JP2005321976A - Information processor and power control mechanism for information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the power saving and the like of an information processor while improving the convenience for users. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor 1 including various connection ports so that an external connecting extension device 5 to which external connection equipment is connected is connectable thereto comprises a driving circuit 102 for driving the external connecting equipment. In this processor, the connecting state of the external connecting extension device or the external connection equipment is detected during starting of an operating system, and the driving circuit which outputs signals to the external connection equipment is controlled, in case that non-connection state of the external connecting extension device or the external connection equipment is detected, to suppress the supply of power to the driving circuit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a technical field regarding a power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technical field for achieving power saving by controlling a drive circuit according to a connection state of an external connection expansion device to which an external connection device is connected.

  There are various types of information processing devices, for example, personal computers, such as desktop, tower, notebook, and tablet integrated types. In particular, notebook and tablet integrated types in which it is difficult to secure a connection port space. The personal computer may be used by connecting an external connection expansion device such as a port replicator or a docking station (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  An external connection expansion device such as a port replicator has various ports such as a parallel port, a serial port, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, and is connected to an information processing device, thereby connecting to each port. In addition, various external connection devices such as a scanner and a display device can be connected to the information processing device.

  In such an information processing apparatus, when an external connection expansion device such as a port replicator is connected and an external connection device such as a display device is connected to the external connection expansion device, An image can be output from the apparatus to a display apparatus, and an image can be displayed on both the display apparatus and the display of the information processing apparatus, or an image can be displayed only on the display apparatus.

JP 2001-350540 A

  By the way, in the information processing apparatus as described above, the external connection expansion device may be removed from the information processing device while the display device connected to the external connection expansion device such as a port replicator is used. .

  In the conventional information processing apparatus, even when the external connection expansion device is removed from the information processing apparatus while the display device is in use, the driving circuit is incorporated in the information processing apparatus and drives the external connection device. A signal is output toward the display device, and power is consumed to output a signal that is not used.

  In addition, when an external connection expansion device to which a display device or the like is connected is connected, the information processing device can be in a standby state, that is, the drive of the hard disk or the like can be temporarily stopped and immediately restored as necessary. In such a standby state, the external connection expansion device may be removed from the information processing device, but in this case also, when the information processing device returns from the standby state, the drive for driving the external connection device A signal is output from the circuit to the display device, and unused power is consumed.

  In such a state that an externally connected device such as a display device cannot be used, the power consumption of the entire information processing device increases due to the output of unused signals from the drive circuit, and the unnecessary power consumption As a result, power saving is impeded.

  Such an increase in power consumption can be prevented by the user switching the output from the display device to the display of the information processing device. However, it is necessary to switch the output manually. It becomes inconvenient.

  Therefore, an object of the information processing apparatus and the power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus of the present invention is to overcome the above-described problems and to save power in the information processing apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the information processing apparatus and the power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention are provided with a drive circuit for driving an externally connected device, and an external connection expansion device or an external device is activated during startup of the operating system. Supplying power to the drive circuit by controlling the drive circuit that outputs a signal to the external connection device when detecting the connection state of the connection device and detecting the non-connection state of the external connection expansion device or external connection device It is intended to suppress.

  Therefore, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention and the power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus, when the external connection expansion device or the external connection device is in the disconnected state, the drive circuit is controlled and directed to the external connection device. Stops the output of the signal.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus in which various connection ports are provided, and an external connection expansion device in which an external connection device is connected to the connection port can be connected, and drives the external connection device. A drive circuit for detecting the connection state of the external connection expansion device or external connection device during startup of the operating system, and detecting the connection state of the external connection expansion device or external connection device when the external connection device is disconnected. A drive circuit that outputs a signal to a connected device is controlled to suppress supply of power to the drive circuit.

  Therefore, even though the expansion device for external connection is not connected to the information processing device, a signal is not output from the drive circuit, and it is possible to avoid a situation where power is consumed for useless signal output, Power saving of the information processing apparatus can be achieved.

