JP2001325042A - Information processor and its display control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide plural switchable functions which are not integrated into firmware related with auxiliary display, so as to prevent the PC system from being started each time the functions are switched. SOLUTION: A function for obtaining the display information of 'mail contents' and 'Internet information' to be displayed at an auxiliary display device 3 is stored in a storage device 20 as an application for auxiliary display, so as to be performed at the start of this system 11. The obtained display information is separately stored/managed in a display memory 17, while a function for displaying the information is integrated into firmware as an auxiliary display controller 8, and the system 11 is started from the auxiliary display controller 8 at obtaining of the display information. When a display mode is switched according to the depression of a mode button 21, transition to the display function at the destination of switching is performed. Thus, while communications equipment 12 (hardware) can be prevented from being controlled directly by the firmware, the system 11 can be prevented from being started, when the mode button 21 is depressed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having an auxiliary display device separately from a main display device, and a display control method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a personal computer with an auxiliary display device (hereinafter abbreviated as PC). Hereinafter, a basic system configuration of the PC with the auxiliary display device will be outlined. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PC with an auxiliary display device as an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
Since it is the same as a (conventional) PC with an auxiliary display device, FIG. 1 will be used in the following description.

FIG. 16 shows a conceptual system configuration (architecture) relating to calling of each system software (when an application is started). As shown in FIG. 16, the architecture of a PC configured with a standard OS (operating system) such as a Windows system as a main system is not directly connected to application software and hardware, and has several hierarchical layers. It consists of a system (software).

The reason for adopting such a configuration is mainly that "elimination of code modification and change of application software accompanying a change or extension of a hardware configuration or specifications, that is, hardware specifications viewed from application software. Realization of the unification of ".

[0005] Some exceptions (before the Windows system was established and provided, some application software directly I / O to hardware existed because of the increase in processing speed, etc. (There is almost no application software that performs I / O to hardware.)
Except for the above, application software accesses hardware via an OS or a driver (peripheral device control software called driver software or device driver).

Therefore, as long as the specifications of the application software itself are not changed or the functions are expanded, the system software (OS, OS) is not changed even if the lower layer of the PC system (hardware) or peripheral devices is changed or expanded. It can be handled by changing only the driver and BIOS (basic input / output system) code.

Next, the configuration and role of the system software that mediates between the application software and the hardware will be described in detail below. However, in the following, only the portions related to the present invention will be described in a simplified manner.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart from turning on the PC main power supply to starting up the application software (developed in the main memory) and the main role of each system software. In FIG. 17, first, the BIOS, which is system software, is started in a first step. The program code of the BIOS is read from a ROM (read only memory) mapped from an initial state to a CPU (central processing unit) address space.
Memory). That is, the BIOS code is provided by a hardware maker in a physical form called a ROM on a main base in the PC main body.

[0009] The role of the BIOS is old (DO).
S (the age of disk operating systems)
As the name of the BIOS indicates, the hardware is controlled by having a control code of a basic input / output device (keyboard, display device, etc.), and the OS has also accessed the hardware via the BIOS. However, in recent years (in the age of Windows), hardware control after the OS has been started is almost directly controlled by the OS (exactly speaking, it is different, but conceptually it is easier to understand this idea) ). That is, the above-mentioned BIO at present
The role of S may be considered as initialization control of each hardware and activation control of the OS. Here, the start control of the OS refers to a hard disk or FD (floppy (registered trademark) disk)
Main memory (RAM (random access memory)) of the system loader stored at the specified location (address) in
And the execution control (then, the system loader expands the OS in the same main memory and executes it). In the current Windows, the DOS is once loaded by the system loader, and the Windows system is loaded in the DOS.
Has been loaded.

Next, in the second step, the BIOS
The OS is started (to be exact via the system loader).
The OS is system software which forms the core of the PC system, and executes and manages application software (CPU / main memory control such as main memory management and task management).
Or read / write in OS-specific data format (file format)
It controls mediation between application software and the basic device, such as write management (file access control) and I / O control mainly for the basic input / output device.

[0011] Furthermore, I for the extended (peripheral) device
It also starts the system software and driver, which are / O control codes.

Here, it should be noted that the most basic code part of the OS (the above-mentioned "system loader" and the like, here, the "system loader" and the like are regarded as the most basic code part of the OS). Except for the OS program code part,
The physical form of the program code portion of the driver, the program code portion of the application software, and the data code portion shared and used between the system software (OS, driver, etc.) and the application software are all hard disk or FD. Is stored in a data format (file format) specific to the OS.

This means that data cannot be exchanged from a system software (BIOS) at a lower layer than the OS in a data format specific to the OS via a storage medium such as a hard disk. Then, "OS
Designing hardware or BIOS that controls the exchange of data via a storage medium such as a hard disk in a unique data format means that we are designing a system that is no longer a PC. " It is doing.

Next, in a third step, various drivers are started following the start of the OS. Here, what kind of driver to start depends on the contents specified by the user at the time of OS installation, the factory setting of the hardware maker, and the like. Among the drivers, “basic ones” for controlling peripheral devices are included in the OS, and generally, “non-basic ones” are incorporated according to user designation / factory settings.

However, the above “basic” and “non-basic” are not clearly defined. For example, a display driver for controlling a display device is “basic”, Incorporated in the same way as "non-basic". This is because if the display driver does not exist, P
It cannot be realized as the OS of the C system and can be said to be "basic". However, the code (program) content of the display driver itself, that is, the specifications of the display driver (however, the basic specifications are stipulated) depend on the display device (display controller).

From this, basically (in the current actual specification of the installer, the optimum driver is automatically determined within a possible range, and the state described below is not normal). When the OS is installed by default (without setting the user), the display driver of the basic specification is installed. Drivers with the basic specifications such as the above display driver are installed on the OS installation disk by default.
(Install CD).

Except for a keyboard and a storage device (only a hard disk and an FD), some kind of driver is required, and the specifications are the same as those of the above-mentioned display driver. That is, any of new or unrecognized devices, that is, standard devices and devices that should be considered as a matter of course (printers and LANs (local area networks) are not standard devices but are used as usual) For other devices (such as auxiliary display devices), a dedicated driver is installed as a factory setting by a hardware maker. Also, this driver code is included in a data format (file format) specific to the OS for reinstallation.

It should be noted that not only the driver code itself but also information (data code) for controlling which driver is to be started at the time of startup is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk in a data format (file format) specific to the OS. I have.

As the last step, in the fourth step,
The application software starts. There are roughly two types of application software startup control. One is a start control in which a user designates an execution file or a data file linked to the execution file, and the other is a start control automatically executed when the OS is started.

In the former, an execution file selected / specified by a user via a keyboard or a mouse (or, when a data file is specified, an execution file associated with the data file type) is stored in the main storage RAM. It is to expand. In the latter case, O
An execution file is selected with reference to the contents stored in the S-specific data formation (file format), and the selected execution file is similarly expanded on the main storage RAM.
However, both must be performed after the activation control of various drivers is completed.

The basic configuration of the PC system has been roughly described above. FIG. 1 conceptually shows the following block configuration. (1) The BIOS, OS, and driver are represented by a block of the system 11. In other words, it is not in a file format, and is configured by one block (conceptual hardware). (2) The application software is the system 11
Thus, the program code stored in the storage device 20 in the form of a file is transferred to an application execution unit (hereinafter, simply referred to as an application execution unit) 2 including a volatile RAM or the like.
3 is executed by being developed and controlled in any of the n execution areas prepared in n. (3) Application information that is automatically executed when the OS is started is stored in a startup application name storage unit (hereinafter, simply referred to as a startup application name storage unit) 19 (a block different from the storage device 20). However, it is in the form of a file.

Based on the above description, an outline of a block configuration of the PC with the auxiliary display device shown in FIG. 1 and a control method of the auxiliary display device in the conventional PC with the auxiliary display device will be described.

FIG. 18 shows the appearance of the PC with the auxiliary display device, and shows the state when the main power is off. As shown in FIG. 18, even when the display unit lid 2 is closed, the auxiliary display device 3 and the information to be displayed are controlled on the front surface of the PC main body 1 so that the display contents of the auxiliary display device 3 can be checked and the display operation can be performed. A control button 4 and the like for operating the application function displayed on the auxiliary display device 3 are provided. With such a configuration, basically, the auxiliary display device 3
(For example, it is not used by word processing software).

The specific usage status of the auxiliary display device 3 is as follows: (1) display of the current time; (2) display of the playback tune number when the music player function is activated.
(The operation timing of the music player function is the insertion timing of a music CD (compact disc).) (3) Display of the number of newly arrived e-mails by automatic timer reception (4) Channel selection display at the time of operating the TV display function. Here, except for (4), all are mainly used when the PC main power is off. When the PC main power is on (that is, P
If the C system is operating), simply by running the application software according to the purpose, the target information relating to the running application software is displayed on the main display device 5 provided on the display unit cover 2. .

Regarding (4), even if the TV display function is realized by application software,
(TV display controller / firmware), if the entire display area of the main display device 5 is used for TV display, “the display area for displaying the selected channel number exists on the main display device 5. No, "the problem arises. That is, "displaying the selected channel on the auxiliary display device 3" does not depend on the PC main power state.

In FIG. 1, each component in the PC body 1 is classified into three groups A to C. Here, the group C is a group to which power is always supplied. The group A is a group whose power supply is controlled by the first power supply circuit 7 directly connected to the main power button 6. The first power supply circuit 7 is configured to be able to be turned on / off by an auxiliary display controller 8 in addition to the operation of the main power button 6 by the user.

The group B is a group having a second power supply circuit 9 and a third power supply circuit 10 for each device. Then, the auxiliary display controller 8 or the system 11 controls the power supply circuits 9 and 10 of the used devices to be turned on only when the device is used, and turned off when unnecessary. In detail, the second power supply circuit 9 corresponding to the communication device 12
Only controlled by. On the other hand, the audio output device 13
Are controlled by the system 11 or the auxiliary display controller 8.

The configuration of the power supply system as described above is as follows: (1) Even when the main power is not turned on (that is,
The individual devices and controllers of the groove C are operating (even when the system 11 is not operating). (2) The timing function is implemented as hardware (chip). (3) The playback output of the music CD is made into firmware (hardware). (4) The mail reception control (communication control) is not implemented as firmware. And so on.

