CN1896948A - Low power digital audio decoding/playing system for computing devices - Google Patents

Low power digital audio decoding/playing system for computing devices Download PDF

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Publication number
CN1896948A
CN1896948A CNA2006101015508A CN200610101550A CN1896948A CN 1896948 A CN1896948 A CN 1896948A CN A2006101015508 A CNA2006101015508 A CN A2006101015508A CN 200610101550 A CN200610101550 A CN 200610101550A CN 1896948 A CN1896948 A CN 1896948A
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computer system
media device
digital media
audio
external digital
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CNA2006101015508A
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CN1896948B (en
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杜珣弤
詹姆斯·兰姆
盛昕
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O2 Tech International Ltd
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O2Micro Inc
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Abstract

The present invention is a computer system adapted to play audio files. The computer system includes a central processing unit, a storage unit, a first operating system, an interfacing unit, and a second operating system. The first operating system can control at least the CPU. The interface unit can interface with an external digital media device that may store a plurality of compressed audio files. The second operating system is capable of controlling the computer system operating in an audio playback mode. The power of the computer system is turned on and the computer system plays the plurality of compressed audio files in the audio playback mode when the external digital media device is in communication with the interface unit.

Description

The low power digital audio decoding/playing system that is used for computing equipment
Related application
The rights and interests of the application's requirement are the registration on July 11st, 60/698,298,2005 of U.S. Provisional Application sequence number, and its content is with reference to being herein incorporated.The application continues application case for part, and its female case is U.S.'s formal application, sequence number 10/406,949, registration on April 23rd, 2003; The latter also continues application case for part, and its female case is U.S.'s formal application, sequence number 10/272,740, registration on October 17th, 2002; The latter also continues application case for part, and its female case is U.S.'s formal application, sequence number 10/208,728, registration on July 30th, 2002; The latter also continues application case for part, and its female case is U.S.'s formal application, sequence number 09/969,060, registration on October 2 calendar year 2001; The latter also continues application case for part, and its female case is U.S.'s formal application, sequence number 09/921,171, registration on August 2 calendar year 2001, with reference to being herein incorporated, the rights and interests of its requirement are U.S. Provisional Application sequence number 60/250 to its content, 899, on Dec 1st, 2000 registered and U.S. Provisional Application sequence number 60/265,466, registration on January 30 calendar year 2001, its content are with reference to being herein incorporated.
Background technology
1. technical field
The present invention is relevant with the mobile computing device that generally is used for audio plays and video, particularly disposes the mobile computing device of a plurality of operating systems, the external media device of energy.
2. correlation technique
The current plurality of devices that exists can be used for the digital audio-frequency data of replaying and compressing according to one or more compressed audio digital disc forms, as MPEG, and MP3, WMA, AAC or the like.The most popular now form is a MP3 format, and it is used for the digital music file ratio of compression and is about 10: 1.These equipment can be divided into two classes, and the digital audio-frequency data that a class will be compressed is stored in the solid-state memory of electronics, and the DAB electricity consumption plant equipment then of another kind of recording compressed such as the hard disk drive of CD Player or digital computer reproduce.
For instance, use the electron solid storer as the mobile device that flash memory is play the MP3 compression digital audio frequency, can store 10 music selections.If the use extension storage card can be stored 20 music selections approximately altogether.These electric energy that use the MP3 player of electron solid memory stores MP3 compression digital audio frequency to consume are relatively low.Therefore, these MP3 players need not to start the CD-ROM or the hard disk drive of computing machine, and longer reproduction time is provided.
This paper reference and the United States Patent (USP) " the low-power cd-rom player that is used for mobile computer " that has been completely integrated, the patent No. 6,226,237 is authorized (" 237 " number patent) May 1 calendar year 2001.This patent has been described the situation of traditional notebook computer a large amount of electric energy of additive decrementation when only being used to play traditional CD.Its main cause is operating system (as Windows ) performed a large amount of consistency operations and playing back music and irrelevant behind booting computer.These be possess with the current operation of user be that the electric energy of the irrelevant function institute additive decrementation of playing back music makes the electric weight of cells in notebook computer exhaust rapidly, and these electric energy originally can be used for microprocessor processes burdensome task such as word processing or tabular analysis.The solution that " 237 " number patent proposes is a state machine that can move when the mobile device power-off." 237 " number patent is coupled to (when primary power cuts out) on the audio subsystem with a CD-ROM, makes need not to start notebook computer, do not consume extra electric weight and get final product play CD.
Technology also comprises use semiconductor technology solution such as special function integrated circuit (IC) or adds special IC (ASIC) prior to.But these schemes are relatively more expensive usually, because of the required digital signal processor of its special chip (DSP) makes that the huge cost of integrated circuit is high.Also may therefore take bigger printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) space.
In addition, must continuous service to come be codec generation audio stream to the Decode engine of 15 to the 2000 ten thousand instruction per seconds that use of current techniques.Special-purpose Decode engine more needs high-power hard disk drive (HDD) continuous service.These schemes only limit to MP3 compressed format, the therefore system that the makes music compression form that can't be used to upgrade, SDMI (the Security Digital MusicInitiative) form that proposes for protection music data safety as the WMA form and the industry of Microsoft.
Special IC solution known to the industry uses digital signal processor that the compress music files on the hard disk drive is continued to decode, and therefore must frequently read audio file.These schemes are used more electric energy, make battery exhaust (can't satisfy the use of once transoceanically flying 4-10 hour far away) rapidly.
Therefore, existing hardware MP3 decoding device and player need use integrated circuit to realize, and continue to read hard disk, and power consumption is fast, be difficult to upgrading, and cost are high.
The invention provides a kind of scheme of low-power consumption, it is easy to upgrading to use multiple music compression form, cost is estimated half less than current hardware solution, may play the first song of hundreds of and time of reading hard disk and CD-ROM only accounts for 0.5% of total reproduction time.
Summary of the invention
One embodiment of the present of invention are a kind of computer systems that are used for displaying audio file.This system comprises a CPU (central processing unit) (CPU), a storage unit, first operating system, an interface unit and one second operating system.First operating system is used to control CPU etc., and interface unit is used for the digital media device of external store compressed audio file.Second operating system can the control computer system run on modes of music playback.Computer system is opened the back and is play compress music files with modes of music playback, and external digital media device and interface unit are kept in communication simultaneously.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is a kind of computer system that is used for displaying audio file.This computer system comprises that a CPU (central processing unit) (CPU), interface unit, loudspeaker unit, codec, filtering and buffer circuit and codec keep in communication.Interface unit is used for external digital media device, and codec is used for and the loudspeaker unit communication.Filtering and buffer circuit can receive simulated audio signal from external digital media device and flow into codec to prevent simulated audio signal when external digital media device and interface unit communication.Computer working is when modes of music playback, and CPU need not work, the simulated audio signal output audio that loudspeaker unit can receive according to filtering and buffer circuit.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is a kind of computer system that is used for displaying audio file.This system comprises a CPU (central processing unit) (CPU), a storage unit, first operating system, an interface unit, a switch and one second operating system.First operating system is used to control CPU etc.Interface unit is used for the digital media device of external store compressed audio file.Whether switch is used to control external digital media device and connects with interface unit.Second operating system can be transferred to the compacted voice file in the external digital media device in the storage unit.Second operating system can the control computer system run on modes of music playback.Computer system is opened and is play compacted voice file with modes of music playback, and external digital media device and interface unit are kept in communication simultaneously.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is a kind of computer system that is used for displaying audio file.This system comprises a CPU (central processing unit) (CPU), interface unit, switch, loudspeaker unit, codec, filtering and buffer circuit.Interface unit is used for external digital media device.Whether switch is used to control external digital media device and connects with interface unit.Codec is used for and the loudspeaker unit communication.Filtering and buffer circuit and codec communication.When external digital media device and interface unit communication, filtering and buffer circuit can receive simulated audio signal from external digital media device, and prevent that simulated audio signal from flowing into codec.Computer working is when modes of music playback, and CPU need not work, and loudspeaker unit can come output audio according to the simulated audio signal that filtering and buffer circuit receive.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is a plurality of schemes that are stored in the compacted voice file in the digital media device of a kind of system plays that uses a computer.The step of scheme is included in uses interface unit to detect the communication of digital media device in the computer system, load first operating system to computer system, load second operating system to computer system, in computer system, read a plurality of digital audio files in the external digital media device and deposit storage unit in, a plurality of compacted voice files of decoding are play the audio file through decoding in audio playback mode.The first operating system control computer system closes then, and second operating system is moved in modes of music playback.
Description of drawings
In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, make that for DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY of the present invention advantage of the present invention is apparent below.
Fig. 1 is the calcspar of one embodiment of the present of invention typical operation flow process;
Fig. 2 is typical mini os starting and a player function initialization flowchart in one embodiment of the present of invention;
Fig. 3 is an exemplary audio Play System structural drawing that comprises the embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4 is the cut-away view of a typical special circuit in one embodiment of the present of invention and the element of interface with it;
Fig. 5 is an exemplary audio Play System structural drawing that comprises an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is the structural drawing that comprises the exemplary audio Play System that only uses software decode and audio plays of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7 is the structural drawing that comprises a computer system of the present invention, and its explanation computer system under compressed audio optimization pattern can be moved multiple application program;
Fig. 8 is the process flow diagram of computer system starting of a typical entertainment mode and relevant quick start-up course thereof;
Fig. 9 is the process flow diagram of a typical accelerating BIOS start-up course, can be used as the BIOS start-up course among Fig. 8;
Figure 10 is the structural drawing that comprises head of a family's control system of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11 is the structural drawing that comprises the typical computer system of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 is the structural drawing that comprises the typical computer system of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 13 is the structural drawing that comprises the typical computer system of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 14 is the structural drawing that comprises the typical computer system of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 15 is the synoptic diagram of filtering and buffer circuit among Figure 14;
Figure 16 is the reduced graph as a computer system of audio frequency broadcast system.
