JP2000099335A - Panel computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a panel computer which can serve as an inexpensive display device as well as a panel computer itself that works based on the operation of a personal computer OS(operating system). SOLUTION: A disk OS of a panel computer is mounted on an external storage such as an HDD 109 and a display device OS is mounted on an internal ROM (program memory 105). Then the disk OS of the panel computer is detected, the disk OS is executed. If the disk OS of the panel computer is not detected due to non-connection of the external storage, etc., the display device OS stored in the internal ROM is executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a panel computer, and more particularly, to a panel computer having a display such as an LCD panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A panel computer is operated by a DOS similar to a DOS (Disk Operation System) used in a personal computer (hereinafter, abbreviated as a personal computer). Hard disk drive). In the following description, DOS is a personal computer OS.
I may say.

FIG. 6 shows a conventional panel computer. The panel computer is a control power supply module 10
3, a panel computer control CPU 404, a program memory 405 storing a personal computer BIOS, a peripheral control module 106, and a personal computer main memory 110.

The peripheral control module 106 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 109 in which a personal computer OS is preinstalled, a PC card I / F element 120, and a PC card slot 12 for mounting a PC card.
1, a serial I / F element 122 for inputting / outputting a serial I / F such as RS232C and a serial port 123 for connecting an external device having a serial I / F, a parallel I / F
A parallel I / F element 124 for inputting / outputting F, a parallel port 125 for connecting a printer device having a parallel I / F, etc., an LCD panel 126, an LCD panel 126
Backlight 127, touch panel I / F element 128, and touch panel 129 attached to the entire surface of the LCD panel, CDROM drive 1
30, FD drive 131, Ir for infrared communication
DA light emitting / receiving element 132, USB (Universal Serial Bu
s) USB connector 133 for connecting an external device having I / F, I / F 134 for speaker (audio output) / microphone (audio input) connection, I / F for keyboard / mouse connection
/ F135 are respectively connected.

[0005] In the conventional panel computer, a system assumed only to be used as a normal panel computer is set, and when the HDD 109 is removed,
A message such as "OSnot found" cannot be displayed on the LCD panel 126 to get out of the BIOS operating state.

[0006] Even if the HDD 109 is removed, the CD ROM disk set in the CD ROM drive unit 130, the floppy disk set in the FD drive unit 131, and the PC card slot 121 as a system.
If the personal computer OS is written on a medium such as a PC card inserted in the PC, the OS can be started.

[0007] The search order of the device to be booted from the system can be set on the BIOS setting screen.
A message such as "OS not found" is displayed on the LCD, and the BIOS remains operating.

The HDD 109 is operated by a precise mechanical element, is susceptible to vibration, has a limited operating temperature range,
In addition, there is a problem that the mechanical mechanism element has a long life, and there is a problem in reliability when applied to a product which is assumed to be used in a severe environment such as a general factory or used for a long time.

In some FA-compatible panel computers, HDDs are treated as life components and are modularized to have a structure that can be periodically replaced by a user, or disk mirroring is performed to improve reliability. , H
Countermeasures such as attaching a heater to the DD and expanding the usable temperature range have been taken.

The HDD is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-23 / 1993.
As disclosed in JP-A-3109, JP-A-7-122039 and JP-A-9-244773, as an optional device for a personal computer, a mechanism capable of hot-swapping even when the personal computer is in a conductive state is considered. There is a product that is characterized in that HDD maintenance and replacement are easy.

[0011]

Generally, a product called a panel computer is assumed to operate only with hardware resources and software resources for a personal computer. Diverting to other uses, such as a display device, means that a simple display device does not require H
It is not economical because DD is mounted, and HDD
There is a problem that stable operation cannot be expected for a long period of time due to problems such as environmental resistance and reliability and lifetime.

In addition, since the existing panel computer has the same configuration as the personal computer in both software and hardware, there is an over-specification in performance and function when used as a mere display device. In the range, there were problems such as high price, reliability, and the like.

The components of the panel computer are as follows:
It is the same as that of a normal personal computer, and even if you purchase it because it is rapidly evolving to improve the performance and function of the personal computer, it will soon become obsolete, and the used parts will be discontinued, such as being discontinued. They were not able to do so and often became waste products.

