JP2011233037A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a user recognize a function available after this electronic equipment is shifted to a non-operation state.SOLUTION: This electronic equipment having a line terminal to which first external equipment which outputs a voice signal is connected is provided with: a first detection means for detecting that the first external equipment is connected to the line terminal; an audio codec having an amplifier function for amplifying and outputting the voice signal input from the line terminal; a speaker for outputting a sound corresponding to the voice signal output by the audio codec; a first power supply means for, when the electronic equipment is in a non-operation state, and it is detected by the first detection means that the first external equipment is connected, supplying a power source to the audio codec; and a first display means for, when the first electronic equipment is in an operation state, and it is detected by the first detection means that the first external equipment is connected, displaying a setting picture.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electronic device capable of connecting an external device.

  Generally, an electronic device such as a personal computer can be used by connecting various external devices. For example, a personal computer can input and record data from an external device and output the data to the outside. In recent years, there are many external devices (for example, mobile phones, audio players, digital cameras, etc.) that charge a battery through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal provided in a personal computer.

  Normally, when the personal computer is in an operating state (when the power is turned on), for example, when an external device is connected to the USB terminal, it is possible to display that the external device is connected. In addition, an external device connected to the personal computer can also display that it is connected to the personal computer.

JP 2004-88617 A

  As described above, in the related art, since it is possible to display that the external device is connected in the electronic device, the user can recognize that the external device can be used by this display.

  However, since this is a display for notifying the user of the situation when the electronic device is in an operating state, there is a function that can be used by connecting an external device in the same way after the electronic device has shifted to a non-operating state. Even in such a case, there is a problem that in a non-operating state where display is not possible, the user cannot recognize that this function can be used.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that allows a user to recognize a usable function after shifting to a non-operating state.

  An electronic device according to an embodiment is an electronic device having a line terminal to which a first external device that outputs an audio signal is connected, and detects that the first external device is connected to the line terminal. An audio codec having an amplifier function for amplifying and outputting the audio signal input from the line terminal; a speaker for outputting sound corresponding to the audio signal output by the audio codec; A first power supply that supplies power to the audio codec when the electronic device is in a non-operating state and the first detection unit detects that the first external device is connected. And when the first electronic device is in an operating state and the first detection device detects that the first external device is connected. And a first display means for displaying a setting screen.

1 is an external view illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the personal computer in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the periphery structure of the audio codec in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the sleep utility screen displayed by the sleep utility program in this embodiment. The flowchart shown about the sleep utility process of the personal computer 10 in this embodiment. The flowchart shown about the sleep utility setting process in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to the present embodiment. This electronic device is realized as, for example, a notebook portable personal computer 10. When the personal computer 10 according to the present embodiment is in a non-operating state, an analog audio signal output from an external device with a line-out (for example, a portable audio player 25) is input, and the speaker 18 mounted on the housing. Audio output function (hereinafter referred to as sleep and music function) to be output from the USB, and a power supply function (hereinafter referred to as sleep and music function) that supplies power to an external USB device via USB (Universal Serial Bus) when not in operation. (Referred to as a charge function).

  When the output from the audio player 25 is directly connected to a speaker, the output of the audio player 25 is smaller than the capability of the speaker, so that a sound with a sufficient volume cannot be output. The sleep and music function according to the present embodiment is incorporated when the plug 27 is connected to the line-in terminal 19 in order to connect the audio player 25 to the personal computer 10 even when the personal computer 10 is not in operation. By supplying power to the audio codec 50 (amplifier function) for amplifying the audio signal, the audio signal from the audio player 25 can be amplified and output from the speaker 18.

  The non-operating state of the personal computer 10 is referred to as, for example, a power-off state (shutdown) (system state S5), standby / sleep / suspend (system state S3), and hibernation (rest state) (system state S4). It shall include the state to be done. That is, the non-operating state is a state where the processor (CPU 30) is not operating. The power-on state is the system state S0.