Embodiment
In one embodiment, adopt computer system of the present invention to adopt the hardware interface (special circuit (seeing 40 parts among Fig. 3)) between a mini operating system software and south bridge and the codec to play the song of user's needs or the audio frequency of other storages, as shown in Figure 3.In another embodiment, computer system adopts full software solution, thereby does not need hardware.
When needing, the mini operating system that the present invention adopts only provides notebook computer essential function and assembly when playing back music, but not as Windows , providing all background function as complete operating system, it neither opens display circuit, does not also start the display screen of notebook computer.And this mini operating system reads hard disk drive (HDD sees 36 parts among Fig. 3) also only in compressed file being transferred to random access memory (RAM) time.Therefore, mini operating system software of the present invention partly seems both to be responsible for when audio plays energy-conservation, again the execute file management function.
Fig. 1 is the operating process structural drawing of exemplary software compressed audio player in one embodiment of the present of invention.Its operating concept is as follows:
The first step: certain time before the user is used for voice playing with notebook computer, browser of operation comes download music files (such as 1000 first songs) (to take about 4GB space) to the hard disk drive (HDD) 102 of computer earlier in complete operation system such as Windows , and creates playlist according to the song that the user will listen to;
Second step: when the user needs playing back music, required music file has deposited hard disk drive in, only need open the audio player switch to start computer fully, use energy-conservation initialization subroutine to be written into mini operating system of the present invention and non-common Windows  operating system (the complete operation system does not start) and the part of initialization notebook computer necessity, the playlist or the roster file that generate in the file management subroutine initialization step one provide abundant music file to play according to user's needs;
The 3rd step: mini operating system is copied to random access memory 104 from hard disk drive, and mini operating system is copied to random access memory 104 with first compressed file on the playlist from hard disk drive 102.For instance, current personal computer memory capacity is generally 128Mb, and mini operating system software takies 8Mb, and remaining 120Mb can be used as compressed file internal memory (that is to say, with Installed System Memory or special-purpose internal memory or other internal memory as buffer memory or buffering).Calculate at 10: 1 according to typical MP3 ratio of compression, 120Mb can store 2 hours compressed music of enough broadcasts.Similar with it, when using flash card store M P3, the whole or most contents in the card all can be copied in the Installed System Memory, to reduce the response speed of using card reader and improving mp3 file.
The 4th step: document management software of the present invention transfers to CPU 106 with the each several part order of first music file, and CPU uses the document management software in the internal memory, according to decoding algorithm each file is carried out decompress(ion).After the decoding, the pulse code modulation (pcm) voice data uses one of following three kinds of methods to transmit: CPU gives south bridge (seeing 32 parts among Fig. 3) first-in first-out (FIFO) buffering with the pcm audio data transmission; Direct memory access (DMA) in the south bridge (DMA) transfers data to the FIFO buffering in south bridge inside; Perhaps special circuit cushions data transmission from low pin count (LPC) interface 62 to FIFO.The FIFO buffering is passed to codec 108 (seeing 42 parts among Fig. 3) by special circuit of the present invention with music file section order, and decoded signal becomes simulating signal from digital conversion in codec.The output signal of codec 108 drives loudspeaker (seeing 46 parts among Fig. 3) or earphone (not providing among Fig. 3) with amplifier 110 (also seeing 44 parts among Fig. 3);
The 5th step: when last first broadcast of first song in the playlist was put, the control of document management software in the internal memory was got back to for the 4th step, and retrieved the next group compressed file according to the playlist that generates in the first step before in random access memory 104.So, when each batch file is play, repeat four, five liang of steps to finish until the final stage music of this batch.Another batch compressed file in the loading tabulation of the 3rd step is got back in control then, finishes broadcast by repeating four, five liang of steps equally.When the tabulation that generates in second step played last song, when perhaps the user closed music, play operation stopped.
Energy-conservation software in the mini operating system of the present invention makes CPU, peripheral hardware chip, and other may command key elements are in idle condition as far as possible in hard disk drive and the system.An attribute that merits attention of solution provided by the invention is that manageable 1,000,000 instruction numbers of CPU per second are high more, and it is more little that its required time of decoding accounts for total reproduction time ratio.This just means that processor performance is high more, and power consumption is more little when playing compressed music, thereby cells in notebook computer just can use the longer time.
Mini operating system monitoring music operating key of the present invention (for example broadcast, F.F., retreat, suspend, scan, F.F. when a last song, next song, first song, last song, broadcast/retreat, the selection of audio frequency source/medium or the like) (seeing 48 parts among Fig. 3), the user excites these control function by special circuit, and mini operating system passs on user's request to file management system.In addition, can select and adorn a little LCD display (seeing 34 parts among Fig. 3) and be connected on the special circuit, control the state of displaying the play (as song number, title, track number, reproduction time, chart etc.) by the display management subroutine of mini operating system.
The use of main CPU management of energy-conservation software in the mini operating system of the present invention and MP3 memory device such as CD, hard disk drive and flash memory medium such as secure digital (SD) storage card, multimedia card (MMC), memory stick and smart media card (SMC) etc., maintenance system remainder such as internal memory and core logic chipset group make it keep standard-sized sheet and function to use simultaneously.The energy-conservation in addition PC subsystem that is used to other further reduces energy consumption by making them be in idle condition.
For instance, its processing power of Pentium III processor that predominant frequency is 500MHz is approximately 22,500 ten thousand instruction per seconds, and the ability that decoding algorithm requires is 1,500 ten thousand instruction per seconds, so CPU is less than 10% of T.T. working time.In the time of all the other 90%-95%, CPU is in holding state, only is several milliamperes by electric current.Another kind of mode is CPU frequency reducing operation, and general now CPU provides this option, as the Athlon of AMD.Similar with it, only just need read hard disk drive when being full of internal memory or replacing batch file at transfer files.Calculate according to this, every first song average length is about 4 minutes, and internal memory can be deposited 30 first songs, finishes in 120 minutes; Ratio is 1: 240, with time of complete power operation only account for T.T. less than 0.5%.These factors are added the electric energy that uses mini operating system of the present invention to replace the complete operation system and save, power consumption was very low when net result was to use notebook computer of the present invention to be in music playing mode, and this time that directly causes battery to keep available power is longer than at present technology prior to greatly.Person of skill in the art will appreciate that the compressed music data that the present invention is suitable for both can be stored in the hard disk drive, also can be magnetic recording medium (as tape), optical storage media (CD-ROM), flash memory medium (SD card, MMC, memory stick, SMC) or any other medium.
Fig. 3 is the simplification overall construction drawing that comprises the canonical system 31 of one embodiment of the invention.In the system 31 contained most assemblies this area widely known to, and nearly all PC all comprises these assemblies and uses the loudspeaker of computer to sound.System clock 56 among the figure for do not mark for simplicity be attached thereto need the various elements of clock signal.In addition, CPU26 and north bridge 28 join.North bridge 28 joins with Installed System Memory 30 and south bridge 32 successively.South bridge 32 joins with hard disk drive 36 and CD-ROM38.In general south bridge 32 can by AC_link directly and codec 42 join; But as shown in system 31, inserted special circuit 40 (seeing following Fig. 4 explanation) between south bridge 32 and the codec 42 and come the compression digital audio frequency in the mini operating system 80 Play System internal memories 30 in the present invention and do not influence the ability of playing non-compression analogue audio frequency.In this structure, mini operating system 80 is stored among the BIOS, those skilled in the art will recognize that mini operating system 80 can be stored in the ROM of oneself (place special circuit 40 inner or external all can), hard disk or other medium equally.Like this, carry out necessary decompressing function, send sound signal by AC_link2 to codec 42 again from AC_link1 and special circuit 40 couplings that south bridge is drawn.Codec 42 receives all signals that special circuit 40 sends, and carries out giving amplifier 44 with audio signal transmission after the conventional processing, is play by loudspeaker 46 or earphone (not providing among the figure).In system 31, AC_ink1 plays the effect of standard A C_link to south bridge 32, and AC_link2 plays the effect of standard A C_link to codec 42, the execution of audio-frequency function and common (known to the industry) voice playing are the same like this, and feasible influence for south bridge 32 and codec 42 operations reduces to minimum even do not have.Fig. 3 has also provided function key 48, little LCDs 34 and a player switch 54, and its function sees that following Fig. 4 describes.
Fig. 4 comprises the detail drawing of special circuit 40 inner structures and the details of the computer other parts of joining with special circuit 40, and does not provide details of other irrelevant part of computer system.For making the embodiment of the invention occupy minimum PCB space in notebook computer, special circuit can be with the form production (IC40) of integrated circuit.South bridge 32 is included in the standard A C97 controller 50 and a LPC (low pin count) controller 52 on special circuit 40 left sides, they with special circuit 40 between a two-way AC_link1 of connection of standard and a lpc bus are arranged, 32 have a unidirectional interrupt request (IRQ) to connect from special circuit 40 to south bridge.On the right, special circuit 40 provides unpressed audio frequency by AC_link2 to AC97 codec (being codec 42).The LCD34 of right-hand function key 48 and below of coexisting is connected on the special circuit 40 as shown in the figure.Fig. 4 comprises that also a system clock 56 is connected on each parts in addition, and the lower left also has a player switch 54.The function of player switch 54 be when the user when this switch initialization audio-frequency play mode, use only initialization and enable mini operating system but not the complete operation system of system of the present invention.
