JP2003157415A - Pc card device and pc card system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a PC card device and PC card system which is controlled optimally on the basis of the state of an information processing device to be connected. SOLUTION: This PC card device 1 is equipped with a connector serving as an interface 2, and can be mounted in a card slot of an information processing device through the connector. Control means 3 for controlling the PC card device detects the state of the information processing device connected to the connector, the type of a power source, the residual charge of a cell or battery when the power source is the cell or battery, the performance of CPU of the information processing device, the communication speed between the PC card device 1 and the information processing device, etc., and controls each part of the PC card device 1 on the basis of the detection result. Accordingly, even when the PC card device 1 is mounted in a different information processing device, the PC card device 1 can be optimally controlled in accordance with the information processing device in which the PC card device 1 is mounted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a PC card device mounted on an information processing device for use, and a PC card system including the PC card device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, not only a notebook personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC: Personal Computer) and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) but also a digital camera, a video camera, a music reproducing device, a mobile phone, etc. can process information. It is becoming more functional. In this specification, a device having an information processing function is called an information processing device. By forming a network between the information processing devices or between the information processing device and the PC, or between the information processing device and a network connection device such as a HUB or a router to exchange digital information, more advanced information processing can be performed. Can be done
It becomes possible to provide a more advanced information processing environment.
As the above-mentioned network, a wireless communication LAN
(Local Area Network) and PAN (Personal Area Netw)
ork). LAN and P by wireless communication system
The AN has proposed communication standards or protocols such as Bluetooth, HomeRF, and IEEE 802.11.

In information processing devices such as notebook PCs, PDAs, digital cameras, video cameras, music playback devices and mobile phones, PCMCIA cards,
An increasing number of models have a card slot compliant with PC card standards such as CF (Compact Flash) and SD card.

The card is mounted on the information processing apparatus having the above-mentioned card slot and transmits / receives information between the information processing apparatuses.
A C card device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-279027. The conventional PC card device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-279027 includes an antenna, an RF (Radio)
Frequency) circuit and a wireless control unit, wireless communication means, an interface with a PC, and a memory. By using the PC card device, it is possible to perform communication between different information processing devices having card slots conforming to the same PC card standard. Therefore, a network can be formed without performing troublesome work such as wiring of cables and connection of routers and hubs.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As described above, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
In the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 279027, a PC
It is possible to connect the card device to various information processing devices and perform wireless communication. However, depending on the information processing device, a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The operating clock frequency, the number of processing bits, and the communication speed between the information processing device and the PC card are different. The operating power supply of the information processing device may be an AC power supply, or a battery or a battery. Furthermore, if the power source is a battery / battery, a lithium ion battery, N
The types of batteries such as iCd batteries and dry batteries may be different. Even with the same battery / battery, the remaining amount of the battery / battery decreases with time. As described above, the information processing capacity, the data communication speed between the information processing apparatus and the PC card apparatus, and the power supply capacity are different for each information processing apparatus. Therefore, when connecting the PC card device to various information processing devices, if the power consumption and the data communication speed of the PC card device are always kept constant and the PC card device is connected to the information processing device having low information processing capability and power supply capability, The power of the processing device is turned off immediately without a long time, data communication is delayed when data is transmitted or received over the processing capacity of the information processing device, and in the worst case, part of the communication data is lost. The problem arises.

An object of the present invention is to provide a PC card device and a PC card system in which optimum control is performed based on the state of an information processing device to be connected.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a PC card device having a connector mountable in a card slot of the information processing device, based on the state of the information processing device connected through the connector. It is a PC card device having a control means for controlling the above.

According to the present invention, the PC card device is provided with a connector and can be mounted in the card slot of the information processing device via the connector. The control means for controlling the PC card device can perform control based on the state of the information processing device connected via the connector.
Therefore, even when the information processing device is attached to an information processing device having different information processing capability, data communication speed between the information processing device and the PC card device, and power supply capability, optimal control can be performed according to the mounted information processing device. it can.

The present invention also provides a PC including an information processing device having a card slot and a PC card device having a connector attachable to the card slot of the information processing device.
A card system, comprising: a detection means for detecting a state of an information processing device connected through the connector; and a control means for controlling a PC card device based on the detection by the detection means. System.

According to the present invention, an information processing device, such as a notebook personal computer, PDA, digital camera, digital video camera, music reproducing device, and mobile phone, is provided with a card slot, and a PC card device is used for the information processing. It has a connector that is connected to the card slot of the device. The PC card device is connected to the card slot of the information processing device. The detection unit detects the state of the information processing device, and the control unit controls the PC card device based on the detection result of the state of the information processing device. Therefore, the information processing capability, the information processing device and the P
Even when the PC card device is attached to an information processing device having a different data communication speed between the C card devices and a power supply capability, the PC card device can perform optimum control according to the attached information processing device. .

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the detecting means is provided in the information processing apparatus and is constituted by software.

According to the present invention, the detecting means for detecting the state of the information processing device is provided in the information processing device and is composed of software, so that the PC card device can easily know the state of the information processing device. be able to. Therefore, P
The configuration of the C card device can be simplified.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the detecting means is provided in a PC card device.