  In addition, the sleep and charge function in the present embodiment allows the USB device to be connected to the USB device via the USB terminal 20 when the USB device is connected to the USB terminal 20 (USB port) even when the personal computer 10 is not in operation. Power can be supplied. Therefore, even if the personal computer 10 is not activated, a battery-powerable USB device (for example, an audio player, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a portable navigation device, etc.) can be connected to the personal computer 10 and charged. .

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the personal computer 10 with the display unit opened. The personal computer 10 includes a computer main body 11 and a display unit 12. The display unit 12 incorporates a display device composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 17, and the display screen of the LCD 17 is positioned substantially at the center of the display unit 12.

  The display unit 12 is attached to the computer main body 11 so as to be rotatable by a hinge mechanism 21 between an open position and a closed position. The computer main body 11 has a thin box-shaped housing in which a battery can be removably inserted.

  On the top surface of the computer main body 11, a keyboard 13, a power button switch 14 for power on / off, a general-purpose hardware button 15, a touch pad 16, a speaker 18, and the like are arranged.

  The side surface of the computer main body 11 is provided with a line-in terminal 19 (jack) for inputting an analog audio signal output from the audio player 25 and a plurality of USB terminals 20 for connecting various USB devices. . A cable 26 connected to the line-out terminal of the audio player 25 can be connected to the line-in terminal 19 by a plug 27.

  Next, the system configuration of the personal computer 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the personal computer 10 includes a CPU 30, an MCH 31 (north bridge), a main memory 32, a display controller 35, an ICH 40 (south bridge), a hard disk drive (HDD) 41, a BIOS-ROM 42, an embedded controller / keyboard controller. An IC (EC / KBC) 45, a power supply circuit 46, and the like are provided.

  The CPU 30 is a processor provided for controlling the operation of the personal computer 10, and includes an operating system (OS), drivers for controlling various hardware, various application programs, and the like loaded from the HDD 41 to the main memory 32. Execute. The application program includes a sleep utility program for setting functions (sleep and music function, sleep and charge function) operable when the personal computer 10 is in a non-operating state. The sleep utility program automatically sets various settings related to the sleep and music function and the sleep and charge function when an external device is connected via the line-in terminal 19 or the USB terminal 49 when the personal computer 10 is in an operating state. To pop up the sleep utility screen. Thus, the user is made aware that there is a function that can be used even when the personal computer 10 is in a non-operating state. Further, the CPU 30 also executes a system BIOS (Basic Input Output System) stored in the BIOS-ROM 42. The system BIOS is a program for hardware control.

  The MCH 31 is a bridge device that connects the local bus of the CPU 30 and the ICH 40. The MCH 31 also includes a memory controller that controls access to the main memory 32.

  The display controller 35 controls the LCD 17 that is used as a display monitor of the personal computer 10. The display controller 35 executes display processing (graphics calculation processing) for drawing a frame group in the video memory (VRAM) based on a drawing request transmitted from the CPU 30 via the MCH 31.

  The ICH 40 includes an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) controller, a Serial ATA controller, a USB controller, and the like for controlling the HDD 41 and an optical disk drive (not shown).

  The embedded controller / keyboard controller IC (EC / KBC) 45 integrates an embedded controller for power management and a keyboard controller for controlling the keyboard (KB) 13, the touch pad 16, and the general-purpose hardware buttons 18. And a one-chip microcomputer.

  The EC / KBC 45 has a function of controlling the power supply circuit 46 in accordance with the operation of the power button switch 14 by the user to power on / off the personal computer 10. The power-on / power-off control of the personal computer 10 is executed by the joint operation of the EC / KBC 45 and the power supply circuit 46. The EC / KBC 45 is a module that is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 46 in any system state including the case where the personal computer 10 is in a non-operating state (power off state), and the personal computer 10 is in a non-operating state. It is used as a controller for controlling used functions (sleep and music function, sleep and charge function).

