JP2005189364A - Electronic equipment and display control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display video while suppressing power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: When a monitor switch is pressed down in an OFF mode, the OFF mode transits to a monitor mode being a power-saving mode (for example, a basic state wherein a Tuner input display mode is set) (step S1). When the monitor switch is pressed again in this state, the monitor mode returns to the OFF mode (step S2). On the other hand, each time an input changeover switch is pressed in the basic state of the monitor mode, i.e. the Tuner input display mode, the mode is switched in the order of a S-Video input display mode and a D-terminal input display mode and returns into the basic state of the monitor mode, i.e. the Tuner input display mode again (steps S3a to S3c). When a power switch is pressed in the monitor mode, the monitor mode transits to a PC mode being a normal operation mode (step S6). When the power switch is pressed in the PC mode, the PC mode transits to the monitor mode (step S16). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus including a display device and a display control method.

  Generally, an electronic device such as a personal computer (PC) is provided with a display device such as an LCD. In order to display a desired image on the display device, first, the power switch is turned on to activate the PC main body, and the operating system is activated. Only in this state can a desired image be displayed. However, since the PC main body must be started each time an image is displayed, there is a problem that the power consumption of the entire PC increases.

There are various techniques for efficiently displaying video on a display device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for selecting and displaying one image from a plurality of images by an easy operation by providing a selection circuit and a switching circuit. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a moving picture source can be directly transferred to a display controller without using a system bus by providing a ZV port.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-55597 US Pat. No. 6,297,794 B1

  However, the techniques of the above-mentioned documents do not solve the problem that the power consumption is increased by starting the PC main body when displaying an image.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device and a display control method capable of displaying an image while suppressing power consumption.

  An electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device including a display device, and operates when the power source of the electronic device main body is turned on to control output of video to the display device. And a second circuit controller including a second display controller capable of operating even when the electronic device main body is not powered on and controlling output of video to the display device. And a circuit group.

  The display control method according to the present invention is a display control method applied to an electronic device including a display device. When the power source of the electronic device main body is turned on, output control of an image to the display device is performed. When a first operation mode for operating a first circuit group including a first display controller for performing the operation is set and a predetermined instruction is given when the first operation mode is set, the first operation mode is set. The first circuit group is not operated, and the operation mode is switched to the second operation mode in which the second circuit group including the second display controller for controlling the output of the video to the display device is operated.

  The display control method according to the present invention is a display control method applied to an electronic device including a display device. When the power source of the electronic device main body is turned on, output control of an image to the display device is performed. When a first operation mode for operating a first circuit group including a first display controller for performing the operation is set and a predetermined instruction is given when the first operation mode is set, the first operation mode is set. The first operation mode is switched to the second operation mode in which the second circuit group including the second display controller that controls the output of the video to the display device is operated without operating the first circuit group. When there is a predetermined instruction when the setting is made, the operation is switched to an operation stop mode in which the operations of the first circuit group and the second circuit group are stopped.

  The display control method according to the present invention is a display control method applied to an electronic device including a display device. When the power source of the electronic device main body is turned on, output control of an image to the display device is performed. If the first operation mode for operating the first circuit group including the first display controller for performing the operation is set and the electronic apparatus main body is not turned on, and if there is a predetermined instruction, Switching to the second operation mode in which the second circuit group including the second display controller for controlling the output of the video to the display device is operated without operating the first circuit group.

  Images can be displayed while reducing power consumption.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
This electronic device is, for example, a personal computer (PC), and includes a device main body 1 and a display device 2. The display device 2 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 3 for displaying information. The device main body 1 includes an IR (infrared) light receiving unit 4 that receives an infrared signal transmitted from an input-operated remote control 7, a power switch 5A, a monitor switch 5B, an input changeover switch 5C, a sub LCD 6 and the like which will be described later. Provided.

