Is different.

  The application parameter storage unit 3k stores the application ID and an application parameter related to the application corresponding to the application ID in association with each other. The application parameters include a power control mode, a transmission cycle, a reception cycle, a transmission rate, and a reception rate in the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  FIG. 39 shows an example of storage in the application parameter storage unit 3k. As illustrated in FIG. 39, the application parameter storage unit 3k stores, for example, the control mode “power off” in association with the application ID “01”. Further, the application parameter storage unit 3k stores, for example, a control mode “variable beacon interval”, a reception cycle “100 ms”, and a reception rate “384 kbps” in association with the application ID “03”.

  FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the application determination unit 3j. 41, the application determination unit 3j includes an application parameter output unit (power control information reading unit) 3p, timers 3m-1, 3m-2,..., And output state holding units 3n-1, 3n−. 2, ... are provided.

  The application parameter output unit 3p reads an application parameter corresponding to the application ID included in the transmission / reception data from the application parameter storage unit 3k, and sends the read application parameter to the control data determination unit 103a. As described above, the application parameter output unit 3p outputs the application parameter based on the transmission / reception data. Therefore, since only the application parameter corresponding to the application in the use state is output, the application parameter output unit 3p adds the use state “in use” to the application parameter and outputs it.

  Timer 3m-1, timer 3m-2,... Measure the output time of application parameters. The timer 3m-1, the timer 3m-2, ... start measurement and reset according to an instruction from the application parameter output unit 3p. In addition, when a predetermined time elapses, the timer 3m-1, timer 3m-2,... Send a timer expiration signal indicating that to the application parameter output unit 3p. The timers 3m-1, 3m-2,... Correspond to application IDs “01”, “02”,.

  The output state holding units 3n-1, 3n-2, ... have a flag (start flag) indicating whether or not an application parameter is being output. The start flag includes “1” indicating that output is being performed and “0” indicating that output is not being performed. The output state holding units 3n-1, 3n-2,... Correspond to application IDs “01”, “02”,.

  Similarly to the third embodiment, the control mode determination unit 103a is configured to execute the execution control mode, the execution transmission cycle and / or the execution reception cycle, and the execution transmission rate based on the use state and execution control mode determination table storage unit 3s. Determine the effective reception rate. Note that the control mode determination unit 103a in the present embodiment receives only “in use” as the usage state from the application determination unit 3j.

  Next, the processing procedure of the application determination unit 3j in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the application determination unit 3j starts to output application parameters.

  First, the application parameter output unit 3p determines whether or not transmission data has been received from the application interface 1 and whether or not reception data has been received from the wireless transmission circuit 5 (S21).

  When the transmission data or the reception data is not received (No in S21), the application parameter output unit 3p performs the process of S1 again.

  On the other hand, when transmission data or reception data is received (Yes in S21), the application parameter output unit 3p extracts an application ID from the received transmission data or reception data (S22). At this time, when receiving a plurality of transmission data and reception data, the application parameter output unit 3p extracts the application ID from each transmission / reception data.

  Next, the application parameter output unit 3p determines whether or not the extracted application ID is “01” (S23).

  When the application ID is “01” (Yes in S23), the application parameter output unit 3p indicates that the start flag of the output state holding unit 3n-1 corresponding to the application ID “01” is “not output”. It is determined whether it is “0” (S24).

  When the start flag is “0” (Yes in S24), the application parameter output unit 3p reads the application parameter (control mode, transmission cycle, reception cycle, transmission rate) corresponding to the application ID “01” from the application parameter storage unit 3k. , Reception rate). Then, the application parameter output unit 3p starts to output the read application parameter and the use state indicating that the application corresponding to the application parameter is being used to the control mode determination unit 103a.

  At this time, the application parameter output unit 3p starts measuring the timer 3m-1 corresponding to the application ID “01”, and sets the start flag of the output state holding unit 3n-1 corresponding to the application ID “01” to “outputting”. "1" indicating "" (S25).

  On the other hand, when the start flag is not “0” but “1” (No in S24), the application parameter output unit 3p recognizes that the application parameter corresponding to the application ID “01” is being output. Then, the application parameter output unit 3p resets the timer 3m-1 corresponding to the application ID “01” and starts measurement again (S26).

  If the application ID is not “01” (No in S23), the process proceeds to S27. Further, the process proceeds to S27 after the process of S25 or S26.

  The processing from S27 to S30 is processing when the application ID is “02”, and is the same as the processing from S23 to S26. Thereafter, the application determination unit 3j continues the process when the application ID is “03”,... And ends the process.

  Next, processing for stopping the output of application parameters will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, the case where the application parameter corresponding to the application ID “01” is output in the application parameter output start process will be described.

  The timer 3m-1 determines whether or not the measurement time has expired (S31).

  If the timer has not expired (No in S31), the timer 3m-1 performs the process of S31 again.

  On the other hand, when the timer expires (Yes in S31), the timer 3m-1 outputs a timer expiration signal to the application parameter output unit 3p. Upon receiving the timer expiration signal from the timer 3m-1, the application parameter output unit 3p stops outputting the application parameter corresponding to the timer 3m-1 (that is, the application parameter corresponding to the application ID “01”). Then, the application parameter output unit 3p sets the start flag of the output state holding unit 3n-1 corresponding to the application ID “01” to “0” (S32). In this way, the application determination unit 3j stops outputting application parameters.

  The application parameter output unit 3p performs the same processing when receiving a timer expiration signal from another timer 3m-2,.

  As described above, the device Z2 of the present embodiment includes the power control determination circuit 203 including the application determination unit 3j and the application parameter storage unit 3k. As a result, the power control determination circuit 203 performs power control suitable for the active application performing data transmission / reception on the wireless transmission circuit 5 without receiving power control information such as a control mode from the electronic device 2. be able to. That is, the electronic device 2 does not need to output power control information and can reduce the circuit configuration of the application execution unit.

  In the above description, when the application determination unit 3j detects transmission / reception data and outputs an application parameter, the application corresponding to the application parameter transmits / receives data, thereby determining that the application is in use. It is assumed that a usage state indicating “in use” is output. Then, the control mode determination unit 103a determines an execution control mode and the like based on the use state. However, in the present embodiment, the control mode determination unit 103a receives only the use state indicating “in use”. Therefore, when receiving the application parameter, the control mode determination unit 103a of the present embodiment may determine that the application corresponding to the application parameter is being used. In this case, the application determination unit 3j does not need to output the usage state.

[Embodiment 5]
The device (information processing apparatus) of the present embodiment is configured to include a wireless LAN device 75 instead of the wireless transmission circuit 5 as compared to the above embodiment. The wireless LAN device 75 performs communication using a wireless LAN, and has a configuration that further saves power when the operation mode is “constant beacon interval” or “power save”.

  FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless transmission circuit (wireless LAN terminal) 75 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the reception unit 751 of the wireless LAN terminal 75 according to the present embodiment includes a radio frequency signal processing unit 752, a signal detection unit 754, an intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753, and a digital demodulation unit 755. This is a double heterodyne configuration including a (demodulation unit), a gain control unit 756, and an operating state control unit (low power consumption execution means) 757.

  Here, the radio frequency signal processing unit 752, the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753, and a part of the signal detection unit 754 (RSSI circuit 7541) constitute an analog unit 751a, and a part of the signal detection unit 754 ( ADC7542 / reception start determination unit 7543), digital demodulation unit 755, gain control unit 756, and operation state control unit 757 constitute a digital unit 751b.

  The radio frequency signal processing unit 752 includes an antenna 7521, a low noise amplifier (LNA) 7522, a radio frequency oscillator (RFOSC) 7523, a radio frequency mixer (RF mixer) 7524, and a bandpass filter (BPF) 7525. Prepare. The antenna 7521 receives a radio frequency signal from a LAN (local area network) to which the wireless LAN terminal 75 is connected (wirelessly). The low noise amplifier 7522 amplifies the radio signal received by the antenna 7521 with low noise. The radio frequency oscillator 7523 oscillates a signal for down-converting the radio frequency signal into a lower frequency signal (intermediate frequency signal). The radio frequency mixer 7524 mixes the radio frequency signal output from the low noise amplifier 7522 and the oscillation signal from the radio frequency oscillator 7523, and outputs an intermediate frequency signal having a frequency lower than that of the radio frequency signal. The bandpass filter 7525 removes unnecessary signals from the intermediate frequency signal output from the radio frequency mixer 7524 and extracts a target frequency signal.

