JP2002140137A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select a desired OS in response to user's use, and to restrain a consumption of electric power to prolong a continuous operation time. SOLUTION: This controller has a CPU 10, a system controller 11, a system memory 12 and a ROM 14 for constituting a control part, and other devices 16 such as input and output devices of a key board, a display panel and the like. The controller has also an HDD 13 stored with a disk OS, and a card controller 15 connected with an ATA card storing the disk OS.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computers as information processing apparatuses of various forms such as a desktop type and a notebook type have become widespread. Such an information processing apparatus generally includes an operating system (hereinafter referred to as an “OS”) that is a basic software that manages execution of application software when operating the information processing apparatus and exchanges information between a peripheral device and a main body. Is installed.

Such an OS includes a diskless OS stored in a static storage medium such as a ROM and a disk stored in a dynamic storage medium having a drive system such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a hard disk. There is an OS.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Diskless OS
The power consumption is smaller than that of the disk OS, and the startup time from when the power of the device is turned on until the device becomes usable is short. Further, the diskless OS does not require a drive system for accessing data, and thus has a lower possibility of data destruction than the disk OS. However, the diskless OS has less functions since the storage capacity of the storage medium is limited as compared with the disk OS, and cannot handle software that requires a large amount of data processing such as document editing software and spreadsheet software. Therefore, an information processing device equipped with a diskless OS is a PDA (Person) mainly for displaying and managing a small amount of writing such as schedule management software and mail software.
It is widely used in small portable information processing apparatuses such as personal information management tools such as al Digital Assistants.

[0005] On the other hand, the disk OS can process a relatively large amount of data, so that it can handle multifunctional and high-functional software as compared with the diskless OS. However, the disk OS has a longer startup time and consumes more power than the diskless OS. Therefore, an information processing apparatus equipped with a disk OS has a disadvantage that a continuous operation time is short, especially in a portable type driven by a rechargeable battery or the like.

Accordingly, the present invention enables an OS having different functions to be mounted on one information processing apparatus, and is used for processing even when processing is to be performed quickly or when abundant functions are desired.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus that can be handled by one information processing apparatus, and that can reduce power consumption by using an OS properly according to the situation and can extend continuous operation time. I do.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to have both a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium. And the OS is directed to the dynamic storage medium.
(Operating system) is stored.

Further, the dynamic storage medium may be built in, or the dynamic storage medium may be detachable, or the dynamic storage medium may be added later. It may be configured to be able to.

The static storage medium may store an OS different from the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium.

In this case, the configuration may be such that the static storage medium is built in, or the static storage medium may be configured to be removable, or the static storage medium may be installed later. It may be configured so that it can be added.

Generally, there is a difference in power consumption during operation between an OS stored in a static storage medium and an OS stored in a dynamic storage medium. Specifically, an OS stored in a static storage medium is more compatible with an OS stored in a dynamic storage medium.
Power consumption during operation. Generally, an OS stored on a static storage medium has a limited function compared to an OS stored on a dynamic storage medium.

Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, at least one of a static storage medium and a dynamic storage medium is provided in the information processing apparatus, and the OS stored in the static storage medium is provided. However, when operating the information processing apparatus for the purpose of using software that can be operated even when the OS stored in the static storage medium is started, it is difficult to operate the OS using the OS stored in the static storage medium. By starting the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium only when operating the information processing apparatus for the purpose of using the software, the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is always activated.
It is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing device as compared with the case where S is activated. Therefore,
In particular, when the information processing device is a portable information processing device, the continuous operation time of the information processing device can be extended by suppressing the overall power consumption.

Further, another information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of OSs (Operating Systems) whose power consumption during operation is different from each other.

According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when operating the information processing apparatus for the purpose of using software capable of operating even with an OS which consumes relatively little power during operation, the power consumption during operation is reduced. Relatively few OS
Is started, and when the information processing apparatus is operated for the purpose of using software that is difficult to operate on an OS with relatively low power consumption, the power consumption is relatively high.
By activating S, O which consumes a relatively large amount of power is
As compared with the case where S is always activated, it is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing apparatus. Therefore, in particular, when the information processing device is a portable information processing device, the continuous operation time of the information processing device can be further extended by suppressing the overall power consumption.