However, the panel computer itself can be used on a desk in the same way as a normal personal computer if a device such as a keyboard and a mouse is connected. If the user can easily change the specifications of the panel computer, If the panel computer can be used as a display device, the panel computer can be used as a personal computer in an office and can be reused as a display device having a GUI for various products, which is highly convenient.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can be used as a panel computer presuming operation by a personal computer OS or a low-priced display device according to a user's selection. The goal is to get a panel computer.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above object, a panel computer according to the present invention has a disk operating system for a panel computer mounted on an external storage device and an operating system for a display device mounted on an internal ROM. If the disk operating system for the panel computer is detected, the disk operating system for the panel computer is executed. If the disk operating system for the panel computer cannot be detected due to disconnection of an external storage device or the like, the disk operating system is stored in the internal ROM. The operating system for the display device is executed.

The panel computer according to the next invention is as follows.
The shutdown is performed according to the shutdown operation instruction, and after the shutdown, either the disk operating system for the panel computer or the operating system for the display device is restarted according to the content of the shutdown operation instruction.

A panel computer according to the next invention is
The operating system for the display device is an OS for a handheld personal computer or a real-time OS.

The panel computer according to the next invention is
The display operating system rewrites the BIOS storage memory mounted in the panel computer, and the panel computer disk operating system rewrites the display operating system.

[0020] The panel computer according to the next invention comprises:
A light-emitting / receiving element for infrared communication is provided on the front of the panel computer, and wireless communication is performed by infrared light with a remote controller or portable device. Is what you do.

The panel computer according to the next invention is as follows.
The external storage device is a hard disk device, and the hard disk device can be detached even in an energized state by software operating on a display device operating system.

The panel computer according to the next invention is
A CPU function module including a CPU, a memory, and a peripheral control module for controlling various interface functions, and an interface mounting board having connectors for connecting a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, a PC card, and the like are divided. The CPU function module and the interface mounting board are detachably connected by a connector.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a panel computer according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments of the present invention described below, the same components as those of the above-described conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the above-described conventional example, and description thereof will be omitted.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows an internal configuration diagram of a panel computer according to the present invention. One feature of the panel computer according to the present invention is the CPU
CPU equipped with 104, program memory 105, peripheral control module 106, main memory 110 for personal computer
Function module 101 and interface mounting board 10
2 are individually configured and detachably connected by a detachable connector 107.

The interface power supply board 102 includes a control power supply module 103 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 10 in which a personal computer OS is preinstalled.
9, HD removal control I / F element 108, and PC card I
/ F element 120, PC card slot 121, serial I / F element 122, serial port 123, parallel I / F element 124, parallel port 125,
An LCD panel 126, an LCD backlight 127,
Touch panel I / F element 128 and touch panel 129
, A CDROM drive device 130, an FD drive device 131, an IrDA light emitting / receiving element 132, a USB connector 133, and a speaker / microphone connection I / F1.
34, and a keyboard / mouse connection I / F 135 are provided.

As described above, the CPU function module 10
1 and the interface mounting board 102 are separately configured and detachably connected by a detachable connector 107, so that the user can replace the interface mounting board 102 with another CPU function module and use it. Can be.

The CP which is the brain of the panel computer
Since the U function module 101 is configured to be detachable via the connector 107, when the performance and functions of a personal computer are not required, the user replaces the CPU function module 101 and has another function. It can also be used as a display device.

Another feature of the panel computer according to the present invention is that, in addition to a BIOS program provided in a normal panel computer, a display device operating system (display device operating system) OS) is stored. The OS for the display device is an OS for a handheld personal computer, a real-time OS, or the like, and does not require an HD for OS operation. The HDD 109 serving as an external storage device has a panel computer disk operating system (DOS
= OS for personal computers).

B of the panel computer according to the present invention
IOS is the HDD that the panel computer originally has
If no device with significant functionality is detected,
If the FD drive 131 which is another secondary storage device is detected and the OS is to be started from the floppy medium, but the floppy medium cannot be detected,
The program is started from the display device OS stored in the program memory 105 in advance.

Regarding the device detection procedure of the BIOS,
Since various methods can be set by the BIOS program, the present invention does not particularly define the method, and it is assumed that the device is started from the display device OS when no device can be detected.

Thus, the panel computer can operate in the HD
Both a panel computer operated by the operating system stored in D109 and a simple display device operated by the operating system stored in the internal ROM (program memory 105) can be used.