  In addition, a remote controller 7 is attached to the electronic device. The remote controller 7 includes a power switch 8A, a monitor switch 8B, and an input switch 8C having the same functions as the power switch 5A, the monitor switch 5B, and the input switch 5C.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device according to the embodiment. Elements common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
This electronic device includes a first circuit group 11 and a second circuit group 12. The first circuit group 11 includes a first display controller 24 that operates when power is supplied to the main body of the electronic device and that particularly controls output of video to the LCD 3. Elements indicated by hatching in the drawing correspond to the first circuit group 11. On the other hand, the second circuit group 12 can be operated by supplying power even when the power source of the electronic device main body is not turned on, and in particular, a second display controller 41 that performs output control of the video to the LCD 3. including. Elements (or a part thereof) not shown by hatching in the figure correspond to the second circuit group 12.

Hereinafter, main elements constituting the electronic device will be described.
The CPU 21 is a processor that controls the entire electronic device, and executes various processes according to various programs, for example.
The north bridge 22 has an interface function with the CPU 21 and a hub interface function with the south bridge, a function of controlling an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) 23, a function of controlling the first controller 24, and the like. It is a bridge device.

The DDR-SDRAM 23 stores an OS, various programs, drivers, and the like, and corresponds to a main memory used as a work area for the CPU 21.
The first display controller 24 forms a video signal that can be displayed on a display device (LCD 3 or the like) in accordance with a signal supplied from the north bridge 22 and performs control for outputting the video to the display device.
A video random access memory (VRAM) 25 is a video memory used by the first display controller 24.
A CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) terminal 26 is a terminal for outputting a video signal from the first display controller 24 to the CRT.
The S-Video out terminal 27 is a signal output terminal for outputting a video signal from the first display controller 24 as an S-Video signal to the outside.
The LVDS-Rx processing unit 28 performs signal processing based on LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) on the video signal from the first display controller 24.

The south bridge 29 has a hub interface function with the north bridge 22, a function for controlling the audio circuit 50, a function for performing various communications, a function for controlling an LPC (Low Pin Count) bus, and a peripheral component interconnect (PCI). This is a bridge device having a function of controlling the bus.
The communication unit 30 includes various communication controllers controlled by the south bridge 29.
The firmware hub (FWH) 31 corresponds to a BIOS-ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a basic input / output system (BIOS). The Super I / O processing unit 32 performs input / output processing of various signals via the LPC bus.
The communication unit 33 includes various communication controllers connected to the PCI bus.

The second display controller 41 forms a video signal that can be displayed on the LCD 3 in accordance with the video signal from the S-Video input terminal 42, the video signal from the D terminal 44, and the video signal from the TV tuner 46 </ b> B. Control to output.
The S-Video input terminal 42 is a signal input terminal for inputting an S-Video signal (video signal) from the outside. A signal input via this terminal can be supplied to the second display controller 41.
The switch 43 switches the video signal input destination (the second display controller 41 or the TV tuner unit 46) input via the S-Video input terminal 42, or the video signal sent from the TV tuner unit 46. Or supplied to the second display controller 41.

The D terminal 44 is a signal input terminal for inputting a D terminal signal (video signal) from the outside. A signal input via this terminal can be supplied to the second display controller 41.
The driver 45 controls whether the video signal input via the D terminal 44 is sent directly to the second display controller 41 or sent after A / D conversion.
The tuner unit 46 includes an antenna 46A, a TV tuner 46B, an NTSC / PAL (National Television System Committee / Phase Alternation by Line) decoder 46C, an MPEG2 encoder 46D, and a USB interface 46E.

  The antenna 46A receives radio waves such as television broadcasting. The TV tuner 46B performs program tuning processing and the like. The NTSC / PAL decoder 46C includes a video signal decoder and an audio signal decoder, and performs a decoding process on the NTSC signal and the PAL signal. The NTSC / PAL decoder 46C can supply the video signal obtained from the TV tuner 46B to the switch 43 (that is, supply it to the second display controller 41) and also to the audio circuit 50. The MPEG2 encoder 46D performs encoding processing conforming to MPEG2 on the signal. The USB interface 46E converts the encoded signal into a signal conforming to USB.