Further, a configuration may be provided in which each of the plurality of OSs has a device capable of operating in common.

Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a storage medium for storing data that can be commonly referred to by each of the plurality of OSs is provided.

The plurality of OSs may be stored in a single storage medium.

Alternatively, the plurality of OSs may be stored in a plurality of storage media.

In this case, at least one of the plurality of OSs
At least one of the plurality of storage media storing one of them may be configured to be detachable.

Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of OSs
At least one of the plurality of storage media storing one of them may be configured to be added later.

Further, the plurality of storage media may include a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium.

Further, a primary battery and a secondary battery may be selectably provided as a driving power source, and a control unit for switching between the primary battery and the secondary battery may be provided.

Further, a primary battery pack accommodating the primary battery may be detachably mounted.

Furthermore, the display device includes a display unit having a liquid crystal display panel, and a folding unit that foldably supports the display unit with respect to a main body containing the control unit. It is good also as a structure attached to the said main body by a folding part.

Further, the secondary battery may be arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal display panel in the display section.

[0026] In addition, the primary battery pack has a connector for electrical connection to the main body, and the control section determines that the primary battery pack is mounted when the connector is connected to the main body. It may be configured to recognize that the operation has been performed.

In addition, a primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a driving power source, and a control unit for switching between the primary battery and the secondary battery is provided. When the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is activated, the secondary battery may be selected as a driving power source.

Alternatively, a primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a drive power source, and a control unit for switching between the primary battery and the secondary battery is provided. O stored in a static storage medium
When S is activated, the primary battery may be selected as a driving power source.

[0029]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a display unit 4 having a liquid crystal display panel 5 as an output device includes a main body 1 having a keyboard 2 as an input device, and a back surface thereof. The portable personal computer is supported at the side end by a hinge 3 so as to be openable and closable, that is, foldable.

A schematic configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in the main body 1, in addition to the keyboard 2 described above, an HDD unit 8 is built in as a storage device. Further, in addition to the liquid crystal display panel 5 described above, the display unit 3 incorporates a polymer secondary battery unit 7 which is a built-in power supply of the information processing apparatus. The liquid crystal display panel 5 is of a reflective type that does not require a backlight. A control unit 9 for controlling the liquid crystal display panel 5, controlling the HDD unit 8, controlling the charging and discharging of the polymer secondary battery unit 7, and controlling the operation of the entire information processing apparatus is provided in the main body 1. . The program executed by this information processing device is an HDD
It is recorded in at least one of the unit 8 and the memory provided in the control unit 9. The control of each device by the control unit 9 is performed based on a program recorded in the HDD unit 8 or the memory.

A battery pack 6 for removably housing a plurality of dry batteries is detachably provided between the hinge portions 3 on both sides of the display unit 4 which support the display unit 4 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body 1. Have been. Further, it can be operated by power supply from the AC adapter 50. That is, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment can use, as a power supply, a polymer secondary battery built in the back of the liquid crystal display panel 5 in addition to a household AC power supply. It is also possible to use a dry battery as a primary battery.
The supply of power to each device is performed via the control unit 9 as shown by the thick line in FIG.

In the control section 9, when the AC adapter 50 is connected, the power supply from the polymer secondary battery 7 and the dry battery pack 6 is cut off and the power from the AC adapter 50 is used. The power supply line is controlled so as to use the electric power from the polymer secondary battery 7 or the dry battery pack 6 only when the power is not supplied. The control unit 9 also charges the polymer secondary battery 7 using the power from the AC adapter 50.

The structure of the battery pack 6 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the dry battery pack 6
It has a plurality of battery accommodating portions that can accommodate two dry batteries 61 as one unit in series and are electrically connected directly to each other. In the present embodiment, four battery housing sections are provided, and the dry batteries 61 are housed in all the battery housing sections, so that a total of eight dry batteries 61 are connected in series.