Here, the reason why the reproduction output of the music CD in (3) is made into firmware while the mail reception control (communication control) in (4) is not made into firmware will be described below. I do.

The greatest advantage of converting functions (applications) into firmware is that an OS (system 11) is unnecessary. That is, it is unnecessary to start the OS (system 11), which takes a long time when operating the firmware function. However, it has the following disadvantages. In other words, this is contrary to the above-described idea of the PC architecture of "eliminating the code modification and change of the application software accompanying the change and extension of the hardware configuration and specifications". Further, since it is difficult to change the firmware code in response to a function expansion, a specification change, a bug or the like, it is disadvantageous in terms of development costs (mainly an increase in evaluation man-hours) and component costs.

From the above, the development man-hour does not become a significant load. Alternatively, there is a possibility that the firmware version can be used on a dedicated machine other than the PC system. Alternatively, there are assets that have already been turned into firmware when commercializing a dedicated machine or the like. Or functions (applications) such as parts being shipped from a dedicated parts manufacturer
Is turned into firmware. On the other hand, it is a general product development philosophy that functions other than those described above are operated as application software.

When applied to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, (1) the clocking function has already been implemented as a chip for a long time.
Then, there is no independent special use condition other than displaying the current time using the timekeeping function or controlling the system and other applications. (2) The music CD playback function does not require much development load.
In addition, a chip that has been converted into firmware can be used in a dedicated machine.

On the other hand, a mail function and a browser function
At present, applications utilizing communication devices such as (internet connection function) are not being converted to firmware for the following reasons. That is, various applications or function expansions are conceivable, and it is necessary to consider the upper layer (that is, the detailed specifications depend on the target user and the use situation), so that the development load increases.
Also, it is difficult to determine the specifications (it is difficult to determine the functional specifications unless the specific product concept is clarified).

In addition, in addition, in the TV display function, except for an application part such as a function of displaying a program using EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data.
At the present, the firmware is (or is) being provided (or limited to the function of simply displaying TV).

Subsequently, a PC with an auxiliary display device shown in FIG.
The surface specifications and the outline of the control of each block will be described. Note that the following specifications are merely examples and are not limited to the following, but the most standard examples will be described.
FIG. 19 shows general specifications of each conventional application (display function) related to the auxiliary display device 3. These basic controls are:
All are controlled by the auxiliary display controller 8. The general specifications of each display function are as follows.

First, the time display function (Ap 1)
4 is input, the time information is directly converted to display data, and output to the auxiliary display device 3.

Next, the CD playback number display function (Ap3)
A signal indicating that the CD has been inserted is output to the auxiliary display controller 8 via the music CD playback controller 16 by the D reading device 15. When a music CD is inserted by the auxiliary display controller 8 based on the result of the judgment by the music CD reproduction controller 16 as to whether or not the music CD, the third power supply circuit 10 is turned on and the audio output device 13 is turned on. Is supplied with power. Thereafter, the reproduction music number "1" is output to the auxiliary display device 3, and the process shifts to music reproduction control by the music CD reproduction controller 16. The music C by the music CD playback controller 16
The determination as to whether or not the recording medium is D is made by detecting information indicating the type of CD present on the CD medium.

The number of the music currently being reproduced is stored in the display memory 17.
Is stored. Then, when the transition of the reproduced music from the first music to the second music occurs, the music CD reproduction controller 16
Is output to the auxiliary display controller 8.
Then, the music number stored in the display memory 17 is updated by the auxiliary display controller 8, and the reproduction music number displayed on the auxiliary display device 3 is incremented.

As shown in FIG. 19, only this function needs to control the input from the control button 4, and when an input from any of the buttons on the control button 4 occurs, Outputs the corresponding command (one command of “Skip one song” if it is a button, or “Reproduce with song number stored in display memory 17 with incremented song number”) to music CD playback controller 16 I do.

Finally, the incoming mail number display function (Ap2)
The initial control by the auxiliary display controller 8 determines whether or not the set time stored in the parameter storage unit 18 has been reached (the current time is obtained from the clock unit 14), and determines whether or not the set time has been reached. 1 Turn on the power supply circuit 7
(Power supply to the system 11).

The mail function for determining whether there is a new mail and controlling the acquisition of the number of incoming mails is as follows.
The system 11 causes the system 11 to execute an executable file (a program code in the form of a PC application, hereinafter referred to as an “auxiliary display compatible mail application”) stored in the startup application name storage unit 19 (expanded in the application execution unit 23). ). It should be noted that the "auxiliary display compatible mail application" is not different from a normal mail application (mailer) in controlling the basic part of the mail function.

The specific control outline by the above-mentioned incoming mail number display function (Ap2) is as follows. That is, it is determined whether the auxiliary display corresponding mail application itself has been activated by the main power button 6 or activated by turning on the first power supply circuit 7 by the auxiliary display controller 8 (for example,
The judgment is made based on the return value of the inquiry command to the auxiliary display controller 8). In the former case, nothing is performed. (Accurately, the process of clearing the number of incoming mails stored in the display memory 17 is necessary. 8 is required to output some information), and in the latter case, the following is performed. (1) The second power supply circuit 9 is turned on. (2) The mail server is accessed via the communication device 12 to obtain a mail addressed to itself (a predetermined mail address), and mail data is obtained on a storage medium such as the storage device 20. (3) The number of newly arrived mails is output to the auxiliary display controller 8. (4) The second power supply circuit 9 is turned off. (5) A command to turn off the first power supply circuit 7 is output to the auxiliary display controller 8.

In response to the output from the auxiliary display corresponding mail application generated in (3) and (5) above, for example, in the case of the output in (3), the auxiliary display controller 8 controls the display of the number of incoming mails. At the time of this control, it is general that the output number of incoming mails is stored in the display memory 17 (in order to realize the switching of each function described later, it is necessary to store it in some form). There is).

FIG. 20 shows the time display function (Ap1), the number of incoming mails display function (Ap2), and the CD playback number display function (Ap3).
Are shown as the switching conditions. It is general that display control on the auxiliary display device 3 is enabled even when the main power supply is turned on (when the system 11 is activated). However, since the control becomes slightly complicated, it is assumed here that the control is limited to only when the main power is off.

As shown in FIG. 20, the switching condition from the time display function (Ap1) to the incoming mail number display function (Ap2) is determined when the set time (mail reception time) stored in the parameter storage unit 18 is reached. This is the case where the mode button 21 is pressed. The switching condition in the reverse direction is when the mode button 21 is pressed. Further, the condition for switching from the time display function (Ap1) to the CD playback number display function (Ap3) is determined in the case of music CD insertion detection or the mode button 21.
Is pressed. The switching condition in the reverse direction is when the mode button 21 is pressed. Further, the condition for switching from the number of incoming mails display function (Ap2) to the CD playback number display function (Ap3) is in the case of music CD insertion detection. The switching condition in the reverse direction is when the mail reception time has come.

Here, it should be noted that when the mode button 21 is pressed in the state of the time display function (Ap1), the state may be switched to the number of incoming mails display function (Ap2) state. In some cases, the state is switched to the playback number display function (Ap3) state. In this, (1) the time display function (Ap1) is positioned as a default function. (2) When the mode button 21 is pressed, the number of incoming mails is displayed (Ap2) or the CD playback number is displayed (Ap3)
Depends on the type of information stored in the display memory 17.
(Whether it is the number of incoming e-mails or the number of music being played / stopped playing). Therefore, if nothing is stored in the display memory 17, the time display function (Ap2) remains. That is, the display memory 17 is shared by the incoming mail number display function (Ap2) and the CD playback number display function (Ap3). There is a meaning to say.

The reason of the above (1) is that the I / O control necessary for displaying the time is simply to obtain the current time from the timekeeping means 14, and the timekeeping means 14 belongs to the group C. The main reason is that power is always supplied. That is, on the auxiliary display controller 8 side,
The display can be controlled without any additional storage area.

On the other hand, when displaying the number of incoming e-mails, it is necessary to activate the system 11 to obtain the number of incoming e-mails. There is. To display the playback music number, if it is only necessary to obtain the playback music number, it is sufficient to obtain the playback music number from the music CD playback controller 16. Various controls on the current playback track number
Since there is (I / O control with the music CD playback controller 16), it is necessary to separately provide a storage area (storing the currently playing music number information) which can be directly accessed on the auxiliary display controller 8 side.

Further, the reason of the above (2) depends on the use of the auxiliary display device 3, but as described above, the number of incoming calls, the number of music, the time, etc. When only the display memory 17 is used, the display memory 17 should be as small as possible in terms of cost.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 22 denotes a standard input device including a keyboard and a mouse.

[0051]

However, the above-mentioned conventional PC with an auxiliary display function has the following problems. That is, by providing a PC with an auxiliary display device having the above-described functions, a new use situation is generated, and new needs and user requests are being generated.
These user requests are basically a further extension of the function of the auxiliary display device to the current PC with the auxiliary display device. Specifically, (1) displaying the contents of unread mail in mail automatically received based on a timer, and (2) displaying information available via the Internet.

However, realizing the above-mentioned display function by using firmware imposes an extremely heavy load on the maker side in terms of development costs as described above. Also, some,
Such a design concept is based on a product concept called PC (P
C architecture).

Therefore, the above-mentioned display function is realized by application software that is not converted into firmware. In this case, the display function (display mode) that is not converted into firmware can be switched. Consideration is required. In this case, starting the system 11 every time the display mode is switched, that is, each time the display function is switched, is not what the PC provider or the user desires.

However, as described above, it is necessary to add a display function for auxiliary display which is not implemented as firmware, to enable switching between display functions, and to activate the system 11 every time the display function is switched. To avoid this, the conventional (1) time display function (Ap1) is positioned as a default function. (2) The display memory 17 is shared by a plurality of display functions for auxiliary display, and the type of information stored in the display memory 17 indicates which display function is executed when the mode button 21 is pressed. Depend on. However, there is a problem that the switching specification of each display function is substantially impossible.

That is, for example, even if the function is switched to the unread mail content display function, if Internet information is stored in the display memory 17, “unread mail content” is displayed.
Cannot be displayed. Therefore, in that case, it is necessary to acquire “contents of unread mail”, and the auxiliary display controller 8 activates the system 11 to acquire “contents of unread mail”. That is, the system 11 is activated every time the mode button 4 instructs the switching of the display function.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of non-firmware functions related to auxiliary display, which can be switched between the functions, and that the PC system does not have to be activated every time the switching is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device having an auxiliary display device and a display control method thereof.