  The intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 includes an intermediate frequency oscillator (IFOSC) 7531 (oscillator), an AGC circuit (auto gain control circuit) 7532 (gain adjustment circuit), and two intermediate frequency mixer circuits (IF mixer circuit). 7533a and 7533b (mixers), two low-pass filter circuits (LPF circuits) 7535a and 7535b, and two amplifier circuits (AMP circuits) 7536a and 7536b. The intermediate frequency oscillator 7531 oscillates a signal for down-converting the intermediate frequency signal to a lower frequency signal (baseband signal). The intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533a mixes the intermediate frequency signal output from the AGC circuit 7532 and the oscillation signal of the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531, and outputs a baseband signal (in-phase component). The intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533b mixes the intermediate frequency signal output from the AGC circuit 7532 and a signal obtained by shifting the oscillation signal of the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531 by π / 2, and outputs a baseband signal (orthogonal component). To do. The low-pass filter circuit 7535a removes an unnecessary signal from the baseband signal (in-phase component) output from the intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533a and extracts a target frequency signal. Similarly, the low-pass filter circuit 7535b removes unnecessary signals from the baseband signal (orthogonal component) output from the intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533b. The amplifier circuit 7536a amplifies the baseband signal (in-phase component) output from the low-pass filter circuit 7535a and from which unnecessary signals are removed. The amplifier circuit 7536b amplifies the baseband signal (orthogonal component) output from the low-pass filter circuit 7535b and from which unnecessary signals are removed.

  The signal detection unit 754 includes an RSSI circuit (reception signal strength indicator circuit) 7541 (reception strength detection unit) belonging to the analog unit 751a, an A / D converter (ADC) 7542 and a reception start determination unit 7543 belonging to the digital unit 751b. With. The RSSI circuit 7541 calculates an RSSI signal from the intermediate frequency signal output from the bandpass filter 7525 and outputs the RSSI signal to the A / D converter 7542. The A / D converter 7542 digitizes the RSSI signal detected by the RSSI circuit 7541 and outputs it to the reception start determination unit 7543.

  Reception start determination unit 7543 determines whether reception is appropriate or not as follows. FIG. 46 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the reception start determination unit 7543. As shown in the figure, the reception start determination unit 7543 includes a delay circuit 81, a subtraction circuit 82, and a comparison circuit 83. In this configuration, first, the delay circuit 81 delays the sample value of the RSSI signal that precedes in time among the digitized RSSI signals, and uses this as a reference value for obtaining the increase amount of the RSSI value. . Next, the subtraction circuit 82 subtracts the reference value of the delay circuit 81 from the sample value of the RSSI signal that is subsequently input to obtain an increase amount of the RSSI value (detection result of the reception intensity detection unit). Next, the comparison circuit 83 compares the increase amount of the RSSI value with a set increase amount threshold value, and determines that a signal is detected when the increase amount of the RSSI value exceeds the increase amount threshold value (predetermined condition). Then, a reception start signal is transmitted to the operating state control unit 757. Furthermore, the reception start determination unit 7543 outputs the RSSI value at this time as a reception level to the AGC control circuit 7561 of the gain control unit 756. Thus, by determining the start of reception when the amount of increase in the sample value exceeds the threshold, even when the signal to be received and the interference signal are mixed and received, the signal to be received may be overlooked. The reception start can be accurately determined. Thereby, the power saving effect of the wireless LAN terminal 75 can be further enhanced.

  The reference value generation circuit is not limited to the delay circuit 81, and may be a sample hold circuit that holds the sample value of the RSSI signal at a certain timing. The reception start determination unit 7543 determines whether or not the reception level output from the A / D converter 7542 is equal to or higher than a threshold (predetermined level). A simple configuration that outputs to the unit 757 may be used.

  The digital demodulator 755 includes two A / D converters (ADC) 7551a and 7551b, and a baseband demodulator circuit (BB demodulator circuit) 7552. The A / D converter 7551a AD converts the baseband signal from the amplifier circuit 7536a. Similarly, the A / D converter 7551b AD-converts the baseband signal from the amplifier circuit 7536b. The baseband demodulation circuit 7552 demodulates original data (transmission information) from the digital signals output from the A / D converters 7551a and 7551b, and outputs the demodulated data to an upper layer. Further, when the demodulation of the signal (packet data) is completed, the baseband demodulation circuit 7552 transmits a packet end signal to the operation state control unit 757.

  The gain control unit 756 includes an AGC control circuit 7561 and a D / A converter (DAC) 7562. The AGC control circuit 7561 controls the AGC circuit 7532 based on the reception level output from the reception start determination unit 7543. In addition, when the control of the AGC circuit 7532 is completed, the AGC control circuit 7561 transmits an AGC control completion signal to the operation state control unit 757.

  The operation state control unit 757 operates upon receiving an instruction from the detailed parameter execution unit 26 to execute the operation modes “constant beacon interval”, “variable beacon interval”, and “power save”.

  The operation state control unit 757 includes an operation clock control circuit 7571 (digital operation control unit) and an energization control circuit 7572 (energization control unit). The operation clock control circuit 7571 receives the reception start signal from the reception start determination unit 7543, supplies an operation clock to the digital demodulation unit 755 and the gain control unit 756, and operates these units. The energization control circuit 7572 receives the reception start signal from the reception start determination unit 7543, and each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 (AGC circuit 7532, IF mixer circuits 7533a and 7533b, LPF circuits 7535a and 7535b, and amplification circuit 7536a). Energize 7536b) to activate these circuits.

  Further, the energization control circuit 7572 is provided in an upper layer (a layer higher than the physical layer), and according to the OSC control signal from the reception status monitoring unit that monitors the data reception state (reception interval) of the radio frequency signal processing unit 752. Controls energization (operation start and stop) of the intermediate frequency oscillator (IFOSC) 7531.

  The operating state control unit 757 receives the AGC control completion signal from the AGC control circuit 7561 and controls the operation of the signal detection unit 754 (RSSI circuit 7541, ADC 7542 and reception start determination unit 7543). That is, the energization control circuit 7572 receives the AGC control completion signal, stops energization of the RSSI circuit 7541, and stops its operation. In response to the AGC control completion signal, the operation clock control circuit 7571 stops supplying the operation clock to the ADC 7542 and the reception start determination unit 7543, and stops the operation of these units.

  Further, the operation state control unit 757 receives the packet end signal from the baseband demodulation circuit 7552, and operates the circuits of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753, the signal detection unit 754, the digital demodulation unit 755, and the gain control unit 756. Control. That is, the operation clock control circuit 7571 receives the packet end signal, stops supplying the operation clock to the digital demodulation unit 755 and the gain control unit 756, stops the operation of each of these units, and performs the ADC 7542 and the reception start determination unit. Supply of the operation clock of 7543 is started, and these operations are started. In addition, the energization control circuit 7572 receives the packet end signal, and sends it to each circuit (AGC circuit 7532, IF mixer circuits 7533a and 7533b, LPF circuits 7535a and 7535b, and amplifier circuits 7536a and 7536b) of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753. Is stopped, the operation of these circuits is stopped, and the RSSI circuit 7541 is started to be energized to operate.

  Below, the control process of the operating state of each part of the receiving unit 751 in the wireless LAN terminal 75 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in the wireless LAN terminal 75, during reception standby when data is not being received, a radio frequency signal processing unit 752, a signal detection unit 754, and an operation state control unit (low power consumption execution means) 757 (operation clock control circuit) 7571 and the energization control circuit 7572) only operate, and the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 of the analog unit 751a and the gain control unit 756 and the digital demodulation unit 755 of the digital unit 751b do not operate. The intermediate frequency oscillator 7531 of the analog unit 751a depends on the mode to be selected.

  That is, at the time of reception standby, the energization control circuit 7572 stops energizing each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 (AGC circuit 7532, IF mixer circuits 7533a and 7533b, LPF circuits 7535a and 7535b, and amplifier circuits 7536a and 7536b). In addition, the operation clock control circuit 7571 stops supplying the operation clock to the digital demodulation unit 755 and the gain control unit 756. In this manner, power saving can be achieved by stopping energization of each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 during reception standby. In particular, since the wireless LAN terminal has a long reception standby state, this power saving effect is significant.

  Since the radio frequency signal processing unit 752 and the signal detection unit 754 are operating even during reception standby, the wireless LAN terminal 75 is in a state where it can always recognize transmission data (packets) to itself.

  The wireless LAN terminal 75 can select an IFOSC (Intermediate Frequency Oscillator) power saving mode during the reception standby (see S1). The IFOSC power saving mode is a mode in which the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531 (in the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753) is not operated. Here, the energization control circuit 7572 stops energization of the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531 based on the OSC control signal from the reception status monitoring unit 66 (upper layer), and stops the operation of the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531. ing.

