JP2013101710A - Information processing apparatus and startup control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus in which startup time can be shortened without mitigating convenience, and a startup control method.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus to which a plurality of devices are connected comprises device information detection means, device setting means and device information storage means. When starting the information processing apparatus in first timing, the device information detection means detects a plurality of device information items in order to start using the plurality of devices from the plurality of devices. The device setting means uses the plurality of device information items to set the plurality of devices available. The device information storage means stores the plurality of device information items into a nonvolatile memory. When starting the information processing apparatus in second timing later than the first timing, the device setting means uses the plurality of device information items stored in the nonvolatile memory to set the plurality of devices available.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an information processing apparatus that initializes hardware at startup and a startup control method applied to the apparatus.

  In an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, when the information processing apparatus is activated, various hardware activation processes (for example, hardware initialization, configuration, diagnosis) are performed by, for example, BIOS (Basic Input / Output System). Etc.) is executed. In this hardware activation process, for example, information necessary for using hardware connected to the information processing apparatus is acquired from each hardware, and necessary resources are allocated to the hardware. Thereby, use of the hardware connected to the information processing apparatus can be started. Then, after the hardware activation process is completed, an operating system (OS) that operates using the hardware can be activated.

  In the hardware startup process, for example, a normal mode for initializing and diagnosing hardware and a special mode for only initializing hardware are provided, and one of the modes is selected according to the key input by the user. A method of selecting has been proposed. For example, the user can shorten the time required to start up the information processing apparatus by selecting a special mode in which hardware diagnosis is not performed.

JP-A-8-63252

  In the above-described method, the time required for starting up the information processing apparatus can be shortened by limiting some of the functions included in the startup processing. However, restricting the function may impair the convenience for the user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a startup control method that can shorten the startup time without impairing convenience.

  According to the embodiment, an information processing apparatus to which a plurality of devices are connected includes a power supply state detection unit, a device information detection unit, a device setting unit, and a device information storage unit. The power supply state detection means detects that the battery has been activated for the first time after being replaced. The device information detection unit detects a plurality of pieces of device information for starting use of the plurality of devices from the plurality of devices when it is detected that the activation is the first time after the battery is replaced. The device setting means sets the plurality of devices to be usable using the plurality of device information. The device information storage means stores the plurality of device information in a nonvolatile memory. The device setting means can use the plurality of devices by using the plurality of device information stored in the non-volatile memory when it is not detected that it is the first start after the battery is replaced. Set to.

The perspective view which shows the example of the external appearance of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a BIOS boot program executed by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of device information used by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of device information used by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing still another example of device information used by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of a BIOS activation process which is executed by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a first activation process which is executed by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a second activation process which is executed by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. This information processing apparatus is realized as, for example, a notebook type personal computer 1. Further, this information processing apparatus can be realized as a desktop type PC, tablet PC, PDA, smartphone, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the computer 1 includes a computer main body 2 and a display unit 3.
The display unit 3 includes an LCD (liquid crystal display) 15. The display unit 3 is attached to the computer main body 2 so as to be rotatable between an open position where the upper surface of the computer main body 2 is exposed and a closed position covering the upper surface of the computer main body 2.

  The computer main body 2 has a thin box-shaped casing. On the top surface thereof, a keyboard 26, a power button 28 for powering on / off the computer 1, an input operation panel 29, a touch pad 27, Speakers 18A, 18B, etc. are arranged. Various operation buttons are provided on the input operation panel 29. On the right side of the computer main body 2, for example, an external device connection terminal 30A corresponding to the USB 2.0 standard is provided.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the computer 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 1 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge 12, a main memory 13, a graphics controller 14, a video memory (VRAM) 14A, a display 15, a south bridge 16, a sound controller 17, speakers 18A and 18B, Flash BIOS-ROM 19, network controller 20, hard disk drive (HDD) 21, optical disk drive (ODD) 22, card controller 23, USB controller 24, embedded controller / keyboard controller (EC / KBC) 25, keyboard (KB) 26, pointing A device 27 and the like are provided.

  The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the computer 1. The CPU 11 executes an operating system (OS) and application programs loaded from the HDD 21 or the like to the main memory 13.