[0057]

In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is directed to a basic program for executing an application program stored in a storage device and a hardware, device or firmware from the application program side. In an information processing apparatus having a system program storage means storing a system program including a software interface for mediating input and output, an auxiliary display device capable of displaying even when the system program is not running; Mode instruction means for instructing the apparatus to switch between a plurality of display modes for displaying different display information, and a function of acquiring display information in two or more display modes designated by the mode instruction means are executed by the system program. Be done Display information storage means for storing the display information obtained by executing the application program for obtaining the display information for each display mode, while taking the form of a computer application and storing the display information in the storage device as the application program; An auxiliary display controller in which the function of displaying the display information in each display mode on the auxiliary display device is implemented by hardware or firmware is provided, and switching from the first display mode to the second display mode is performed by the mode instruction means. Is instructed, the display function shifts from the display function related to the first display mode to the display function related to the second display mode in the auxiliary display controller, and the display information is acquired by the auxiliary display controller. System pro It is characterized by being adapted to perform by activating the ram.

According to the above arrangement, the display information is displayed on the auxiliary display device by the display information storage means for each display mode by the auxiliary display controller implemented by hardware or firmware. It is performed using. When the switching of the display mode is instructed by the mode instruction means, the display function of the auxiliary display controller is shifted from the display function of the current display mode to the display function of the next display mode, and the display processing in the next display mode is performed. Will be Therefore, when the mode instruction means is operated to switch the display contents, the time-consuming activation of the system program is not performed.

On the other hand, only when it becomes necessary to obtain the display information, the auxiliary display controller activates the system program, and the system program executes the display information obtaining application program to execute the display information. Information is obtained. In this way, it is possible to avoid violating the idea of the PC architecture in which the peripheral device (hardware) such as a communication device is directly controlled by the auxiliary display controller that is implemented as firmware.

The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
A plurality of application programs for a display information acquisition function having the same device for performing I / O control for acquiring the display information are simultaneously executed by a single activation of the system program by the auxiliary display controller. Is desirable.

According to the above configuration, the application programs for a plurality of display information acquisition functions for performing I / O control of the same peripheral device (communication device) such as the unread mail information acquisition function and the Internet information acquisition function are provided by the auxiliary display. This is executed simultaneously by one activation of the system program by the controller. Thus, the number of activations of the system program is further reduced.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises:
A parameter storage means in which an acquisition address when acquiring the Internet information as the display information is stored in advance as a setting parameter is provided, and an application program for acquiring the display information is transmitted to an I / O device as a communication device as the device. Controlling to access the acquisition destination address, acquire the Internet information and store it in the display information storage means, and when the Internet information display mode is designated by the mode instruction means, Preferably, Internet information stored in the display information storage means is read and displayed on the auxiliary display device.

According to the above configuration, the acquisition destination address is initially set as a setting parameter in the parameter storage means in advance. This makes it possible to automatically acquire the Internet information for the auxiliary display device whose data format is text (character) based, and display it on the auxiliary display device by the auxiliary display controller.

The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
The storage device stores an application program for Internet browser access in the form of the computer application, and the display information storage means stores an associated address present in the acquired Internet information in an area of the Internet information display mode. And an access instructing means for instructing access to the relevant address. The auxiliary display controller is configured to display the relevant address from the access instructing means when displaying the Internet information. It is desirable that, when there is an instruction to access the Internet, the system program is started and the application program for accessing the Internet browser is operated based on the relevant address.

According to the above configuration, when the auxiliary display controller displays Internet information and receives an access instruction to the related address from the access instruction means, the system program is started, An application program for accessing the Internet browser is operated based on the relevant address. In this way, the user can quickly obtain the relevant information without turning on the main power button and performing the operation of obtaining the Internet information.

The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention
If the elapsed time after the acquisition of the display information is equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the display mode of the display information is switched by the mode instruction means, the system program is activated. It is desirable that the display information be obtained.

According to the above configuration, when the display mode is switched by the mode instructing means, and when a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the acquisition of the corresponding display information, the auxiliary display controller Starts the system program, and the application program of the display information acquisition function is executed. In this way, only the fresh information within the predetermined time after the acquisition is displayed on the auxiliary display device.

The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is a software program for mediating input / output to / from hardware, devices, or firmware from the application program, from a basic program for executing an application program stored in a storage device. In an information processing apparatus having a system program storage unit in which a system program including an interface is stored, an auxiliary display device capable of displaying even when the system program is not operating, and display information to be displayed on the auxiliary display device. The function to acquire takes the form of a computer application executed by the system program, and is stored in the storage device as the application program and acquires the display information. Display information storage means for storing display information obtained by execution of a program for each display mode, and an auxiliary function in which the function of displaying the display information in each of the display modes on the auxiliary display device is implemented by hardware or firmware. A display controller is provided, and the auxiliary display controller is provided with scroll means for scrolling display contents of the auxiliary display device.

According to the above configuration, the system program is started by the auxiliary display controller in the form of firmware, the application program for acquiring the display information is executed, and the acquired display information is stored in the display information storage means. You. Further, the display information is displayed while being scrolled by the scroll means. In this way, the display information of the number of characters equal to or more than the number of display digits is effectively displayed on the auxiliary display device having the limit of the number of display digits.

An information processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus, wherein a basic program for executing an application program stored in a storage device and software for mediating input / output to hardware, devices, or firmware from the application program. In an information processing apparatus having a system program storage unit in which a system program including an interface is stored, an auxiliary display device capable of displaying even when the system program is not operating, and display information to be displayed on the auxiliary display device. The function to acquire takes the form of a computer application executed by the system program, and is stored in the storage device as the application program and acquires the display information. Display information storage means for storing display information obtained by execution of a program for each display mode, and an auxiliary function in which the function of displaying the display information in each of the display modes on the auxiliary display device is implemented by hardware or firmware. A display controller, wherein the auxiliary display controller includes a display color changing unit that changes a display color of the display information when an elapsed time after acquisition in the display information is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. I have.

According to the above configuration, the system program is started by the auxiliary display controller in the form of firmware, the application program for acquiring display information is executed, and the acquired display information is stored in the display information storage means. You. Further, this display information is displayed on the auxiliary display device. At that time, if a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the corresponding display information was obtained,
The display color is changed by the display color changing means and displayed. Thus, the freshness of the display information is also displayed.

A display control method for an information processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a basic program for executing an application program and a software interface for mediating input / output to hardware, devices or firmware from the application program. A display control method for an information processing apparatus having a system program comprising: a function of acquiring display information in two or more types of display modes switched and designated by mode instructing means. The function of displaying the display information in each display mode on the auxiliary display device is implemented as hardware or firmware as an auxiliary display controller. The first mode
When the switching from the display mode to the second display mode is instructed, the display process for the first display mode by the auxiliary display controller is shifted to the display process for the second display mode, and the auxiliary display controller executes the system program. The present invention is characterized in that the display information is acquired by starting up and executing the application program for acquiring the display information, and the acquired display information is stored in the display information storage means for each display mode.

According to the above configuration, the system program is started by the auxiliary display controller only when it becomes necessary to acquire the display information, and the display information acquisition Is executed to obtain the display information. The switching display of the obtained various display information is performed by the auxiliary display controller that is implemented as firmware. Therefore, every time the mode instructing means is operated to switch the display contents, the time-consuming activation of the system program is not performed. In this way, it is possible to avoid violating the idea of the PC architecture in which the peripheral device (hardware) such as a communication device is directly controlled by the auxiliary display controller in the form of firmware, and the system program is switched every time the display mode is switched. Prevent booting.

[0074]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PC with an auxiliary display device as an information processing device according to the present embodiment. The basic configuration and basic operation of the PC with the auxiliary display device according to the present embodiment are as described in the related art.

The configuration is roughly composed of three groups, one of which (group C) is a group to which power is always supplied. In principle, the configuration necessary for display control for the auxiliary display device 3 is a total. Belongs to group C.
Here, the auxiliary display controller 8 is a program code for executing information display control relating to each display function as shown in FIG. 2, which is made into firmware. It is responsible for all control processing.

Prior to the description of the control contents of the auxiliary display controller 8, first, the specifications (FIG. 2) of the auxiliary display device 3 in the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the display functions using the auxiliary display device 3 include a “time display function (Ap1)”, a “unread mail content display function”.
(Ap2) "," CD playback number display function (Ap3) ", and" Internet information display function (Ap4) ". Among them, the "time display function (Ap1)" and the "CD playback number display function (Ap3)" are implemented by hardware or firmware, and are provided with an auxiliary display controller 8 and timing means directly controlled by the auxiliary display controller 8. 14 and a music CD playback controller 16. Then, when executing the “time display function (Ap1)”, the auxiliary display controller 8 performs I / O control on the clock unit 14 to acquire time information. "CD playback number display function (Ap3)"
Is executed, the auxiliary display controller 8 sets the music CD
The playback controller 16 performs I / O control to acquire CD playback information.

On the other hand, the “unread mail content display function (Ap
"2)" and "Internet information display function (Ap4)" are composed of an auxiliary display controller 8 that is made into firmware and an auxiliary display application in the form of a PC application (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary display application). You.
Then, the auxiliary display controller 8 obtains unread mail information and Internet information by performing I / O control of the auxiliary display application via the system 11. Here, the program code of the auxiliary display application is stored in the storage device 20 in a file format (a data format unique to the system 11). Then, the file name of the auxiliary display application is recorded in advance in the startup application name storage unit 19 (as a default at the time of shipment from a hardware maker) so that the auxiliary display application is activated at the same time when the PC system is started. It is.

FIG. 3 shows the switching condition of each display function using the auxiliary display device 3. The switching of each display function is controlled by a user's operation of the control button 4 and the mode button 21 as the mode instruction means. However,
Only switching to the "CD playback number display function (Ap3)"
It has a slightly special specification that switches only when D is inserted.

