Patent ID: 7966508
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A mode-switching system, said mode-switching system switching an operation mode of a first unit to one of normal and power-saving modes, said first unit being driven with normal power in said normal mode and with less power in said power-saving mode, said mode-switching system comprising: plural switches that separately correspond to specific functions, said plural specific functions being provided to said first unit, each of said specific functions being carried out when the corresponding switch being switched on; a timer that clocks an elapsed time since the switching operation is carried out for any of said switches, said switches being switched on or off by said switching operation; a reset block that resets said elapsed time when said switching operation is carried out for any of said switches; and a controller that switches the operation mode to said power-saving mode from said normal mode when said elapsed time exceeds a threshold value determined for said switch for which said latest switching operation has been carried out, said threshold value being determined individually for each of said switches.