  Further, in order to save power, it is not necessary for the user to manually switch the output destination, and usability can be improved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the drive circuit is controlled to set the power saving mode or invalidate the circuit function, further power saving can be achieved.

  The power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus of the present invention is a power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus in which various connection ports are provided, and an external connection expansion device in which an external connection device is connected to the connection port can be connected. A drive circuit for driving the external connection device, detecting a connection state of the external connection expansion device or the external connection device during startup of the operating system, and not connecting the external connection expansion device or the external connection device. When a signal is detected, a drive circuit that outputs a signal to the externally connected device is controlled to suppress power supply to the drive circuit.

  Therefore, even though the expansion device for external connection is not connected to the information processing device, a signal is not output from the drive circuit, and it is possible to avoid a situation where power is consumed for useless signal output, Power saving of the information processing apparatus can be achieved.

  Further, in order to save power, it is not necessary for the user to manually switch the output destination, and usability can be improved.

  In the invention described in claim 4, since the drive circuit is controlled to set the power saving mode or invalidate the circuit function, further power saving can be achieved.

  The best mode of the information processing apparatus of the present invention and the power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention can be widely applied to various information processing apparatuses such as an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a network terminal, a portable information terminal, and a workstation. The power control mechanism can be widely applied to the power control mechanism in these various information processing apparatuses.

  The information processing apparatus 1 is configured by arranging necessary parts in a housing 2 (see FIG. 1). The housing 2 is formed in, for example, a horizontally long flat rectangular shape, and a display 3 such as a liquid crystal panel is provided on the front surface 2a.

  In the information processing apparatus 1, the display 3 is a touch panel (tablet), and a predetermined position on the display screen displayed on the display 3 is tapped with a finger or a dedicated input pen (stylus) (not shown). Various operations such as a selection operation and an input operation can be performed.

  FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus, and shows an apparatus main body 100 and an apparatus (interface apparatus) 200 for connection with an external device.

  First, the configuration in the apparatus main body 100 will be described.

  A CPU 101 that is a control center is connected to a control device 102 via a bus (FSB: Front Side Bus). The control device 102 is in charge of control of the main memory 103 and control related to the graphic function, and mainly has a role of processing a large amount of data at high speed. In an AT compatible machine, it is called “North Bridge”, and a CPU 101, a main memory 103, a control device 104, and a graphic display device 105 such as a liquid crystal display device (same as the above display 3) are connected to the control device 102 shown in this example. Has been. The control device 102 also functions as a drive circuit for driving an externally connected device connected to the information processing device 1 via an external connection expansion device described later.

  The control device 104 mainly controls a control device for a user interface and performs a bus link of the device. It is called “South Bridge” in AT compatible machines, and “PCI to ISA bridge” has a role of bridging a bus (PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect bus) to a low speed bus (ISA: Industry Standard Architecture bus, etc.). It has functions such as a controller and an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) controller.

  The bus (PCI bus) is connected to a wireless (wireless) LAN (W-LAN) as the wireless communication device 106 and a device 107 for performing connection and control with an external memory or an external device. As an external memory, a semiconductor memory device that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100, for example, a control device 108 for reading and writing data in a stick-shaped memory medium, and a control device 109 such as a card-type storage medium. Is provided. In addition, the device 107 has a function of an interface for connection with an external device (for example, “IEEE 1394” that defines hardware specifications for adding a serial device to a computer).

  A LAN (Local Area Network) connection device 110 is connected to the control device 104, and an input device 111 using a touch panel or the like is connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port.

  For example, a drive device using a magnetic disk or an optical disk is used as the auxiliary storage device 112. In this example, a drive device using a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk is used. IDE controller).