This panel computer basically operates based on the conventional personal computer operation. However, when the shutdown operation is executed, the OS for the display device is started,
The application for the display device can be used, and while the OS for the display device is operating, the contents of the HD drive can be changed by software running on the OS for the display device.
If the HDD writing operation is not performed even in the energized state, the HDD 109 becomes detachable.

When the operator performs a shutdown operation after using the panel computer, the display device O
Since S is in the operating state, mode switching between the panel computer and the mere display device can be executed while the power is on, and there is an effect that the trouble of powering on / off can be saved.

Normally, while operating as a panel computer, H is used for automatic backup of files and the like.
Since a regular access to the DD 109 usually occurs, a shutdown operation is performed to
9 after releasing 9 from the resources of the panel computer
DD109 needs to be detached.

With the configuration described above, the user can use the panel computer as a device having the same function and performance as the panel computer when the use environment is a good environment equivalent to a normal OA environment. In a severe FA environment, the HDD 109 having low environmental friendliness and low reliability can be removed, replaced with another CPU function module, and used as a single-function display device.

The HDD 109 has an advantage that the storage capacity is larger than the price and size,
Has expanded various functions by utilizing a large storage area of the HDD medium, but it is normal that there is no problem even if the functions are limited when actually used as a panel computer.

When a panel computer is mounted on a machine and used, the HMI function (Human Machine Inte
Most of the time, only the use of rface) is performed, and various windows are displayed and the window of the desired content is opened by a pointing device, and simple programming and parameter input are performed according to the situation.

At present, there is an OS that can operate with a small amount of semiconductor memory, instead of a large-capacity storage device such as the HDD 109 with limited functions as represented by a handheld personal computer. A panel computer that can use both a base OS and a small OS that operates on a semiconductor memory can be obtained.

FIG. 2 shows an operation flow of the panel computer according to the present invention. When the panel computer is turned on, it scans whether the personal computer OS is written in the HDD or the like (step S10).
When S is detected, the personal computer OS is started (step S
11). When the personal computer OS is not detected by the HDD drive, the FD drive 131, the CDROM
The drive device 130 and the PC card slot 121 are also scanned, and if the personal computer OS cannot be found even after that, the execution of the display device OS is started (step S1).
9).

When the personal computer OS is started, it waits for a login instruction (step S12), and waits for login execution from the infrared port, touch panel input, and keyboard. If the login input from any of the above is confirmed, the user ID and password are confirmed (step S13). If the login is correct, the panel computer enters the operating state and various user applications can be executed (step S14).

As in the case where the user has executed the login, when a shutdown request is made from the infrared port, the touch panel input, or the keyboard (step S1).
5), the personal computer OS performs a shutdown operation as a panel computer (step S16). If there is a power-off request during the shutdown operation, the power-off operation is performed (step S18). If there is a restart request in the panel computer mode during the shutdown operation, the process returns to step S10, and the personal computer OS
Run the scan again.

On the other hand, when a restart request is issued for the display device at the time of executing the shutdown operation, the OS for the display device is started and executed (step S19).

The display device operating mode is set by the activation of the display device OS, and various applications for the display device are executed (step S20). During the execution of the application for the display device, the HDD 109 can be attached and detached.

In the display device operation mode, the infrared port,
It waits for a touch panel input and a shutdown input from the keyboard (step S21), and when there is an input, the OS for the display device executes a shutdown operation (step S22).

If there is a power-off request during the shutdown operation, the power-off operation is executed (step S2).
4) If there is a restart request in the panel computer mode, the process returns to step S10 to execute the scan of the personal computer OS again. If there is a restart request as a display device, the process returns to step S19 and returns to step S19. Start and execute the OS.

In the case of a touch panel, the shutdown operation can be performed by selecting an icon on the screen, and the operability is good. However, in the case of a login operation, it is difficult to input a user ID, a password, and the like. The steps of inputting the user ID and inputting the password may be omitted, for example, by performing auto login setting from the keyboard in advance.

FIG. 3 is an image diagram relating to the operation flow described with reference to FIG. 2, and illustrates each operation in infrared port, touch panel input, and keyboard connection.