In special circuit 40 inside, switch 60 all joins with the setting of internal register in the response register group 66 with AC_link1 and AC_link2, when computing machine normally runs on the complete operation system, switch 60 cuts out and is connected 60 unlatchings of switch when computing machine uses system of the present invention between AC_link1 and the AC_link2.The LPC path is coupled in LPC interface 62.Switch 60 and AC_link2 are coupled in state machine 64, simultaneously another port of state machine 64 and output terminal, registers group 66, function key interface 68 and the LCD interface 72 that bus 74 is coupled in LPC interface 62.Another port of registers group 66 is coupled on the 3rd port of state machine 64.Function key 48 is coupled in function key interface 68, and LCD34 is coupled in LCD interface 72.Simultaneously, when user's functional key 48,68 function key interfaces send a signal to registers group 66.The voice playing appliance mains switch 54 of user's operation can be used for starting PC by above-mentioned mode operation in above-mentioned second step.Owing to use the difference of the computing machine production firm of system of the present invention, being connected of each parts may be different among audio player switch 54 and Fig. 4, therefore 54 on audio player switch shown in the figure links to each other with the notebook computer direct supply, and is not connected to any parts among Fig. 4.
More particularly, each parts method of operation of special circuit 40 inside is as follows:
The LPC interface
Comprise LPC (low pin count) interface 62 in the special circuit 40 and connect the LPC controller 52 in the south bridge 32.CPU26 uses LPC interface 62 to carry out following operation:
(1) function key that reads in the registers group 66 is imported;
(2) control register in the set-up register group 66 is controlled AC97 codec 42;
(3) obtain the pulse code modulation (PCM) voice data from Installed System Memory (RAM30);
(4) clock throttling (clock throttling) control.
The state that charge control switch 60 is set of mode register in the registers group 66, switch 60 cuts out computer-chronograph and runs on normal computer run pattern (being normal operation mode) (for example moving Microsoft Windows ), perhaps runs on when switch 60 is opened and uses system model of the present invention (running mini operating system) to play compacted voice file.
South bridge AC97 controller 50 interfaces (AC link1 causes from main frame)
Computing machine is under normal operation mode, and switch 60 cuts out, and south bridge AC97 controller 50 interfaces directly are communicated with AC97 codec 42 and produce audio frequency output, just do not exist as special circuit 40.When playing compacted voice file, mini operating system, switch 60 is opened, state machine 64 control AC97 codecs 42.
AC97 codec interface (AC link2 causes AC97 codec 42)
When the mini operating system of computer run, switch 60 is opened.The setting that state machine 64 is set in registers group 66 according to main frame (CPU26) is controlled AC97 codec 42 (for example change sample frequency, control volume, set that codec 42 enters energy saver mode or codec 42 waken up from energy saver mode etc.) by AC_link2.
Function key interface 68
Function key interface 68 reception users are stored on the internal register in the operation of function key 48 and with it and read for CPU26.
LCD interface 72
LCD interface 72 is only enabled when LCD34 is used for to user's display status information.Adopt system of the present invention to come on low-cost LCD34 to user's show state with it.Other Status icons that the track number of current playing back music, Status icons (as playing) and system may set shows as other purpose.
Operational mode
(A) normal operation mode: when computing machine used capacity operation complete operation system, as mentioned above, switch 60 cut out, and the various functions of special circuit 40 are not enabled.Under normal operation mode, computer system uses south bridge AC controller 50 directly to control AC97 codec 42 by AC link (normal operation mode is down because switch 60 cuts out AC link1 and AC link2 equity).Special circuit 40 does not intercept or revises AC link signal.
(B) compressed audio is optimized pattern: after audio player switch 54 cuts out, and system's operation under mini operating system control, special circuit 40 is enabled and is run on compressed audio and optimizes pattern.Because switch 60 is opened, south bridge AC97 controller 50 disconnects with AC97 codec 42.
Under compressed audio optimization pattern, main frame (CPU26) is provided with the internal register of registers group 66 and controls the data that flow to AC97 codec 42, and carries out various power management functions.
A kind of Energy Saving Control scheme under the compressed audio optimization pattern
A kind of flexible controlling schemes of special circuit 40 provided herein is reduced to minimum with system's control cycle and power consumption under the compressed audio optimization pattern.Using system internal memory (system RAM30) comes replaced C PU26 that most of control commands are passed to special circuit 40, and like this, with respect to waking up from holding state, CPU26 visit high speed external bus required time reduces to minimum.This scheme has reduced the load of cells in notebook computer under this pattern greatly.
CPU26 also is provided with system simultaneously and comes internal memory register in the control register group 66.State machine 64 moves according to register setting, obtains control command and pcm audio data by LPC interface 62.Control command in the Installed System Memory (system RAM30) is brought into internal register, and state machine 64 decoding control commands also judge whether the pcm audio data are ready.If the pcm audio data ready, state machine 64 is transferred to AC97 codec 42 with it.Control command in the Installed System Memory (system RAM30) also can be used to show the sample frequency of pcm audio data.Like this, state machine 64 can be set in suitable frequency with AC97 codec 42 before sending the pcm audio data.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that earphone or helmet system also can possess the function beyond above-mentioned, for example volume control, but also integrated audio operating key.
Those skilled in the art also will understand, and audio frequency broadcast system can be ignored the running status of (computing machine) system remainder after adopting a special circuit of the present invention and all the period of time is play compression (and/or non-compression) audio frequency integrated.In this configuration, no matter system's remainder is in complete opening (S0) state (hanging up to RAM or the S3) state of still sleeping, system configuration can start audio player such as the MusicMatch or the Windows  Media Player of self-defining or standard, player moves under Windows , can be used to play the compressed audio that is present in the playlist.Under this set, function key drove and can be used as in the various functions by control audio playout software under the pattern formula (passthrough-type mode) such as Music Match by bundled software, but not the control special circuit.When master operating system such as Windows  are in fully when closing (S5) or dormancy (hanging up to hard disk drive or S4) pattern, special circuit can continue to move the compacted voice file on the playlist as mentioned above, and function key control this moment special circuit.
It should be noted that, standard convention according to Advanced Program Zoom interface (ACPI), above-mentioned power supply status (being standard-sized sheet, sleep/hang up to RAM, complete shut-down, dormancy/hang up to hard disk drive) is summed up as follows: general operation system (for example Windows ) supports 6 system power supply states, is respectively S0 (standard-sized sheet is also in service) to S5 (shutdown).These power supply statuss are decided by following feature: power consumption, and promptly how many electric energy computing machine consumes; Software rejuvenation, promptly operating system from which kind of state restarts; Hardware delay, how long promptly computing machine is got back to duty needs; How many system environmentss are system environments promptly kept, and whether will get back to duty operating system in other words needs to restart.S0 is a duty.S1, S2, S3 and S4 are sleep state, seem and close because energy consumption reduces computing machine, but kept certain system environments, do not need the reboot operation system can get back to duty.S5 is an off-mode.When system from off-mode (S5) or any sleep state (S1-S4) when being transformed into duty, system is waken up; When being transformed into sleep state or off-mode from duty, system's sleep.System can't directly enter another kind of sleep state from a kind of sleep state, and duty must be got back to by system before entering any sleep state.For instance, system can't enter the S4 state from the S2 state, can not directly enter the S2 state from the S4 state.System must get back to the S0 state earlier, and then enters next sleep state.Its reason is, when system is in sleep state, lost the support of part operation environment, and before system carried out once more state exchange, it must get back to duty to recover these environment.
Below contact Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 illustrate mini os starting and the initialized typical process 200 of player function in one embodiment of the present of invention.As above state, the user adopts computer of the present invention to be used among the CD-ROM38 playing as becoming CD to be placed on to hard disk drive 36 or burning interested music download (not providing among the figure) before the audio player in initialization.Step 201, when the user pressed the main power switch (not providing among Fig. 3) of voice playing switch 54 or computing machine, flow process 200 started, and system opens.The decision computing machine starts with normal mode or starts with compressed audio optimization pattern in the step 202.Although those skilled in the art will find, can use other application program or possess this function operations system (for example Windows ) and make this decision, this decision is that computer power switch or voice playing switch 54 are made by BIOS according to user's unlatching usually.Power switch is opened computing machine if use a computer, and system normally starts, and enters step 203, and loads in the RAM30 of system and operation (for example Windows  98).If use voice playing switch 54 to open computing machine, then enter step 204, in the RAM30 of system, load mini operating system.In step 205, one or more system component of mini operating system initialization comprises north bridge 28, south bridge 32, special circuit 40, hard disk drive 36, CD-ROM drive 38, codec 42 and CPU26.
Because in system initialisation phase, there is not unsettled audio decompression request (that is memory buffer does not have absorb), this deterministic process is finished in step 208, so in the step 207, the input of system wait function key 48, if certain key in the function key 48 is pressed, enter step 206 and begin to carry out corresponding function, the LCD demonstration refreshes.If user command comprises the request of audio plays, then submit an audio decompression request this moment to, and this is a step 208.In the step 209, owing to do not have compacted voice file to respond the initialization requests of audio plays among the RAM30 of system, read compacted voice file and loading system RAM30 from hard disk drive 36 and/or CD-ROM drive 38 and/or mobile memory medium 82, this is a step 210.Compacted voice file loading system internal memory (system RAM30) in step 210 perhaps finds there has been compacted voice file among the RAM30 of system in the step 209, then enter step 211 and use CPU26 that compacted voice file is carried out decompress(ion).In the step 212, direct memory access (DMA) (DMA) initialization, to codec 42, the output signal of codec 42 drives loudspeaker 46 and/or earphone (not providing among the figure) via amplifier 44 amplifications (not providing among the figure) then with the audio data transmission behind the decompress(ion).After the DMA transmission start in the step 212, Control Circulation is got back to step 208, checks whether unsettled audio decompression request is arranged.