The S-Video output terminal 47 is a signal output terminal for outputting a video signal as an S-Video signal from the second display controller 41 to the outside.
The switch 48 switches between enabling / disabling the transmission of the video signal from the second display controller 41 to the LVDS-Tx processing unit 28.

  The LVDS-Tx processing unit 49 selectively receives a signal input from the first display controller 24 and a signal input from the second display controller 41, and outputs a signal based on LVDS to the LCD. The mechanism for selectively inputting the signal input from the first display controller 24 and the signal input from the second display controller 41 is not limited to the illustrated example, and can realize the same function. Any other configuration may be used.

The audio circuit 50 is a circuit that processes an audio signal, and includes a CODEC corresponding to a compression / decompression processing circuit, an AMP corresponding to an amplification circuit, a DAC corresponding to a digital / analog conversion circuit, and the like.
The audio signal input unit 51 includes various audio signal input terminals, and sends an audio signal input from the outside to the audio circuit 50.
The audio signal output unit 52 includes various audio signal output terminals, and outputs the audio signal from the audio circuit 50 to the outside.

  A DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) controller 53 controls data related to a DVD.

An EC / KBC (Embedded Controller / Keyboard Controller) 54 integrates an EC and a keyboard controller which are embedded controllers, and performs power management, processing of signals from an input device, and the like.
The EC performs power management for various elements inside the electronic device based on various information held in the built-in register. In particular, the EC detects pressing of the switches 5A, 5B, and 5C and pressing down of the switches 8A, 8B, and 8C on the remote controller 7 to set and switch various operation modes to be described later. The EC controls power supply / stop for the first circuit group 11 and the second circuit group 12 described above in accordance with these operation modes. In addition, the EC displays information indicating various states such as a power source and an operation mode on the sub LCD.

The IR controller 55 performs predetermined processing on the signal sent from the IR light receiving unit 4 and sends it to the EC / KBC 54.
The keyboard 56 and the touch pad 57 are input devices that send signals corresponding to input operations to the KBC. The volume 58 is a device that sends a signal indicating the volume of audio corresponding to the input operation to the KBC.

  The power supply controller (PSC) 59 controls power to be supplied to various elements inside the electronic device, and is controlled by the EC via the I2C bus. The battery 60 is a rechargeable battery, and is used when the AC power source is not used.

Next, main operation modes realized by EC will be described with reference to FIG.
As the operation mode, an OFF mode, a PC mode, and a monitor mode are prepared.
The OFF mode is a state in which the operation of the entire electronic device is stopped. From this OFF mode, it is possible to shift to a PC mode / monitor mode described later. The basic state can be set in each of the PC mode and the monitor mode. This basic state will be described later.
The PC mode is a normal operation state in which the circuit group (at least the first circuit group 11) of the electronic device main body is operating.
In the monitor mode, the operation of the circuit group (at least the first circuit group 11) of the electronic device main body is stopped, and the second circuit group 12 is operated so that at least the monitoring by the second display controller 41 and the LCD 3 can be performed. This is a power-saving operating state.
Next, various sub operation modes included in the monitor mode will be described with reference to FIG.
The sub operation mode includes an S-Video input display mode, a D terminal input display mode, and a Tuner input display mode.
The S-Video input display mode is a state in which a circuit group necessary for displaying video input via the S-Video input terminal 42 is operating. In this case, it is desirable that the circuit group used only for the D terminal input display mode and the Tuner input display mode be in the operation stop state.

  The D terminal input display mode is a state in which a circuit group necessary for displaying an image input via the D terminal 44 is operating. In this case, it is desirable that the circuit group used only for the S-Video input display mode and the Tuner input display mode be in the operation stop state.

  The tuner input display mode is a state in which a circuit group necessary for displaying an image obtained from the TV tuner 46B is operating. In this case, it is desirable to put the circuit group used only for the S-Video input display mode and the D terminal input display mode into an operation stop state.

  In addition, the user can set and register any one of the three types of sub operation modes as the basic state in the monitor mode through the input device and the display device. The set contents are registered in the built-in register of the EC. Once registered, for example, when the monitor mode is switched from the OFF mode to the monitor mode, the sub operation mode set and registered as the basic state is realized. In the following, it is assumed that the tuner input display mode is set and registered as the basic state.