A keyboard and mouse 150 are connected to the panel computer 100, and the PC card slot 1
A PC card 151 is inserted into 21. An infrared communication port (IrDA light emitting / receiving element) 13 arranged on the front side by a remote controller or a portable device 152 having an infrared communication function.
2 can perform infrared communication.

The storage record on the PC card 151 inserted into the PC card slot of the panel computer 100 can record the login record from each of the infrared port, the touch panel input, and the keyboard input, and can be used for system management. It is.

Further, by performing wireless communication by infrared light with the remote controller or the portable device 152, the shutdown operation of the personal computer OS of the panel computer can be performed by the simple operation of the remote controller or the portable device 152, and the personal computer OS can be executed.
It is possible to automatically perform login execution for.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the HDD detachment control of the panel computer according to the present invention. A core logic LSI 160 is connected to an internal bus of the panel computer. Core logic LSI element 160 and HD
D109 is an HD power supply / buffer control circuit 16
1, the HD input / output bus buffer 162, the HD control signal output buffer 163, and the HD output signal input buffer 164 are connected to each other. The HD power supply / buffer control circuit 161 turns on / off the power supply to the HDD 109 and controls the input / output buffer.

Here, the HD input / output bus signal is the HDD 1
A bus signal for issuing a command, reading status, and reading / writing data from / to 09, an HD control signal is a control signal for controlling the HDD 109, and an HD output signal is an access output from the HDD 109. It is an HD output signal composed of a signal indicating the inside, an interrupt request signal, a DMA request signal, and the like.

The detailed operation is performed by an I / F of a general HDD or the like.
It will be omitted because it can be understood by referring to the description of the IDE standard specification which is a standard, but in the present invention, the core logic LSI element 1
HD power supply with output from 60, HD power supply
The buffer control circuit 161 is operated to control power on / off of the HDD 109, and various signals between the HDD 109 and the core logic LSI element 160 are turned on / off so that the HDD 109 can be attached and detached even when power is supplied.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 5 shows an internal configuration diagram of the panel computer according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, components that are the same as or the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 1, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the BIOS memory 111 for the personal computer and the OS memory 112 for the display device are separated from each other, and each of them is provided with a writing circuit (memory rewriting circuit).
113 and 114 are added.

At the time of actual operation, while operating as a panel computer, the OS writing circuit 11 for a display device is used.
4 to rewrite the contents of the display device OS memory 112 in which the display device OS is stored. On the contrary, when the display device operates, the personal computer BIOS writing circuit 113 is driven. Personal computer BI
The contents of the OS memory 111 can be rewritten. As a result, OS for display devices, BIOS for personal computers
It can respond to changes for version upgrade.

Since the display device ROM cannot be rewritten during operation as a display device, if the display device ROM change program is created as a display device ROM change program that can be executed during operation as a panel computer, the display device program will be upgraded. When it becomes necessary, the display device ROM can be changed by starting up as a panel computer and executing the change program.

[0058]

As will be understood from the above description, according to the panel computer of the present invention, a disk operating system for a panel computer is mounted on an external storage device, and an operating system for a display device is mounted on an internal ROM. When the disk operating system for the panel computer is detected, the disk operating system for the panel computer is executed. When the disk operating system for the panel computer cannot be detected due to disconnection of an external storage device or the like, the disk operating system is stored in the internal ROM. Since the operating system for the display device is executed, it can be used as a panel computer assuming operation by a personal computer OS or as a low-priced display device by a user's selection. After the personal computer and the same usage as a computer, provides the or re-use, it becomes possible to take advantage of the home security terminal or the like of a simple POS terminals and household effects as a variety of products of the display device.

Although the conventional panel computer cannot be used in a bad environment such as a factory, when the panel computer is installed in a bad environment, the panel computer is removed with the HDD, which is a factor that reduces reliability, removed. The display device can be used not only as a display device but also as a display device, and the user does not need to separately purchase a general display device that does not use an HDD.

According to the panel computer of the present invention, the shutdown is performed according to the shutdown operation instruction, and after the shutdown is performed, either the panel computer disk operating system or the display device operating system is restarted according to the shutdown operation instruction. Thus, the mode switching can be performed while the power is on.

According to the panel computer of the next invention, the operating system for the display device is the OS for the hand-held personal computer or the real-time OS.
D becomes unnecessary.