  The EC / KBC 45 controls the sleep and music function and the sleep and charge function based on the setting data 45a set by the sleep utility process. The setting contents included in the setting data 45a will be described later. When operating the sleep and music function, the EC / KBC 45 controls the power switch 53 to turn on the power supply to the audio codec 50, and when operating the sleep and charge function, the power switch The power supply to the USB terminal 20 is turned on via 54. Further, when the AC adapter 48 is not connected to the EC / KBC 45, the remaining amount of the battery 47 is reduced to a preset setting value while the sleep and music function or the sleep and charge function is operated. Control to output an alarm.

  If a controller operable in the power-off state is mounted in addition to the EC / KBC 45, the sleep and music function may be controlled by this controller.

  The power supply circuit 46 receives power supply from a battery 47 inserted into the computer main body 11 or an external power supply connected via the AC adapter 48 to generate and supply operating power to each component. The power supply circuit 46 is provided with a power supply microcomputer. The power supply microcomputer monitors the power supply (charge / discharge) to each component and the battery, the state of charge of the battery 47 (remaining battery amount), and whether or not the AC adapter 48 is connected (existence of external power supply).

  The power supply circuit 46 controls on / off of power supply to each module by control according to the system state of the personal computer 10 by the EC / KBC 45. In the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 46 includes modules related to the respective functions in order to operate the sleep and music function or the sleep and charge function when the personal computer 10 is not in operation (system states S3, S4, and S5). A power supply system for supplying power to is provided.

  The audio codec 50 converts the digital audio data input through the ICH 40 into an analog audio signal, and adjusts the volume or sound quality (sound effect) by controlling the OS, device driver, audio reproduction program, and the like to the speaker 18. Output. Similarly, when the personal computer 10 is in an operating state, the audio codec 50 performs signal processing such as volume adjustment of an analog audio signal input from the audio player 25 input via the line-in terminal 19. To the speaker 18. Further, the audio codec 50 amplifies an analog audio signal input via the line-in terminal 19 by an amplifier function when the personal computer 10 is in a non-operating state and the sleep and music function is operated. 18 is output. The audio codec 50 is provided with a mute module for stopping the audio output. The mute module is controlled by a mute signal from the EC / KBC 45. Further, the audio codec 50 can output, for example, a beep sound that can be used as a warning sound from the speaker 18 by a notification (beep code) from the EC / KBC 45. The detailed configuration of the audio codec 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The switch 52 (or sensor) is built in the line-in terminal 19. The switch 52 is turned on / off by insertion of a plug 27 (connection member) for connecting the cable 26 to the line-in terminal 19, and a detection signal ("LINE" signal) corresponding to the on / off state is sent to the EC. / Output to KBC45.

  The power switch 53 switches on / off the power supply from the power circuit 46 to the audio codec 50 in response to a power control signal (“AMPON” signal) from the EC / KBC 45.

  The power switch 54 switches on / off of power supply from the power circuit 46 to the USB terminal 20 in accordance with a power control signal (“USBON” signal) from the EC / KBC 45.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a peripheral configuration of the audio codec 50 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the audio codec 50 is connected to the line-in terminal 19, and the audio signal output from the audio player 25 is input by inserting (connecting) the plug 27 into the line-in terminal 19. The audio codec 50 is provided with ports A and B. The port A is a port for inputting an audio signal to an analog circuit constituting the audio codec 50. The port B is a port for inputting an audio signal to a digital circuit constituting the audio codec 50. FIG. 3 shows two signal lines for inputting a stereo audio signal (RL). An audio signal can also be input via a signal line different from the signal line connected to the line-in terminal 19.