Although details will be described later, a setting area (parameter) for operating the system 11 with a timer for the purpose of controlling the “unread mail content display function (Ap2)” or the “Internet information display function (Ap4)”. Are stored in the parameter storage unit 18 (variable name: T
imer) is secured. As a matter of course, a timer setting area for the “unread mail content display function (Ap2)” and a timer setting area for the “Internet information display function (Ap4)” may be individually set. However, any of the display functions is a display function for obtaining information via the communication device 12, and since the use location of the PC system is at home, a paid general public line is used. In order to save time, reduce repeated PC startup, and the like, the timer operation time setting area is set to one.

The conditions for switching to each display function shown in FIG. 3 are summarized as follows. (1) When the mode button 21 is pressed, the “time display function (Ap1)” → “unread mail content display function (Ap2)” → “Internet information display function (Ap4)” → “time display function
(Ap1) ". (2) Switching to the “CD playback number display function (Ap3)” occurs when a music CD is inserted into the CD reading device 15. This switching can be made from any state (any of the display functions Ap1, Ap2, Ap4). (3) The transition from the “CD playback number display function (Ap3)” is, in principle, only when the mode button 21 is pressed and when the EJECT button (not shown) of the CD reading device 15 is operated. In this case, the mode is switched to the "time display function (Ap1)". (4) The switching of the display functions shown in (1) to (3) is performed in the information display control routine by the auxiliary display controller 8. (5) When the "time display function (Ap1)" is activated, the operation display function is set to "unread e-mail content display function (Ap2)" only when the timer for e-mail reception etc. is activated (the current time matches the variable Timer value).
Switch to.

The specifications of the control buttons (buttons to buttons) 4 when the display functions (Ap1 to Ap4) operate are as follows.
As shown in FIG. The detailed description of the specification is omitted.
(The control will be described later).

The storage areas of various data used for the control by the auxiliary display controller 8 are roughly classified into two types: a parameter storage section 18 and a display memory 17. In FIG. 1, both are configured separately, but there is no problem even if the physical form is the same. However,
The design philosophy such as the way of thinking and the way of development in the design is greatly different.

The biggest difference is in the font data (display image). Although not shown in FIG. 1, a database for font data (font pattern) corresponding to a character code is indispensable at the time of display processing. The problem here is where the font data for the auxiliary display device 3 is provided. For font data of about alphanumeric characters, a separate font ROM may be provided for the auxiliary display device 3 (alphanumeric font data is sufficient for the above-mentioned conventional PC with an auxiliary display device). However, a kanji (double-byte) font is required to control the display of the mail contents (summary) and the like. The provision of a separate font ROM dedicated to the auxiliary display device 3 increases the unit cost and increases A problem arises in that it cannot respond to changes in

However, as described above, the display information acquisition function in the “unread mail content display function (Ap2)” and the “Internet information display function (Ap4)” is in the form of a PC application, so that the system 11 ( Font data (storage device 2) used by OS
0 stored in the form of a file). That is, when outputting the unread mail content and the Internet information to the auxiliary display controller 8 by the auxiliary display application, the above-mentioned problem can be solved by outputting the content as a display image code instead of a character code.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display memory 17 stores data to be actually displayed and display data necessary for determining display attributes (color attributes and the like). . In this respect, it is distinguished from the parameter storage unit 18.

As shown in FIG. 5, the display memory 17
Are for "Unread mail contents display function (Ap2)", "CD playback number display function (Ap3)", and "Internet information display function".
(Ap4) ". The data to be displayed on the auxiliary display device 3 is stored in each area.
There is an area for storing (character data in the present embodiment). Note that the display area A
In p2, the array variable MAbs [] [], and in the display function Ap3, the variable PlayN
o, the display function Ap4 has an array variable IData []. here,
Regarding the array variable LinkURL [] in the display function Ap4,
In the present embodiment, the display processing is not performed. However, since there is no problem even if the display processing is performed,
An area is secured in the display memory 17.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, a storage area for variables / constants used in the auxiliary display controller 8 is secured in the parameter storage section 18. The details of each variable will be described later when the control procedure of the auxiliary display controller 8 is described.

Hereinafter, the system constant URL of the parameter storage unit 18 and the variable LinkURL of the display memory 17, that is, the specification of the “Internet information display function (Ap4)” in this embodiment will be supplementarily described.

In the PC system according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that a system variable URL is initially set before shipment from a hardware maker. That is, the “Internet information display function (Ap4)” in the present embodiment does not access an unspecified number of sites, but in principle, the application (function) of the auxiliary display device 3 is determined by a hardware maker. The access is made to the site address of the information service which is stored in the system constant URL of the parameter storage unit 18 and specially prepared. In this embodiment, for convenience, the information service has one site address, but a plurality of site addresses may be used.

As described above, the main reason for initially setting the site address in the system variable URL in advance is that the size of the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is set to 1 line × 10 columns to 1 on a text (character) basis. The point is that a line × about 20 digits is assumed. That is, the data format of the information service prepared for the auxiliary display device 3 is, in principle, a text format.
This is because (character) base is assumed.

Further, considering the use situation, the most appropriate information type displayed when the PC with the auxiliary display device is not used as the PC is the one obtained from the site address stored in the system constant URL. News information. " In this case, while looking at the news information displayed on the auxiliary display device 3 and the information for which details are desired is displayed, there is a case where the user wants to turn on the main power and search for the details of the information from the Internet information. There are many. Therefore, in such a case, an area for storing the related site address in order to quickly access the related site is the array variable LinkURL of the display memory 17. Then, when the button of the control button 4 is depressed at the time of the “Internet information display function (Ap4)”, the system 11 is started, and an Internet browser application (hereinafter, referred to as “Internet browser”)
Browser application) is launched (launched) to access the related site address stored in the array variable LinkURL.

Note that the array variable Link
The related URL (uniform resource location) data stored in the URL is the information in the site address stored in the system constant URL of the parameter storage unit 18.
(Page data). However, the number of data and the data format of the related URL may be any as long as they are defined between the service provider and the hardware provider.

The above is the outline of the PC with the auxiliary display device according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a display control method for realizing the above outline will be described in detail.

FIGS. 6 to 12 are flowcharts of the control operation by the auxiliary display controller 8. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a control operation by the auxiliary display application. First, a control operation by the auxiliary display controller 8 will be described.

In FIG. 6, the control operation by the auxiliary display controller 8 starts. However, since the auxiliary display controller 8 belongs to the group C to which the power is always supplied, specifically, the time when the battery (not shown) is inserted into the PC main body 1 is the start time of the auxiliary display controller 8. .

Then, in step S1, the display mode of the auxiliary display device 3 (the active application Ap1
A variable FMD representing .about.Ap4) is initialized to "0". still,
Here, the "time display function (Ap1)" is set as a default.
The subsequent operations in FIG. 6 include branch control based on inputs from the mode button 21, the control button 4, the music CD playback controller 16, and the system 11 (auxiliary display application), the current time from the timer 14 and the variable Timer. Is a branch control based on the result of the comparison, and individual control operations after the branch are shown in FIG. 7 and subsequent figures. The order of the branch control is not particularly limited, and the subsequent control is not largely affected by the order of the branch control.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the interface (I / O) specifications between the auxiliary display controller 8 and the music CD reproduction controller 16, and the auxiliary display controller 8 and the system 11 (auxiliary display application). 2 shows an interface (I / O) specification between the two. The subsequent control is based on the interface specifications.

In step S2, it is determined whether or not there is a "start condition request command" from the system 11 (auxiliary display application). If there is a result, proceed to step S3,
If not, proceed to step S4. In step S3, "-1 (normal startup by power button)" is output to the system 11 (auxiliary display application), and the process returns to step S2. This step is for distinguishing between a PC system activation by a timer for obtaining unread mail / Internet information by the auxiliary display application and a PC system activation by a related URL to activate a browser application as described later. It is a step.

In step S 4, the current time is obtained from the clocking means 14 and stored in the parameter storage 18 in the internal variable t. Thus, every time the current time information is used in the subsequent steps, it is not necessary to acquire the current time information from the clock unit 14. In step S5, the stored value (current time information) of the internal variable t and the parameter storage unit 18
It is determined whether the value of the variable Timer matches. As a result, if they match, the process proceeds to entry MG1 (unread mail / Internet information acquisition routine: FIG. 11), and if not, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S 6, a CD is inserted based on the “insert CD” command from the music CD playback controller 16.
It is determined whether a music CD has been inserted into the reading device 15. As a result, if a music CD is inserted, step S
Proceed to step 7, otherwise proceed to step S8. In step S7, the value of the internal variable FMD in the parameter storage unit 18 is set to "-
1: CD playback number display function (Ap3) ", and the flow shifts to entry AP30 (music CD playback control routine: FIG. 10).

In step S8, the value of the internal variable FMD is
It is determined whether it is "-1". As a result, if "-1", the process proceeds to entry AP3 (CD playback number display control routine: FIG. 10), and if not, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, it is determined whether or not the value of the internal variable FMD is "1". As a result, if it is “1”, the flow shifts to entry AP2 (unread mail content display control routine: FIG. 8); otherwise, the flow advances to step S10. Step S10
Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the internal variable FMD is “2”. As a result, if it is “2”, the process proceeds to entry AP4 (Internet information display control routine: FIG. 9); otherwise, the process proceeds to entry AP1 (time display control routine: FIG. 7).

Next, the control operation of the time display control routine (entry AP1) will be described with reference to FIG.
Note that this routine is repeatedly entered when the current display mode is FMD = 0 (current time display).

In step S11, it is determined whether or not the mode button 21 has been pressed. As a result, if the mode button 21 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S12 to shift to a process for switching to the “unread mail content display” mode.
On the other hand, if there is no press, the process proceeds to step S15. Step S
At 12, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is erased. In step S13, the internal variable FMD value is updated to "1". In step S14, each internal variable Scrf, c, in the parameter storage unit 18 used when executing the unread mail content display control routine.
The value of p is initialized to “0”. After that, entry A
The program shifts to P21 (unread mail content display control routine: FIG. 8).

In step S15, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is deleted. In step S16, the value of the variable t (current time information) acquired in step S4 is converted to text and displayed on the auxiliary display device 3. After that, step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG.
Return to Note that the present time display step (steps S15 and S16) is an entry for the first display processing when switching from another display mode to the "time display" mode.
(AP11).

Next, the control operation of the unread mail content display control routine (entry AP2) will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the current display mode is FM
If D = 1 (unread mail content display), entry is repeated. The entry AP21 is an entry for the first display process when the display mode is switched from another display mode to the “unread mail content display” mode.