  In the PC mode, the S-Video input display mode, the D terminal input display mode, and the Tuner input display mode as described above can be realized. In addition, the basic state can be set in the same manner.

FIG. 5 illustrates the power switch 5A (and 8A), the monitor switch 5B (and 8B), and the input changeover switch 5C (and 8C).
The power switch is used for transition from the OFF mode to the PC mode, transition from the PC mode to the OFF mode, and transition from the monitor mode to the PC mode.

  The monitor switch is used for transition from the OFF mode to the monitor mode, transition from the monitor mode to the OFF mode, and transition from the PC mode to the monitor mode.

  The input selector switch corresponds to a toggle switch for switching each sub operation mode in a predetermined order. For example, in the monitor mode (for example, basic state: set to Tuner input display mode), each time the input selector switch is pressed, the mode switches in the order of S-Video input display mode and D terminal input display mode. Return to the monitor (basic state: Tuner input display mode) again. Similarly, in the monitor mode (for example, the basic state: set to Tuner input display mode), each time the input selector switch is pressed, the S-Video input display mode and D terminal input display mode are switched in this order. Instead, it returns to the PC mode (basic state: Tuner input display mode) again.

Next, display items of the sub LCD 6 whose display is controlled by the EC will be described with reference to FIG.
The sub LCD 6 includes an indicator 71 indicating a PC mode state (OS activation state), an indicator 72 indicating a monitor mode state (display device activation state), and an indicator indicating an AC power supply usage state (DC-IN state). 73, an indicator 74 indicating the suspended state, an indicator 75 indicating the remaining battery level, and the like. Further, another indicator may be added so that the type of the sub operation mode can be identified, or it may be expressed by a color difference. The user can recognize the operation mode and the like by looking at these indicators 71 and 72.

Next, transition processing between various operation modes will be described with reference to FIG.
For example, when the monitor switch is pressed in the OFF mode, the monitor mode (for example, the basic state: set to the Tuner input display mode) is entered (step S1). Here, when the monitor switch is pressed again, the mode returns to the OFF mode (step S2).

  On the other hand, the basic state of the monitor mode: When the input selector switch is pressed in the Tuner input display mode, each time the switch is pressed, the S-Video input display mode and the D terminal input display mode are switched in this order. Return to the Tuner input display mode (steps S3a to S3c).

  When the monitor switch is pressed in the S-Video input display mode, the mode returns to the OFF mode (step S4). Similarly, when the monitor switch is pressed in the D terminal input display mode, the mode returns to the OFF mode (step S5). Further, when the power switch is pressed in the monitor mode (regardless of whether it is in the basic state), the mode is shifted to the PC mode (step S6).

  For example, when the power switch is pressed in the OFF mode, the PC mode (for example, the basic state: the PC main body operation mode in which the PC main body operates (may include the Tuner input display mode) is entered (step S11). Here, when the power switch is pressed again, the mode returns to the OFF mode (step S12).

  On the other hand, in the PC mode basic state: When the input changeover switch is pressed in the PC main body operation mode, each time the switch is pressed, the S-Video input display mode and the D terminal input display mode are switched in this order. Return to the PC main body operation mode (steps S13a to S13c).