  From the above, when the IFOSC power saving mode is selected during reception standby, the entire intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 including the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531, the digital demodulation unit 755, and the gain control unit 756 are turned off (inactive), and the radio frequency Only the signal processor 752 and the signal detector 754 are turned on (see S2). In this way, further power saving can be achieved by appropriately stopping energization to IFOSC (Intermediate Frequency Oscillator) 7531 which consumes a large amount of power during reception standby.

  When the IFOSC power saving mode is not selected during reception standby or when the IFOSC power saving mode is terminated (S3), each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 other than the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531 (AGC circuit 7532, IF mixer circuit 7533a,. 7533b, LPF circuits 7535a and 7535b, and amplifier circuits 7536a and 7536b), the digital demodulator 755 and the gain controller 756 are turned off (inactive), and the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531, the radio frequency signal processor 752 and the signal detector 754 becomes ON (operation) state (see S4).

  Here, when a signal is detected by the signal detection unit 754 via the radio frequency signal processing unit 752 (S5), the wireless LAN terminal 75 shifts from the reception standby state to the reception state and starts reception (S6). . The signal processing flow (S4 to S6) at this time will be described in detail as follows.

  A signal (radio frequency signal) received by the antenna 7521 is amplified by a low noise amplifier 7522. A signal output from the low noise amplifier (LNA) 7522 is mixed with an oscillation signal from a radio frequency oscillator (RFOSC) 7523 in a radio frequency mixer (RF mixer) 7524. As a result, the signal from the low noise amplifier 7522 is down-converted to an intermediate frequency signal. The signal output from the radio frequency mixer 7524 is input to the band pass filter 7525. The bandpass filter 7525 removes unnecessary signals included in the signal from the radio frequency mixer 7524.

  A signal output from the bandpass filter 7525 is input to a reception intensity detection unit (RSSI circuit) 7541. The RSSI circuit 7541 detects the RSSI value (reception level) of the input signal. The A / D converter 7542 digitizes the RSSI value detected by the RSSI circuit 7541 and outputs it to the reception start determination unit 7543. Here, when the increase amount of the RSSI value (difference from the preceding RSSI value) exceeds the increase amount threshold value, the reception start determination unit 7543 determines that the signal has been detected (yes in S5), and the reception start signal is determined. It outputs to the operation state control part 757. This starts reception (S6).

  In response to the reception start signal from the reception start determination unit 7543, the energization control circuit 7572 of the operation state control unit 757 starts energization to each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753, and the operation clock control circuit 7571 is the digital demodulation unit 755. The operation clock supply to the gain controller 756 is started.

  As a result, each circuit (AGC circuit 7532, IF mixer circuits 7533a and 7533b, LPF circuits 7535a and 7535b, and amplifier circuits 7536a and 7536b) of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 that has been in an OFF (non-operating) state until then, the digital demodulation unit 755 and gain control unit 756 are turned on (operated) (see S7). Note that the radio frequency signal processing unit 752, the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531, and the signal detection unit 754 that have been in the ON (operating) state remain in the ON (operating) state (see S7).

  When gain control unit 756 is energized (ON), reception start determination unit 7543 outputs the reception level (input from ADC 7542) to AGC control circuit 7561. The AGC control circuit 7561 controls the AGC circuit 7532 via the DAC 60 based on this reception level. When the control of the AGC circuit 7532 is completed (S8), the AGC control circuit 7561 transmits an AGC control completion signal to the operating state control unit 757.

  Thereby, it shifts to the power saving mode during reception (S9). That is, in response to the AGC control completion signal, the operation clock control circuit 7571 stops the supply of operation clocks to the ADC 7542 and the reception start determination unit 7543. The energization control circuit 7572 stops energization of the RSSI circuit 7541. As a result, the operation of the signal detection unit 754 is stopped, and the radio frequency signal processing unit 752, the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753, the digital demodulation unit 755, and the gain control unit 756 continue to operate. As described above, during the signal reception (between the start of reception and the end of reception), the operation of the signal detection unit 754 is stopped (particularly, the energization of the RSSI circuit 7541 is stopped), thereby further saving power. Can be realized.

  Although it is preferable to set the power saving mode at the time of reception as a default, it is also possible not to select the mode (S9). In this case, the signal detection unit 754, the radio frequency signal processing unit 752, the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753, the digital demodulation unit 755, and the gain control unit 756 are all turned on, and the same operation state as S7 is continued (S11). .

  Following S10 or S11, the packet data is demodulated (S12). The signal processing procedure in S12 will be described as follows.

  When the control of the AGC circuit 7532 by the AGC control circuit 7561 is completed in S8, the signal output from the bandpass filter 7525 is appropriately adjusted in gain by the AGC circuit 7532, and the intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533a and the intermediate frequency mixer A demultiplexed signal is output to the circuit 7533b.

  One signal output from the AGC circuit 7532 is mixed with the oscillation signal from the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531 in the intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533a. Thus, the baseband signal (in-phase component) is output from the intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533a to the LPF circuit 7535a. The LPF circuit 7535a removes unnecessary signals. A signal from the LPF circuit 7535a is input to the amplifier circuit 7536a and amplified. A signal from the amplifier circuit 7536a is input to the ADC 7551a of the digital demodulator 755.

  The other signal output from the AGC circuit 7532 is mixed with a signal obtained by shifting the oscillation signal from the intermediate frequency oscillator 7531 by π / 2 in the intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533b. As a result, the baseband signal (orthogonal component) from the intermediate frequency mixer circuit 7533b is output to the LPF circuit 7535b. The LPF circuit 7535b removes unnecessary signals. A signal from the LPF circuit 7535b is input to the amplifier circuit 7536b and amplified. A signal from the amplifier circuit 7536b is input to the ADC 7551b of the digital demodulator 755.

  In the baseband demodulation circuit (BB demodulation circuit) 7552 of the digital demodulation unit 755, a signal (packet data) transmitted to the wireless LAN terminal 75 based on the signals from the A / D converter 7551a and the A / D converter 7551b. Is demodulated. The demodulated data (demodulated data) is transmitted to the upper layer. When the signal demodulation is completed (S13), the baseband demodulation circuit 7552 transmits a packet demodulation end signal to the operation state control unit 757. As a result, the wireless LAN terminal 75 again shifts to the reception standby state (S14).

That is, in response to the packet demodulation end signal from the baseband demodulation circuit 7552, the energization control circuit 7572 of the operation state control unit 757 is connected to each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit 753 (AGC circuit 7532, IF mixer circuits 7533a and 7533b, The energization of the LPF circuits 7535a and 7535b and the amplifier circuits 7536a and 7536b) is stopped, and the energization of the RSSI circuit 7541 of the signal detection unit 754 is started. The operation clock control circuit 7571 stops supplying the operation clock to the digital demodulation unit 755 and the gain control unit 756 and starts energization of the ADC 7542 and the reception start determination unit 7543 of the signal detection unit 754.
[Embodiment 6]
Further, another embodiment of the wireless LAN terminal (wireless communication apparatus) will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless LAN device 90 of this embodiment communicates using a wireless LAN, as in the above embodiment, and further reduces power consumption when the operation mode is “constant beacon interval” or “power save”. It has the structure to do.

  As shown in the figure, the reception unit 910 of the wireless LAN terminal 90 according to the present embodiment includes a radio frequency signal processing unit 911 (first signal processing unit), a signal detection unit 913, and a gain adjustment unit 912 ( This is a direct conversion configuration including a second signal processing unit), a digital demodulation unit 914 (demodulation unit), a gain control unit 915, and an operating state control unit 916 (low power consumption execution means).

  Here, the radio frequency signal processing unit 911, the gain adjustment unit 912, and a part of the signal detection unit 913 (RSSI circuit 9131) constitute an analog unit 910a, and a part of the signal detection unit 913 (ADC 9132. The reception start determination unit 9133), the digital demodulation unit 914, the gain control unit 915, and the operation state control unit 916 constitute a digital unit 910b.

  The radio frequency signal processing unit 911 includes an antenna 9111, a low noise amplifier (LNA) 9112, a radio frequency oscillator (RFOSC) 9113, two radio frequency mixers (RF mixers) 9114a and 9114b, and two low-pass signals. Filters (LPF) 9115a and 9115b. The antenna 9111 receives a radio frequency signal (RF signal) from a LAN (local area network) to which the wireless LAN terminal 90 is (wirelessly) connected. The low noise amplifier 9112 amplifies a radio signal received by the antenna 9111 with low noise, and outputs the amplified signal to radio frequency mixers (RF mixers) 9114a and 9114b. The radio frequency oscillator 9113 oscillates a signal for down-converting a radio frequency signal into a baseband signal. The radio frequency mixer 9114a mixes one signal output from the low noise amplifier 9112 and the oscillation signal from the radio frequency oscillator 9113, and outputs a baseband signal (in-phase component). The radio frequency mixer 9114b mixes the other signal output from the low noise amplifier 9112 and a signal obtained by shifting the oscillation signal from the radio frequency oscillator 9113 by π / 2, and outputs a baseband signal (orthogonal component). To do. The low-pass filter 9115a removes an unnecessary signal from the baseband signal (in-phase component) output from the radio frequency mixer 9114a and extracts a target frequency signal. The low-pass filter 9115b removes unnecessary signals from the baseband signal (orthogonal component) output from the radio frequency mixer 9114b, and extracts a target frequency signal.