In step S21, it is determined whether or not the mode button 21 has been pressed. As a result, if there is a press, the process proceeds to step S22 and shifts to a process for switching to the “Internet information display” mode. On the other hand, if there is no press, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S22, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is deleted. In step S23, the internal variable FMD value is updated to "2". In step S24, the value of each internal variable Scrf, p of the parameter storage unit 18 used when executing the Internet information display control routine is initialized to "0". After that, the process proceeds to the entry AP41 (Internet information display control routine: FIG. 9).

In step S25, it is determined whether or not the control button 4 has been pressed. As a result, if there is a press, the process proceeds to step S26, and if not, the process proceeds to step S38. In step S26, it is determined whether or not the pressed control button 4 is a button. As a result, if it is a button, the process proceeds to entry MG2 (unread mail / internet information acquisition). On the other hand, if not, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, it is determined whether or not the pressed control button 4 is a button. As a result, if it is a button, the process proceeds to step S28; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S28.
Go to 29. In step S28, the internal variable (scroll flag) Scrf is inverted. That is, the scroll state (Scrf
= 0, the freeze state (Scrf = 1) is set, and if the freeze state (Scrf = 1), the scroll state (Scrf = 0) is set. After that, the process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG.

In step S29, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is deleted. In step S30, the contents of the scroll flag Scrf are initialized to "0". Step S31
Thus, it is determined whether or not the pressed control button 4 is a button. If the result is a button, step S32
Otherwise (if a button) step S
Continue to 35. In step S32, the internal variable c for the display character position is incremented, while the internal variable p is initialized to "0". In step S33, it is determined whether or not the internal variable c indicating the display unread mail number is equal to the value of the variable Cnt indicating the number of unread mails in the display memory 17. As a result, if they are equal, the process proceeds to step S34, and if they are not equal, step S34 is skipped. In step S34, the value of the internal variable c is set to "0". In this way, it is possible to prevent the value of the internal variable c from becoming an undefined value equal to or larger than the stored number of unread mails. After that, the process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG.

In step S35, the internal variable c for the display character position is decremented, while the internal variable p is initialized to "0". In step S36, it is determined whether or not the value of the internal variable c representing the displayed unread mail number is negative. If the result is negative, the process proceeds to step S37, and if not, step S37 is skipped. In step S37, the value of the internal variable c is set to "Cnt-1". Thus, the value of the internal variable c is prevented from becoming a negative out-of-spec value. After that, the process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG.

In step S38, since it is determined in step S25 that the control button 4 has not been pressed, the following display update control processing is performed. Note that this display update control processing entry is also the first display processing entry (AP21) when switching from another display mode to the “unread mail content display” mode. First, it is determined whether or not the value of the internal variable (scroll flag) Scrf is “0”. If the value is "0", the process proceeds to the scroll process after step S39. Otherwise, the scroll process is not performed and the above-described step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG.
Return to

Here, the above internal variable Scrf is
(Horizontal) This flag indicates whether or not scrolling is performed. If "0", scrolling is performed, and if it is other than "0", scrolling is not performed. This is because, as described above, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is 1 line × 10 columns to 1 line × 20.
This is because the mail data is assumed to be a character string of more characters than a digit. When the value of the variable Scrf is “0”, the display characters are displayed so as to flow from right to left. On the other hand, if the value of the variable Scrf is not “0”, the display is not updated (freezes). In order to change the value of this variable Scrf, the user needs to operate a control button 4 described later. In this case, the initial value is “0”, and the scroll state is set.

In step S39, the parameter storage unit 1
“White” is substituted for the internal variable Color of No. 8. Step S40
The value of the difference between the internal variable t for obtaining the current time and the internal variable MGetTime for obtaining the mail is larger than one hour, that is, 1 since the previous mail was obtained (from the previous access to the mail server). It is determined whether the time (predetermined time) has elapsed. As a result, if it is longer than one hour, the process proceeds to step S41; otherwise, step S41 is skipped. In step S41, "red" is substituted for the internal variable Color.

In step S42, the currently displayed display row is scrolled to the left by one character. After that,
In the rightmost display area that was blank by scrolling,
The content of the array variable MAbs [c] [p] in the display memory 17 (that is, the character following the currently displayed character string) is displayed in the color set in the internal variable Color. Note that the array variable MAbs [] []
Is a variable in which the contents of the unread mail are stored, the variable c is the number of the unread mail currently being displayed, and the variable p is the character pointer in the unread mail number c. As described above, the value of the variable c is changed by the operation of the control button 4 by the user. Then, the initial value is “0”, which is set to the first unread mail recorded.

In step S43, the apparatus enters a waiting state for a predetermined time. In step S44, the content of the variable p is incremented. In step S45, the value of the array variable MAbs [c] [p] is “0”.
(Empty) ”is determined. As a result, "0 (empty)"
If so, the process proceeds to step S46; otherwise, step S46 is skipped. In step S46, a variable p which is a character pointer is initialized to "0". After that, Figure 6
Then, the process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine. Thus, each time the above steps S42 to S46 are executed, the content of the variable p is incremented by one,
The contents of the unread mail of the unread mail number c are scroll-displayed one character at a time.

At this time, the reason for waiting for a predetermined time in step S43 is to prevent scrolling at high speed and preventing the user from seeing the contents. Further, when the unread mail of the unread mail number c is displayed up to the last character, the above steps S45 and S46 are processes for redisplaying the unread mail from the first character (the first character) of the unread mail. In the meantime, when the display shifts from the last character to the first character, some sort of display control such as displaying at least one space character should be performed. However, in this embodiment, it is omitted. ing.

Here, in the steps S40 and S41, the display color is changed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last mail was obtained for the following reason. That is, in the configuration of the PC with the auxiliary display device, it is necessary to activate the system 11 when performing the mail acquisition control (access control to the mail server). Frequent activation of the system 11 means that the effect of providing the auxiliary display device 2 such that the operation time of the system 11 is reduced and the power consumption is reduced are lost. Therefore, the above step S5
When the current time reaches the time set in the parameter storage unit 18, the process shifts to the entry MG1 to execute an unread mail / internet information acquisition routine. However, this may result in a large time difference between the time when the information is obtained and the time when the information is displayed. Therefore, the freshness of the information is changed by changing the display character color when the time difference between the time when the information is obtained and the time when the information is displayed is longer than a predetermined time (1 hour in this embodiment) and in the following cases. They try to express it. It should be noted that it is preferable that the predetermined time for switching the display character color is not a fixed value but a variable that can be set / changed by a user.

There is another notable reason for changing the display color. It is the "unread mail content display function
This is because, even if the display mode is switched to “(Ap2)”, the mail reacquisition process is not executed. Specifically, for example, when the mode button 21 is pressed in the “time display function (Ap1)” state, the display memory 1 at that time is pressed.
7 (that is, to control the display of unread mail contents based on the contents of the array variable MAbs [c] [p]). The reason for adopting such a control specification is to reduce the operation time of the system 11 and the power consumption as described above.
Therefore, as in the case of the display color change, the acquired mail information may become old. Therefore,
If a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the last mail acquisition, the “unread mail content display function (A
It is also possible to change the specification to newly acquire mail information when the switching to “p2)” occurs. In particular,
In any of the above steps S12 to S14 in FIG. 7, the difference between the internal variable t for obtaining the current time and the internal variable MGetTime for obtaining the mail is larger than 8 hours. If the value of the difference between the variable t and the internal variable IGetTime for Internet information acquisition time is greater than 8 hours, the unread mail /
A step of acquiring Internet information may be inserted.

In this case, as will be described in detail later, the acquisition of unread mail and the acquisition of Internet information are performed by a single routine. It is not necessary to perform both of the comparison processes, and only one of the comparison processes may be performed. When the unread mail acquisition and the Internet information acquisition are performed by different routines, only the comparison processing with one internal variable corresponding to the information to be acquired may be performed.

The change to the specification for newly acquiring information when the mode button 21 is switched when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous acquisition is described in “Internet Information Display Function (Ap4). The same applies to the case of "". In that case, the above steps may be inserted into any of the above steps S22 to S24 in FIG. In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined time is a variable that can be set / changed on the user side as in the case of the display color change control. When the system is fixed (constant), the value should be longer than the predetermined time (1 hour in the present embodiment) during the display color change control (8 hours in the above example). is there.

Next, the control operation of the Internet information display control routine (entry AP4) will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the current display mode is FM
If D = 2 (Internet information display), entry is repeated. The entry AP41 is an entry for the first display processing when switching from another display mode to the “Internet information display” mode.
In this routine, the display information in the above-described unread mail content display control routine is changed from the array variable MAbs [] [] to the array variable ID.
This is only changed to ata [] (only changed from two-dimensional array processing to one-dimensional array processing), and is basically the same as the unread mail content display control routine.

In step S51, it is determined whether or not the mode button 21 has been pressed. As a result, if there is a press, the process proceeds to step S52 to shift to a process for switching to the “time display” mode. On the other hand, if there is no press, step S
Continue to 54. In step S52, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is deleted. In step S53, the internal variable FMD value is updated to "0". After that, the process proceeds to the entry AP11 (time display control routine: FIG. 7).

In steps S54 to S57, in the same manner as in steps S25 to S28, it is determined whether or not the control button 4 is pressed, and whether or not the pressed control button 4 is a button. Done. If the control button 4 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S58. If the control button 4 is a button, the process proceeds to entry MG3 (obtain unread mail / internet information). If the control button 4 is a button, the internal variable (scroll flag) Scrf is inverted, and then the process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG. If the button is neither a button nor a button (if it is a button), the process proceeds to the entry STB (Internet browser application activation control routine based on the related URL: FIG. 12).

In steps S58 to S66, the following display update control processing is performed in the same manner as in steps S38 to S46. Note that this display update control processing entry is also the first display processing entry (AP41) when switching from another display mode to the "Internet information display" mode.