  The “LINE” signal output from the line-in terminal 19 is input to the EC / KBC 45 and the audio codec 50. The power switch 53 includes a switch 53A for turning on / off the power supply to the analog circuit of the audio codec 50 and a switch 53B for turning on / off the power supply to the common circuit unit 50C of the audio codec 50. It is out. The EC / KBC 45 controls switching of the switches 53A and 53B by the “AMPON” signal.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the sleep utility screen 90 displayed by the sleep utility program in the present embodiment.
On the sleep utility screen 90, a setting area 100 for setting enable / disable (Disable) of the sleep and music function, enable / disable of the sleep and charge function, and enable / disable of the function when the battery is driven, respectively. 101 and 102 are provided. By checking a check box provided in the setting area 100, 101, 102, it can be set to be valid. In the setting area 102, the current battery remaining amount is displayed, and a sleep and music function that is activated when the battery is driven and a lower limit value that disables the sleep and charge function can be set by a user instruction. For example, by moving the position of the slider 103 by a user operation, the lower limit value can be set in a range of 0 to 100% with respect to the full charge capacity. Note that a warning is output to notify the user that the remaining battery level is approaching the lower limit value by adding a predetermined capacity (for example, + 3%) to the lower limit value set by the user. Is a set value for determining.

  The sleep utility screen 90 includes a check box 104 for setting the sleep utility screen 90 not to pop up when an external device is connected to the personal computer 10, an OK button 105 for instructing confirmation of the setting, and a setting. A cancel button 106 for canceling the contents is provided.

Next, sleep utility processing of the personal computer 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the CPU 30 is in the operating state (system state S0) and the execution of the sleep utility process is requested by the user's instruction (step A1, Yes), the CPU 30 executes the sleep utility setting process by the sleep utility program (step A10). ). In the sleep utility setting process, various settings relating to the sleep and music function and the sleep and charge function in which the personal computer 10 is operated in a non-operating state are performed in accordance with an instruction input by the user using the keyboard 13 or the touch pad 16. Process.

  On the other hand, the CPU 30 monitors whether or not an external device (for example, the audio player 25) is connected by inserting the plug 27 into the line-in terminal 19 when in the operating state. For example, when the plug 27 is inserted into the line-in terminal 19, a “LINE” signal is input to the EC / KBC 45. In this case, the EC / KBC 45 notifies that the external device is connected to the line-in terminal 19 via the ICH 40 and the MCH 31. Further, the CPU 30 monitors whether the USB device is connected to the USB terminal 20 through the USB terminal 49.

First, the sleep utility setting process in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In response to the execution request for the sleep utility process, the CPU 30 displays the sleep utility screen shown in FIG. ).

  That is, the sleep / music function can be enabled / disabled, the sleep / charge function can be enabled / disabled, the function can be enabled / disabled when the battery is driven, and the sleep utility screen can be displayed. As to whether or not the sleep utility screen is displayed, check the check box 104 of the item “Do not pop up sleep utility in the future” so that the sleep utility screen does not pop up when an external device is connected to the personal computer 10. Can be. By default, the sleep utility screen is set to pop up.

  When the confirmation is instructed by the instruction of the OK button 105 (step B2, Yes), the CPU 30 records setting data indicating the setting contents in a nonvolatile memory, for example, the BIOS-ROM 42 (step B3).

  If the display of the sleep utility screen is not set (step B4, Yes), the CPU 30 determines in which event (condition) the current sleep utility screen is displayed. . That is, it is determined whether the sleep utility screen is displayed according to the line-in connection of the external device to the line-in terminal 19 or whether the sleep utility screen is displayed according to the connection of the external device to the USB terminal 49. If any event is displayed (steps B5, B7, No), that is, if execution of the sleep utility process is requested by a user instruction, the CPU 30 connects the line-in terminal 19 to the external device. For both the line-in connection and the connection of the external device to the USB terminal 49, the non-display setting for not displaying the sleep utility screen is recorded in, for example, the BIOS-ROM 42 (step B9).

  After that, after the personal computer 10 is shifted to the non-operating state, the CPU 30 stores the setting data 45a in the EC / KBC 45 so as to be referred to in the control of the sleep and music function or the sleep and charge function by the EC / KBC 45. . If the EC / KBC 45 can read when not in operation, the setting data can be recorded in another nonvolatile memory.