  The gain adjustment unit 912 includes an AGC circuit (auto gain control circuit) 9122 (gain adjustment circuit) and two amplifier circuits (AMP circuits) 9126a and 9126b. The amplifier circuit 9126a amplifies the baseband signal (in-phase component) output from the low-pass filter circuit 9115a and from which unnecessary signals are removed. The amplifier circuit 9126b amplifies the baseband signal (orthogonal component) output from the low-pass filter circuit 9115b and from which unnecessary signals are removed.

  The signal detection unit 913 includes an RSSI circuit 9131 (reception signal strength indicator circuit, reception strength detection unit) belonging to the analog unit 910a, an A / D converter (ADC) 9132 and a reception start determination unit 9133 belonging to the digital unit 910b. Is provided. The RSSI circuit 9131 calculates an RSSI signal from the intermediate frequency signal output from the bandpass filter 9115 and outputs the RSSI signal to the A / D converter 9132. The A / D converter 9132 digitizes the RSSI signal detected by the RSSI circuit 9131 and outputs it to the reception start determination unit 9133. The configuration of the reception start determination unit 9133 and the determination of the suitability of reception start are the same as in the fifth embodiment (see FIG. 46). That is, when the increase amount of the RSSI value from the RSSI circuit 9131 (detection result of the reception intensity detection unit) exceeds the increase amount threshold value (predetermined condition), it is determined that the signal has been detected, and the reception start signal is controlled by the operation state control. To the unit 916. Furthermore, the reception start determination unit 9133 outputs the RSSI value at this time to the gain control unit 915 as a reception level. In this way, by determining the start of reception when the amount of increase in the sample value exceeds the threshold, even if the signal to be received and the interference signal are mixed and received, the signal to be received cannot be overlooked. The reception start can be accurately determined.

  The reference value generating circuit is not limited to the delay circuit, and may be a sample hold circuit that holds the sample value of the RSSI signal at a certain timing. The reception start determination unit 9133 determines whether or not the reception level output from the A / D converter 9132 is equal to or higher than a threshold value (predetermined level). A simple configuration that outputs to the unit 916 may be used.

  The digital demodulation unit 914 includes two A / D converters (ADC) 9141a and 9141b and a baseband demodulation circuit (BB demodulation circuit) 9142. The A / D converter 9141a AD converts the baseband signal from the amplifier circuit 9126a. Similarly, the A / D converter 9141b AD-converts the baseband signal from the amplifier circuit 9126b. The baseband demodulation circuit 9142 demodulates original data (transmission information) from the digital signals output from the A / D converters 9141a and 9141b, and outputs the demodulated data to an upper layer. In addition, when the demodulation of the signal (packet data) is completed, the baseband demodulation circuit 9142 transmits a packet end signal to the operation state control unit 916.

  The gain control unit 915 includes an AGC control circuit 9151 and a D / A converter (DAC) 9152. The AGC control circuit 9151 controls the AGC circuit 9122 based on the reception level output from the reception start determination unit 9133. In addition, when the control of the AGC circuit 9122 is completed, the AGC control circuit 9151 transmits an AGC control completion signal to the operation state control unit 916.

  The operation state control unit 916 operates upon receiving an instruction from the detailed parameter execution unit 26 to execute the operation modes “constant beacon interval”, “variable beacon interval”, and “power save”.

  The operation state control unit 916 includes an operation clock control circuit 9161 (digital operation control unit) and an energization control circuit 9162 (energization control unit). The operation clock control circuit 9161 receives a reception start signal from the reception start determination unit 9133, supplies an operation clock to the digital demodulation unit 914 and the gain control unit 915, and operates these units. The energization control circuit 9162 receives the reception start signal from the reception start determination unit 9133, energizes the gain adjustment unit 912, and operates it.

  The operating state control unit 916 receives the AGC control completion signal from the AGC control circuit 9151 and controls the operation of the signal detection unit 913 (the RSSI circuit 9131, the ADC 9132, and the reception start determination unit 9133). That is, the energization control circuit 9162 receives the AGC control completion signal, stops energization of the RSSI circuit 9131, and stops its operation. In response to the AGC control completion signal, the operation clock control circuit 9161 stops supplying the operation clock to the ADC 9132 and the reception start determination unit 9133, and stops these operations.

  Furthermore, the operating state control unit 916 receives the packet end signal from the baseband demodulation circuit 9142 and controls the operations of the gain adjustment unit 912, the signal detection unit 913, the digital demodulation unit 914, and the gain control unit 915. That is, upon receiving the packet end signal, the operation clock control circuit 9161 stops supplying the operation clock to the digital demodulation unit 914 and the gain control unit 915, stops the operation of these units, and performs the ADC 9132 and the reception start determination unit. Supply of the operation clock of 9133 is started, and these operations are started. The energization control circuit 9162 receives the packet end signal, stops energizing the gain adjusting unit 912, stops its operation, starts energizing the RSSI circuit 9131, and activates it.

[Embodiment 7]
In the second to fourth embodiments, the device (information processing device) is configured to include all of the electronic device, the power control determination circuit, and the wireless transmission circuit. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

  FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing a combined configuration of the electronic device 2, the power control determination circuit 103, and the wireless transmission circuit 5 of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the electronic device 2 including the application execution unit 2a, the system unit 2b, and the battery 11, and the wireless module 8 including the power control determination circuit 103 and the wireless transmission circuit 5 are configured to be detachable. That is, the electronic device 2 and the wireless module 8 include module interfaces 2I and 8I for connecting to each other. By connecting these module interfaces 2I and 8I, the electronic device 2 and the wireless module 8 can exchange transmission / reception data, area information, and battery remaining amount information via the inter-module interface signal.

  In the second embodiment, the battery remaining amount information L-2 and the radio wave state information L-1 are input to the power control determination circuit 3 via the system unit 2b. However, the battery remaining amount information L-2 may be input from the battery 11 to the power control determination circuit 103 without using the system interface 6 as in the present embodiment. Further, the radio wave condition information L-1 may be input from the wireless transmission circuit 5 to the power control determination circuit 103 without passing through the system interface 6 as in the present embodiment. In this case, the system unit 2b does not display the remaining battery level or the radio wave status.

  Further, the wireless module 8 of the present embodiment may be configured to include the power control determination circuit 3 or 203 instead of the power control determination circuit 103. Further, a wireless LAN terminal 75 or a wireless LAN terminal 90 may be provided instead of the wireless transmission circuit 5.

[Embodiment 8]
The present embodiment has another combination configuration of the electronic device 2, the power control determination circuit 103, and the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  FIG. 48 is a block diagram illustrating a combined configuration of the electronic device 2, the power control determination circuit 103, and the wireless transmission circuit 5 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the electronic control device 9 including the electronic device 2, the battery 11, and the power control determination circuit 103 and the wireless module 8 ′ including the wireless transmission circuit 5 are configured to be detachable. That is, the electronic control unit 9 and the wireless module 8 'are provided with module interfaces 9I and 8I for connecting to each other. By connecting these module interfaces 9I and 8I, the electronic control unit 9 and the wireless module 8 'can exchange transmission / reception data, radio wave status information, and power via an inter-module interface signal.

  Note that the electronic control device 9 of the present embodiment may be configured to include the power control determination circuit 3 or 203 instead of the power control determination circuit 103. The wireless module 8 ′ may include a wireless LAN terminal 75 or a wireless LAN terminal 90 instead of the wireless transmission circuit 5.

  As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, a control signal input to the wireless transmission circuit according to information obtained from a wireless transmission circuit, one or more applications, and a usage environment of the wireless transmission circuit. There is provided an information processing apparatus comprising a power control determination circuit for determining

  Further, the wireless transmission circuit is input to the wireless transmission circuit according to at least one of information obtained from a control mode related to power transmission control determined for each application and a usage state of the application or one or more applications. There is provided an information processing apparatus including a power control determination circuit that determines a control signal. As a result, even when there are a plurality of elements that define the usage environment, adjustments relating to power control are possible. The control is preferably performed so as to save power and not cause a particularly important problem for the application.