According to the panel computer according to the next invention, the operating system for the display device rewrites the BIOS storage memory mounted in the panel computer, and the disk operating system for the panel computer executes the operating system for the display device. Is executed, it is possible to cope with a change for upgrading the display device OS and the personal computer BIOS.

According to the panel computer of the next invention, a light emitting / receiving element for performing infrared communication is provided on the front of the panel computer, and performs wireless communication by infrared light with a remote controller or a portable device. The panel computer shutdown operation and login execution are performed by the device operation, so the panel computer PC OS shutdown operation and the PC OS login execution can be automatically performed by simple operations on the remote control or the mobile device. become. In addition, even if the user does not know the shutdown operation of the personal computer, the shutdown can be performed by operating the remote controller or the portable device, and the operation becomes easy.

According to the panel computer of the next invention, the external storage device is a hard disk device, and the hard disk device can be detached even when the power is on by software operating on the operating system for the display device. Good nature.

According to the panel computer of the present invention, a CPU function module including a CPU, a memory, and a peripheral control module for controlling various interface functions, and a connector for connecting a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, a PC card, etc. And the interface mounting board is divided, and the CPU function module and the interface mounting board are detachably connected to each other with a connector, so that the user can replace the interface mounting board with another CPU function module. If it can be used and does not require the performance and functions of a personal computer, the user can replace the CPU function module and use it as a display device having another function. In addition, by exchanging the CPU function module of the panel computer, there is an effect that it is possible to upgrade by exchanging the module when it is desired to stop the production of parts due to the evolution of the personal computer or to improve the function and performance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing Embodiment 1 of a panel computer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation flow of the panel computer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation image of the panel computer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a panel computer HDD attaching / detaching mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing Embodiment 2 of a panel computer according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a panel computer according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 CPU function module, 102 interface mounting board, 103 control power supply module, 104 C
PU, 105 program memory, 106 peripheral control module, 107 connector, 108 HD detachable control I /
F element, 109 hard disk drive, 110 PC main memory, 111 PC BIOS memory, 1
12 OS memory for display device, 113, 114 writing circuit, 120 PC card I / F element, 121 PC
Card slot, 122 Serial I / F element, 123
Serial port, 124 parallel I / F element, 12
5 parallel port, 126 LCD panel, 127
LCD backlight, 128 touch panel I / F element, 129 touch panel, 130 CDROM drive, 131 FD drive, 132 IrDA
Light receiving / emitting element, 133 USB connection connector, 134 speaker / microphone connection I / F, 135 keyboard / mouse connection I / F, 150 keyboard and mouse,
151 PC card, 152 remote control or portable device, 1
60 core logic LSI element, 161 HD power supply / buffer control circuit, 162 HD input / output bus buffer, 163 HD control signal output buffer, 164 HD
Output signal input buffer.

Claims (7)

[Claims] A disk operating system for a panel computer is mounted on an external storage device.
M is equipped with a display device operating system,
If the disk operating system for the panel computer is detected, the disk operating system for the panel computer is executed. If the disk operating system for the panel computer cannot be detected due to disconnection of the external storage device, the internal ROM is detected.
A panel computer which executes an operating system for a display device stored in the computer. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the shutdown is performed in accordance with the shutdown operation instruction, and after the shutdown, one of the panel computer disk operating system and the display device operating system is restarted in accordance with the shutdown operation instruction. A panel computer according to claim 1. 3. The panel computer according to claim 1, wherein the operating system for the display device is an OS for a handheld personal computer or a real-time OS. 4. The rewriting of the BIOS storage memory mounted in the panel computer by the operating system for the display device, and the rewriting of the operating system for the display device by the disk operating system for the panel computer. The panel computer according to claim 1, wherein: 5. A light emitting / receiving element for performing infrared communication is provided on the front of the panel computer, performs wireless communication by infrared light with a remote controller or a portable device, and operates the panel computer by operating the remote controller or the portable device. The panel computer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a shutdown operation and login execution can be performed. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external storage device is a hard disk device, and the hard disk device is detachable even in an energized state by software running on an operating system for a display device.
A panel computer according to any one of the preceding claims. 7. A CPU function module including a CPU, a memory, and a peripheral control module for controlling various interface functions, a keyboard, a mouse, a printer,
An interface mounting board having a connector for connecting a PC card or the like is divided, and the CPU function module and the interface mounting board are detachably connected by a connector.
5. The panel computer according to any one of 5.