That is, if the value of the internal variable (scroll flag) Scrf is "0", "white" is substituted for the internal variable Color, and if not, the branch control routine of FIG. The process returns to step S2. If the value of the difference between the internal variable t and the internal variable IGetTime for obtaining Internet information is greater than one hour, “red” is substituted for the internal variable Color. After that,
After the currently displayed display column is scrolled to the left by one character, the contents of the array variable IData [p] in the display memory 17 are displayed in the rightmost display area in the color set by the internal variable Color. The variable p is a character pointer in Internet information. Next, after waiting for a predetermined time, the content of the variable p is incremented. If the value of the array variable IData [p] is “0 (empty)”, the variable p is initialized to “0”. After that, Figure 6
The process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG. Thus, the contents of the variable p are incremented by one, and the contents of the Internet information are scroll-displayed one character at a time.

Next, the control operation of the CD reproduction number display control routine (entry AP3 / AP30) will be described with reference to FIG. The entry AP30 of this routine
Indicates that a music CD has been inserted into the CD reading device 15, that is, “insert CD” from the music CD playback controller 16.
This entry is for when a command is output. Also,
The entry AP3 is repeatedly entered when the current display mode is FMD = -1 (music CD playback number display). That is, steps between the entry AP30 and the entry AP3 mean initial control.

In step S71, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is erased, and the third power supply circuit 10 is turned on. In step S72, the variable PlayNo indicating the number of the song being reproduced in the display memory 17 and the parameter storage 18
Variable (pause stop flag) pausef (0: playing,
1: stop) is performed. In step S73, a "play" command for the music number of the variable PlayNo is output to the music CD playback controller 16. Step S
At 74, a "reproduction song number acquisition" command is output to the music CD reproduction controller 16. Then, the current playback music number acquired by the music CD playback controller 16 is stored in the variable PlayNo, and is displayed in the display area of the auxiliary display device 3. Thereafter, the processing shifts to the processing that is repeatedly performed when the reproduction is being performed (during the “CD reproduction number display” mode).

In step S75, it is determined whether the mode button 21 or the EJECT button of the CD reading device 15 has been pressed. It should be noted that whether the EJECT button has been pressed is determined by an output signal from the music CD controller 61. As a result, if the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S76; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S78. In step S76, to switch to the "time display" mode, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is erased, and the third power supply circuit 10 is turned off. In step S77, the value of the variable FMD is updated ("0").
Is set). After that, the process proceeds to the entry AP11 (time display control routine: FIG. 7).

In step S78, it is determined whether or not the control button 4 has been pressed. As a result, if there is a press, the process proceeds to step S82, and if not, the process proceeds to step S79. In step S79, a “reproduction song number acquisition” command is output to the music CD reproduction controller 16. And
The current playback music number acquired by the music CD playback controller 16 is received. In step S80, it is determined whether or not the obtained current song number matches the value of the variable PlayNo (the currently displayed song number). As a result, if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S81, and if they do match, step S81 is skipped. In step S81, the variable Pl
The value of ayNo is updated with the current song number, and the current song number is displayed on the auxiliary display device 3. After that, the process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG.

In step S82, it is determined whether or not the control button 4 pressed in step S78 is a button. As a result, if it is a button, the process proceeds to step S83; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S84. In step S83, a “next song skip” command is output to the music CD playback controller 16. After that, the flow shifts to step S79, where the reproduction music number is obtained and displayed. In step S84, it is determined whether or not the pressed control button 4 is a button. As a result, if it is a button, the process proceeds to step S85; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S86. In step S85, a “previous song skip” command is output to the music CD playback controller 16. After that, the flow shifts to step S79, where the reproduction music number is obtained and displayed.

In step S86, if the control button 4 is a button, the internal variable pause
It is determined whether the value of ef is “0”. as a result,
If it is "0", the flow proceeds to step S87, and if not, the flow proceeds to step S89. In step S87, the value of the reproduction stop flag pausef is set to "1: stopped". Step S
At 88, a "pause" command is output to the music CD playback controller 16. After that, the process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG. In step S89, the value of the reproduction stop flag pausef is set to "0: reproducing". In step S90, a "reproduction resume" command is output to the music CD reproduction controller 16. After that, step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG.
Return to

Next, according to FIG. 11, an unread mail / internet information acquisition routine (entry MG1 / MG2 /
The control operation of MG3) will be described. Note that there are three types of entries of this routine, MG1, MG2, and MG3, because the processing (return destination) after acquiring unread mail / Internet information is different. Only a different value is set to sysf (system operation flag), that is, step S91
Then, "1" is set to the value of the system movable flag sysf
(Entry MG1). After that, the process proceeds to step S94.
In step S92, the value of the system movable flag sysf is set to “2”.
Is set (entry MG2). After that, the process proceeds to step S94. In step S93, the system movement flag sy
“3” is set as the value of sf (entry MG3).

In step S94, the first power supply circuit 7
Is turned on. As a result, the system 11 is activated.
Then, with the activation of the system 11, the I / O control to the auxiliary display controller 8 from the auxiliary display application stored in the startup application name storage unit 19 and automatically executed is executed via the system 11. You. The interface specification between the auxiliary display application (system 11) and the auxiliary display controller 8 is as shown in FIG.

At step S95, it is determined whether or not the "unread mail output" command has been output from the auxiliary display application. As a result, if there is an unread mail output, the process proceeds to step S96; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S101. In step S96, the number of unread mails based on the input unread mail content is stored in a variable Cnt representing the number of unread mails and a local variable i. In step S97, the mail title of the i-th unread mail is stored in the array variable MAbs [i] []. In step S98, the mail sender address of the unread mail is stored in the array variable MAbs [i] []. Step S99
, The local variable i is decremented. Step S
At 100, it is determined whether the value of the local variable i is "0". As a result, if not "0", the flow returns to step S97 to shift to the processing of the next unread mail, and if "0", shifts to the loop entry (CLp) of this routine. The format of the content of the unread mail is first "number of unread mails"
Is output, then "mail title" and "sender address"
Are repeated for the number of unread mails and are sequentially output.

In step S101, it is determined whether or not an "internet information output" command has been output from the auxiliary display application. As a result, if there is Internet information output, the process proceeds to step S102, and if not, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S102, the page information of the specified URL based on the input Internet information is stored in the array variable IData []. In step S103, the related URL
Information is stored in the variable LinkURL []. After that, the process proceeds to the loop entry (CLp) of this routine.

In step S104, it is determined whether or not the "regular URL output request" command has been output from the auxiliary display application. As a result, if there is a request to output the specified URL, the process proceeds to step S105, and if not, the process proceeds to step S106. As will be described later, when the auxiliary display application performs the acquisition control of the Internet information, it is necessary to acquire in advance information on which site address to access. Then, the information (variable name: URL) is stored in the auxiliary display controller 8 (to be precise, the parameter storage unit 1).
8). Therefore, in order to obtain the system constant URL stored in the parameter storage unit 18, an output request of the above-mentioned "request for output of specified URL" command is issued prior to the acquisition control of the Internet information. In step S105, the contents of the system constant URL are output to the auxiliary display application. After that, the process proceeds to the loop entry (CLp) of this routine.

At step S106, it is determined whether or not a "start condition request" command has been output from the auxiliary display application. As a result, if there is a start condition request, step S
Proceed to 107, otherwise proceed to step S108. Step S
At 107, a value of 0 (temporary activation) is output to the auxiliary display application. After that, the loop entry of this routine
(CLp). Here, there are three types of the above-described activation conditions, one of which is a temporary activation for temporarily activating the system 11 for the purpose of acquiring the unread mail and the Internet information (in this case, a value of “0” is output). It is. Now one is
The normal startup is performed by operating the main power button 6 by a normal user (in this case, a value of “−1” is output). The last one is
This is a system startup (in this case, a value of “1” is output) when the Internet browser software is started at the related URL, which will be described later.

At step S108, it is determined whether or not the "power off" command has been output from the auxiliary display application. As a result, if the power is off, the process proceeds to step S109, and if not, the process proceeds to a loop entry (CLp) of this routine. In step S109, the first power supply circuit 7 is turned off. As a result, the power supply / operation of the system 11 is stopped. In step S110, an internal variable MGetTime indicating the mail acquisition time set in the parameter storage unit 18 and an internal variable IGet indicating the Internet information acquisition time set
The current time is stored in Time. Here, originally, the internal variable is set when the unread mail is actually acquired.
Although the internal variable IGetTime should be updated at the timing when the MGetTime is updated and the Internet information is actually obtained, in the present embodiment, since the internal variable IGetTime is obtained in the same routine, even if the internal variables MGetTime and IGetTime are updated at the same time, No problem. In step S111, the values of the internal variables Scrf, c, p relating to the display processing are initialized to “0”.
In step S112, the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 is deleted.

In step S113, it is determined whether the value of the system movable flag sysf is "2". As a result, if it is “2”, that is, in the case of the entry MG2, the process proceeds to the unread mail display entry AP21. On the other hand, if not, the process proceeds to step S114. Step S1
At 14, it is determined whether or not the value of the system movable flag sysf is "3". As a result, in the case of “3”, that is, in the case of the entry MG3, the processing shifts to the Internet information display entry AP41. On the other hand, if not, that is, if it is the entry MG1, the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, it is determined whether the variable FMD representing the display mode is “2”. As a result, if the value is “2”, the flow shifts to the Internet information display entry AP41. On the other hand, if not, the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the value of the variable FMD representing the display mode of the auxiliary display device 3 is set to "1". After that, the process proceeds to the unread mail display entry AP21. Since the power-off process is related to the shutdown control of the system 11 itself, the power-off process is actually performed via the system 11.
Although it is necessary to turn off the first power supply circuit 7, it is omitted here.

Next, as the last control in the auxiliary display controller 8, the activation of the Internet browser application by the related URL according to FIG.
The control operation of TB) will be described. It should be noted that the entry STB of this routine includes a case where the button of the control button 4 is pressed when the display mode is the “Internet information display function (Ap4)” (“N” in step S56 of FIG. 9).
O ").

In step S121, it is determined whether or not the array variable LinkURL [] in the display memory 17 is "NULL", that is, whether or not there is related URL information. as a result,
If "NULL", the process returns to step S2 in the branch control routine of FIG. On the other hand, if not “NULL”, the process proceeds to step S122. In step S122, the relevant URL
In order to activate the browser application, the first power supply circuit 7 is turned on in the same manner as in the case of acquiring an unread mail in FIG.