The playlist software operation
Fig. 5 is the general one-piece construction of the canonical system 31 of use another embodiment of the present invention.In this exemplary embodiments, system has used mobile storage medium 82 to deposit playlist and/or audio compressed data.These mobile storage medium 82 can be other mobile storage medium known to smart card, memory stick, PCMCIA medium and/or the industry.If system opens and exist (for example slot in correspondence insert smart card, PCMCIA, CardBus card, memory stick or other medium) of corresponding mobile medium position probing to medium, card reader just sends an interruption to south bridge 32.Special circuit 40 among this embodiment is also received this interruption and is sent instruction startup corresponding application (as Windows MediaPlayer) to operating system and read the playlist data on the mobile storage medium 82.In this example, application program control is read playlist and retrieve audio data from other position of mobile storage medium 82 or playlist appointment.Similar with it, mini operating system 80 also can be carried out above operation, and whether special circuit 40 detects the mobile storage medium ready, and scans this equipment and obtain playlist.Mini then operating system is by the above-mentioned steps complete operation.
Play list file described herein is the GDF general data file by the MP3 order of songs of wanting having comprised of user's establishment to listen to.Play list file has also comprised the disk routing information to instruct the required MP3 data in application program location.Some operating system allows the user arbitrarily to change drive letter.What in the case, playlist software read operation system was assigned to each driver coils sequence number (VSN).Generally coil sequence number and can not change (unless reformatting), so no matter whether the user has changed drive letter, and playlist software can both find playlist data.Above characteristic is equally applicable to mobile device such as mobile disk driver.
Use hardware selection operation system (primary power starts Windows , and the audio frequency control knob starts mini operating system) although it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing description, also can select other Scheme Choice operating system for use.Selection scheme comprises the use autoexec, and script perhaps uses software to realize closing first os starting, second operating system.Those skilled in the art also will find, mini operating system of the present invention (for example can be used as a big operating system, operating system such as Windows  based on graphic user interface, LINUX etc.) a part realizes, or as a component software, title can be anything (such as " driving ", " algorithm ", " script ", " coding ", " program ", " executable file ", " routine ", " subroutine ", " utility routine " or the like) outside " operating system ", but not as complete a, operating system independently.Scope of the present invention also comprises this type of embodiment according to conception.
Software operation
Fig. 6 is for using the general structural drawing of a typical computer system 600 of the present invention.Computer system 600 is similar with the embodiment of Fig. 3-5 description before this, and difference is that computer system 600 has adopted a pure software scheme that system is run under the compressed audio optimization pattern, has replaced above-mentioned special circuit 40 (hardware).Like this, this software scenario makes computer system 600 possess and aforementioned all embodiment identical functions, comprises with compressed audio optimizing mode operation PC.
Computer system 600 comprises described all traditional components of Fig. 3-5 before this, and these assemblies and operation thereof repeat no more herein.Except that traditional components, computer system 600 also comprises a conventional keyboard controller 604 and audio frequency control knob 48 (function key 48), and LCD34 and keyboard 606 join.
The operation of computer system 600 under compressed audio optimization pattern controlled by audio software, and this software is applicable to the processor execution.Therefore, the operation of this audio software needs a processor and a kind of machine-readable medium.Processor, promptly CPU26 can be any kind processor that satisfies embodiment speed and functional requirement.For example, can be the Pentium  series processors that Intel Company produces.
Machine-readable medium can be any medium that can store the instruction that is applicable to the processor execution.The example includes but not limited to the RAM30 of system, ROM (read-only memory) (ROM), programming ROM, disk (as floppy disk or hard disk drive 36), CD (for example CD/DVDROM38) and any miscellaneous equipment that can storing digital information." be applicable to processor carry out " means the instruction that comprises with compression and/or encryption format storage herein, and must be through compiling or the instruction of installing before processor is carried out.Processor and machine-readable medium can be the parts of computer system 600, are made up by multiple machine-readable medium and store multiple audio software, and processor visits by different controllers.
As preceding detailed description, to such an extent as to this audio software provides loading and running mini operating system 80 whole PC systems required all functions.Equally, mini operating system 80 can be the part of big operating system, or a kind of " algorithm ", one " script ", a kind of " coding ", one " program ", one " routine " or " subroutine ".
With reference to the typical process 200 of Fig. 2, below describe the operation of computer system 600 in detail.State as preceding, the user adopts computer of the present invention to be used among the CD/DVD-ROM38 playing as becoming CD to be placed on to hard disk drive 36 or burning interested music download (not providing among Fig. 2) before the audio player in initialization.In the step 201, when the user presses audio player switch 54 or computing machine main power switch open system, flow process 200 beginnings.The judgement system starts with normal mode or starts with compressed audio optimization pattern in the step 202.What start-up mode was decided by that the user opens is computing machine main power switch or audio player switch 54, carries out this decision by BIOS.Certainly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that to select application program for use or possess this type of function operations system (as Windows  98) and make this decision.
Start with normal mode as need, system starts with normal operation mode in step 203, routine operation system such as Windows  98 loading system RAM30 and operation.Be bypassed in normal startup mode as special circuit 40, voice playing software can not respond to the instruction with normal mode operation PC.
Optimize the pattern start-up system as need with compressed audio, can have several different methods to activate audio software.For example, use audio player switch 54 or use to activate based on the system of selection of software.After audio software activated, guidance system was loaded into the RAM30 of system with mini operating system 80, and this is a step 204.Its advantage is that it is shorter with normal mode startup required time than using the routine operation system that PC uses mini operating system 80 to start required time with compressed audio optimization pattern.The user need not to wait for that the PC startup enters normal mode, can hear abundant music soon.
In the step 205, mini one or more system components of operating system 80 initialization such as north bridge 28, south bridge 32, hard disk drive 36, CD/DVD-ROM driver 38, codec 42 and CPU26.In addition, CPU26 uses audio software control to enter the data stream of codec 42 and carry out various power management functions.
Because do not have audio decompression request (that is memory buffer does not have absorb) during system initialization, the step of making this judgement is 208, the input of system wait function key 48 in step 207 certain button in function key 48 is pressed.Begin to carry out function corresponding this moment, the LCD display update, and this is a step 206.If this order of user comprises the request of audio plays, will submit an audio decompression request to, this judgement is made in step 208.
Because submitting the initial of unsettled voice playing request to, do not have compacted voice file usually in the Installed System Memory (system RAM30), step 209 is made this judgement.Compacted voice file reads from hard disk drive 36 and/or CD/DVD-ROM driver 38 and/or mobile storage medium 82 and loading system RAM30, and this is a step 210.For instance, compacted voice file may be stored on CD or the DVD CD and be read by CD/DVD-ROM driver 38.After compacted voice file is loaded into Installed System Memory in the step 210, judge in the step 209 that perhaps compacted voice file using system CPU in step 211 carries out decompress(ion) when having compacted voice file in the Installed System Memory.
Voice data was to the DMA of codec 42 transmission after step 212 started decompress(ion), and the output signal of codec 42 is amplified (not providing among Fig. 2) rear drive loudspeaker 46 or earphone (not providing among the figure) through amplifier 44.After the DMA transmission beginning, Control Circulation turns back to step 208, judges whether also to exist unsettled audio decompression request in the step 212.
Application program
Those skilled in the art will admit, can use multiple application software under compressed audio optimization pattern, the application software of using in conventional computer system and the PC, and its performance increases.These application software comprise: 1) medium are selected; 2) recording; 3) take and store digital picture; 4) remote control procedure.Followingly describe each application software in detail with reference to 700 structural drawing of computer system among Fig. 7.These application software possibility independent operatings also may be cooperated with IC40 (special circuit 40) to improve power management capabilities in software environment.A lot of assemblies existing detailed description in detail in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 in the computer system 700, its numbering is similar, does not repeat them here.More than four typical application and non-exclusive, those skilled in the art will admit more application software in addition, when operating system its performance when compressed audio is optimized pattern is better than conventional computer system.
Medium are selected
Compressed audio can be stored on the multiple medium in the computer system 700, comprises hard disk drive 36, CD/DVD CD, flash card or the like.Audio file may be thousands of, generally adopt the bibliographic structure management, for example according to classification such as types of songs, author, collections of records.Medium select the advantage of software to be, can be used as the part of mini operating system 80, respond the operation of one or more function key, make the user to search for, to visit and to select the audio file of storing on each medium.
Function key 48 generally can comprise and stops, broadcast, time-out, F.F., falling back and volume strengthens and reduces button.Usually these buttons are independently of one another, select to carry out single operation for the user.Use medium of the present invention to select software to allow the user to enter directory pattern by the combination or the sequence of a plurality of function keys.The user can access audio files and catalogue thereof under this pattern, and can be by operation one or more button search, selection and storing audio files.After finding or storing required audio file, the user withdraws from directory pattern by operating one or more buttons.