  When the sleep utility process is executed according to a user instruction and the display is set not to be displayed on the sleep utility screen, the line-in connection of the external device to the line-in terminal 19 and the connection to the USB terminal 49 of the USB device are performed thereafter. In either case of connection, the sleep utility screen is not displayed.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 30 is in an operating state and detects that an external device (for example, the audio player 25) is connected by inserting the plug 27 into the line-in terminal 19 (step A2, Yes), In the setting data 45a, it is determined whether or not the non-display setting for not displaying the sleep utility screen is made for the connection to the line-in terminal 19 (step A3).

  Here, when the non-display setting is set (step A4, Yes), the CPU 30 does not display the sleep utility screen for the connection to the line-in terminal 19.

  When the non-display setting has been made (step A4, No), the CPU 30 changes the display form of the setting area 100 for the sleep and music function and displays the sleep utility screen. For example, the setting area 100 is highlighted so as to be recognized more easily than other setting areas. Thereby, the user can recognize that the sleep and music function can be used after the personal computer 10 is shifted to the non-operating state by connecting the audio player 25 to the line-in terminal 19, for example. . As for the display form, any display form other than the highlight display can be used.

  By displaying the sleep utility screen, the CPU 30 executes the sleep utility setting process according to the designation input from the user as described above (step A10, FIG. 6).

  In the sleep utility setting process, when the display without the sleep utility screen is set (step B4, Yes), the CPU 30 displays the sleep utility screen according to the line-in connection of the external device to the line-in terminal 19. Therefore, the non-display setting for not displaying the sleep utility screen for the line-in connection of the external device to the line-in terminal 19 is recorded in, for example, the BIOS-ROM 42 (step B6).

  That is, if the display is set to be hidden on the sleep utility screen displayed by connecting the audio player 25 to the personal computer 10, the sleep utility screen can be prevented from being displayed even if the line-in connection is made thereafter.

  Further, when the CPU 30 detects that the USB device is connected to the USB terminal 49 during the operation state (step A6, Yes), the CPU 30 displays a sleep utility screen for connection to the USB terminal 49 in the setting data 45a. It is determined whether or not a non-display setting is set (step A7).

  Here, when the non-display setting is set (step A8, Yes), the CPU 30 does not display the sleep utility screen for the connection of the USB device to the USB terminal 49.

  When the non-display setting has been made (step A8, No), the CPU 30 changes the display form of the setting area 101 for the sleep and charge function and displays the sleep utility screen. For example, the setting area 101 is highlighted to make it easier to recognize than the other setting areas. Thereby, the user can recognize that the sleep and charge function can be used after the personal computer 10 is shifted to the non-operating state by connecting the USB device to the USB terminal 49.

  By displaying the sleep utility screen, the CPU 30 executes the sleep utility setting process according to the designation input from the user as described above (step A10, FIG. 6).

  In the sleep utility setting process, when the setting for not displaying the sleep utility screen is made (step B4, Yes), the CPU 30 displays the sleep utility screen according to the connection of the USB device (external device) to the USB terminal 49. Therefore, the non-display setting for not displaying the sleep utility screen for the connection of the external device to the USB terminal 49 is recorded in, for example, the BIOS-ROM 42 (step B8).

  That is, when the sleep utility screen displayed by connecting the USB device to the personal computer 10 is set to non-display, the sleep utility screen can be prevented from being displayed even if the USB device is connected to the USB terminal 49 thereafter. .

  In this way, when the personal computer 10 is in the operating state, when the line-in connection to the line-in terminal 19 or the USB device is connected to the USB terminal 49, the sleep utility screen is displayed. The user can be made aware that the sleep and music function and the sleep and charge function can be used even after shifting to the non-operating state.

  Further, it is possible to individually set the sleep utility screen to be hidden for each of the line-in connection to the line-in terminal 19 or the connection of the USB device to the USB terminal 49. Thereby, after the user fully recognizes the sleep and music function or the sleep and charge function, it is possible to avoid the troublesomeness that the sleep utility screen is displayed every time an external device is connected.