In step S123, it is determined whether or not a "start condition request" command has been output from the auxiliary display application. As a result, if there is a start condition request, step S12
Proceed to 4; otherwise, proceed to step S125. Step S12
In step 4, a value of “1” (not turned off after startup) is output to the auxiliary display application. After that, the process returns to step S123. In step S125, it is determined whether or not an “access URL output request (request for contents of related URL)” command has been output from the auxiliary display application. And access U
If there is an RL output request, the process proceeds to step S126; otherwise, the process returns to step S123. In step S126, the content stored in the variable LinkURL is output to the auxiliary display application. After that, the control operation by the auxiliary display controller 8 ends.

The above is the control by the auxiliary display controller 8. Actually, it is necessary to control the auxiliary display controller 8 when the system 11 is started up, and to control the auxiliary display controller 8 after the system 11 is started up. In a routine (FIG. 12) and the like, it is necessary to determine and control a normal operation end operation of the system 11 by the main power button 6 and the like. However, they are not directly related to the present invention and will not be described.

Finally, the above-mentioned auxiliary display controller 8
The control operation (mainly I / O control for the auxiliary display controller 8 via the system 11) by the auxiliary display application corresponding to the above control will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the auxiliary display application is:
PC application software in the form of a file stored in the storage device 20, and the file name is stored in the startup application name storage unit 19.
Therefore, when the system 11 is started, it is automatically executed simultaneously with the system 11. That is, the control by the auxiliary display application starts at the same time when the activation of the system 11 is completed.

At step S131, a "start condition request" command is output to the auxiliary display controller 8. In step S132, it is determined whether the return value from the auxiliary display controller 8 is a temporary activation ("0" value). As a result, if the activation is temporary, the process proceeds to step S136; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S133. In step S133, it is determined whether or not the return value is a normal startup ("-1" value). As a result, if it is a normal startup, this auxiliary display application ends the process without any control. On the other hand, if not (ie, if the value is “1”), the process proceeds to step S134. Step S
In 134, the auxiliary display controller 8 is
An "RL output request" command is output. Step S135
U which is the return value of the "access URL output request" command
Using the RL as a parameter, a browser application stored in the storage device 20 is started (launcher). After that, the process ends.

At step S136, the second power supply circuit 9 is turned on. In step S137, a new mail is received by accessing the mail server via the communication device 12.
In step S138, the unread mail is output to the storage device 20 or the like, and the new mail is added to the stored unread mail. Further, the number of unread mails is recalculated. In step S139, an “unread mail output” command is output.
In step S140, "number of unread mails" and pairs of "mail title" and "sender address" for the number of unread mails are sequentially output.

In step S141, the "regular URL output request"
The command is output. In step S142, the “specified URL
Access is made using the “URL” that is the return value of the “output request” command, and the page data of the site address is obtained. In step S143, an "Internet information output" command is output to output the acquired page data to the auxiliary display controller 8. Step S144
Then, the Internet information and the related URL information are sequentially output.

In step S145, the second power supply circuit 9 is turned off. In step S146, a "power off" command is output to the auxiliary display controller 8. After that, the process ends. As described above, in the present embodiment, the main display device 5 displayed when the power is supplied.
Apart from this, it has an auxiliary display device 3. As a display function for the auxiliary display device 3, a "time display function (Ap
1), “Unread mail content display function (Ap2)”, “CD playback number display function (Ap3)”, “Internet information display function (Ap2)
4), and when the mode button 21 is pressed, the “time display function (Ap1)” → “unread mail content display function (Ap2)” → “internet information display function (Ap1)
4) "→" Time display function (Ap1) ". Further, the above three display functions (Ap1,
Ap2, Ap4), the music C is stored in the CD reading device 15.
When D is inserted, the state transits to the "CD reproduction number display function (Ap3)".

[0149] Also, the "unread mail content display function (Ap
2) and the Internet information display function (Ap4) have a display information acquisition function in the form of a PC application executed by a system program such as an OS or a driver, and a storage device 20 as an auxiliary display application. Is stored in Further, the file name is stored in the startup application name recording unit 19,
The program is automatically executed at the same time when the system 11 is started. And the acquired display information is
The “unread mail content display function (Ap2)” and the “Internet information display function (Ap4)” are individually stored in the display memory 17.
Be managed.

On the other hand, all the internal functions of “time display function (Ap1)” and “CD playback number display function (Ap3)”, “unread mail content display function (Ap2)”, and “Internet information display function (Ap1)” All the internal functions except the display information acquisition function of “Ap4)” are implemented as firmware as the auxiliary display controller 8. Then, the "time display function (Ap1)" and the "unread mail content display function (A
p2) ”and“ Internet information display function (Ap4) ”, the mode button 2
When 1 is pressed, the display shifts to an information display function entry in the next display function.

In other words, a peripheral device such as the communication device 12 is used for acquiring unread mail or acquiring Internet information.
The routine that requires I / O control of (hardware) takes the form of a PC application and stores the file name in the startup application name recording unit 19. Then, a routine for simply displaying the acquired information on the auxiliary display device 3 is made into firmware,
When the mode switching by the mode button 21 occurs, the processing shifts to the display routine of the next linked mode and does not shift to the information acquisition routine.

By doing so, it is possible to control the peripheral device (hardware) directly by the firmware.
The mode button 21 is used to avoid contradicting the idea of the C architecture and to simply switch display contents.
When the button is pressed, it is possible to prevent the time-consuming activation of the system 11 from occurring.

The acquisition of unread mail and the acquisition of Internet information are performed by setting the current time (t) in the parameter storage unit 18 while the auxiliary display controller 8 is displaying information. ) Or when the user operates the control button 4 to give an instruction, the first power supply circuit 7 is turned on and the system 11 is started up. In this way, the activation of the system 11 when the power is turned off is kept to a necessary minimum.

On the other hand, a conventional P with an auxiliary display device is used.
In the case of C, the display memory 17 displays the number of incoming mails.
(Ap2) and the CD playback number display function (Ap3), the number of incoming mails is stored in the display memory 17 even if the mode is switched to display the number of incoming mails during the time display. If not, the number of incoming mail is not displayed. Therefore, in that case, it is necessary to obtain the number of incoming mails. However, since the conventional auxiliary display controller 8 does not acquire the number of incoming mails until the set time, the user himself / herself presses down the main power button 6 to activate the system 11 and to display the number of incoming mails. You will get

Therefore, the conventional incoming mail number display function
If the specifications of (Ap2) and the display memory 17 are applied to the “unread mail content display function (Ap2)” and the “Internet information display function (Ap4)” in this embodiment, When the function is switched to the "function (Ap2)" or the "Internet information display function (Ap4)", the auxiliary display controller 8 needs to activate the system 11 to acquire the incoming mail and the Internet information each time.

Further, the "unread mail content display function (A
The display information acquisition function (auxiliary display application) in the form of a PC application in “p2)” and “Internet information display function (Ap4)” performs I / O control on the same peripheral device (hardware) called the communication device 12. It has become. In the present embodiment, a plurality of display information acquisition functions for performing I / O control on the same peripheral device are executed by one routine as shown by the control operation by the auxiliary display application in FIG. It is supposed to be. Thus, the number of times of starting the system 11 is further reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, a specific site address is initially set in the system variable URL of the parameter storage section 18 in advance. By doing so, Internet information whose data format is text (character) -based for the auxiliary display device 3 can be automatically acquired when the set time is reached or when the control button 4 is pressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the information in the site address (page data) stored in the system constant URL of the parameter storage unit 18 is included in the array variable LinkURL in the display memory 17. The related URL included in the information in the site address is stored. Then, when the user presses the control button 4 while the acquired information in the site address is displayed on the auxiliary display device 3, the system 1 is automatically turned on.
1 is started and a browser application in the form of a PC application is operated to access a site of a related URL. Therefore, the user can quickly obtain the relevant information without turning on the main power button 6 and performing the operation of obtaining the Internet information.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mail title, the mail sender address or the character string of the page information of the specified URL displayed in the display area of the auxiliary display device 3 are sequentially changed from right to left from the first character. Scroll toward. In the conventional auxiliary display device of the PC with the auxiliary display device, only the alphanumeric characters of the number of incoming mails and the number of music played on the CD are displayed. On the other hand, the auxiliary display device 3 according to the present embodiment includes:
Email title, email sender address or rule U
A character string of RL page information is displayed. Therefore, by scrolling as described above, a mail title of 20 characters or more is displayed in the display area, which is limited to about 1 line × 10 columns to 1 line × 20 columns.
The mail sender address or the page information of the specified URL can be displayed effectively.

Further, in the present embodiment, when displaying the mail title, the mail sender address or the page information of the prescribed URL in the display area of the auxiliary display device 3, a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the acquisition time of these information. If so, the color of the text is changed to red (usually white). In the present embodiment, the system 11
In order to reduce the operating time and power consumption of the server, usually, unread mail information and Internet information are acquired at a set time. However, in this case, the time difference between the time when the information is obtained and the time at which the information is displayed becomes large. Therefore, the time difference between the time at which the information is obtained and the time at which the information is displayed is a predetermined time (1 in the present embodiment). If the time is longer than (time), the display character color is changed to red to express the freshness of the information. Therefore, when the user determines that the information with the reduced freshness is unnecessary, the user can operate the control button 4 to update the unread mail information and the Internet information.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
Normally, unread mail information and Internet information are acquired at the set time. Then, when the user presses the mode button 21 and the control button 4, the unread mail information and the Internet information are displayed. Therefore, in some cases, the acquired unread mail information or Internet information is not displayed for a long time, and the acquired information may become old. Therefore, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the previous information acquisition, when the mode button 21 switches to the “unread mail content display function (Ap2)” or the “Internet information display function (Ap4)” If the system 11 is automatically started to acquire the unread mail information and the Internet information, only the information that has been acquired within the predetermined time (for example, 8 hours) is displayed on the auxiliary display device 2. It can be displayed.

Further, the control operation by the auxiliary display controller 8 and the control operation by the auxiliary display application in the present embodiment are not limited to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 to 12 and FIG. There is no harm in changing the form without departing from the spirit of the form.

[0163]

As is clear from the above, the information processing apparatus of the first invention has a display information acquisition function in two or more display modes for displaying different display information on the auxiliary display device. And a display information display function in each of the display modes described above is provided as an auxiliary display controller in which the display information display function is implemented by hardware or firmware, and switching from the first display mode to the second display mode can be performed by mode instruction means. When instructed, the display function of the auxiliary display controller shifts from the display function relating to the first display mode to the display function relating to the second display mode. Therefore, every time the mode instructing means is operated to switch the display contents, the time-consuming activation of the system program is not performed.