  In a period in which a plurality of applications operate, each application includes each priority information related to power control. Thereby, power saving control is possible even in an environment where a plurality of applications operate.

  The power supply information includes the remaining battery level when the battery is driven, and when the remaining battery level is lower than a predetermined remaining battery level, the control signal input to the wireless transmission circuit includes the power supply information. It is characterized by being determined with the highest priority.

  A power amplifier disposed inside the wireless transmission circuit is controlled by a signal generated from the transmission output level control of the detailed parameter. In addition, a low noise amplifier disposed inside the wireless transmission circuit is controlled by a signal generated from reception sensitivity level control of the detailed parameter. A transmission power amplifier or a low noise amplifier can cope with a change in transmission output level or reception sensitivity level. In addition to the information such as the usage state of the application and the control mode related to power control determined for each application, the application has a command for interrupting determination of power control execution timing. The command includes at least one of a command related to switching of power supply to a transmission circuit and / or a reception circuit related to the wireless transmission circuit, and a command related to switching of a transmission output level and / or a reception sensitivity level. It is characterized by having.

  By using the command, processing similar to the control mode set in advance can be appropriately performed according to the user's operation. Power control can be performed in more detail by using both the control mode and the command properly.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, information including a power control determination circuit having a wireless transmission circuit, a plurality of applications, and a plurality of application interfaces and a system interface as an input interface to the wireless transmission circuit. In the processing apparatus, the power control determination circuit determines a control mode for each time of the wireless transmission circuit based on an input from the application interface, and based on the input from the control mode and the system interface, An information processing apparatus is provided that determines a detailed parameter determination signal of the wireless transmission circuit.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, even when one or more applications operate between one device or a plurality of devices connected to each other, it is possible to perform adjustment related to appropriate power control. become. The control mode is selected according to the characteristics related to the power consumption that the application requires for communication, so depending on the relationship between the application and communication, power saving and particularly important issues for the application, such as missing mail It is possible to control so as not to occur.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus inputs to the communication apparatus according to the communication apparatus, the electronic apparatus that executes one or more applications, and the first information from the electronic apparatus. And a control device for determining a control signal.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus which controls a communication apparatus will be provided separately from a communication apparatus and an electronic device. Therefore, the application does not need to have a special program for controlling the power of the communication device. Further, since the communication device is controlled by the control device in accordance with the first information from the electronic device (for example, information indicating whether or not the application is activated), the communication device can cope with different electronic devices. High versatility can be maintained. Thereby, even if it is a general purpose communication apparatus from which the cost reduction by the mass production effect is anticipated, the optimal low power consumption operation | movement according to the use environment is realizable.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention further determines a control signal to be input to the communication apparatus according to second information from the communication apparatus.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus can perform optimal control with respect to the communication apparatus according to the 2nd information (for example, the information which shows the state of a communication channel) from a communication apparatus.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention determines a control signal to be input to the communication apparatus according to the communication apparatus, an electronic apparatus that executes one or more applications, and second information from the communication apparatus. And a control device.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus which controls a communication apparatus will be provided separately from a communication apparatus and an electronic device. Therefore, the application does not need to have a special program for controlling the power of the communication device. The communication device is controlled by the control device according to the second information (for example, information indicating the state of the communication path). Thereby, even if it is a general purpose communication apparatus from which the cost reduction by the mass production effect is anticipated, the optimal low power consumption operation | movement according to the use environment is realizable.

  Further, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention further determines a control signal to be input to the communication apparatus according to the first information from the electronic apparatus.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus can perform optimal control with respect to the communication apparatus according to the 1st information (for example, the information which shows whether the application is starting) from an electronic device. .

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the first information includes information obtained from at least one of a use state of an application or a control mode related to power control determined for each application.

  Here, the usage state of the application indicates, for example, whether the application is activated or whether a specific process is activated in the application. As an example of whether or not a specific process is activated in the application, for example, when the application is a web browsing software, the time when the home page data is downloaded is “use state”, and the user downloaded it The time when browsing the homepage is “not in use”.

  The control mode indicates a control operation related to power control. For example, a timing for receiving data is set in advance, and a reservation reception control mode for maintaining a power-saving state until the timing, transmission / reception of data for a predetermined time is performed. There are a power-off mode for shifting to a power saving state when there is no data, and a beacon interval variable mode for expanding the interval for receiving beacon signals when there is no data transmission / reception for a predetermined time.

  According to said structure, a communication apparatus can be controlled according to the use condition or control mode of an application.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the second information includes information obtained from a use environment of the communication apparatus.

  The information obtained from the usage environment of the communication device is, for example, information indicating the state of the communication path or information indicating the power supply amount in the communication device.

  According to said structure, a communication apparatus can be controlled according to the information obtained from the use environment of a communication apparatus.

  In addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes, in addition to the above configuration, information obtained from a use environment of the communication apparatus, power supply information indicating power supplied to the communication apparatus, and communication indicating a current communication path state. This is information selected from at least one of the road information.

  According to said structure, this communication apparatus can be controlled according to electric power supply information or communication path information.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the communication apparatus is a wireless communication apparatus. Wireless communication devices consume a relatively large amount of power. Therefore, the power saving effect by the control device is increased.

  In addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes, in addition to the above configuration, information obtained from a use environment of the communication apparatus, power supply information indicating power supplied to the communication apparatus, and communication indicating a current communication path state. Information selected from at least one of path information and area information indicating a radio wave environment in the communication device.

  According to said structure, this communication apparatus can be controlled according to electric power supply information, communication path information, or area information. Note that the communication path information is, for example, radio wave status information indicating the radio wave status since the communication device is a wireless communication device.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of the applications, and the control apparatus acquires priority information related to power control from each application during a period in which the applications operate. The control signal for the communication device is determined based on the acquired priority information.

  According to said structure, power saving control is attained also in the environment where a some application operate | moves.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention feeds back information obtained from the usage environment of the communication device to the control device along with the change, and the control device feeds back this information. The control signal for the communication device is updated based on the received information.

  According to said structure, the information obtained from the use environment of a communication apparatus is fed back to a control apparatus with the change. Therefore, the control device can perform power saving control according to the latest usage environment in the communication device.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a case where the power supply information includes a remaining battery level when the battery is driven, and the remaining battery level is lower than a predetermined remaining battery level. The control signal input to the communication device is determined with the highest priority on this power supply information.

  According to the above configuration, when the remaining battery level is lower than a predetermined battery remaining level, it is possible to perform optimum power saving control in accordance with the remaining battery level.

  Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the control mode is selected according to information on power control requested by the application to the communication apparatus.

  According to said structure, according to the power control which an application requests | requires with respect to the said communication apparatus, this communication apparatus can be controlled.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the control signal input to the communication apparatus includes at least transmission output level control, reception sensitivity level control, and power supply control of the communication apparatus. A signal for determining a parameter.

  According to said structure, the control apparatus can perform transmission output level control in a communication apparatus, reception sensitivity level control, and power supply control.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes at least one of a transmission circuit and a reception circuit arranged inside the communication apparatus according to a signal generated from power control of the detailed parameter. One power supply is controlled.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention controls a power amplifier disposed inside the communication apparatus by a signal generated from the transmission output level control of the detailed parameter.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing apparatus of the present invention controls a low noise amplifier disposed inside the communication apparatus by a signal generated from reception sensitivity level control of the detailed parameter. It is said.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention executes the power control in an interrupt manner in addition to information such as the usage state of the application and the control mode related to the power control determined for each application. The control device determines the detailed parameter based on the command.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a command related to power on / off related to the communication device, a command related to switching of a transmission output level and / or a reception sensitivity level. Or at least one of the following.

  According to said structure, the process similar to the control mode set beforehand can be suitably performed according to a user's operation by using a command. Therefore, the power saving control can be performed in more detail by properly using both the control mode and the command.

  An information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus having a communication device, an electronic device that executes one or more applications that perform communication using the communication device, and a control device that controls the communication device. In addition, to the control device, an application interface for inputting at least one of information obtained from a control mode related to power control determined for each use state or application of the application, and the control device A system interface for inputting information obtained from the usage environment of the communication device, and the control device receives an intermediate processing signal indicating a control method for each time of the communication device based on an input from the application interface. From the intermediate processing signal and system interface Based on the input, to determine the detailed parameters for controlling the communication device.

  The power control method of the present invention is a power control method in an information processing apparatus including a communication device and an electronic device that executes one or more applications that perform communication using the communication device. Determining an intermediate processing signal indicating a control method for each time of the communication device based on at least one of information obtained from a control mode related to power control determined for each usage state or application; and the intermediate processing signal And controlling the communication device based on information obtained from the use environment of the communication device.