  Also, an audio signal processing unit (Audio Codec) 113 connected to the control device 104 sends an audio signal that has been subjected to digital-analog conversion to, for example, a speaker 114 or a headphone 115 to output sound. Alternatively, in a device having a microphone, processing for digitizing voice input data is performed.

  The storage device 116 stores a control program for operating the computer, and is connected to the control devices 104 and 117 using an LPC (Low Pin Count: serial bus) or the like.

  The control device 117 is a general-purpose device that controls various signals. For example, an “EC” (Embedded Controller) is used to control a keyboard controller function, a system power supply control, a system additional function, and the like. (A portable device or the like is equipped with a microcomputer.) Note that the computer control method can be changed by changing the control program in the storage device 116.

  An operation device 118 (pointing device 4h described later) constituting a stick-type pointing device (track point or the like) is connected to a port (PS / 2 (Personal System / 2) port or the like) of the control device 117. In addition, a signal from the operation unit 119 including a switch, an operation button, and the like provided in the apparatus main body unit 100 is sent to the control device 117.

  A USB connector is provided as a connection unit 120 for directly connecting an external device to the apparatus main body 100, and the connection unit 120 is connected to the control device 117.

  A power supply unit (not shown) is supplied with a commercial power supply voltage from an AC adapter or a DC power supply from a battery pack using a secondary battery or a fuel cell. For example, the EC (control device 117) detects the connection or mounting state of an AC adapter, a battery pack, or the like, and holds various management information including the remaining battery level.

  Next, the configuration of the connection device 200 will be described.

  The apparatus main body 100 is connected to the connection apparatus 200 via a connection means such as a connector, whereby signal transmission is performed with an external device (not shown).

  A connector unit 201 for connecting an external display device with a VGA (Video Grapthics Array) connector or the like is connected to a control device 102 in the device main body unit 100, thereby connecting an external connection device such as an external display device. Image signals and the like are output.

  In addition, a connector unit 202 for connecting an external connection device or the like conforming to the “IEEE 1394” standard is connected to the device 107 in the apparatus main body unit 100, and a connector unit 203 for connecting a LAN cable or the like is provided in the device. It is connected to the device 110 in the main body 100.

  A USB hub is used as the concentrating device 204 connected to the control device 104 in the apparatus main body 100, and in this example, four USB connectors 205, 205,... Connectors 205, 205,... Are connected to a concentrator device 204 (USB hub).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration in the information processing apparatus 1 together with a relationship with hardware.

  In order from the top layer, the application 300 which is a program for executing various processes, the basic software for general management of the information processing apparatus 1, the OS 301 having a library (DLL: Dynamic Link Library), and the operation processing of the externally connected device Embedded in the storage device 116, the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) 303, and the control device (EC) 117. Firmware 304 that functions as software for the information processing, and hardware 305 such as a processing device constituting each system of the information processing apparatus 1 are incorporated.

  The application 300, the OS 301, and the driver 302 are incorporated in the main memory 103, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of operation buttons 4, 4,... Are provided at predetermined positions of the housing 2. As the operation buttons 4, 4,..., For example, a center button 4a, a left button 4b, a right button 4c, a zoom button 4d, a rotation button 4e, an enter button 4f, a cursor key 4g, a pointing device 4h, a function selection button 4i , A start button 4j, a brightness change button 4k, and the like are provided.

  The center button 4a, left button 4b, and right button 4c are buttons corresponding to the respective buttons of the mouse, the zoom button 4d is a button for enlarging and reducing the display screen 5 displayed on the display 3, and the rotation button 4e is The button that rotates the display screen 5 by 90 °, the enter button 4f corresponds to the enter key of the keyboard, and is a button for executing and confirming the operation. The cursor key 4g moves the cursor displayed on the display 3 up, down, left and right The pointing device 4h is a button for moving a pointer displayed on the display 3, and the function selection button 4i is used to change the output volume and to output to the display device as an externally connected device. The start button 4j is a button for starting specific software, and the brightness change button 4k is a display 3 It is a button to change the brightness.