Use a plurality of function keys and combination thereof and sequence can enter, operate and withdraw from directory pattern.For example, when music stops, pressing " stopping " key and enter directory pattern.Also can press two or more function keys simultaneously and enter directory pattern as strengthening and reducing volume key.After entering this pattern, the user uses one or more function keys to operate each music file under different medium, the different directories.By above operation search for, selection and storing audio files.For instance, the F.F. and the key that falls back can be used for searching for and browsing audio file and catalogue.Volume increases and reduces key, and the perhaps combination of other function key all can be used for this function.LCD34 also can be used for Display directory information so that each catalogue of user search in addition.When the user need withdraw from directory pattern, use one or more function keys equally, as press " stopping " key and withdraw from.After withdrawing from this pattern, the user can press the audio file that the playing function key is play selection.
Recorded program
Computer system 700 can start recorded program rapidly during running mini operating system 80 under compressed audio optimization pattern.During operation, the user selects recording mode, and mini operating system 80 provides audio input device, as microphone 716, imports simulated audio signal for the user.Mould/number conversion in the codec 42 is converted to digital audio and video signals with the simulated audio signal of input.Program assigned I C40 or south bridge 32 receive the digital audio and video signals input of codec 42, and use dominant period or dma cycle that it is transferred to Installed System Memory such as the RAM30 of system.
CPU26 retrieves audio files and has the several different methods known to current those skilled in the art can be for selecting for use to compress this audio files from the RAM30 of system.File after the compression can store the hard disk drive 36 of computer system 700 into, perhaps leaves on the flash card.If deposit flash card in, after pulling up, flash card can be used to possess other computer system or the audio frequency broadcast system of compatible flash memory card interface.
Recording software may be used mini operating system 80 and IC40 simultaneously, also can only use mini operating system 80.Using mini operating system 80 to add in the scheme of special circuit 40, IC40 can make CPU26 keep low power state in the most time of recorded program operation.Illustrate before the operation of IC40, with reference to adopting the Energy Saving Control scheme under the compressed audio optimization pattern.Like this, the maintenance low power state reaches computer system 700 purpose of energy saving to IC40 in the time outside the audio files as compressing carrying out particular task by making CPU.For instance, when codec 42 during to the RAM30 of system transmission voice data CPU can keep low power state.Because it is all fewer that recording software and compressed software take CPU time, CPU26 can place low power state in a lot of times.IC40 also can be used to periodically wake up CPU26.
Also can add a buffering 730 among the IC40, for example first-in first-out (FIFO) buffering makes CPU26 can enter darker sleep state to save more electric energy.For instance, when computer system 700 was in running order, CPU26 also can have multiple power mode.A kind of is full-gear, and other several state power consumptions are maximum relatively for CPU.Multiple sleep state can also be arranged, and as hypophypnosis and deep sleep, latter's power consumption than the former still less.Hypophypnosis also can be divided into one-level hypophypnosis and secondary hypophypnosis, and the latter is than the former little power consumption.
In an embodiment, the full-gear of CPU can be the C0 state, and the one-level hypophypnosis is the C1 state, secondary hypophypnosis position C2, deep sleep is C3, more than all define by the Advanced Program Zoom interface specification.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that adjacent 2 state latter are more energy-conservation than the former in C1, C2, three states of C3.Yet energy consumption differs and how much depends on concrete system between two states.
One big advantage of buffering 730 is to make CPU26 can enter deep sleep such as C3.Do not cushion 730, CPU26 enters the C2 state in the recorded program operation up to multipotency.The effect of buffering 730 is stored sound data.When the data volume of buffering in 730 was lower than certain preset value, IC40 sent deep sleep and instructs and make it enter deep sleep to CPU26, as C3.On the contrary, if when cushioning voice data in 730 and surpassing certain preset value, IC40 sends wake-up signal to CPU26, it is returned carry out the sound compression duty.Those skilled in the art will admit, how much what buffering 730 itself had that internal register can be according to voice datas in the buffering 730 sends deep sleep signal and wake-up signal.
Other has a kind of alternatives, is to use the pure software under the mini operating system 80 to carry out similar sound-recording function, and need not to use IC40.Describe computer system 600 among Fig. 6 and under compressed audio optimization pattern, used the operation of pure software scheme.In this recording example, it is many that computer system 700 adds the power consumption of IC40 scheme than above-mentioned mini operating system, and reason is that CPU26 places the C2 state but not C3 to multipotency.In the very not nervous application of power consumption, in the desktop computer system, the pure software scheme adds the IC40 scheme because of it is cheap than mini operating system 80 and has more advantage.
The shooting of digital picture and storage
Some digital devices such as digital camera, Digital Video etc. all are to take and use the external equipment of multiple medium such as flash card storage digital picture.Common flash card type has SmartMedia TMCard, CompactFlash TMCard, Memory Stick Card etc.Computer system 700 also may be integrated, in connect or external these digital devices.
For these digital devices, when computer system 700 ran on compressed audio optimization pattern, the user both need not to wait for that the routine operation system started for a long time, can carry out power management work again.Connect in for example the user uses or during built-in digital device 712 shooting digital pictures, the user can directly start computer system 700 and enter audio compression and optimize pattern and the non routine operation pattern.Subsidiary digital device software prompt user-selected number word equipment mode, and allow the user to come operand word equipment 712 to obtain data by functions of use key 48.Digital device 712 can be the digital camera of shooting digital pictures, or records the Digital Video of digital video.Digital picture shows by the display screen of computer system 700, perhaps is stored in the memory device such as hard disk drive 36 of system 700.Digital device 712 can use peripheral bus such as USB or IEEE1394 with being connected of computer system 700.
If the 712nd, the external digital device of computer system 700, the user can use subsidiary digital device software come from digital device 712 import data and store memory device into such as hard disk drive 36 on.Like this, digital device software both provided data importing interface easily, had saved the required time of routine operation system start-up again.For instance, digital device 712 is the external digital cameras of computer system 700, and digital device software just allows wherein image and being stored in the storer of computer system 700 of user's download.
Be similar to recorded program, the application of digital camera both can use mini operating system 80 to add IC40, also can use the pure software scheme under the mini operating system 80.If digital device 712 is to connect equipment such as the interior digital camera head that connects in one, the power management function that mini operating system and IC40 provide allows CPU26 all to be in deep sleep such as C3 before the actual photographed image.
As an alternatives, the pure software scheme also can be carried out similar digital image shooting and memory function and need not to use IC40.The same with recorded program, CPU can place the C2 state at most in this scheme, so consume more electric energy.In the very not nervous application of power consumption, in the desktop computer system, the pure software scheme adds the IC40 scheme because of it is cheap than mini operating system 80 and has more advantage.
Remote control procedure
When computer system ran on the compressed audio modular system, remote control procedure can replace function key 48 and allow the user that computer system 700 is carried out straighforward operation.Telepilot 722 in the computer system 700 provides control signal to remote control transceiver 714.Telepilot 722 can use any existing control technology such as infrared ray or radio frequency (RF).Remote control transceiver 714 can be integrated in the system bridge, is responsible for receiving control signal from telepilot 722.Although this paper not specified (NS), remote control transceiver 714 in fact also can be integrated among the IC40.Even computer system 700 is closed, remote control transceiver 714 also is held open state.
In the use, the user can use a teleswitch and 722 activate the audio compression key.Corresponding signal is sent to remote control transceiver 714.If this moment, computer system 700 was closed, then remote control transceiver 714 sends a wake-up signal to start computer system 700.Computer system checks that remote control transceiver 714 is to confirm whether the signal that the user sends shows and need start with compressed audio optimization pattern 700 this moments.If, then load mini operating system 80 in Installed System Memory (system RAM30), beginning is optimized mode operation with compressed audio, as aforementioned use audio player switch 54 start-up systems.
Like this, the user of computer system 700 wants using system to run on function and corresponding application programs under the compressed audio optimization pattern, only need use a teleswitch 722 and need not to press in person respective keys such as function key 48 in the system.Also normal start key can be arranged in the telepilot 722, the user with the normal mode start-up system, loads the routine operation system by this key in Installed System Memory (system RAM30).Like this, telepilot 722 also can be used for the control of other function under the normal operation mode.
Entertainment mode
Except compressed audio optimization pattern, current PC also has multiple entertainment software, and these softwares are not traditional common in based on the PC of computing application.For example, these entertainment softwares include but not limited to following: double-tone is playing program frequently, comprises the broadcast of the Internet radio reception and compressed audio, DVD movie program, TV watching program, digital device application program, remote control procedure, recorded program or the like.As selecting compressed audio optimization pattern to start the application program that to obtain voice playing function and other support fast, select to start with quick calling entertainment software also advantage outstanding with entertainment mode.The pc user can select to start with normal mode, perhaps starts with entertainment mode.Can select by hardware, as press special entertainment mode button; Also can select, as choice menus by software.If the selection normal operation mode, then conventional startup also is written into master operating system such as Windows .If the selection entertainment mode then starts and loads standby operation system such as mini operating system 80.Mini operating system 80 can be the part of master operating system, promptly comprises the part of operation entertainment software necessity.Like this, mini operating system 80 subclass that can be master operating system.The flow process that the user starts entertainment software has fast below been described.
Start fast
Fig. 8 is the typical flowchart 800 of quick start-up course.What fast start-up course started herein is that mini operating system 80 is used when running on entertainment mode for PC.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that and use quick start-up course of the present invention also to can be used to quicken the start-up course of other system such as master operating system.PC opens in step 802, and the quick start-up course of mini operating system 80 begins.Step 804 judges whether and need start with entertainment mode.Different according to circumstances, for example, PC is opened or is opened by entertainment mode switch by primary power, and this judgement can be made by BIOS.Similarly, select start-up mode also can finish by software.Start with normal mode as need, system starts the routine operation system in step 806, and routine operation system such as Windows  are loaded into the RAM of system and bring into operation.