The hinge section 3 has a function of supporting the display section 4 with respect to the main body 1 while protecting the electric wiring between the main body 1 and the display section 4. Therefore, the hinge part 3
It is not necessary to support the display unit 4 over the entire width of the information processing apparatus. Therefore, by arranging the battery in the area between them, it is possible to secure the power supply independent of the AC adapter 50 while minimizing the increase in volume. As a result, it is possible to drive for a long time outdoors or the like where the AC adapter 50 cannot be used without impairing portability. In addition, since the easily available dry battery 61 can be used as a power source, the discharge of the built-in secondary battery ends, and the A
Even in an environment where the C adapter 50 cannot be used, the information processing apparatus can be operated using the dry battery 61. The dry battery 61 can be easily obtained even if a spare battery is not always carried.

On the front surface of the battery pack 6, a connector 62 for electrically connecting the battery pack 6 to the main body 1 is provided. By pulling out the battery pack 6 to the rear of the main body 1, the dry battery pack 6 It is removed from the main body 1. The connector 62 has a plurality of pins for supplying power to the main body 1 and transmitting information about the battery housed in the dry battery pack 6. These pins are
The main body 1 electrically detects that the battery pack is fitted to the connector on the side of the main body 1, thereby recognizing that the dry battery pack 6 is mounted on the main body 1.

When the dry battery pack 6 is mounted on the main body 1, the dry battery pack 6 can be used as a power source, or a polymer secondary battery (hereinafter also referred to as a built-in battery) built in the display unit 4 is used as a power source. It can also be used. In such a case, the present embodiment preferentially uses the built-in battery and uses the dry battery pack 6 when the capacity of the built-in battery is reduced (built-in battery priority mode). This is the battery
The used ones are only discarded, and the purpose is to minimize waste.

Conversely, the battery pack 6 may be used preferentially, and the built-in battery may be used when the capacity of the battery pack 6 becomes small (battery pack priority mode). This is because batteries are relatively accessible, so use built-in batteries as a last resort when batteries are not available.
Based on the idea. Which mode is to be set may be set in the control unit 9 in advance, or may be switchable by the user as desired.

In any case, when the battery used preferentially is exhausted, an operation for switching to the other battery is required. This control is performed on the main body side based on battery voltage information sent from a control circuit provided for each battery. At this time, in order to prevent the power supply to each device of the information processing apparatus from being interrupted, a power supply line to be used later is connected, and then a power supply line to be used first is cut off. . Of course, when the AC adapter 50 is connected, the power of the AC adapter 50 is used.

When the preferentially used battery is exhausted as described above, instead of switching to the other battery, only one of the built-in battery and the dry battery pack 6 may be used. In this case, when either one of the batteries is exhausted, the operation of the information processing apparatus is stopped after performing a predetermined data saving operation.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

In the example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4, a CPU 10, a system controller 11 connected to the CPU 10, a system memory 12 further connected to the system controller 11, and an HDD 13 which is a main body of the HDD unit 8 , ROM 14, card controller 15, and other devices 16. The CPU 10, the system controller 11, the system memory 12, and the like constitute a control unit 9 (see FIG. 1) which controls various controls of the information processing apparatus.

The card controller 15 has an ATA card 17 which is a storage card such as a flash memory card.
Is attached. The ATA card 17 is detachable from the card controller 15 and may be attached from the beginning, or may be attached later as desired by the user. The other devices 16 include input devices such as a keyboard 2 (see FIG. 1) and a mouse, output devices such as a display panel 5 (see FIG. 1), recording devices such as a file device, a modem, and a printer. .

The system controller 11 includes a CPU 10
And other devices connected to the system controller 11 for mediating signals. For example,
A control signal from the CPU 10 is transmitted to a memory such as the system memory 12 or the ROM 14 or an input / output device, or an instruction signal or a data signal extracted from the memory such as the system memory 12 or the ROM 14 is transmitted to the CPU.
Or to 10.

In this example, the HDD 1 which is a dynamic recording medium
3, a disk OS is stored and A is a static recording medium.
A diskless OS is stored in the TA card 17.
This information processing apparatus is configured to be able to select and start a diskless OS and a disk OS as desired by a user. For example, a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a normal power button (not shown) are pressed together,
Alternatively, when the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on by pressing a dedicated power button (not shown), the diskless OS starts,
When the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on by pressing only a normal power button, the disk OS is started.