  According to said structure or method, the control apparatus which controls a communication apparatus will be provided separately from a communication apparatus and an electronic device. Therefore, the application does not need to have a special program for controlling the power of the communication device. The communication device is controlled by the control device in accordance with the use environment of the communication device, the use state of the application, or the control mode. Thereby, even if it is a general purpose communication apparatus from which the cost reduction by the mass production effect is anticipated, the optimal low power consumption operation | movement according to the use environment is realizable.

  The power control method according to the present invention is a power control method in an information processing apparatus that is equipped with a communication device and can execute one or more applications, and is set in an operating application. A first step of determining an operation mode of an application having the highest priority as a control method of the communication apparatus in the operation period; the control method determined in the first step; and information including at least a communication path state And a second step of outputting detailed parameters including an operation mode corresponding to the control method, a transmission output level, and a reception sensitivity level to the communication device.

  According to the above method, a control device for controlling the communication device is provided separately from the communication device and the electronic device. Therefore, the application does not need to have a special program for controlling the power of the communication device. In addition, the communication device determines the operation mode, the transmission output level, and the reception sensitivity level based on the priority set in the application in operation and the communication path state. Thereby, even if it is a general purpose communication apparatus from which the cost reduction by the mass production effect is anticipated, the optimal low power consumption operation | movement according to the use environment is realizable.

  The information processing system according to the present invention includes a plurality of the information processing apparatuses, and controls the communication apparatus included in the first information processing apparatus when the information processing apparatuses are in a state where they can communicate with each other. The reservation cycle and reservation size included in the detailed parameters determined by the device determine the reservation cycle and reservation size of the second information processing device different from the first.

  According to said structure, in order to control the communication apparatus with which a 1st information processing apparatus is provided, a control apparatus determines the reservation period and reservation size of a 1st information processing apparatus and a 2nd information processing apparatus. Therefore, the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus have the same reservation cycle and reservation size. For example, it is assumed that the first information processing apparatus is a slave unit and the second information processing apparatus is the master unit. In this case, the child device can set the same reservation cycle and reservation size for the parent device and itself.

  The above steps can be executed on a computer by a power control program. Furthermore, the power control program can be executed on any computer by storing the power control program in a computer-readable recording medium.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In each processing step of the profile controller 100 or the power control determination circuit 3, 103, 203 of the above embodiment, a calculation unit such as a CPU executes a program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM. This can be realized by controlling input means such as a keyboard, output means such as a display, or communication means such as an interface circuit. Therefore, various functions and various processes of the profile controller 100 or the power control determination circuit 3 according to the present embodiment are realized simply by a computer having these means reading the recording medium storing the program and executing the program. be able to. In addition, by recording the program on a removable recording medium, the various functions and various processes described above can be realized on an arbitrary computer.

  As this recording medium, a program medium such as a memory (not shown) such as a ROM may be used for processing by the microcomputer, or a program reader is provided as an external storage device (not shown). It may be a program medium that can be read by inserting a recording medium therein.

  In any case, the stored program is preferably configured to be accessed and executed by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it is preferable that the program is read out, and the read program is downloaded to a program storage area of the microcomputer and the program is executed. It is assumed that the download program is stored in the main device in advance.

  The program medium is a recording medium configured to be separable from the main body, such as a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or a disk such as a CD / MO / MD / DVD. Fixed disk system, card system such as IC card (including memory card), or semiconductor memory such as mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), flash ROM, etc. In particular, there are recording media that carry programs.

  In addition, if the system configuration is capable of connecting to a communication network including the Internet, the recording medium is preferably a recording medium that fluidly carries the program so as to download the program from the communication network.

  Further, when the program is downloaded from the communication network as described above, it is preferable that the download program is stored in the main device in advance or installed from another recording medium.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to any information processing apparatus related to communication. The communication method may be wireless or wired, and the communication method is not limited. However, the present invention is suitable for efficient power control in at least one device having a wireless communication function including a wireless LAN.

It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the profile controller by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement between the profile controller by one embodiment of this invention, an electronic device, and a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of the profile controller by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the electronic device carrying the profile controller by one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows one structural example of the control profile table with which a profile selection part is provided. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of a control profile table. FIG. 7A shows an example of an instruction by a control profile selected from the control profile table. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the contents of instructions to the communication circuit. FIG. 7C is a diagram schematically illustrating the communication operation of the communication circuit controlled by the profile controller. FIG. 8A is an example of an instruction by a control profile selected from the control profile table. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the contents of instructions to the communication circuit. FIG. 8C is a diagram schematically illustrating the communication operation of the communication circuit controlled by the profile controller. It is a figure referred when selecting a control profile table, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the example of the relationship between the priority (weighting coefficient) of an application, and battery remaining capacity. It is an image figure which shows the versatility of the communication apparatus by this Embodiment, and is a figure which compares and shows the former (FIG. 10 (a)) and this invention (FIG.10 (b)). It is the figure shown about the outline | summary of the power saving process in the wireless transmission circuit (communication apparatus) which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the apparatus structural example of the apparatus control system by other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a wireless transmission circuit. It is a figure which shows the result of having put together items, such as a mode, operation | movement, a power-saving effect, and the influence on an application. It is a figure which shows the operation example in the 1st step of a power control determination circuit. It is a figure which shows the operation example in the 2nd step of a power control determination circuit. It is a figure shown about the outline | summary of a process of a wireless transmission circuit. It is a figure which shows an example of the power saving operation | movement (beacon interval fixed operation | movement) of a wireless transmission circuit. It is a figure which shows an example of the power saving operation | movement (beacon interval variable operation | movement) of a wireless transmission circuit. It is a figure which shows an example of the power saving operation | movement (reservation reception operation | movement) of a wireless transmission circuit. It is a figure which shows a reservation reception setting sequence. It is a figure which shows an example of the power saving operation (off control operation) of a wireless transmission circuit. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the operation | movement of the application by the Example of this invention, and power control. In addition, control by commands is also shown. It is a figure which shows the detail of the operation | movement in the period A among FIG. It is a figure which shows the detail of the operation | movement in the period B among FIG. It is a figure which shows the detail of the operation | movement in the period C among FIG. It is a figure which shows the detail of the operation | movement in the period D among FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a general mobile telephone. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a general wireless LAN apparatus. It is a typical figure shown about the situation in case a user uses the apparatus which can operate a some application. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system part with which an electronic apparatus is provided. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power control determination circuit in Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the memory example of the parameter table memory | storage part with which the power control determination circuit of Embodiment 2 is provided. It is a figure which shows one memory | storage example of the level control table memory | storage part with which the power control determination circuit of Embodiment 2 is provided. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power control determination circuit according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows one memory example of the parameter table memory | storage part with which the power control determination circuit of Embodiment 3 is provided. It is a figure which shows the memory | storage example of the power supply control table memory | storage part with which the power control determination circuit of Embodiment 3 is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus (information processing apparatus) in Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power control determination circuit according to a fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows one memory example of the application parameter memory | storage part with which the power control determination circuit of Embodiment 4 is provided. It is a figure which shows the data format of the transmission / reception data in Embodiment 4. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the application discrimination | determination part with which the power control determination circuit of Embodiment 4 is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the parameter output start in an application discrimination | determination part. It is a flowchart which shows the parameter output stop processing procedure in an application discrimination | determination part. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless LAN terminal (wireless communication apparatus) according to a fifth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a wireless LAN terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the signal detection part with which a wireless LAN terminal is provided. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless module according to Embodiment 7. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic controller in Embodiment 8. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless LAN terminal (wireless communication device) in a sixth embodiment. It is a figure which shows one memory | storage example in the execution control mode determination table memory | storage part with which the power control determination circuit of Embodiment 3 is provided.