According to the present invention, since the detecting means for detecting the state of the information processing device is provided in the PC card device, even if the information processing device does not have software for detecting the state of the information processing device, The state of the information processing device can be detected.

In the present invention, the detection means includes first detection means for detecting the type of power supply of the information processing apparatus, and the control means is based on the type of power supply detected by the first detection means. It is characterized by controlling the PC card device.

According to the present invention, the detecting means includes the first detecting means for detecting the type of the power source of the information processing apparatus.
The type of power supply can be detected as the state of the device.
Since the control means controls the PC card device based on the detection information such as the type of power source, eg, AC power source, battery or battery, it is possible to perform optimum control according to the information processing device.

Further, according to the present invention, the detecting means detects the type of power source of the information processing apparatus, and the first detecting means detects that the type of power source is a battery. A second detection means for detecting the remaining battery level,
The control means controls the PC card device based on the remaining battery level detected by the second detection means.

According to the present invention, the detecting means includes first detecting means for detecting the type of power source of the information processing apparatus, and further, when detecting that the type of power source is a battery, the remaining amount of the battery is determined. Since the second detection means for detecting is included, the PC card device can be controlled based on the remaining battery level of the information processing device.

In the present invention, the detecting means includes a third detecting means for detecting the performance of the CPU of the information processing device.
The control means controls the PC card device based on the performance of the CPU detected by the third detection means.

According to the present invention, the detecting means includes the third detecting means for detecting the performance of the CPU incorporated in the information processing apparatus, so that the PC card device can be controlled based on these pieces of information.

In the present invention, the detecting means includes fourth detecting means for detecting a data communication speed between the PC card device and the information processing device, and the control means detects the fourth detecting means. The PC card device is controlled based on the data communication speed between the PC card device and the information processing device.

According to the present invention, the detecting means detects the data communication speed between the information processing device and the PC card device, so that the PC card device can be controlled based on the detected data communication speed.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the control means includes power control means for controlling the power consumption of the PC card device.

According to the present invention, the control means includes the power control means and controls the power consumption of the PC card device. Therefore, for example, when the power source is a battery, the power consumption of the PC card device is reduced. It can be controlled so that the power consumption of the PC card device can be further reduced when the remaining battery level is low.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the control means includes frequency control means for controlling an operation clock frequency of the PC card device.

Generally, when the operating clock frequency is high, the power consumption is large, and when the operating clock frequency is low, the power consumption is small. According to the present invention, the control means includes the frequency control means and controls the operating clock frequency of the PC card device. Therefore, for example, when the battery level is low, the operating clock frequency of the PC card device can be reduced. ,
The power consumption can be controlled to be small.

The present invention is also characterized in that the control means includes a data communication speed control means for controlling a data communication speed between the PC card device and the information processing device.

According to the present invention, the control means includes the data communication speed control means and controls the data communication speed between the PC card device and the information processing device. Therefore, for example, the external device is connected via the PC card device. When data communication is performed with, the data communication speed can be adjusted appropriately, and data retention is eliminated.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the PC card device includes wireless communication means for performing wireless communication, and the control means controls the wireless communication means based on detection by the detection means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to wirelessly communicate with a device having an external wireless communication means by using the wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating. Further, the control means is
The wireless communication means can be controlled based on the state of the information processing device.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the control means controls the data communication speed by the wireless communication means.

According to the present invention, since the control means can control the data communication speed by the wireless communication means, the wireless communication can be efficiently performed.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the control means controls the wireless communication means to be in a low power consumption mode in which it operates with low power consumption.

According to the present invention, the control means operates in a low power consumption mode in which the wireless communication means operates with low power consumption, for example, a sniff mode when the wireless communication system is Bluetooth.
Three types of low power consumption modes, a hold mode and a park mode, can be set.

In the present invention, the wireless communication means is RF.
A circuit is included, and the control means controls power supplied to the RF circuit.

According to the present invention, the wireless communication means includes an RF circuit, and the control means can control the power supplied to the RF circuit of the wireless communication means. For example, power consumption can be reduced by not supplying power to the RF circuit when communication is not performed.

In the present invention, the control means includes power control means for controlling the power consumption of the PC card device,
The power control is performed by stopping the power supply to the wireless communication means in the card device.

According to the present invention, the control means can stop the power supply to the wireless communication means in the PC card device. As a result, when the wireless communication unit is not used, the wireless communication unit can be completely stopped, so that the power consumption can be further reduced.

[0039]

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a PC card device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is composed of a PC card device 1 and an information processing device 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a PC card system to be used. The PC card device 1 is mounted in the card slot 11 of the information processing device 10.

The PC card device 1 comprises an interface 2, a control means 3 and a wireless communication means 4 as an extended function. The shape of the PC card device 1 is, for example, PCMCIA (Personal Memory Card International A).
ssociation) or JEIDA (Japan Electronic Dev)
The shape shall conform to the PC card standard of the Elopment Association). The interface 2 includes a connector that electrically connects the PC card device 1 to the information processing device 10. The connector is provided with a connection detection pin for detecting that the PC card device 1 is attached to the card slot 11 of the information processing device 10. The PC card device 1 and the information processing device 10 to which the PC card device 1 is connected, by monitoring the connection detection pin,
It is possible to detect that the PC card device 1 is attached to the card slot 11.