Start with entertainment mode as need, check that in step 808 startup of contrast entertainment mode last time has or not hardware to change.This judgement is generally made by BIOS.Change if detect hardware, then in step 810, add hardware and change mark.As do not have change and then do not add any mark.Next, carry out the BIOS start-up course in the step 812.This start-up course can be that general BIOS starts, and also may be to quicken to start, and below with reference to Fig. 9 explanation will be arranged.Carry out in the step 812 after the BIOS startup, mini operating system loading device is handed in control, and this is a step 814.In the step 816, mini operating system loading device reads suitable mini operating system mirror image.Mini operating system 80 may be the part of master operating system, also can be stored in certain memory device.Mini operating system also may be stored with compressed format, and in the case, loading bin carries out decompress(ion) earlier.In the step 818 subsequently, mini operating system 80 is handed in control.
In case the controlled power of mini operating system in the step 818 judges then whether pre-set programs group and mini operating system memory mirror image (PSM mirror image) support function activate.Normally start if this function, is then carried out mini operating system without activation, this is a step 822.The normal startup of mini operating system comprises that selection and loading PC move each program module of using possibly under entertainment mode.
If the support of PSM mirror image activates, then whether carried out hardware in the determining step 824 and changed mark.If there is mark, having shown since last time, entertainment mode started has had hardware to change, and then mini operating system will normally start in step 826.In this normal startup, mini operating system will be carried out software module and application program loading according to new hardware configuration.And,, create a new PSM image file in the step 830 because the support of PSM mirror image activates.This image file can be provided with the back entertainment mode and start use.
Change mark if find hardware, show that having there is no hardware configuration since last time, entertainment mode started changes, and then is written into the PSM image file and execution in step 832 immediately in step 828.The PSM image file of herein using is fastened time entertainment mode startup and is created.
In addition, can there be a plurality of PSM image files to exist, select according to circumstances to be written into.Can have and use same hardware configuration entertainment mode last time to start the PSM image file of being created, also can select according to the hardware of current use.Should provide in the step 828 a kind of start-up time mechanism so that select the PSM image file to be written into.Like this, if the correct corresponding current hardware configuration of PSM image file, mini os starting just can be accelerated.Ideally, start the back and use the mechanism of hang-up/recovery and so on to allow existing P SM mirror configuration is carried out fast quick-recovery,, can determine its PSM mirror image very soon for concrete mini operating system and pre-set programs group.
General PSM image file comprises " fingerprint " of an identification institute support hardware configuration, " dodging screen " that comprises screen display content when the PSM mirror image grasps, and when grasping mini operating system and PSM image file employed in the memory image of nonresident portion.
In addition, if mini operating system 80 is scaled down version or its subclass of master operating system, start-up course can further be accelerated, and method is to unload entertainment mode unwanted software module when computing machine shuts down with master operating system operation back automatically.Like this when computing machine is opened once more with entertainment mode, just can start quickly as the mini operating system 80 of master operating system scaled down version.
Fig. 9 is an accelerated BIOS start-up course process flow diagram 900.This quickens start-up course can be as the BIOS start-up course 812 among Fig. 8.This BIOS acceleration start-up course also can be worked as and be used for master operating system when computing machine need run on normal mode.When being used for entertainment mode, in case selected the entertainment mode startup, BIOS acceleration start-up course begins in the step 902.In the step 904, whether BIOS judges in the conventional BIOS operation has part to skip.If have can skipping of task, then in step 906, directly skip this part task to save time.For example, all do not need the hardware used under entertainment mode, and its testing process can be skipped.Essential its detection of hardware of entertainment mode then can not be skipped.Internal memory detects and also can skip.
For can not skipping of task, BIOS quickens start-up course and judges in step 908 whether these tasks can postpone.If of course, then in step 910 these tasks being postponed till the later time carries out.For example, fetch data to postpone till etc. from optical disk reading and carry out again after CD rotates.Any step that can delay is all postponed the row of operation at this in practical operation.The task of these postponements can be carried out after mini operating system 80 is suitably loaded again.The task of deferrable is not carried out in step 912.
Head of a family's control
Computer run when normal mode or entertainment mode, the user can a plurality of entertainment applications softwares such as DVD play, televise audio software or the like.Computer system also may be used by the child of all age group.The head of a family or other guardians may wish to control operational time of these entertainment softwares and content thereof.In addition, the head of a family may allow the child of all ages and classes or maturity to visit different contents, for example, wish that a child can only visit the film of general level (G level), and another child can visit the film of teaching level (PG level), the activity of wishing can follow the trail of them simultaneously when children use entertainment software.
Figure 10 structural drawing comprises that for using head of a family's control system 1000 of the present invention 1002 and external memory storages 1012 of head of a family's control integrated circuit (IC) are to provide corresponding parental control function.It can be a part that comprises the computer system of other assembly known to the industry that the head of a family controls IC1002.Generally control IC1002 and external memory storage 1012 provides parental control function together by the head of a family.Stored data may be encrypted to limit its visit for specific one or a group child in the external memory storage 1012.External memory storage can be the various equipment of storing data such as smart card, SD card, memory stick, compact flash or the like.It can be an independent IC that the head of a family controls IC1002, also can be integrated with other IC such as CardBus controller or flash memory card reader etc. in the computer system.Generally can save system cost and circuit board space with other IC is integrated.
When computer system ran on normal mode or entertainment mode, user (child) carried memory device 1012 with it and inserts the corresponding slot of computer system.The head of a family controls the interface that IC1002 generally plays between external memory storage 1012 and the host computer system and does below to have a detailed description in order to allow carrying out safety communication between the two.The head of a family controls the data on the correct reading external memory 1012 of IC1002 permission host computer system, make the corresponding operating system that moves on the host computer system, as be mini operating system 80 when running on entertainment mode, can control each entertainment applications software played file according to the director data on the external memory storage 1012.Like this, the head of a family controls IC1002 and receives one first encoded signals from external memory storage 1012, sends second decoded signal that system can understand to host computer system then.
The head of a family controls IC1002 and generally comprises 1006, one user's input interfaces 1008 of 1004, one host interface of a memory interface and engine 1010, i.e. an encryption/decryption engine.Memory interface 1004 is controlled IC1002 for the external memory storage 1012 and the head of a family communication channel is provided.Similar with it, host interface 1006 allows the host computer system and the head of a family to control the IC1002 communication.The host computer system and the head of a family control communication between the IC1002 can use any Standard bus interface such as PCI known to the industry, USB, I2C, SMBus or the like.User's input interface 1008 is transferred to host interface 1006 with user command.For instance, the user is during with the entertainment mode operational system, and user command may be imported by function key, as function key 48, also may import by remote control, as telepilot 722.User command also can be finished by mouse-keyboard.After the user imported the instruction that will carry out, user's input interface 1008 is interpretive order immediately, and it is transferred to host interface 1006.Next corresponding instruction may be transferred to host computer system by host interface 1006.The operating system of current operation is considered this user instruction with reference to the signal that receives from external memory storage 1012 before, and judges whether this instruction allows.For example, when a limiter stage (R level) DVD film is watched in the user instruction request, if the director data that receives from external memory storage 1012 shows that the active user does not allow to watch this content, the mini operating system 80 of operation will refusing user's request down for entertainment mode.
The head of a family controls the engine 1010 of IC1002 and is responsible for externally providing safe communication between storer 1012 host computer systems.Data in the external memory storage 1012 may store with coded format, and for example through encrypting, external memory storage 1012 can only be controlled IC1002 by the corresponding head of a family and reads like this.Like this, when host computer system needed data on the reading external memory 1012, the decryption portion of engine 1010 provided this function.On the other hand, when host computer system need be when external memory storage 1012 writes data and promptly creates new head of a family's control data or change original data, the encryption section of engine 1010 provides this function.The realization of engine 1010 can be adopted hardware, software or soft or hard combination.If selection hardware can adopt microprocessor or hardware logic electric circuit known to the industry to realize.
Director data on the external memory storage 1012 is transferred to the head of a family when controlling IC1002 as first coded signal, and for correct its content of reduction, the decryption portion of engine 1010 needs a correct decruption key.This key is the algorithm of a kind of effectively " decoding " cryptographic algorithm principle of work.This key can also guarantee to have only the external memory storage 1012 of appointment just can be used for computer system.For instance, the key that the file on the memory device created of unwarranted user or machine can't decrypted engine reads.If do not detect effective external memory storage, corresponding operating system as the mini operating system 80 under the entertainment mode, will only allow visit and use basic or general other recreational application programs of level.
Can programme to external memory storage 1012, make director data wherein only allow certain child to use.Another kind method is that external memory storage 1012 is programmed in advance, buys after the computer system head of a family like this and just can use this external memory storage immediately and do not need to programme again.The external memory storage of pre-programmed can be towards the child of a specific age bracket, as the 8-10 child in year.
No matter memory device is programmed by whom, its director data all makes when controlling IC1002 and use together with the head of a family, what the head of a family can regulation uses view content, total viewing time and every day that entertainment software allows watches the period, even can follow the trail of the situation that child uses computer system.For control content, can set external memory storage 1012 when the head of a family controls IC1002 and uses, no matter for how reaching its instruction of other user of requirement level, head of a family's control system 1000 will forbid that it watches or listen to specific file.