Further, the HDD 13 stores relatively multifunctional and highly functional software such as document editing software and spreadsheet software, and the ATA card 17 stores relatively high processing capacity such as schedule management software and mail software. Software that does not need to be stored. Also, RO
M14 includes POST (Power-On SelfT)
est) programs and BIOS (Basic Input)
t / Output System) is written.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an OS starting operation in the information processing apparatus configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the OS start operation in the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of each system configuration when the diskless OS is started.

First, the user selects in advance which of the diskless OS and the disk OS to activate,
The information processing apparatus is turned on (S1). At this time, when selecting the diskless OS, the keyboard 2 (FIG. 1)
Press the predetermined key and the normal power button together, or press the dedicated power button to turn on the information processing device and select only the normal power button when selecting the disk OS. Press to power on the information processing device. When using software that does not require a relatively high processing capacity, such as schedule management software or mail software, start a diskless OS and use a relatively multi-functional software such as document editing software, spreadsheet software, or image editing software. -When using high-performance software, start the disk OS.

Next, the control unit 9 (see FIG. 1) in the information processing apparatus determines whether a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and the power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or whether only the power button is pressed. Then, it is determined whether or not to start the diskless OS (S2).

When the predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and the power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or the dedicated power button is pressed, and the diskless OS is started,
The control unit 9 in the information processing apparatus sets the device 16b and the HDD 13 not used by the diskless OS to the OFF state (S3), and the device 1 used by the diskless OS.
6a is initialized and diagnosed (S4). Further, the card controller 15 is initialized and the ATA card 17 is initialized.
Is set to a predetermined state (S5).

Then, the diskless OS stored in the ATA card 17 is started (S7), and the information processing apparatus becomes usable. After that, the user
By operating schedule management software, mail software, and the like on S, relatively simple information processing such as schedule management and transmission / reception of electronic mail can be performed.

On the other hand, when only the power button is pressed when the power is turned on and the disk OS is started, the control unit 9 initializes and diagnoses all devices in the system, and performs a normal POST process and a BIOS setup process. (S6).

In this case, the disk OS (see FIG. 4) stored in the HDD 13 is activated (S7).
The information processing device becomes usable. After that, the user edits the document on the disk OS, spreadsheet software,
Alternatively, by operating image editing software or the like, relatively advanced information processing such as document editing, spreadsheet calculation, or image editing can be performed.

The other devices 16 are configured so that both the disk OS and the diskless OS can operate in common via the control unit 9. In a recording medium such as the ROM 14 and the ATA card 17, data that can be commonly referred to by both the disk OS and the diskless OS via the control unit 9 is stored.

As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes both the diskless OS and the disk OS, and further selects and starts one of the diskless OS and the disk OS as desired by the user. It is configured to be able to.

As described above, a diskless OS stored in a static storage medium is an OS that consumes relatively little power.
In contrast, a disk OS stored in a dynamic storage medium is an OS that consumes a relatively large amount of power. Therefore, when the information processing apparatus is started for the purpose of using software that can be operated even by a diskless OS such as schedule management software or mail software, the diskless OS is selected, and a diskless OS such as a document editing software or a spreadsheet software is selected. When the information processing apparatus is started for the purpose of using software which is difficult to operate on the disk, by selecting the disk OS, the disk OS is selected.
As compared with the case where S is always activated, it is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing apparatus.

Therefore, especially when the information processing apparatus is a portable type driven by a battery, the information processing apparatus is
By using the diskless OS when carrying the C adapter in a place where the C adapter cannot be used, the overall power consumption can be reduced and the continuous operation time of the information processing apparatus can be further extended.

Here, as in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a secondary battery and a primary battery are provided, and a driving power source from the secondary battery and a driving power source from the primary battery can be selected. In such a case, it is preferable that the secondary battery is used as the drive power source when the disk OS is started, and the primary battery or the secondary battery is used as the drive power source when the diskless OS is started.