Explanation of symbols

1 Application interface 1-1 Application D
1-2 Application E
1-3 Application F
2b-1 User input section (user input means)
3.103.203 Power control decision circuit (control device)
3a Control mode determining unit (control mode determining means)
3b / 103b Transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit (low power consumption setting means, transmission / reception operation parameter determination means)
3d / 103d power control parameter determination unit (low power consumption setting means, power control parameter determination means)
3p application parameter output unit (power control information reading means)
3k application parameter storage unit (identification information storage unit)
5 Wireless transmission circuit (wireless communication device)
6 System Interface 8 Wireless Module 9 Electronic Control Unit 18 Power Amplifier PA (Transmitter, Transmitted Signal Amplifier)
21 Transmitter circuit (transmitter)
23 Low noise amplifier LNA (receiver, received signal amplification means)
25 Receiver circuit (receiver)
26 Detailed parameter execution unit (low power consumption execution means)
28, 29, 30 Switch SW (Low power consumption execution means)
33 Detailed parameter determination signal 33a Transmission / reception operation parameter 33b Power control parameter 75/90 Wireless LAN device (wireless communication device)
100 Profile controller (control device)
110 Profile selection section 111 Control profile table item “device type”
112 Control app table item “application request”
113 Control Device Table Item “Device Information”
114 Control profile table item “communication path information”
115 Control profile table item "Profile number"
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 Communication circuit power supply control part 130 Communication circuit operation | movement control part 140 Communication path information I / F part 150 Application request | requirement I / F part 160 Action command part 170 Equipment information I / F part 180 Electronic device (information processing apparatus)
200 communication device 210 communication circuit 220 communication path information unit 300 electronic device 310 application 311 to 313 application (application # 1, application # 2, application #N)
320 Device information section 330 User I / F
400 Wireless communication equipment (communication equipment)
410 RF unit 411 to 412 Reception function blocks (Rx1, Rx2) constituting the RF unit
413 to 414 Transmission function blocks (Tx1, Tx2) constituting the RF unit
415 Antenna 420 BB part 421-422 Reception function blocks (Rx1, Rx2) constituting the BB part
423 Transmission function block (Tx) constituting the BB section
430 MAC unit 431 operation control unit 432 communication path information unit 751 (wireless LAN terminal 75) reception unit 751a analog unit 751b digital unit 752 radio frequency signal processing unit (first signal processing unit)
753 Intermediate frequency signal processor 755 Digital demodulator (demodulator)
756 Gain control unit 757 Operating state control unit (low power consumption execution means)
810 Mobile phone (electronic device)
820 PDA (Electronic Device)
830 TV (electronic equipment)
840 Communication device 911 Radio frequency signal processing unit (first signal processing unit)
912 Gain adjustment unit (second signal processing unit)
916 Operating state control unit (low power consumption execution means)
7531 Oscillator for intermediate frequency (oscillator)
7532 AGC circuit (gain adjustment circuit)
7533a and 7533b Mixer circuit for intermediate frequency (mixer circuit)
7535a, 7535b LPF circuit (low-pass filter circuit)
7536a and 7536b Amplifier circuit 7541 RSSI circuit (Reception strength detection unit)
Z / Z2 equipment (information processing equipment)

Claims (56)