For example, externally clearly set in the storer 1012 and have only PG and other film of G level to allow to watch.Also but the setting computer system does not allow to play any TV programme of the content of being grown up or audio file that broadcast contains the content of being grown up of containing similarly.In the practical operation, child's external memory storage 1012 that it is subsidiary inserts the corresponding slot of computer system.If child moves computer system with entertainment mode, the director data in the external memory storage 1012 has shown the entertainment applications rank that this user is allowed to, and this director data sends to the head of a family as first coded signal and controls IC1002.On behalf of the coded input signal of this first coded signal, external memory interface 1004 will send to engine 1010 then.
In this example, engine 1010 is converted to the coded signal of input as decryption engine the decoded signal of output.Host interface 1006 receives from engine 1010 to be sent understandable second decoded signal of system behind the decoded signal of output and gives host computer system, as is mini operating system 80 when running on entertainment mode.Represent second decoded signal of the director data on the external memory storage 1012 based on this, mini operating system 80 will be controlled each entertainment applications option.For instance, forbid playing R level film if the director data on the external memory storage 1012 shows, no matter this child operates this film of broadcast by function key 48 or telepilot so, mini operating system 80 can not carried out.
Except content control, head of a family's control system 1000 also can comprise an external memory storage 1012, by the access time of its programming with entertainment applications is controlled at the predefined time period and adds time restriction.As set every day entertainment applications software service time must not be above 2 hours.When child's external memory storage 1012 insertion system associated socket that it is subsidiary, the head of a family controls IC1002 and sends instruction and specify the entertainment applications software of this external memory storage 1012 to be restricted to 2 hours every days service time to current operation system.The use start time of the operating system contradistinction system internal clocking record entertainment applications software of current like this operation also may begin internal clocking.A lot of methods known to the industry all can be finished above operation, for example use the synchronised logical timer of particular crystal oscillator.Internal clocking reaches after the time restriction, and operating system is closed all entertainment applications softwares and continued to use to limit this child.Like this, head of a family's control system 1000 allows the head of a family to control the time span (comprising that different children can visit in different time sections) that each child can visit entertainment applications software.
In addition, head of a family's control system 1000 is externally set the time point that allows visit entertainment applications software in the storer 1012.For example, early do not allow between 9 to late 7 to use.Equally, this director data is controlled IC1002 by the head of a family and is sent to operating system.System judges by the contrast internal clocking whether this child attempts using entertainment applications software to take corresponding action in the time period of forbidding.
Except limiting access content, time span and time point, head of a family's control system 1000 of using the head of a family to control IC1002 also can be used for following the trail of the situation that child uses entertainment applications software.For example, automatically recording played which video or audio frequency and be stored on the hard disk drive etc. of external memory storage 1012 or computer system.If connected the Internet, this technology also can be used to the website that record access is crossed.
As mentioned above, entertainment applications software can comprise voice playing software.The implementation of voice playing software includes but not limited to following: mini operating system adds IC40 (special circuit 40) scheme, and pure software scheme (mini operating system 80), or isolation and filtering circuit scheme below have a detailed description.
Figure 11 is the structural drawing of a typical computer 1100.This system also needs corresponding software to come displaying audio file when audio-frequency play mode.When computer system 1100 runs on audio-frequency play mode, in Installed System Memory (system RAM), be written into mini operating system 80 and replace complete operation system (being the routine operation system) as Windows  (the complete operation system does not open).Computer system 1100 may use mini operating system 80 to add the IC40 scheme, and the user can use the voice playing application software when running on audio-frequency play mode.In this exemplary embodiments, a lot of assemblies of system 1100 are having explanation among Fig. 3,5,6 and 7 before, and the label of similar assembly is also similar, does not repeat them here.Computer system 1100 comprises that IC40 is as keyboard controller and be used for joining with function key 48 LCD34, codec 42 and south bridge 32.Computer system 1100 also comprises an interface unit, is connected to an external digital media device 1100 as south bridge 32 and some peripheral components, and this equipment can be stored the multi-medium data that comprises compressed audio by multiple form.This digital media device can be an iPod, any other solid storing audio player known to MP3 player or the industry.Use an audio-frequency play mode power control unit 1120 to judge whether digital media device 1110 is carrying out communication with computer system 1100.Among Figure 11, power control unit 1120 is intrawares of computer system 1100, but also can be integrated among the IC40.In another embodiment, power control unit 1120 is replaced by hand switch.The available way of communication between digital media device 1110 and the computer system 1100 (perhaps connecting) includes but not limited to use plug-in connector and/or wave point, below has a detailed description.
Among Figure 11, computer system 1100 has been used plug-in connector.Among this embodiment, when computer system 1100 was closed, power control unit 1120 can detect digital media device 1110 by a peripheral bus and whether be inserted into computer system 1100.This peripheral bus can be USB, IEEE1394, PCI Express, or other bus known to the industry.Digital media device 1110 is equipped with connector and sends electric signal to peripheral bus.Computer system 1100 also can use conventional peripheral hardware connector and respective gut such as USB that digital media device 1110 is directly connected on the peripheral bus.When digital media device 1110 inserted the connector of computer system 1100, digital media device 1110 can produce an electric signal and send to power control unit 1120.Whether power control unit 1120 receives and detects digital media device 1110 after the electric signal that digital media device 1110 sends and be connected on the peripheral bus.
Whether in addition, also can use the switch of a machinery to detect digital media device 1110 is inserted in the computer system 1100.Switch can become any type or shape according to the configuration design of computing machine.Close and digital media device 1110 when not inserting when computer system 1100, switch is located at closed condition.If digital media device 1110 inserts computer system 1100, switch then is in opening.In opening, switch can produce an electric signal and show that digital media device 1110 has inserted and this electric signal is sent to power control unit 1120.Power control unit 1120 is opened the power supply of computer system 1100 to call audio-frequency play mode.
If use wave point (not providing among the figure), the connection between computer system 1100 and the digital media device 1110 can use the wireless technology of any known type such as infrared ray or radio frequency (RF) to realize.Be similar to plug-in connector, the wave point of computer system 1100 produces electric signal and gives power control unit 1120, and the power supply that the latter opens computer system 1100 calls audio-frequency play mode.
The connection of plug-in connector has only been described for simplicity.When power control unit 1120 detected digital media device 1110 and is inserted into computer system 1100, power control unit 1120 was opened the power supplys of computer systems 1100 automatically.Computer system 1100 is written into mini operating system 80, runs on audio-frequency play mode then.The front is mentioned, and mini operating system 80 can be the part of master operating system, that is to say, mini operating system includes only the necessary part of operation of master operating system sound intermediate frequency playing program.
Under the audio-frequency play mode, CPU26 can be transferred to the compacted voice file in the digital media device 1110 among the RAM of system 30 under the control of mini operating system 80.CPU26 carries out decode operation subsequently, and promptly the compacted voice file that transmission from digital media device 1110 is come is carried out decoding.Decoded audio data transmission is to codec 42.After codec 42 was finished digital-to-analog conversion, voice data was amplified by amplifier 44, and the voice data after the amplification is play by loudspeaker 46 or earphone (not providing among the figure).During audio plays, corresponding software is carried out power saving function power consumption is reduced to minimum.
Another way is that digital media device 1110 is directly decoded compressed audio, and decoded voice data such as pulse code modulation (pcm) voice data are sent to computer system 1100 by peripheral bus.Decoded voice data is stored among the RAM of system 30.After digital-to-analog conversion and amplifying, decoded voice data is play by loudspeaker 46 or earphone (not providing among the figure).
Digital media device 1110 itself also has keyboard to carry out various function and applications for the user.For example, use that function key and combination thereof on the keyboard comes control audio play operation such as broadcast, F.F., falls back, suspends, scan, a last song, next song and volume control or the like.Also can carry out the selection of playlist and song by function corresponding key on the keyboard that activates digital media device 1110.Except audio plays and other operation, digital media device 1110 also can be used to send corresponding order to computer system 1100.No matter computer system 1100 is also to be to use wave point to link to each other by plug-in connector with digital media device 1110, mini operating system 80 can both receive the order that digital media device 1110 sends.Certainly, carry out above-mentioned functions, also need a special software-driven to control each voice playing software and make each assembly of computer system 1100 can play the audio frequency of choosing.Digital media device 1110 also has a built-in display unit (not providing among the figure) to show the relevant information of above function and application.
Another alternatives is that when computer system ran on audio-frequency play mode under mini operating system 80 controls, function key 48 can replace the certain operations of the keyboard of digital media device 1110 for user's control computer system 1100.The function key 48 that is connected to IC40 can be used for searching for playlist or the song in the digital media device 1110.Function key 48 also can be used to controls playing function such as broadcast, F.F., falls back, time-out and volume control.The LCD34 that is connected to IC40 equally can be used to the relevant information of function and application that explicit user selects so that user's synchronization monitoring.
Although 2 buses are arranged among Figure 11, be used for carrying out communication as peripheral bus and internal bus, an also available combination bus replaces they and each assembly that is connected to 2 buses to carry out communication.
Figure 12 is another typical computer system 1200.In this system, the realization of voice playing also can adopt mini operating system 80 to add the IC40 scheme.Figure 12 label and Figure 11 are similar, so located to omit the description of similar functions and same components, only describe difference in detail.IC40 is not connected to south bridge 32, joins with south bridge 32 but be connected to peripheral bus.IC40 also has been equipped with a bus specially and has connected digital media device 1110.This private bus can be any available bus known to the industry, as USB, and IEEE1394 or PCI Express.As shown in figure 12, among this embodiment, the hinge that IC40 also can be used as computer system 1200 connects corresponding each assembly.When the user used the keyboard of digital media device 1110 to carry out various function and application, IC40 was responsible for receiving compacted voice file, decoded audio file and electric signal and sending above information to computer system 1200 by private bus and peripheral bus from digital media device 1110.