Since the supply power of a primary battery such as a dry battery drops sharply at the end of discharge, if the disk OS is started using the primary battery as a drive power source, the primary battery drives the drive system of the HDD at the end of discharge. Power cannot be supplied to the disk, necessary data cannot be stored on the disk, and the data may be destroyed. In particular, when the primary battery is used as a driving power source after the secondary battery (built-in battery) is used up first, such a problem may occur because the secondary battery can no longer be used as a backup power source. Therefore, when starting the disk OS, it is preferable to use a secondary battery as a drive power supply.

When a diskless OS is started, a primary battery or a secondary battery can be used as a drive power source. However, when a disk OS is started, the drive power source is limited to the secondary battery as described above. From the viewpoint of securing a longer use time of the information processing apparatus when the disk OS is started, it is more preferable to use a primary battery as the driving power source when starting the diskless OS.

Such a power supply selection operation is performed by the control unit 9 based on which of the diskless OS and the disk OS is activated.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

In the example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 7, a CPU 20, a system controller 21 connected to the CPU 20, a system memory 22, an HDD 23, and a ROM further connected to the system controller 21
24 and other devices 25. The other devices 25 include an input device such as the keyboard 2 and a mouse, an output device such as a display device, a file device, a modem, and a recording device such as a printer.
Unlike the system configuration shown in FIG. 4, the system configuration shown in FIG. 7 does not include a card controller and an ATA card. The ROM 24 is built in the information processing device.

In this example, the HDD 2 which is a dynamic recording medium
3, a disk OS is stored, and R is a static recording medium.
The OM 24 stores a diskless OS. This information processing apparatus is also configured to be able to select and start a diskless OS and a disk OS as desired by the user. For example, when a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a normal power button are pressed together, or a dedicated power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus, the diskless OS is started, and only the normal power button is pressed. When the information processing apparatus is turned on, the disk OS is started.

Further, the HDD 23 stores relatively multifunctional and highly functional software such as document editing software and spreadsheet software, and the ROM 24 requires relatively high processing capacity such as schedule management software and mail software. And not stored software. Furthermore, ROM2
4 includes POST (Power-On Self Tes).
t) programs and BIOS (Basic Input /
Output System) has been written.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an OS starting operation in the information processing apparatus configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an OS start operation in the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG.

First, the user selects in advance whether to activate the diskless OS or the disk OS,
The information processing apparatus is turned on (S11). At this time,
When a diskless OS is selected, a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a normal power button are pressed together, or a dedicated power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus and select a disk OS. Is turned on by pressing only the normal power button. When using software that does not require a relatively high processing capacity, such as schedule management software or mail software, start the diskless OS and use the document editing software,
When relatively multifunctional and high-functional software such as spreadsheet software or image editing software is used, the disk OS is started.

Next, the control unit 9 in the information processing apparatus determines whether the diskless OS is operated based on whether a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and the power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or whether only the power button is pressed. Is determined (S12).

When a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or a dedicated power button is pressed and the diskless OS is started,
The control unit 9 in the information processing device sets the devices 25 that are not used by the diskless OS and the HDD 23 among the devices 25 to the OFF state (S13), and initializes and diagnoses the devices used by the diskless OS (S14).

Then, the diskless OS stored in the ROM 24 is started (S16), and the information processing apparatus is enabled. After that, the user can execute relatively simple information processing such as schedule management and transmission / reception of e-mail by operating schedule management software and mail software on the diskless OS.

On the other hand, when only the power button is pressed when the power is turned on and the disk OS is started, the control unit 9 initializes and diagnoses all devices in the system, and performs a normal POST process and a BIOS setup process. Is performed (S15).

In this case, the disk OS (see FIG. 7) stored in the HDD 23 is started (S1).
6), the information processing device becomes usable. Thereafter, the user can perform relatively high-level information processing such as document editing, spreadsheet, or image editing by activating document editing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, or the like on the disk OS. .