  In the information processing apparatus 1, a connection connector 4 l for connecting the port replicator 5 to the side surface 2 b of the housing 2 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the external connection expansion device, for example, the port replicator 5 includes a main body 6 and a connection guide 7 attached to the main body 6. The main body 6 has a connector 6 a and a parallel port. Various ports such as a serial port and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port are provided.

  By sliding the apparatus main body 2 along the connection guide 7, the connector 6a is connected to the connection connector 41 and the port replicator 5 is connected to the apparatus main body 2 (see FIG. 5). In a state where the port replicator 5 is connected to the apparatus main body 2, the apparatus main body 2 can be connected to a plurality of externally connected devices such as printers, scanners, and display devices connected to the respective ports of the port replicator 5.

  Below, operation | movement of the power control mechanism of the information processing apparatus 1 is demonstrated.

  First, when the port replicator 5 connected to the information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the port replicator 5 as an external connection device, for example, and an image signal is output from the information processing apparatus 1 to the display apparatus, the information processing apparatus 1 The operation when the port replicator 5 is removed from will be described.

  In the information processing apparatus 1, the connection state of the port replicator 5 to the information processing apparatus 1 is constantly monitored by the control device 117 while the OS 301 is being activated, and the port replicator 5 is connected from the information processing apparatus 1 as described above. When it is removed, it is detected by the control device 117 that the port replicator 5 has been removed from the information processing device 1, and a signal to that effect is transmitted from the control device 117 to the DLL of the OS 301 via the firmware 304 and the driver 302. The A command signal is output from the OS 301 to the application 300 based on the transmitted signal.

  The application 300 uses the ASL (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface Source Language) incorporated in the BIOS via the OS 301 to perform processing for the control device 102 in charge of control related to the graphic function (partial functions are invalidated). The output of the image signal to the connector unit (VGA) 201 is cut off. Therefore, unnecessary power supplied to the control device 102 is cut off.

  ASL is a programming language incorporated in ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface), which is a standard for power supply control.

  Next, when the port replicator 5 connected to the information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the port replicator 5 as an externally connected device, for example, and an image signal is output from the information processing apparatus 1 to the display apparatus, the information processing apparatus The operation when 1 is shifted to the standby state, the port replicator 5 is removed from the information processing apparatus 1 in the standby state, and then the information processing apparatus 1 returns from the standby state will be described.

  When the information processing apparatus 1 returns from the standby state, the port replicator 5 is removed from the information processing apparatus 1, the connection state of the external connection device is detected by the video BIOS and the video driver, and the external connection device is connected to the information processing device 1. It is detected that is not connected. When it is detected that no externally connected device is connected to the information processing apparatus 1, the output of the image signal to the control apparatus 102 is stopped in the same manner as described above. Therefore, the power supplied to the control device 102 is cut off.

  Next, when the port replicator 5 connected to the information processing apparatus 1 is connected to an external connection device such as an IEEE 1394 port, for example, as an external connection device, from the information processing device 1 The operation when the port replicator 5 is removed will be described.

  In the information processing apparatus 1, the connection state of the port replicator 5 to the information processing apparatus 1 is constantly monitored by the control device 117 while the OS 301 is being activated, and the port replicator 5 is connected from the information processing apparatus 1 as described above. When it is removed, it is detected by the control device 117 that the port replicator 5 has been removed from the information processing device 1, and a signal to that effect is transmitted from the control device 117 to the DLL of the OS 301 via the firmware 304 and the driver 302. The A command signal is output from the OS 301 to the application 300 based on the transmitted signal.

  The application 300 uses the API (Application Programming Interface) incorporated in the OS 301 via the OS 301 to perform processing for the control device 102 in charge of control related to the graphic function, and shuts off output to the control device 102. Therefore, the power supplied to the control device 102 is cut off.