Further, when it becomes necessary to obtain the display information, the auxiliary display controller activates the system program, and the system program executes an application program for obtaining the display information to execute the display information. It is acquired and stored in the display information storage means for each display mode. Therefore, the display information can be obtained from the peripheral device such as the communication device without violating the idea of the PC architecture in which the peripheral device (hardware) such as the communication device is directly controlled by the auxiliary display controller in the form of firmware.

That is, according to the present invention, a plurality of functions (for displaying information) for the auxiliary display, which are not implemented in firmware (for a plurality of display modes), can be switched between the functions. In addition, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that does not need to start a system program every time switching is performed.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises:
A plurality of application programs for a display information acquisition function having the same device for performing I / O control for acquiring the display information are simultaneously executed by a single activation of the system program by the auxiliary display controller. In addition, the number of times of starting the system program can be further reduced.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention
An acquisition destination address of the Internet information is provided with parameter storage means stored in advance, the display information acquisition application program stores the Internet information acquired by accessing the acquisition destination address in the display information storage means, If the auxiliary display controller is configured to read out the Internet information stored in the display information storage means and display it on the auxiliary display device, the data format is set to text ( Character-based Internet information can be automatically obtained and displayed for the auxiliary display device.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention
An application program for accessing the Internet browser in the form of the computer application is stored in the storage device, and a related address present in the obtained Internet information is stored in an area of the Internet information display mode of the display information storage means. If the auxiliary display controller displays an instruction to access the relevant address from the access instruction means while displaying the Internet information, the system program is started and the application for accessing the Internet browser is displayed based on the relevant address. By running the program, the user can quickly acquire the relevant information without turning on the main power button and performing the operation of acquiring the Internet information.

Further, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises:
When the elapsed time after acquisition of the display information is equal to or longer than a predetermined time and the display mode of the display information is switched by the mode instruction means, the system program is activated. Then, if the display information is acquired, only the fresh information within the predetermined time after the acquisition can be displayed on the auxiliary display device.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the second invention stores a display information acquisition function in two or more display modes for displaying different display information on the auxiliary display device as an application program in the form of a computer application in a storage device. Since the display information display function in each of the display modes is provided with an auxiliary display controller formed by hardware or firmware, and the auxiliary display controller is provided with scroll means for scrolling the display content of the auxiliary display device, The auxiliary display controller activates a system program to execute an application program for acquiring display information, and stores the acquired display information in a display information storage unit. Further, the display information can be displayed while being scrolled by the scroll means. Therefore, even when the number of display digits of the auxiliary display device is limited, display information having a number of characters equal to or greater than the number of display digits can be effectively displayed.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the third invention stores the display information acquisition function in two or more display modes for displaying different display information on the auxiliary display device as an application program in the form of a computer application in a storage device. The display information display function in each of the display modes is provided with an auxiliary display controller that is implemented by hardware or firmware, and the auxiliary display controller has a configuration in which an elapsed time after acquisition in the display information is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. Provided the display color changing means for changing the display color of the display information, so that the auxiliary display controller starts up the system program, executes the application program for obtaining the display information, and stores the obtained display information in the display information. Store in the means. Further, if a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the display information was obtained, the display color can be changed and displayed by the display color changing means. Thus, the freshness of the display information can also be displayed.

Further, the display control method for an information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of displaying different display information on an auxiliary display device.
A display information acquisition function in more than one display mode is an application program in the form of a computer application, and the display information display function in each of the above display modes is provided with an auxiliary display controller that is implemented by hardware or firmware. 1
When switching from the display mode to the second display mode is instructed, the display function of the auxiliary display controller is shifted from the display function relating to the first display mode to the display function relating to the second display mode. Therefore, every time the mode instruction means is operated to switch the display contents,
No time-consuming startup of the system program is performed.

Further, when it becomes necessary to obtain the display information, the auxiliary display controller activates the system program, and the system program executes an application program for obtaining the display information, thereby obtaining the display information. It is acquired and stored in the display information storage means for each display mode. Therefore, the display information can be obtained from the peripheral device such as the communication device without violating the idea of the PC architecture in which the peripheral device (hardware) such as the communication device is directly controlled by the auxiliary display controller in the form of firmware.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a PC with an auxiliary display device as an information processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing specifications of an application (display function) using the auxiliary display device in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a switching condition of each display function using an auxiliary display device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of variables and constants stored in a parameter storage unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of variables and areas stored in a display memory in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control operation by an auxiliary display controller in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart following FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 6 and different from FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart different from FIGS. 7 and 8 following FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart different from FIGS. 7 to 9 subsequent to FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart following FIGS. 6, 8, and 9;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart following FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a control operation by the auxiliary display application in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing I / O specifications between a music CD playback controller and an auxiliary display controller in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an I / O specification between the auxiliary display controller and the auxiliary display application in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an architecture for calling each system software at the time of starting an application.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a procedure from PC main power-on to application software activation and a main role of each system software.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a PC with an auxiliary display device.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing specifications of a conventional application (display function) using an auxiliary display device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a conventional display function switching condition using an auxiliary display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PC main body, 2 ... Display unit cover, 3 ... Auxiliary display device, 4 ... Control button, 5 ... Main display device, 6 ... Main power button, 7 ... 1st power supply circuit, 8 ... Auxiliary display controller, 9 ... Second power supply circuit, 10 ... third
Power supply circuit, 11 ... system,
12: communication device, 13: audio output device,
14: clocking means, 15: CD reading device,
16 music CD playback controller 17 display memory 18 parameter storage unit 19
... Startup application name storage unit, 20 ... Storage device, 2
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mode button 22 ... Standard input device 23 ... Application execution means.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Shingo Sakata 22-22, Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term (reference) 5E501 AA02 AA19 AB16 AC37 BA05 CA02 CB20 EA10 EB05 FA13 FA46

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A system program comprising a basic program for executing an application program stored in a storage device and a software interface for mediating input / output to hardware, devices or firmware from the application program. In an information processing apparatus having a system program storage unit, an auxiliary display device capable of displaying even when the system program is not running, and an instruction to switch between a plurality of display modes for displaying different display information on the auxiliary display device The mode instructing means and the function of acquiring display information in two or more display modes designated by the mode instructing means take a form of a computer application executed by the system program. Display information storage means that is stored in the storage device as an application program and stores display information obtained by executing the application program that obtains the display information for each display mode; An auxiliary display controller in which a function to be displayed on the auxiliary display device is implemented by hardware or firmware; and when the mode instruction unit instructs switching from the first display mode to the second display mode, The display function shifts from the display function related to the first display mode to the display function related to the second display mode in the auxiliary display controller. The acquisition of the display information is performed by activating the system program by the auxiliary display controller. Like The information processing apparatus characterized by there. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an application program for a plurality of display information acquisition functions, in which a device that performs input / output control for acquiring the display information is the same, includes An information processing apparatus characterized by being executed simultaneously by one activation of a system program. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a parameter storage unit in which an acquisition address when acquiring the Internet information as the display information is stored in advance as a setting parameter. The application program to be acquired controls input / output of the communication device as the device, accesses the acquisition destination address, acquires Internet information, and stores it in the display information storage means. Is characterized in that, when the Internet information display mode is designated by the mode instruction means, the Internet information stored in the display information storage means is read and displayed on the auxiliary display device. Information processing device. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the storage device stores an application program for accessing an Internet browser in the form of the computer application, and the display information storage unit is configured to acquire the display information. And an access instruction means for instructing access to the related address, wherein the auxiliary display controller is configured to store the related information in the Internet information display mode area. Is displayed, when there is an access instruction to the relevant address from the access instruction means, the system program is started, and the application program for accessing the Internet browser is operated based on the relevant address. The information processing apparatus according to claim that it is earthenware pots. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary display controller has an elapsed time after acquisition of the display information that is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and the mode instructing means causes the display instruction to display the display information. An information processing apparatus characterized in that, when a display mode switching instruction is issued, the system program is started to acquire the display information. 6. A system program comprising a basic program for executing an application program stored in a storage device and a software interface for mediating input / output to hardware, devices or firmware from the application program is stored. In an information processing apparatus having a system program storage unit, an auxiliary display device capable of displaying even when the system program is not running, and a function of acquiring display information to be displayed on the auxiliary display device are executed by the system program. Computer application form, which is stored in the storage device as the application program, and obtained by executing the application program for obtaining the display information. Display information storage means for storing the display information for each display mode, and an auxiliary display controller in which the function of displaying the display information in each display mode on the auxiliary display device is implemented as hardware or firmware, An information processing apparatus, wherein the auxiliary display controller is provided with scroll means for scrolling display contents of the auxiliary display device. 7. A system program comprising a basic program for executing an application program stored in a storage device and a software interface for mediating input / output to hardware, devices or firmware from the application program is stored. In an information processing apparatus having a system program storage unit, an auxiliary display device capable of displaying even when the system program is not running, and a function of acquiring display information to be displayed on the auxiliary display device are executed by the system program. Computer application form, which is stored in the storage device as the application program, and obtained by executing the application program for obtaining the display information. Display information storage means for storing the display information for each display mode, and an auxiliary display controller in which the function of displaying the display information in each display mode on the auxiliary display device is implemented as hardware or firmware, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary display controller includes a display color changing unit that changes a display color of the display information when an elapsed time after acquisition of the display information is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. 8. A display control method for an information processing apparatus having a system program including a basic program for executing an application program and a software interface for mediating input / output to hardware, devices or firmware from the application program. The function of acquiring display information in two or more display modes switched and designated by the mode instructing means is the application program in the form of a computer application executed by the system program. The function of displaying information on the auxiliary display device is implemented as hardware or firmware as an auxiliary display controller, and is switched from the first display mode by the mode instruction means. When the switching to the two display mode is instructed, the display processing for the first display mode by the auxiliary display controller is shifted to the display processing for the second display mode, and the auxiliary display controller starts the system program, The display of the information processing apparatus, wherein the display information is acquired by executing the application program for acquiring the display information, and the acquired display information is stored in a display information storage unit for each display mode. Control method.