The control means 3 is composed of a logic circuit and controls the PC card device 1, for example, the radio communication means 4. The means for realizing the control means 3 is not limited to the logic circuit, and as shown in FIG.
Processing unit) 31, a volatile memory 32 and a non-volatile memory 33 may be combined, and a program stored in the non-volatile memory 33 may be executed by the CPU 31 and the volatile memory 32. The volatile memory 32 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Mem).
ory), and the non-volatile memory 33 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or an EPROM (Erasable).
programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically EPRO
M) and flash memory.

The wireless communication means 4 includes a baseband processing section 5, an RF module 6 which is an RF circuit, and an antenna 7.
including. The baseband processing unit 5 converts an input signal into a transmission signal or a reception signal into an output signal based on a wireless communication standard. The RF module 6 modulates the transmission signal from the baseband processing unit 5 and converts it into an actual electromagnetic wave, or demodulates the electromagnetic wave and converts it into a reception signal. The antenna 7 transmits the electromagnetic wave from the RF module 6 or receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted to the PC card device 1. The wireless communication means 4 performs communication by a wireless communication system defined by Bluetooth, wireless LAN, HomeRF, IEEE 802.11, or the like. The PC card device 1 includes the wireless communication unit 4 as an extended function, but may have any one of the wireless communication unit 4, the memory function, the hard disk, and the digital camera or a plurality of functions as the extended function. . Also, the wireless communication means 4
Are controlled by the control means 3.

The information processing device 10 is a portable device having information processing capability such as a notebook PC, PDA, digital camera, digital video camera, music reproducing device, and mobile phone. Information processing device 10
Is configured to include at least a card slot 11, a CPU 12 and a memory 13 which are electrically connected to the connector of the PC card device 1. In the present embodiment, the information processing device 10 is a portable device, but the information processing device 1
0 is a desktop PC with a card slot 11
And so on. In the memory 13, the information processing device 10
Operating system (hereinafter, OS: Operating
(Abbreviated as System) is stored. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 is supplied with power by an AC power source, a battery, or a battery.

When the PC card device 1 is installed in the card slot 11 of the information processing device 10, the memory stored in the memory 13 of the information processing device 10 describes the state to be detected by the information processing device 2. Thirteen
Area, or a program for realizing a function defined by the OS is executed by the CPU 12, or a program for directly accessing information by accessing a related mechanism in the information processing apparatus 10 is executed by the CPU 12. , The state of the information processing device 10 is detected. In the PC card device 1 of the present embodiment, the detection unit that detects the state of the information processing device 10 is configured by software stored in the memory 13 in the information processing device 10. Information processing device 10
Is the type of power supply of the information processing apparatus 10, the remaining power of the battery or battery when the power supply is a battery or a battery, the performance of the CPU 12, the data between the PC card device 1 and the information processing apparatus 10. For example, communication speed. Here, the performance of the CPU includes at least one of the operating clock frequency of the CPU and the number of processing bits.
In the memory 13 of the information processing device 10, the performance of the CPU 12 and the first detecting means for detecting the type of the power source, the second detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery and the battery when the power source is the battery or the battery is stored. At least one of the third detecting means for detecting and the fourth detecting means for detecting the data communication side between the information processing apparatus 10 and the PC card apparatus 1 is configured by software.

The state of the information processing device 10 detected by the first to fourth detecting means is sent to the PC card device 1 via the interface 2. The control means 3 of the PC card device 1 receives information regarding the state of the information processing device 10 and controls the PC card device 1 based on the received information regarding the state. Information processing device 10 and PC
Communication between the card devices 1 is performed in the interface 2 by specially allocating a dedicated terminal for state detection or by allocating an address for state detection in the case of the bus access method.

The control means 3 of the PC card device 1 controls the PC card device 1 on the basis of the detected state of the information processing device 10 so that optimum control can be performed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a PC card device 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the PC card device 1 of the above embodiment, the detection means for detecting the state of the connected information processing device 10 is provided as software in the information processing device 10. However, in the PC card device 20 of the present embodiment, The detection means is provided in the PC card device 20. PC card device 2
0 has the same configuration as the PC card device 1 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and in addition to the configuration of the PC card device 1, a detection means for detecting the state of the information processing device 10 mounted via the interface 2. 21 is further included. In the PC card device 20 shown in FIG. 4, the same components as those of the PC card device 1 shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. The PC card device 20 constitutes a PC card system together with the information processing device 10 like the PC card device 1, and is used by being mounted on the information processing device 10 as shown in FIG.