As described above, the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG.
In addition, the configuration is such that one of the diskless OS and the disk OS can be selected and activated according to the user's desire. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing device,
In particular, when the information processing apparatus is a portable information processing apparatus driven by a battery, a diskless OS is used when the information processing apparatus is used in a place where an AC adapter cannot be used.
Is used, the overall power consumption can be kept low, and the continuous operation time of the information processing apparatus can be made longer.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing still another example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

In the example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 9, a CPU 30, a system controller 31 connected to the CPU 30, a system memory 32 further connected to the system controller 31, and an HDD 33 which is a main body of the HDD unit 8 are provided. , ROM 34, card controller 35, and other devices 36. The CPU 30, the system controller 31, the system memory 32, and the like constitute a control unit 9 (see FIG. 1) that controls various controls of the information processing apparatus. ROM 34
, A POST program and a BIOS are written.

In the present configuration example, a PC card 37 as a memory card is attached to the card controller 35. Further, the HDD 33 of this configuration example is configured to be detachable from the information processing apparatus. The HDD 33 may be built in the information processing apparatus from the beginning, or may be added later as desired by the user. In addition,
Other devices 36 include the keyboard 2 (see FIG. 1).
Input device such as mouse and mouse, display panel 5 (see FIG. 1)
And other recording devices such as an output device, a file device, a modem, and a printer.

In this example, the HDD 3 which is a dynamic recording medium
3, a disk OS is stored, and P is a static recording medium.
A diskless OS is stored in the C card 37. This information processing device is also a diskless O
S and the disk OS can be selected and activated. For example, when a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a normal power button (not shown) are pressed together, or a dedicated power button (not shown) is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus, the diskless OS starts up. When the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on by pressing only a normal power button, the disk OS is started. Alternatively, the OS that the user prefers to boot
May be set in advance in the BIOS of the ROM 34.

Further, the HDD 33 stores relatively multifunctional and high-functional software such as document editing software and spreadsheet software, and the PC card 37 stores relatively high processing capacity such as schedule management software and mail software. Software that does not need to be stored.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an OS starting operation in the information processing apparatus configured as described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an OS boot operation in the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG.

First, the user preliminarily selects which of the diskless OS and the disk OS to activate,
The power of the information processing device is turned on (S21). At this time,
To select the diskless OS, the user presses both a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 (see FIG. 1) and a normal power button, or presses a dedicated power button to turn on the information processing apparatus. When selecting the OS, only the normal power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus. When using software that does not require a relatively high processing capacity, such as schedule management software or mail software, start a diskless OS and use a relatively multi-functional software such as document editing software, spreadsheet software, or image editing software. -When using high-performance software, start the disk OS.

Next, the control unit 9 (see FIG. 1) in the information processing apparatus determines whether a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and the power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or whether only the power button is pressed. Based on this, it is determined whether to start the diskless OS (S22).

When a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or a dedicated power button is pressed, and the diskless OS is started,
The control unit 9 in the information processing apparatus sets the devices not used in the diskless OS and the HDD 23 to the OFF state (S23), and initializes and diagnoses the devices used in the diskless OS (S24). Further, the card controller 25 is initialized and the PC card 37 is set to a predetermined state (S25).

Then, the diskless OS stored in the PC card 37 is started (S27), and the information processing device is enabled. After that, the user
By operating schedule management software, mail software, and the like on S, relatively simple information processing such as schedule management and transmission / reception of electronic mail can be performed.

On the other hand, when only the power button is pressed when the power is turned on and the disk OS is started, the control unit 9 initializes and diagnoses all devices in the system, and performs a normal POST process and a BIOS setup process. Is performed (S26).

Then, in this case, the disk OS stored in the HDD 33 is started (S27), and the information processing apparatus becomes usable. After that, the user operates document editing software, spreadsheet software, image editing software, or the like on the disk OS to edit the document, spreadsheet,
Alternatively, relatively advanced information processing such as image editing can be performed.

The other device 36 is configured such that both the disk OS and the diskless OS can operate in common via the control unit 9. Further, a recording medium such as the ROM 34 and the PC card 37 stores data that can be commonly referred to by both the disk OS and the diskless OS via the control unit 9.