Figure 13 is for adopting typical computer system 1300 structural drawing of mini operating system 80 schemes.Than computer system 1100 and 1200, system 1300 does not have to use as the IC40 in Figure 11 and 12, function key 48 and LCD34 in voice playing control.Among this embodiment, the user only can realize function corresponding and application by the keyboard of operand word media device 1110, for example audio plays or selection playlist or song.And, can only use the display unit (not providing among the figure) of digital media device 1110 to show the information relevant with these function and applications.
Figure 14 is for adopting the typical computer system 1400 of isolation and filtering circuit scheme.When playing back music, digital media device 1110 uses the internal battery that electric weight is limited usually.Yet in this embodiment, the battery of computer system 1400 also can be by peripheral bus to digital media device 1110 power supplies.Can prolong the time of playing compressed audio so greatly.Digital audio-frequency apparatus 1110 oneself is decoded to compressed audio and is exported analogue audio frequency according to decoded voice data.Computer system 1400 is used filtering and buffer circuit 1410, exports even also can receive analogue audio frequency from digital audio-frequency apparatus 1110 like this under the situation that routine operation system (complete operation system) and mini operating system 80 are all closed.In the case, codec 42 also cuts out under audio-frequency play mode.Filtering and buffer circuit 1410 have been eliminated after the leakage current in the analogue audio frequency output, are amplified by note amplifier 44 (amplifier 44), are play by loudspeaker 46 or earphone (not providing among the figure) at last.
Figure 15 is the filtering among Figure 14 and the synoptic diagram of buffer circuit 1410.It is the analogue audio frequency output that L channel and R channel are handled digital audio-frequency apparatus 1110 that 2 sound channels are provided among the embodiment 1500.L channel includes but not limited to, 3 electric capacity (1501,1503 and 1505) and 2 resistance (1502 and 1504).Electric capacity 1501 and resistance 1502 form a high-pass filtering and come to export at the analogue audio frequency that the upper frequency that requires filters in the L channel i.e. L channel output.Further filter L channel output by the low-pass filtering that resistance 1504 and electric capacity 1505 are formed at the lower frequency that requires.After filtering, the audio noise of L channel output greatly reduces, and is transferred to amplifier 44 subsequently.Because routine operation system and mini operating system 80 all are in closed condition, codec 42 does not produce the output of L channel audio frequency.Similar with it, the R channel output of digital media device 1110 is transferred to note amplifier 44 after corresponding high and low frequency filters amplifies, and codec 42 does not produce right audio channel output yet.In addition, open and computer system when closing when digital media device 1110, electric capacity 1503 can stop L channel output to pass back into codec 42, and electric capacity 1513 also can stop right audio channel output to flow into codec 42.Therefore, filtering and buffer circuit 1410 stop sound signal to pass back in the codec 42 in computer system 1400, and its advantage is obvious.
Figure 16 is a reduced graph as the computer system 1600 of audio frequency broadcast system.Notebook computer 1610 among Figure 16 is used for explanation, yet those skilled in the art will recognize that, any other computer system known to the industry all can be used as audio frequency broadcast system.Use above-mentioned various scheme and technology, external digital media device 1110 can connect notebook computer 1610 and play compacted voice file or other unpacked data.In addition, also can use wireless connect technology to transmit information such as comprising electric signal, compacted voice file and decoded voice data between digital media device 1110 and the notebook computer 1610.Digital audio-frequency apparatus 1110 can be a solid storing audio player various routines and/or customization.
Although we use the exemplary embodiments provide to describe the present invention herein, should be clear and definite be that the information of Gong Buing all is illustrative and non-limiting herein.Therefore, the those skilled in the art that read above information should be appreciated that undoubtedly that under the prerequisite of spirit that does not deviate from the present invention and category numerous variations, modification and/or alternative other application can be arranged.Therefore, following claims are intended to comprise all changes, modification and alternative other application that belongs in the present invention's spirit and the category.

Claims (25)

1. computer system that is used for displaying audio file comprises:
A CPU (central processing unit) (CPU);
A storage unit;
One first operating system is used for controlling CPU etc.;
An interface unit is used to connect the external digital media device that can store a plurality of compacted voice files;
One second operating system, this system can be transferred to a plurality of compacted voice files on the external digital media device on the storage unit, and can the control computer system move with audio-frequency play mode,
Wherein external digital media device and interface unit are kept in communication, and computer system is moved with audio-frequency play mode, and these compacted voice files are opened and play to computer system.
2. the computer system described in claim 1 is characterized in that, can comprise that also a power control unit is to judge whether the external digital media device is connected to computer system.
3. the computer system described in claim 1 is characterized in that, the communication between described external digital media device and the computer system is undertaken by wave point.
4. the computer system described in claim 1 is characterized in that, the communication between described external digital media device and the computer system is undertaken by connector.
5. the computer system described in claim 1 is characterized in that, described CPU is arranged to a plurality of compacted voice files of decoding.
6. the computer system described in claim 1 is characterized in that, described external digital media device is arranged to a plurality of compacted voice files of decoding.
7. the computer system described in claim 6 is characterized in that, described second operating system can be transferred to a plurality of compacted voice files on the external digital media device on the storage unit.
8. the computer system described in claim 1 is characterized in that, also can comprise a loudspeaker unit, and loudspeaker unit can be play the compacted voice file through decoding.
9. computer system that is used for displaying audio file comprises:
A CPU (central processing unit) (CPU);
An interface unit that is used to connect the external digital media device;
A loudspeaker unit;
A codec that is used for the loudspeaker unit communication;
Filtering and buffer circuit are used for carrying out data communication with codec, when external digital media device and interface unit carry out data communication, this filtering and buffer circuit can receive the simulated audio signal on the external digital media device, and prevent that simulated audio signal from flowing into codec
Wherein computer system runs on audio-frequency play mode, and CPU does not open, and loudspeaker unit comes output audio according to the simulated audio signal that receives from filtering and buffer circuit.
10. the computer system described in claim 9 is characterized in that, can comprise that also a power control unit is to judge whether the external digital media device is carrying out data communication with interface unit.
11. the computer system described in claim 9 is characterized in that, described external digital media device is arranged to decoding compressed data.
12. the computer system described in claim 9 is characterized in that, when running on audio-frequency play mode, codec cuts out, and described filtering and buffer circuit can be eliminated the leakage current in the simulated audio signal.
13. a computer system that is used for displaying audio file comprises:
A CPU (central processing unit) (CPU);
A storage unit;
First operating system that is used to control CPU etc.;
An interface unit is used to connect the external digital media device that can store a plurality of compacted voice files;
A switch is used to judge whether the external digital media device links to each other with interface unit;
One second operating system, this second operating system can the control computer system run on audio-frequency play mode with a plurality of compressed audio device transmission on the external digital media device on storage unit,
Wherein digital media device and interface unit communication, computer system are opened and are play a plurality of compacted voice files with audio-frequency play mode.
14. the computer system described in claim 13 is characterized in that, the communication between described external digital media device and the computer system is undertaken by wave point.
15. the computer system described in claim 13 is characterized in that, the communication between described external digital media device and the computer system is undertaken by connector.
16. the computer system described in claim 13 is characterized in that, described CPU is arranged to decoding compressed audio file.
17. the computer system described in claim 13 is characterized in that, described external digital media device is arranged to decoding compressed audio file.
18. the computer system described in claim 17 is characterized in that, the audio file transmissions that described second operating system can be decoded process in the external digital media device is to storage unit.
19. the computer system described in claim 13 is characterized in that, also can comprise a loudspeaker unit, this loudspeaker unit can be play the compacted voice file through decoding.
20. a computer system that is used for displaying audio file comprises:
A CPU (central processing unit) (CPU);
An interface unit is used to connect the external digital media device;
A switch is used to judge whether the external digital media device links to each other with interface unit;
A loudspeaker unit;
A codec is used for and the loudspeaker unit communication;
Filtering and buffer circuit are used for and the codec communication, and when external digital media device and interface unit communication, this filtering and buffer circuit can receive simulated audio signal from the external digital media device, and prevent that simulated audio signal from flowing into codec,
Wherein computer system runs on audio-frequency play mode, and CPU does not open, and loudspeaker unit comes output audio according to the simulated audio signal that filtering and buffer circuit receive.
21. the computer system described in claim 20 is characterized in that, described external digital media device is arranged to decoding compressed data.
22. the computer system described in claim 20 is characterized in that system runs on audio-frequency play mode, when codec cut out, described filtering and buffer circuit can be eliminated the leakage current in the simulated audio signal.
23. the system plays that uses a computer is stored in the scheme of a plurality of compacted voice files on the digital media device, its step comprises:
Detect digital media device whether with computer system in the interface unit communication;
Load an operating system in computer system, this operating system is the part of the complete operation system of computer system, and can the control computer system run on audio-frequency play mode;
A plurality of compacted voice files in the digital media device are transferred in the storage unit;
Decoding compressed audio file;
Under audio-frequency play mode, play audio file through decoding.
24. the scheme described in claim 23 is characterized in that, also can be included in the step of decoding compressed audio file in the digital media device.
25. the scheme described in claim 23 is characterized in that, also can be included in the step of decoding compressed audio file in the CPU (central processing unit) (CPU) of computer system.
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