The detection means 21 is composed of a logic circuit, and
Immediately after connecting the card device 20 to the information processing device 10,
Through the interface 2, the OS stored in the memory 13 of the information processing device 10 accesses an area of the memory 13 in which the state detected by the information processing device 10 is described, or is stored in the memory of the information processing device 10. The CPU 12 executes a program for realizing the function defined by the OS, or the CPU 12 executes a program that directly obtains information by accessing a related mechanism in the information processing apparatus 2.
Detect the state of. If the purpose of detecting the state of the information processing device 10 is achieved, the realizing means of the detecting means 21 is not limited to the logic circuit.
As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 31, the volatile memory 32, and the non-volatile memory 33 may be combined, and the program stored in the non-volatile memory 33 may be executed by the CPU 31 and the volatile memory 33. Detection means 21
The state of the information processing device 10 detected by the information processing device 10 includes the type of power source, the remaining battery and battery levels when the power source is a battery or a battery, CPU performance, and the information processing device 1.
0 and the data communication speed between the PC card device 20 and the like.

The detection means 21 is a first detection means 22 for detecting the type of power supply of the information processing apparatus 10, and the power supply of the information processing apparatus 10 detected by the first detection means 22 is a battery or a battery. Second detecting means 23 for detecting the remaining amount, third detecting means 24 for detecting the performance of the CPU of the information processing device 10, and the communication speed between the PC card device 20 and the information processing device 10. The fourth detecting means 25 is included. In this embodiment, the detection means 21
Includes first to fourth detecting means 22, 23, 24, 25, but the first detecting means 22, the first and second detecting means 22, 23, the third detecting means 24, and the fourth detecting means 22. Any one or a plurality of the detection means 25 may be combined and included.

The detection of the state of the information processing device 10 by each detecting means of the detecting means 21 and the control performed by the control means 3 of the PC card device 20 based on the detected state will be described in detail below.

The first detecting means 22 accesses the area in which the type of power source is recorded by the OS stored in the memory 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 via the interface 2 to obtain the power source defined by the OS. Of the power source of the information processing apparatus 10 by causing the CPU 12 to execute a program that controls the function of detecting the type of power source, or by causing the CPU 12 to execute a power source type detection program that directly accesses the power source and obtains information about the power source. Can be detected. In the present embodiment, the first detecting means 22 automatically performs the detection by causing the CPU 12 to execute the program for detecting the type of the power source through the interface 2, but the CPU 12 always determines the type of the power source. The configuration may be such that a program for detection is executed, or a program for detecting the type of power supply is executed when the user uses the program.

The second detecting means 23 is the first detecting means 2
If the power source of the information processing device 10 is a battery or a battery in 2, the remaining amount of the battery and the battery is detected. The second detection unit 23 determines the type of power supply defined by the OS by accessing the area in the memory 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 where the battery or the remaining amount of the battery is recorded via the interface 2. A CPU 1 executes a battery remaining amount detection program that obtains a remaining amount by causing the CPU 12 to execute a program that controls a detecting function or by directly accessing a battery or a battery.
By executing this in step 2, the remaining amount of the battery or the battery of the information processing device can be detected. The detection result is transmitted to the second detection means 23 via the interface 2. In the present embodiment, the second detection means 2
3 automatically performs detection by executing a program for detecting the remaining amount of the power source or the battery via the interface 2, but the CPU 12 always executes the program for detecting the remaining amount of the battery or the battery, or the user May be executed at the time of use.

The control means 3 of the PC card device 1 controls the power consumption of the PC card device 1 based on the results of the detection by the first and second detecting means 22 and 23.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the PC card device 20 performed using the first detecting means 22 and the second detecting means 23.

First, in step A1, the first detection means 22
The power supply of the information processing device 10 is detected by the above, and the process proceeds to step A2. In step A2, the type of power source is determined to determine whether the power source is an AC power source, a battery or a battery. When it is determined that the type of the power source detected in step A2 is the AC power source, the process proceeds to step A3. When the power source is an AC power source, power is stably supplied to the information processing device 10, so
The card device 20 does not need to control power. Therefore, in step A3, the power control is not performed and the processing operation is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A2 that the information processing apparatus 10 is powered by a battery or a battery, the process proceeds to step A4. In step A4, the power consumption of the PC card device 1 is controlled. Especially the information processing device 1
When 0 does not require the function in the PC card device 20, power control of the PC card device 20 is performed to reduce power consumption, so that the information processing device 10 can be used for a long time with a battery or a battery. It will be possible.

When the power consumption of the PC card device 20 is controlled in step A4, the process proceeds to step A5. In step A5, the remaining amount of the battery or the battery is detected by the second detecting means 23, and the process proceeds to step A6. In step A6, it is determined whether the remaining amount of the battery or battery detected in step A5 is high or low. If the remaining amount of the battery or the battery is low, the process proceeds to step A8. In step A8, the power control of the PC card device 20 is further performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step A6 that the remaining battery level or battery level is high, P
It is determined whether the function in the C card device 20 is necessary. Since the PC card device 20 includes the wireless communication means 4, it is determined whether or not the wireless communication means 4 is performing wireless communication. Here, when the function in the PC card device 20 is not required, that is, when the wireless communication unit 4 is not performing wireless communication, the process proceeds to step A8 and power control is further performed. As a result, the information processing device 10 can be used for a longer time. On the other hand, in step A7,
When the function in the PC card device 20 is required, that is, when the wireless communication means 4 is performing wireless communication, the process proceeds to step A9. In step A9, no further power control is performed.