  The CPU 11 also executes a basic input / output system (BIOS) stored in the flash BIOS-ROM 19. The flash BIOS-ROM 19 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory for storing the BIOS and information (also referred to as device information) for starting use of a device (hardware) connected to the computer 1. The BIOS is a program for hardware control. The BIOS includes, for example, an activation control function for starting use of a device connected to the computer 1. With the activation control function, when the computer 1 is activated, the configuration of the device connected to the computer 1 is executed, thereby setting the device to be usable. Note that the devices connected to the computer 1 are devices (for example, the graphics controller 14, the network controller 20, the card controller 23, the USB controller 24, the HDD 21, the ODD 22, the sound controller 17, the LCD 15, and the battery 32 built in the computer 1). Etc.) and devices externally connected to the computer 1 (for example, an external HDD or ODD, a PC card 23A, a USB flash memory 24A, a USB-connected peripheral device, an external LCD, etc.).

  The north bridge 12 is a bridge device that connects the local bus of the CPU 11 and the south bridge 16. The north bridge 12 also includes a memory controller that controls access to the main memory 13. The north bridge 12 also has a function of executing communication with the graphics controller 14.

  The graphics controller 14 is a device that controls the LCD 15 used as a display of the computer 1. A display signal generated by the graphics controller 14 is sent to the LCD 15. The LCD 15 displays an image based on the display signal.

  The south bridge 16 controls each device on a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus 2 and a low pin count (LPC) bus 3. Further, the south bridge 16 incorporates an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) controller 16A for controlling the HDD 21 and the ODD 22 and a memory controller for controlling access to the flash BIOS-ROM 19. Further, the south bridge 16 has a function of executing communication with the sound controller 17 and the network controller 20.

  The sound controller 17 is a sound source device and outputs audio data to be reproduced to the speakers 18A and 18B. The network controller 20 is a wired communication device that executes wired communication in accordance with Ethernet (registered trademark) standards, for example.

  The USB controller 24 executes communication with an external device via, for example, a USB 2.0 standard cable. More specifically, the USB controller 24 controls, for example, reading of data from the USB flash memory 24A and writing of data to the USB flash memory 24A. The USB controller 24 can also control input using a USB-connected keyboard 24B, for example. Further, the card controller 23 executes communication with the connected PC card 23A, for example.

  The EC / KBC 25 is a one-chip microcomputer in which an embedded controller for performing power management and a keyboard controller for controlling the keyboard (KB) 26 and the pointing device 27 are integrated. The EC / KBC 25 has a function of powering on / off the computer 1 in accordance with a user operation. The EC / KBC 25 controls the power supplied through the power supply circuit 31. This electric power is supplied by, for example, an external power source connected via the AC adapter 33 or the battery 32. The EC / KBC 25 can detect a power state indicating whether or not power is supplied from an external power source, whether or not power is supplied from the battery 32, and the like.

  The EC / KBC 25 stores information (also referred to as an initial activation flag) indicating whether the computer 1 is activated for the first time. The first activation indicates, for example, the first activation after manufacture (after shipment) (when the power is turned on for the first time) or the first activation after the supply of power by the external power source and the battery 32 is interrupted. The EC / KBC 25 is used next in a period before the first activation (for example, in a period from when it is manufactured until use is started, or after the supply of power by the external power source and the battery 32 is interrupted) The initial activation flag is set during the period until the computer 1 is activated for the first time, and the initial activation flag is cleared. Therefore, whether or not the computer 1 is activated for the first time can be determined according to whether or not the initial activation flag is set in the EC / KBC 25.

  The EC / KBC 25 may further store information (also referred to as a battery replacement flag) indicating whether or not the battery 32 has been replaced. The battery 32 connected to the computer 1 may be replaced. For example, the EC / KBC 25 sets a battery replacement flag in response to the battery 32 being replaced, and clears the battery replacement flag in response to the computer 1 being started after the battery 32 is replaced. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not the battery 32 connected to the computer 1 has been replaced after the computer 1 was started last time depending on whether or not the battery replacement flag has been set in the EC / KBC 25. The EC / KBC 25 can set the initial activation flag and the battery replacement flag using, for example, an internal battery even when the computer 1 is in a power-off state.