As described above, the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG.
In addition, the configuration is such that one of the diskless OS and the disk OS can be selected and activated according to the user's desire. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing device,
In particular, when the information processing apparatus is a portable information processing apparatus driven by a battery, a diskless OS is used when the information processing apparatus is used in a place where an AC adapter cannot be used.
Is used, the overall power consumption can be kept low, and the continuous operation time of the information processing apparatus can be made longer.

In the above description, an OS stored in a dynamic recording medium is referred to as an OS with relatively large power consumption, and an OS stored in a static recording medium is referred to as a large OS with relatively small power consumption. However, the difference in power consumption may be distinguished by the difference in power consumption in the specification of the OS itself, instead of the difference in power consumption depending on the storage medium on which the OS is stored. For example, a plurality of OSs having different power consumptions in specifications are stored in a single recording medium,
By selecting which OS to start depending on the application as described above, it is also possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing apparatus.

[0090]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An OS with different functions can be mounted on one information processing device, and even if you want to perform processing quickly or use abundant functions, one information processing device can handle it. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus in which power consumption can be suppressed by appropriately using an OS and continuous operation time can be further lengthened.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

3A and 3B are views for explaining the structure of the dry battery pack shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 3A is a plan view showing a part of a main body cut away, and FIG. 3B is a right side view.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an OS startup operation in the information processing apparatus configured as in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of each system configuration shown in FIG. 4 when a diskless OS is started.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an OS activation operation in the information processing apparatus configured as in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing still another system configuration example of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an OS boot operation in the information processing apparatus configured as in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Keyboard 3 Hinge part 4 Display part 5 Liquid crystal display panel 6 Dry battery pack 7 Polymer secondary battery unit 8 HDD unit 9 Control part 10, 20, 30 CPU 11, 21, 31 System controller 12, 22, 32 System memory 13 , 23,33 HDD 14,24,34 ROM 15,35 Card controller 16,16a, 16b, 25,36 Other devices 17 ATA card 37 PC card 50 AC adapter 61 Dry battery 62 Connector

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus configured to have both a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium, wherein an OS (Operating System) is installed in the dynamic storage medium. Information processing device stored. 2. The dynamic storage medium is built-in,
The information processing device according to claim 1. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dynamic storage medium is configured to be detachable. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dynamic storage medium is configured to be added later. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an OS different from the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is stored in the static storage medium. 6. The static storage medium is built in,
The information processing device according to claim 5. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said static storage medium is configured to be detachable. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said static storage medium is configured to be added later. 9. An information processing apparatus comprising a plurality of OSs (operating systems) having different power consumptions during operation. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a device capable of operating each of the plurality of OSs in common. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a storage medium that stores data that can be commonly referred to by each of the plurality of OSs. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of OSs are stored in a single storage medium. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of OSs are stored in a plurality of storage media. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of storage media storing at least one of said plurality of OSs is detachably configured. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of storage media storing at least one of said plurality of OSs is configured to be added later. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said plurality of storage media include a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium. 17. The control system according to claim 1, further comprising a selectable primary battery and a secondary battery as a drive power source, and a control unit for switching between the primary battery and the secondary battery. The information processing device according to claim 1. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a primary battery pack containing said primary battery is detachably mounted. 19. A display device comprising a display unit having a liquid crystal display panel, and a folding unit that foldably supports the display unit with respect to a main body containing the control unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the information processing apparatus is attached to the main body by a unit. 20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the secondary battery is disposed inside the display unit on a rear side of the liquid crystal display panel. 21. The primary battery pack has a connector for electrical connection to the main body, and the control section is configured to mount the primary battery pack by connecting the connector to the main body. Claim 1 that recognizes that
21. The information processing device according to any one of 8 to 20. 22. A control device for selectively providing a primary battery and a secondary battery as a drive power source, and a control unit for switching between the primary battery and the secondary battery. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the secondary battery is selected as a drive power source when an OS stored in a dynamic storage medium is started. 23. A control device, comprising: a primary battery and a secondary battery that can be selected as a drive power source; and a control unit that switches between the primary battery and the secondary battery. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the primary battery is selected as a driving power source when an OS stored in a static storage medium is started.