The third detecting means 24 uses the OS of the memory 13 of the information processing apparatus 10 to execute CP through the interface 2.
By accessing the area in which the performance of U is recorded, by causing the CPU 12 to execute a program that controls the function of detecting the performance of the CPU defined by the OS, or by accessing the CPU 12 and operating clock frequency of the CPU 12. And a CP for obtaining information about the performance of the CPU including at least one of the number of processing bits
By causing the CPU 12 to execute the U performance detection program, the performance of the CPU 12 of the information processing device 10 can be detected. The detection result is transmitted to the third detecting means 24 via the interface 2. In the present embodiment, the third detecting means 24 automatically performs the detection by executing the program for detecting the performance of the CPU 12 via the interface 2.
The PU performance detection program may be executed, or may be executed when the user uses the program.

The control means 3 of the PC card device 20 controls the PC card device 20 based on the detection result of the third detection means 24. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the PC card device 20 performed using the third detecting means 24. First, in step B1,
The third control means 24 detects the performance of the CPU 12 such as the operation clock and the number of processing bits, and proceeds to step B2. In step B2, it is determined whether the performance of the CPU 12 detected by the third detection means 24, that is, the operation performance is high or low. If it is determined in step B2 that the operation performance is high, the process proceeds to step B3 and the PC
In order to fully utilize the functions of the card device 20, especially P
The operation processing is ended without performing control for limiting the C card device 20. On the other hand, in step B2,
If it is determined that the operation performance is low, the process proceeds to step B4. If the operation performance is low, the data communication speed from the information processing device 10 to the PC card device 20 also decreases according to the performance of the CPU. Therefore, in step B4, the function inside the PC card device 20 is limited, or Depending on the power control. In this way, it is possible to utilize the PC card device 20 while reducing the power consumption.

The fourth detecting means 25 detects the data communication speed by actually communicating with the information processing apparatus 10 connected via the interface 2. FIG. 7 shows the detection means 2.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fourth detection means 25 provided in 1. The fourth detection means 25 includes a communication control unit 26.
And a memory 27 that stores reference data and a timer 28
Including and

The operation of detecting the communication speed between the PC card device 20 and the information processing device 10 performed by the fourth detecting means 25 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step C1, the communication control unit 26 determines that the interface 2
The data communication speed detection program stored in the memory 27 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 10 via
Go to 2. Upon receiving the data communication detection program, the information processing device 10 executes this program. In step C2, the communication control unit 26 starts the timer 28, and proceeds to step C3. In step C3, the communication control unit 26 transfers the reference data stored in the memory 27 to the information processing device 10 via the interface 2, and proceeds to step C4. The information processing apparatus 10 that executes the communication speed detection program receives the reference data, and if it determines that all the reference data has been received from the viewpoint of the content of the received data and the received data capacity, that all the reference data has been received. Is transmitted to the communication control unit 26 via the interface 2, the communication control unit 26 receives the signal or data indicating that all the reference data have been received in step C4, and the step Proceed to C5. In step C5, the timer 28 is stopped and the process proceeds to step C6. In step C6, the data communication time is read from the timer 28, and the process proceeds to step C7. In step C7, the data communication speed is calculated from the capacity of the reference data and the measurement time, and the processing operation is ended. The means for realizing the communication control unit 26 is not limited to the logic circuit, and as shown in FIG.
1. The configuration may be such that the volatile memory 32 and the non-volatile memory 33 are combined, and the program stored in the non-volatile memory 33 is executed by the CPU 31 and the volatile memory 32.

In the present embodiment, the communication speed between the PC card device 20 and the information processing device 10 is actually measured, but the data communication speed between the PC card device 20 and the information processing device 10 is detected. Can also be detected by checking and storing the data communication speed in advance. For example, as a fourth detecting means, as shown in FIG.
The reference information recording circuit 29 constituted by a non-volatile memory in which the data communication speed of the PC card device 20 which has been investigated in advance is recorded together with its manufacturer and model
And a detection means 21 are provided. In this case, the detection means 21 does not have the fourth detection means 25 inside. The detection means 2
By referring to the contents of the reference information recording circuit 29 by 1, the data communication speed of the PC card device 20 can be obtained.

The data communication speed of the entire system when the information processing apparatus 10 is connected to the PC card apparatus 20 is
It is determined by the slower value of the data processing speed in the functions built in the information processing device 10 and the PC card device 20. If both are comparable, the overall system is most efficient. However, when there is a difference between the two, the processing at a slow speed becomes rate-determining and the efficiency of the entire system becomes poor. Therefore, from the data communication speed detected by the fourth detection means, the data processing speed of the function built in the PC card device 20 or the data communication speed via the interface 2 between the information processing device 10 and the PC card device 20 is controlled by the control means. 3 can be adjusted to improve the efficiency of the entire system.

As described above, by controlling the PC card device 20 based on the state of the information processing device 10, the PC card device 20 can be optimally controlled. Further, the first to fourth detecting means 22, 23, 24, 2
The order in which 5 detects the information processing device is the first detecting means 2
The second detecting means 23 performs the detection after the second detecting means 2, but the order in which the third and fourth detecting means 24, 25 detect is not particularly limited. Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication means 4 is provided as an extended function of the PC card device 20,
As an extended function, any one of the wireless communication unit 4, the memory function, the hard disk, and the digital camera, or a plurality of functions may be provided.