  The API is a specification or function for using the function of the OS 301 from the application 300.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 detects the connection state of the external connection expansion device or the external connection device while the OS 301 is running, and determines the non-connection state of the external connection expansion device or the external connection device. Since the power supply to the control device 102 is cut off when detected, the situation where the power is supplied to the control device 102 even though the port replicator 5 is not connected to the information processing device 1 is avoided. Therefore, power saving of the information processing apparatus 1 can be achieved.

  Further, in order to save power, it is not necessary for the user to manually switch the output destination, and usability can be improved.

  In the information processing apparatus 1, the required application 300 is started as follows according to the connection state of the external connection expansion apparatus, for example, the port replicator 5 to the information processing apparatus 1. Also good.

  As the required application, for example, an application for watching TV when the port replicator 5 is provided with a TV tuner, or music playback or image playback when the port replicator 5 is provided with an amplifier or a speaker. Something like an application for that.

  Specifically, in the case of an application for watching TV, when the port replicator 5 is connected to the information processing apparatus 1, this application is automatically activated and the port replicator 5 is detached from the information processing apparatus 1. Then, this application is automatically stopped. Similarly, in the case of an application for music playback and image playback, when the port replicator 5 is connected to the information processing apparatus 1, this application is automatically started and the port replicator 5 is connected to the information processing apparatus 1. If it is removed from, this application will automatically stop running.

  When the port replicator 5 is connected to the information processing device 1, this connection state is detected by the control device 117, and a signal to that effect is output from the control device 117 to the OS 301 via the driver 302, and required by an instruction from the OS 301. Application 300 is started.

  Conversely, when the port replicator 5 is removed from the information processing apparatus 1, this unconnected state is detected by the control apparatus 117, and a signal to that effect is output from the control apparatus 117 to the OS 301 via the driver 302. The activation of the required application 300 is stopped by the command.

  In this way, when the port replicator 5 is connected to the information processing apparatus 1, the required application 300 is automatically started, so that the user does not need to start the application 300 and is easy to use. In addition, when the port replicator 5 is removed from the information processing apparatus 1, the start of the required application 300 is automatically stopped, so that the load on the CPU 101 is reduced and saved. Electricity can be achieved.

  In the above, the port replicator 5 is shown as an example of the external connection expansion device. However, the external connection expansion device is not limited to the port replicator 5, and may be, for example, a docking station.

  The specific shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above-described best mode are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is limited by these. It should not be interpreted in a general way.

2 to 5 show the best mode of the present invention, and this figure is a perspective view of the information processing apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed the hardware structural example of information processing apparatus. It is the figure which showed the software configuration of information processing apparatus with the relationship with hardware. It is a perspective view which shows the state from which the port replicator was removed from the apparatus main body. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the port replicator was connected to the apparatus main body.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus, 5 ... Port replicator (extended apparatus for external connection), 102 ... Control apparatus (drive circuit), 301 ... OS (operating system)

Claims (4)

An information processing apparatus in which various connection ports are provided, and an external connection expansion device in which an external connection device is connected to the connection port can be connected,
A drive circuit for driving externally connected devices is provided.
Detects the connection status of the external connection expansion device or external device while the operating system is running,
When a non-connected state of the external connection expansion device or external connection device is detected, the drive circuit that outputs a signal to the external connection device is controlled to suppress power supply to the drive circuit. Information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive circuit is controlled to set a power saving mode or invalidate a circuit function. A power control mechanism in an information processing apparatus in which various connection ports are provided and connection of an external connection expansion device in which an external connection device is connected to the connection port,
A drive circuit for driving externally connected devices is provided.
Detects the connection status of the external connection expansion device or external connection device while the operating system is running,
When a non-connected state of the external connection expansion device or external connection device is detected, the drive circuit that outputs a signal to the external connection device is controlled to suppress power supply to the drive circuit. A power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus. The power control mechanism in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drive circuit is controlled to set a power saving mode or invalidate a circuit function.

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