A wireless communication device;
An electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device;
An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The control device acquires the usage state of the application and power control information predetermined for each application from the electronic device, and based on the acquired usage state and power control information, low power consumption in the wireless communication device A low power consumption setting means for determining the setting;
The wireless communication apparatus includes: a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to a low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit. A wireless communication device;
An electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device;
An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The controller is
(A) an identification information storage unit for storing the identification information of the application included in the transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and the power control information predetermined for the application;
(B) power control information reading means for reading power control information corresponding to the identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device from an identification information storage unit;
(C) comprising low power consumption setting means for determining low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the power control information read by the power control information reading means;
The wireless communication apparatus includes: a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to a low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit includes a transmission / reception operation parameter for controlling a data transmission / reception operation in the wireless communication apparatus. .   The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transmission / reception operation parameter includes at least one of a transmission / reception operation mode, a beacon reception interval, and a data transmission / reception period in the wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception.
The control device includes power supply amount determination means for determining a power supply amount for at least one of the transmission unit and the reception unit based on usage environment information related to a usage environment of a wireless communication device,
The said low power consumption execution means controls the power supply amount with respect to at least one of the said transmission part and the said receiving part according to the setting power supply amount determined by the said power supply amount determination means. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception.
The low power consumption setting means determines a power supply amount for at least one of the transmission unit and the reception unit,
The said low power consumption execution means controls the power supply amount with respect to at least one of the said transmission part and the said receiving part according to the setting power supply amount determined by the said low power consumption setting means. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The transmission unit includes transmission signal amplification means for amplifying a signal of transmission data;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the set power supply amount is a power supply amount set for the transmission signal amplifying unit. The receiving unit includes reception signal amplification means for amplifying a signal of reception data;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the set power supply amount is a power supply amount set for the reception signal amplifying unit. The transmission unit includes a transmission circuit that outputs transmission data via an antenna;
The receiving unit includes a receiving circuit for receiving received data via an antenna;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the set power supply amount is a power supply amount set for the transmission circuit and the reception circuit.   The control device acquires radio wave status information indicating a radio wave status of the wireless communication device, and reduces the power supply amount to the wireless communication device when the acquired radio wave status information is higher than a predetermined value. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The control device acquires battery remaining amount information indicating a remaining battery amount for the wireless communication device, and when the acquired battery remaining amount information is smaller than a predetermined threshold A, the power supply amount to the wireless communication device is set. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is lowered or a transmission output level of the wireless communication apparatus is lowered.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control apparatus turns off the power of the wireless communication apparatus when the remaining battery level information is smaller than a threshold B determined to be smaller than the threshold A. A plurality of the applications;
In the power control information, the priority of each application is added,
The control apparatus includes a control mode determination unit that acquires the power control information corresponding to each of a plurality of applications, and selects power control information having the highest priority among the acquired power control information.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the low power consumption setting unit determines the low power consumption setting based on power control information selected by the control mode determination unit. The wireless communication device
A radio frequency signal processing unit that converts the received radio frequency signal into a lower frequency signal;
A reception intensity detector for detecting the signal intensity of the radio frequency signal;
An intermediate frequency signal processing unit for converting a signal from the radio frequency signal processing unit into a signal of a lower frequency;
A demodulation unit that demodulates the signal from the intermediate frequency signal processing unit,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the low power consumption execution unit controls energization of each circuit of the intermediate frequency signal processing unit based on a detection result of the reception intensity detection unit. The intermediate frequency signal processing unit further includes an oscillator and a mixer circuit that mixes the signal from the oscillator and the signal from the radio frequency signal processing unit,
The low power consumption execution means stops energization to the mixer circuit when the detection result does not satisfy a predetermined condition, and starts energization to the mixer circuit when the detection result satisfies the predetermined condition. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14. The wireless communication device
A first signal processing unit that converts a received radio frequency signal into a lower frequency signal;
A reception intensity detector for detecting the signal intensity of the radio frequency signal;
A second signal processing unit that performs a process of increasing demodulation accuracy on the signal from the first signal processing unit;
A demodulator that demodulates the signal from the second signal processor,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the low power consumption executing unit controls energization of each circuit of the second signal processing unit based on a detection result of the reception intensity detection unit. The second signal processing unit includes a gain adjustment circuit that performs gain adjustment on the signal from the first signal processing unit, and an amplification circuit that amplifies the signal from the gain adjustment circuit,
The low power consumption execution unit stops energization of the gain adjustment circuit and the amplifier circuit in a state where the detection result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, and if the detection result satisfies the predetermined condition, The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein energization is started. A wireless communication device;
An electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device;
An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The electronic device includes user input means for obtaining an instruction from a user,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception.
The controller is
(A) The usage state of the application and power control information that is predetermined for each application and to which priority is added are acquired from the electronic device, the usage state is in use, and the highest priority Control mode determining means for selecting power control information corresponding to a high application,
(B) transmission / reception operation parameter determination means for determining transmission / reception operation parameters for controlling transmission / reception operation in the wireless communication device based on the power control information selected by the control mode determination means;
(C) Based on at least one of usage environment information regarding a usage environment of the wireless communication device, an instruction acquired by the user input unit, and a transmission / reception operation parameter determined by the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit, the transmission unit and An information processing apparatus comprising: a power control parameter determining unit that determines a power control parameter for controlling a power supply amount to at least one of the receiving units. A wireless communication device;
An electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device;
An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The electronic device includes user input means for obtaining an instruction from a user,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception.
The controller is
(A) Based on a combination of the power control information acquired from the electronic device, the usage state of the application, and the power control information predetermined for each application from the electronic device. Control mode determining means for selecting one power control information to be prioritized;
(B) transmission / reception operation parameter determination means for determining transmission / reception operation parameters for controlling transmission / reception operation in the wireless communication device based on the power control information selected by the control mode determination means;
(C) Based on at least one of usage environment information regarding a usage environment of the wireless communication device, an instruction acquired by the user input unit, and a transmission / reception operation parameter determined by the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit, the transmission unit and An information processing apparatus comprising: a power control parameter determining unit that determines a power control parameter for controlling a power supply amount to at least one of the receiving units. A wireless communication device;
An electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device;
An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The electronic device includes user input means for obtaining an instruction from a user,
The wireless communication apparatus includes a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception.
The controller is
(A) an identification information storage unit that stores identification information of an application included in transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and power control information determined in advance for the application in association with each other; ,
(B) power control information reading means for reading power control information corresponding to the identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device;
(C) Control mode determining means for selecting one power control information to be prioritized based on the combination of power control information read by the power control information reading means;
(D) transmission / reception operation parameter determination means for determining transmission / reception operation parameters related to transmission / reception operation in the wireless communication device based on the power control information selected by the control mode determination means;
(E) based on at least one of usage environment information regarding a usage environment of the wireless communication device, instruction information acquired by the user input unit, and transmission / reception operation parameters determined by the transmission / reception operation parameter determination unit, the transmission unit and An information processing apparatus comprising: a power control parameter determining unit that determines a power control parameter for controlling a power supply amount to at least one of the receiving units.   21. The application includes at least one of a mail receiving application for receiving an electronic mail, an IP telephone application for making a call using an Internet protocol, and a web browsing application. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above. A wireless communication device;
An electronic device that executes an IP telephone application for transmitting and receiving voice data via the wireless communication device;
An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The control device pre-sets a data transmission / reception period for transmitting / receiving voice data when the IP phone application is being executed,
The wireless communication apparatus reduces the amount of power supplied to a transmission unit that performs data transmission and a reception unit that performs data reception during a period other than a data transmission / reception period set by the control device.   The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 18, 19, 20, and 22, wherein the wireless communication apparatus performs communication using a wireless LAN. A wireless communication device for performing communication using a wireless LAN;
An electronic device that executes an email application that receives email via the wireless communication device; and
An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The control device sets a period for checking whether or not there is an email when the email application is running,
The wireless communication device confirms whether or not there is an e-mail for itself during the period set by the control device, and if there is no e-mail, reduces the power supply to the receiving unit that receives the e-mail, and if there is an e-mail In the information processing apparatus, the amount of power supplied to the receiving unit is reduced after receiving the e-mail. A wireless communication device for performing communication using a wireless LAN;
An electronic device that executes a Web browsing application for browsing a Web page via the wireless communication device;
An information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control apparatus reduces an amount of power supplied to the wireless communication apparatus when the Web browsing application is being executed and the wireless communication apparatus is not transmitting or receiving data. A wireless module that is attached to an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using a wireless communication device, and includes the wireless communication device and a control device that controls power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The control device includes a low power consumption setting unit that determines a low power consumption setting according to an application in operation based on a usage state of the application and power control information determined for each application.
The wireless communication device includes a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to a low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit. A wireless module that is attached to an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using a wireless communication device, and includes the wireless communication device and a control device that controls power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The controller is
(A) an identification information storage unit for storing the identification information of the application included in the transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and the power control information predetermined for the application;
(B) power control information reading means for reading power control information corresponding to the identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device from an identification information storage unit;
(C) comprising low power consumption setting means for determining low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the power control information read by the power control information reading means;
The wireless communication device includes a low power consumption execution unit that performs low power consumption control according to a low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting unit. The wireless communication device is detachable,
An electronic control device comprising: an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device; and a control device that controls power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The control device determines a low power consumption setting according to an application in operation based on first information including a usage state of the application and a power control mode determined for each application. With
The wireless communication apparatus includes an electronic control device comprising low power consumption execution means for performing low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting means. The wireless communication device is detachable,
An electronic control device comprising: an electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device; and a control device that controls power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The controller is
(A) an identification information storage unit for storing the identification information of the application included in the transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and the power control information predetermined for the application;
(B) power control information reading means for reading power control information corresponding to the identification information of transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the wireless communication device from an identification information storage unit;
(C) comprising low power consumption setting means for determining low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the power control information read by the power control information reading means;
The wireless communication apparatus includes an electronic control device comprising low power consumption execution means for performing low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined by the low power consumption setting means. A wireless communication device;
An electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device;
A power control method for an information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
An acquisition step in which the control device acquires power control information predetermined for each use state of the application and the application from the electronic device;
A determination step of determining a low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the usage state and power control information acquired by the control device in the acquisition step;
And a control step of performing low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined in the determining step. A wireless communication device;
An electronic device that executes an application that transmits and receives data using the wireless communication device;
A power control method for an information processing device comprising a control device for controlling power consumption in the wireless communication device,
The control device includes an identification information storage unit that stores identification information of an application included in transmission / reception data transmitted / received by the electronic device using the wireless communication device and power control information predetermined for the application in association with each other. Prepared,
A step of reading from the identification information storage unit the power control information corresponding to the identification information of the transmission / reception data transmitted and received by the control device by the wireless communication device;
A determination step of determining a low power consumption setting in the wireless communication device based on the power control information read by the control device in the reading step;
And a control step of performing low power consumption control according to the low power consumption setting determined in the determining step. A control device that controls a communication device and an electronic device that performs communication using the communication device,
Obtaining first information from the electronic device and second information from the communication device, and controlling the communication device based on at least one of the first information and the second information A control device characterized by that.   The control device according to claim 32, wherein at least one of the first information and the second information is real-time information updated as needed. The first information is:
34. The control device according to claim 32, wherein the control device includes a request from an application that operates the electronic device. The first information is:
35. The control device according to claim 32, comprising device information indicating a current operation state of the electronic device. The second information is:
The control device according to any one of claims 32 to 34, comprising information indicating a current operation state of the communication device. The second information is:
The control apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 34, including communication path information indicating a current communication path state.   The control is performed in a direction that substantially minimizes power consumption of at least one of the electronic device and the communication device based on at least one of the first information and the second information. 38. The control device according to any one of items 37 to 37.   On the premise of satisfying an application request for operating the electronic device, power consumption of at least one of the electronic device and the communication device is determined based on at least one of the first information and the second information. The control device according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the control is performed in a direction that is substantially minimized. A control device that controls a communication device and an electronic device that performs communication using the communication device,
Based on the operation state of the electronic device and the communication device and information including a request to the control device, the electronic device and the communication device are selected from among a plurality of control profiles for controlling the electronic device and the communication device. A control apparatus comprising: a profile selection unit that selects a control profile that defines an operation that substantially minimizes power consumption of at least one of the above. An application request interface unit that transmits request information indicating a request from an application that operates the electronic device to the profile selection unit;
An electronic device information interface unit for transmitting device type information indicating the type of the electronic device or device information indicating an operation state of the electronic device to the profile selection unit;
A communication path information interface unit that transmits operation state information indicating an operation state of the communication device and communication path information related to a communication path to the profile selection unit;
41. The profile selection unit according to claim 40, wherein the profile selection unit selects the control profile based on information transmitted from the application request interface unit, the electronic device information interface unit, and the communication path information interface unit. Control device. A communication device power control unit that transmits control information related to power control of the communication device to the communication device based on the control profile selected by the profile selection unit;
A communication device circuit operation control unit for transmitting control information related to control of circuit operation of the communication device to the communication device based on the control profile selected by the profile selection unit;
41. The control device according to claim 40, further comprising: an action command unit that transmits control information for an application of the electronic device based on the control profile selected by the profile selection unit. The control profile is
From the control profile table in which a control profile set in advance based on a combination of information that can be transmitted to the control device is associated with the information, the profile selection is performed based on information actually transmitted to the control device. 41. The control device according to claim 40, wherein the control device is uniquely selected by a unit. The control profile table is
44. The combination of elements selected from a first information group including at least device type information, request information, and device information and a second information group including communication path information. Control device. The communication path information is
42. The control device according to claim 37 or 41, comprising information relating to delay dispersion of the communication path.   41. The control device according to claim 40, wherein a weighting coefficient is assigned to each element, and the profile selection unit selects the control profile with reference to the weighting coefficient.   47. The control apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the weighting coefficient assigned to each element changes according to a combination pattern of the elements.   47. The control device according to claim 46, wherein the weighting coefficient changes depending on an application and a remaining capacity of a battery provided in the electronic device.   The control device according to any one of claims 32 to 48, wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device.   50. An electronic device connected to the control device according to any one of claims 32 to 49 and controlled by the control device.   50. A communication apparatus connected to the control apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 49 and controlled by the control apparatus.   50. A communication device comprising the control device according to any one of claims 32 to 49 and the communication device according to claim 43. A control device according to any one of claims 40 to 48;
An electronic device that provides information for the profile selection to the control device and that is operated by an application controlled based on the control profile;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a communication apparatus that provides information for selecting the profile to the control apparatus and is controlled based on the control profile.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the communication apparatus is a wireless communication apparatus.   A power control program for causing a computer to execute the power control method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 30 or 31.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the power control program of Claim 55.

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