Next, a method of reducing power consumption in the PC card device 20 will be described.

The control means 3 of the PC card device 20 has a power control means 30. FIG. 10 shows a PC card device 20.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the supply of electric power inside. Electric power to each unit in the PC card device 20 is supplied to the connected information processing device 1
PC card device 20 from 0 through interface 2
Is supplied to the electric power control means 30. Power control means 30
Controls the power supply to each unit in the PC card device 20.

In the PC card device 20, the power control means 3
After stopping the control means 3 except 0, the extended function of the PC card device 20 and the data communication between the PC card device 20 and the information processing device 10, the power supply control means 3 is stopped.
When 0 stops the power supply to the baseband processing unit 5 and the RF module 6, the operation of the entire PC card device 20 can be stopped.

When the entire PC card device 20 is stopped, the PC card device 20 itself cannot be used. Therefore, in order to use the stopped PC card device 20 again, for example, to restart communication by the wireless communication means 4, the PC card device 20 is activated and the information processing device 1 is activated.
It is necessary to let 0 recognize the PC card device 20. Therefore, it takes time to restart the PC card device 20. However, when stopping the entire PC card device 20, the power consumption can be minimized in the power control.

The power consumption of the PC card device 20 can also be reduced by stopping or reducing the power supply to the RF module 6 by the power control means 30. In this case, since the baseband processing unit 5 of the PC card device 20 is operating, the power consumption is slightly increased as compared with the case where the entire PC card device 20 is stopped. However, since only the RF module 6 can be stopped and the PC card device 20 is operating,
It is not necessary to re-recognize the PC card device 20 to the information processing device 10. Therefore, it becomes possible to restart the PC card device 20 in a shorter time than to stop the entire PC card device 20.

Further, by the power control means 30 stopping only the power supply to the wireless communication means 4 constituted by the baseband processing section 5 and the RF module 6,
It is possible to reduce the power consumption of the PC card device 20. In this case, the control means 3 of the PC card device 20
Is operating, the power consumption is slightly increased as compared with the case where the entire PC card apparatus 1 is stopped, but the operation of the baseband processing unit 5 is compared with the case where the power supply to the RF module 6 is stopped. Since it also stops, it is possible to further reduce power consumption. When restarting the communication function, the control means 3 of the PC card device 20 is connected to the information processing device 10 and is operating, so the PC card device 20 is operated.
It is not necessary to start and the re-recognition work in the information processing apparatus 10. Therefore, as compared with the case where the entire PC card device 20 is stopped, the time required for starting and recognizing the PC card device 20 can be shortened and the communication function can be restarted. However, as compared with the case where the power supply to the RF module 6 is stopped, the baseband processing unit 5 needs to be started, and the time required for restarting becomes longer by the working time.

In general, the wireless communication function often defines a low power consumption mode in which the wireless communication means is driven with low power consumption. For example, in bluetooth, its specification “Specification of the Bluetooth System, Speci
fication Volume 1, Core, Version 1.1, “p.114 to 122, low power consumption modes such as Sniff, Hold, and Park are defined. The control means 3 controls the wireless communication means 4 in these low power consumption modes. In the low power consumption mode, the RF module 6 is temporarily stopped, so that the power consumption of the wireless communication means 4 is reduced. Furthermore, each low power consumption mode is defined as the specification of the communication function. Therefore, the control means 3 can reduce the power consumption of the wireless communication means 4 only by issuing a command for the low power consumption mode to the baseband processing section 5. Furthermore, the control means 3 can reduce the power consumption mode. If the release command is issued to the baseband processing unit 5, the communication function can be restarted.

Further, in the PC card device 20, as shown in FIG. 11, the entire PC card device 20, the control means 3, the detection means 6, the baseband processing section 5, and the RF module 6 are provided. A clock 35 for supplying a synchronous clock signal may be provided to any one or more of them. The operation clock frequency of the clock 35 is lowered based on the state of the information processing device 10 detected by the detection means 3. Since the power consumption is proportional to the frequency, it is possible to reduce the power consumption. When the clock frequency of the clock 35 is set to a low frequency, when restarting the communication by the communication function means 4, it is necessary to return the clock frequency supplied to the communication means 4, so that it takes time to restart the communication. It is possible to resume the communication function earlier than stopping the entire PC card device 20.

The power consumption can be reduced by lowering the synchronous clock frequency, controlling the low power consumption mode of the wireless communication unit 4, controlling only the RF module 6, controlling the wireless communication unit 4, and the PC card device. The effect becomes larger in the order of control for stopping the entire 20.

However, in order to restart the stopped wireless communication function, the restart work time becomes long in the same order. As described above, there is a trade-off between the reduction of power consumption and the restart work time of the wireless communication function. The user can select the optimum power control according to the usage status of the information processing apparatus 10 and the usage schedule thereafter.

Data communication using the wireless communication means 4 which is a function of the PC card device 20 will be described below.