  When the power switch is pressed in the S-Video input display mode, the mode returns to the OFF mode (step S14). Similarly, when the power switch is pressed in the D terminal input display mode, the mode returns to the OFF mode (step S15). In the PC mode (regardless of whether it is in the basic state), when the monitor switch is pressed, the monitor mode is entered (step S16).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by adding the monitor mode to various operation modes, it is possible to display an image on the LCD without starting up the PC main body, and to suppress power consumption of the electronic device. Become. Further, according to the application, it is possible to switch between various operation modes with a simple operation, and a corresponding indicator is also displayed, which improves usability for the user.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the main operation modes implement | achieved by EC. The figure for demonstrating the various sub operation modes contained in monitor mode. The figure for demonstrating a power switch, a monitor switch, and an input switch. The figure for demonstrating the display item of the sub LCD by which display is controlled by EC. The figure for demonstrating the transfer process between various operation modes.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device main body, 2 ... Display apparatus, 3 ... LCD, 4 ... IR light-receiving part, 5A ... Power switch, 5B ... Monitor switch, 5C ... Input changeover switch, 6 ... Sub-LCD, 7 ... Remote control, 8A ... Power switch, 8B ... Monitor switch, 8C ... Input changeover switch, 11 ... First circuit group, 12 ... Second circuit group, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... North bridge, 23 ... SDRAM, 24 ... First controller, 25 ... VRAM 26 ... CRT terminal, 27 ... S-Video out terminal, 28 ... LVDS-Rx processing unit, 29 ... South bridge, 30 ... communication unit, 31 ... firmware hub (FWH), 32 ... Super I / O processing unit, 33 ... Communication part 41 ... Second display controller 42 ... S-Video input terminal 43 ... Switch 44 ... D terminal 45 ... Driver 46 ... Tuner part 46A ... Antenna 46B ... V tuner, 46C ... NTSC / PAL decoder, 46D ... MPEG2 encoder, 46E ... USB interface, 47 ... S-Video output terminal, 48 ... switch, 49 ... LVDS-Tx processing unit, 50 ... audio circuit, 51 ... audio signal input , 52 ... Audio signal output unit, 53 ... DVD controller, 54 ... EC / KBC, 55 ... IR controller, 56 ... Keyboard, 57 ... Touchpad, 58 ... Volume, 59 ... Power supply controller (PSC), 60 ... Battery, 71-75. Indicator.

Claims (11)

An electronic device equipped with a display device,
A first circuit group including a first display controller that operates when the power of the electronic device main body is turned on and controls output of the video to the display device;
A second circuit group including a second display controller which can be operated even when the power source of the electronic device main body is not turned on and which controls output of video to the display device. Features electronic equipment.   The display apparatus further comprises a switching circuit for selectively switching a display controller to control video output to the display device among the first display controller and the second display controller. 1. The electronic device according to 1.   A first operation mode for operating the first circuit group, a second operation mode for operating the second circuit group without operating the first circuit group, the first circuit group, and 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for switching between an operation stop mode for stopping the operation of the second circuit group.   4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising operation means for setting the second operation mode.   4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising operation means for switching between the operation modes. A display control method applied to an electronic device including a display device,
When the electronic apparatus main body is turned on, a first operation mode for operating a first circuit group including a first display controller for controlling output of video to the display device is set.
A second display controller that controls the output of the video to the display device without operating the first circuit group when a predetermined instruction is given when the first operation mode is set; A display control method comprising: switching to a second operation mode for operating a second circuit group including the second circuit group. A display control method applied to an electronic device including a display device,
When the electronic apparatus main body is turned on, a first operation mode for operating a first circuit group including a first display controller for controlling output of video to the display device is set.
A second display controller that controls the output of the video to the display device without operating the first circuit group when a predetermined instruction is given when the first operation mode is set; Switching to the second operation mode for operating the second circuit group including
When a predetermined instruction is given when the first operation mode is set, the operation mode is switched to an operation stop mode for stopping the operations of the first circuit group and the second circuit group. Display control method. A display control method applied to an electronic device including a display device,
When the electronic apparatus main body is turned on, a first operation mode for operating a first circuit group including a first display controller for controlling output of video to the display device is set.
A second display controller that controls output of video to the display device without operating the first circuit group when a predetermined instruction is given when the power source of the electronic device main body is not turned on A display control method characterized by switching to a second operation mode for operating a second circuit group including   9. The video signal input through a predetermined video input terminal in the second operation mode can be supplied to the second display controller. 10. Display control method.   9. The display according to claim 6, wherein in the second operation mode, a video signal can be output to the outside from the second display controller via a predetermined video output terminal. Control method.   The display control method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein switching operation between each operation mode is enabled.

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