  Also, by setting non-display individually, the sleep and charge function is recognized by using, for example, a USB device, so even if the sleep utility screen is set to non-display, the sleep and music function has not been used. The user can recognize that the sleep and music function can be used by displaying the sleep utility screen by the line-in connection of the external device.

  In the above description, the sleep utility screen is displayed on the condition that the line-in connection to the line-in terminal 19 or the USB device is connected to the USB terminal 49, but the sleep-and-music function or the sleep-and-charge function is provided. When the setting is valid, the sleep utility screen may be displayed. For example, the CPU 30 displays the sleep utility screen when the sleep and charge function is enabled and the line-in connection to the line-in terminal 19 is made.

  In addition, when the sleep-and-music function or the sleep-and-charge function is set to be valid, and the power-off is instructed in a state where the line-in connection to the line-in terminal 19 or the USB device is connected to the USB terminal 49 The CPU 30 may temporarily pop up the sleep utility screen during the termination process. This makes it possible for the user to recognize that the sleep and music function or the sleep and charge function can be used when the non-operating state occurs after the termination process.

  Further, the embodiment is not limited as it is, and in the implementation stage, the constituent elements can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist thereof. In addition, various embodiments can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, you may delete some components from all the components shown by embodiment mentioned above. Furthermore, you may combine the component of different embodiment suitably.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Personal computer, 11 ... Computer main body, 17 ... LCD, 18 ... Speaker, 19 ... Line-in terminal, 20 ... USB terminal, 30 ... CPU, 32 ... Main memory, 42 ... BIOS-ROM, 45 ... EC / KBC, 46 ... power supply circuit, 50 ... audio codec, 52 ... switch, 53, 54 ... power switch.

Claims (7)

An electronic device having a line terminal to which a first external device that outputs an audio signal is connected,
First detection means for detecting that the first external device is connected to the line terminal;
An audio codec having an amplifier function of amplifying and outputting the audio signal input from the line terminal;
A speaker that outputs sound according to the audio signal output by the audio codec;
A first power supply that supplies power to the audio codec when the electronic device is in a non-operating state and the first detection unit detects that the first external device is connected. Means,
First display means for displaying a setting screen when it is detected that the first electronic device is in operation and the first detection device is connected to the first external device; An electronic device comprising the electronic device. USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal,
Second detection means for detecting that a second external device is connected to the USB terminal when the electronic device is in a non-operating state;
A second power source that supplies power to the second external device connected to the USB terminal when the second detection means detects that the second external device is connected. Supply means;
And second display means for displaying the setting screen when it is detected that the electronic device is in operation and the second detection device is connected to the second external device. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: In accordance with an instruction from the user, the setting screen further includes setting means for performing a non-display setting for not displaying the setting screen,
The first display means does not display the setting screen when the non-display setting is set on the setting screen displayed by the first display means,
3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the second display unit does not display the setting screen when the non-display setting is set on the setting screen displayed by the second display unit. machine. Third display means for displaying the setting screen in response to a display request for the setting screen from a user;
The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a canceling unit that cancels the non-display setting on the setting screen displayed by the third setting screen. In the setting screen, a function setting for setting whether to enable or disable power supply to the audio codec and whether to enable or disable power supply to the second external device via the USB terminal in accordance with a designation from the user And further comprising means,
3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit supply power when the validity of power supply is set by the function setting unit. . The first display means displays the setting screen by changing a display form of a first setting area for setting validity or invalidity of power supply to the audio codec in the setting screen,
The second display means displays the setting screen by changing a display form of a second setting area for setting validity or invalidity of power supply to the second external device on the setting screen. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5. When it is detected that the first external device is connected, when the transition from the operating state to the non-operating state is instructed by a user operation, the function setting unit converts the audio codec to the audio codec. A fourth display means for displaying the setting screen if the power supply is set to be valid;
When it is detected that the second external device is connected, and the transition from the operating state to the non-operating state is instructed by a user operation, the function setting unit causes the second external device to 6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising fifth display means for displaying the setting screen if power supply to the apparatus is set to be valid.

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