In general, wireless communication standards often define data communication packets having different data communication speeds. For example, in bluetooth, the specification
of the Bluetooth System, Specification Volume 1, C
ore, Version 1.1, ”p.65, DM1, DM3, DM5, DH1, D
Data packets of H3 and DH5 are defined. By selecting the type of data packet, it is possible to control the data communication rate between about 36 kbps and about 723 kbps at the maximum communication rate.

If the interface 2 has a mechanism for controlling the communication speed with the information processing apparatus 10, the communication speed can be controlled using the mechanism. However, depending on the data communication standard, there is an interface with a fixed communication speed, and there are cases where the communication speed cannot be controlled.

For example, the data communication speed Vif between the information processing device 10 and the PC card device 20 is Vif≈400.
Although it is kbps, the data communication speed Vra of the wireless communication means 4
Consider the case where dio is Vradio≈200 kbps. In this case, the baseband processing unit 5 of the wireless communication means 4
Data is stored in the transmission data buffer that temporarily stores the data transmitted by wireless communication, or in the worst case, it is overwritten and a part of the transmission data is lost, so wireless communication is smooth. There is a problem that it is not done.

On the contrary, Vif≈200 kbps, Vradio≈40
Consider the case where communication is performed at 0 kbps. In this case, it is in the baseband processing unit 5 of the wireless communication means 4,
A problem that wireless communication is not performed smoothly because data is retained in a received data buffer that temporarily stores data received by wireless communication, or in the worst case, it is overwritten and a part of the received data is lost. Occurs.

In the PC card device 20 of this embodiment, the control means 3 controls the data communication speed based on the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the data communication speed. First, in step D1, Vif is detected by the fourth detecting means 25, and the process proceeds to step D2. In step D2, Vif and V
Compare radio. Since the communication speed is determined by the packet type in the wireless communication standard, that value is used for Vradio. If it is determined in step D2 that Vif and Vradio have almost the same speed, the process proceeds to step D3,
Wireless communication is continued as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in step D2 that Vif and Vradio are different speeds, the process proceeds to step D4. In step D4,
A determination is made as to whether or not there is Vradio desired by the user and whether or not Vif is limited. In step D4,
If it is determined that the user has desired Vradio or that Vif is limited, the process proceeds to step D5. In step D5, if the above conditions are satisfied, Vradio≈Vif
The wireless communication is performed by changing the packet type so as to satisfy the condition. On the other hand, in step D4, the Vradio desired by the user
If there is no, or if there is no limit on Vif, V
Communication is performed by changing Vif so that radio≈Vif is satisfied. In this way, optimal wireless communication can be performed by the information processing device 10 and the PC card device 20 as a whole.

As described above, the user's desired communication speed V
If there is radio, Vif should be Vif ≈ Vradio
And the data communication via the interface 2 and the wireless communication by the wireless communication means 4 are adjusted, it is possible to perform efficient wireless communication in the entire system including the information processing device 10 and the PC card device 20. Becomes On the contrary, when there is no Vradio desired by the user or when Vif is limited due to the limitation of the interface 2, if communication is performed using the communication packet of Vradio where Vradio≈Vif, information processing is performed. It is possible to perform efficient wireless communication in the entire system including the device 10 and the PC card device 20.

In the present embodiment, bluetooth is taken as an example of the standard of the wireless communication system with which the wireless communication means 4 communicates, but it is not limited to this as long as it is a standard that performs a wireless communication function. Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to the configuration described in this embodiment as long as the object can be achieved.

Also in the control means 3 of the PC card device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the control means of the PC card device 20 is based on the state of the information processing device 10 detected by the first to fourth detecting means. The same control as 3 is performed.

As described above, by using the PC card devices 1 and 20 of the above-described embodiment, the capabilities of the information processing device 10 are automatically detected and detected when connected to various information processing devices 10 having different capabilities. Based on the results, the PC card devices 1 and 2 are optimized with the optimum power, data communication speed, and operation clock frequency.
It becomes possible to control 0. Therefore, when the PC card devices 1 and 20 having the wireless communication means 4 are connected to the information processing device 10, the PC card devices 1 and 20 do not require any special adjustment by the user for each connected information processing device 10. As a whole system including the information processing device 10 and the information processing device 10, the wireless communication means 4 can be used with optimized power control and data communication speed.

[0084]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when the information processing device, the data communication speed between the information processing device and the PC card device, and the power supply capability are different, the information processing device is mounted. Optimal control can be performed according to the information processing device.

Further, according to the present invention, a connector is connected to a card slot provided in an information processing device such as a notebook personal computer, a PDA, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a music reproducing device, and a mobile phone, and information is recorded. The state of the processing device can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to detect the state of the information processing device with the same PC card device and perform wireless communication under optimum conditions corresponding to the state detected by the entire system.

Further, according to the present invention, since the detecting means for detecting the state of the information processing device is constituted by software in the information processing device, the PC card device can be simplified.

Further, according to the present invention, the detecting means for detecting the state of the information processing device is provided in the PC card device, so that the state of the information processing device is detected regardless of which information processing device is connected. be able to.

Further, according to the present invention, by detecting the type of the power source of the information processing device, the optimum power control of the PC card device becomes possible, and the information processing device can be used for a long time with a battery or a battery. .

According to the present invention, the optimum power control of the PC card device can be performed by detecting the remaining amount of the battery or the battery which is the power source of the information processing device.
The information processing device can be used with a battery or a battery for a longer period of time.

Further, according to the present invention, the CP of the information processing device
Optimal power control and wireless communication control are possible by detecting the performance of U.

Further, according to the present invention, by detecting the data communication speed between the information processing device and the PC card device, communication can be performed at the optimum data communication speed,
The efficiency of the PC card system is improved.

Further, according to the present invention, by detecting the wireless data communication speed performed by the wireless communication means, it is possible to perform data communication with a device having another wireless communication means under the optimum condition.

According to the present invention, when the wireless communication means is not used, the operation of the entire PC card device is stopped, the operation of the wireless communication means is stopped, the operation of the RF circuit is stopped, and the low power consumption mode of the wireless function is utilized. Thus, the information processing device whose power source is a battery or a battery can be used for a longer time.

Further, according to the present invention, by setting the clock frequency in the PC card device to a low frequency, it is possible to use the information processing device whose power source is a battery or a battery for a long time.

According to the present invention, the data communication speed between the information processing device and the PC card device or the wireless communication data communication speed of the wireless communication means provided in the PC card device is adjusted for data communication. As a result, data communication can be performed efficiently without the data overflowing the transmission buffer and the reception buffer of the wireless communication means.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a PC card device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of FIG.

2 is a block diagram showing a state in which the PC card devices 1 and 20 are mounted in the card slot 11 of the information processing device 10. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control means 3 of the PC card device 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a PC card device 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the PC card device 20 performed using the first detection means 22 and the second detection means 23.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the PC card device 20 performed using the third detecting means 24.

FIG. 7 is a fourth detecting means 2 provided in the detecting means 21.
5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a PC card device 20 performed by a fourth detection means 25.
5 is a flowchart showing a communication speed detecting operation between the information processing apparatus 10 and the information processing apparatus 10.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a fourth detection means.

10 is a block diagram showing power supply in the PC card device 20. FIG.

11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PC card device 20 including a clock 35. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a communication speed control operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,20 PC card device 2 interface 3 control means 4 Wireless communication means 5 Baseband processing section 6 RF module 7 antenna 10 Information processing equipment 11 card slots 12,31 CPU 13,27 memory 21 Detection means 22 First Detection Means 23 Second Detection Means 24 Third Detection Means 25 Fourth Detection Means 26 Communication controller 28 timer 29 Reference information recording circuit 30 power control means 32 Volatile memory 33 Non-volatile memory 35 clock

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A PC card device having a connector attachable to a card slot of the information processing device, comprising control means for controlling the PC card device based on the state of the information processing device connected via the connector. PC card device. 2. A PC card system including an information processing device having a card slot, and a PC card device having a connector attachable to the card slot of the information processing device, wherein the information processing device is connected via the connector. Detecting means for detecting the state of P, and P based on the detection of the detecting means.
A PC card system comprising a control means for controlling the C card device. 3. The PC card system according to claim 2, wherein the detecting means is provided in the information processing device and is configured by software. 4. The PC card system according to claim 2, wherein the detecting means is provided in a PC card device. 5. The detection means includes first detection means for detecting the type of power supply of the information processing apparatus, and the control means is based on the type of power supply detected by the first detection means. The PC card system according to claim 2, wherein the PC card system controls the device. 6. The first detecting means for detecting the type of power supply of the information processing apparatus; and the first detecting means for detecting the type of power supply of the battery when the type of power supply is battery. 3. A second detecting means for detecting the remaining amount, wherein the control means controls the PC card device based on the remaining amount of the battery detected by the second detecting means. PC card system. 7. The detection means is a CPU of an information processing device.
3. The PC card according to claim 2, further comprising a third detection unit that detects the performance of the PC card device, wherein the control unit controls the PC card device based on the performance of the CPU detected by the third detection unit. system. 8. The detecting means includes fourth detecting means for detecting a data communication speed between the PC card device and the information processing apparatus, and the control means detects the PC card detected by the fourth detecting means. The PC card system according to claim 2, wherein the PC card device is controlled based on a data communication speed between the device and the information processing device. 9. The PC card system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit includes a power control unit that controls power consumption of the PC card device. 10. The PC according to claim 5, wherein the control unit includes a frequency control unit that controls an operation clock frequency of the PC card device.
Card system. 11. The control means includes a data communication speed control means for controlling a data communication speed between a PC card device and an information processing device, according to any one of claims 5 to 8. The described PC card system. 12. The PC card device includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication, and the control unit controls the wireless communication unit based on detection by the detection unit. PC
Card system. 13. The control means controls the data communication speed of the wireless communication means.
The described PC card system. 14. The PC card system according to claim 12, wherein the control unit controls the wireless communication unit to be in a low power consumption mode in which the wireless communication unit operates with low power consumption. 15. The PC card system according to claim 12, wherein the wireless communication unit includes an RF circuit, and the control unit controls power supplied to the RF circuit. 16. The control means includes power control means for controlling power consumption of the PC card device, and performs power control by stopping power supply to the wireless communication means in the PC card device. The PC card system according to claim 12.