  As described above, when the computer 1 is started, the BIOS executes configuration (initialization) of various devices connected to the computer 1. In this configuration, for example, it is necessary to acquire device information indicating resources necessary to access the device and start using the device. However, since the computer 1 has a device connected via a low-speed interface (for example, the PCI bus 2), waiting for a process of acquiring information from the device may slow down the entire startup of the computer 1. There is sex. Therefore, in this embodiment, the device information detected at the first activation is stored in the nonvolatile memory (flash BIOS-ROM) 19, and the device information stored in the nonvolatile memory 19 is used in the activation after the initial activation. Control to execute the startup process. Thereby, the starting time of the computer 1 can be shortened.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the BIOS boot program 40 executed by the computer 1. The BIOS boot program 40 is a program included in the BIOS stored in the flash BIOS-ROM 19. Therefore, the BIOS activation program 40 is loaded from the flash BIOS-ROM 19 to the main memory 13 and executed by the CPU 11, for example.
The BIOS activation program 40 includes an activation determination unit 41, a device detection unit 42, a device information detection unit 43, an information write unit 44, a configuration unit 45, an information read unit 46, and a setup unit 47.

  The activation determination unit 41 determines the timing at which the computer 1 is activated, for example, when the power of the computer 1 is turned on by pressing the power button 28 (that is, when the computer 1 is activated). To do. More specifically, the activation determination unit 41 determines whether the computer 1 has been activated at the first timing or the second timing after the first timing. The first timing is, for example, the timing when the computer 1 is started for the first time after manufacture (after shipment), or the timing when the computer 1 is started for the first time after the supply of power by the external power source and the battery 32 is cut off. Note that activation at the first timing is also referred to as initial activation. The second timing is, for example, a timing that is activated after the first activation. For example, the activation determination unit 41 makes a determination with reference to an initial activation flag provided in the EC / KBC 25 that indicates whether the computer 1 is activated for the first time.

  If the activation determination unit 41 determines that the computer 1 has been activated at the first timing, the activation determination unit 41 requests the device detection unit 42 to detect a device connected to the computer 1. If the activation determination unit 41 determines that the computer 1 has been activated at the second timing, the activation determination unit 41 requests the information read unit 46 to read the device information 19A.

In the following, first, an operation when the computer 1 is started at the first timing will be described.
The device detection unit 42 detects a device connected to the computer 1 in response to a device detection request from the activation determination unit 41. When a plurality of devices are connected to the computer 1, the device detection unit 42 sequentially detects the plurality of devices. The device detection unit 42 notifies the device information detection unit 43 that a device has been detected.

  The device information detection unit 43 detects the device information 19A from the detected devices in response to the notification from the device detection unit 42. More specifically, when the detected device is the display 15, the device information detection unit 43 detects the display information 19 </ b> D from the display 15. The display information 19D includes, for example, information indicating a display ID (EDID), a display name, a model number, and the like. When the detected device is the battery 32, the device information detection unit 43 detects the battery information 19 </ b> C from the battery 32. The battery information 19C includes, for example, information indicating a battery ID, a battery name, a battery capacity, a model number, and the like. Further, when the detected device is neither the display 15 nor the battery 32, the device information detection unit 43 detects the resource information 19B from the device. The resource information 19B includes, for example, information indicating a device ID, a device name, a memory resource allocated to the device, a memory I / O, an interrupt request (IRQ), and the like. Then, the device information detection unit 43 outputs the detected display information 19D, battery information 19C, and resource information 19B to the information write unit 44 and the configuration unit 45.

  The information writing unit 44 stores the display information 19D, the battery information 19C, and the resource information 19B output by the device information detection unit 43 in the nonvolatile memory (flash BIOS-ROM) 19. Examples of the stored resource information 19B, battery information 19C, and display information 19D will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The configuration unit 45 uses the display information 19D, the battery information 19C, and the resource information 19B output by the device information detection unit 43 to set the device connected to the computer 1 to be usable. For example, the configuration unit 45 uses the resource information 19B to execute configuration such as device initialization and memory resource allocation to the device. Further, the configuration unit 45 sets the battery 32 to be usable using the battery information 19C. The configuration unit 45 further sets the display 15 to be usable using the display information 19D. Then, the configuration unit 45 notifies the activation determination unit 41 that the device is set to be usable.

In response to the notification from the configuration unit 45, the activation determination unit 41 clears the initial activation flag included in the EC / KBC 25.
As a result, it is possible to start an OS that operates using a device set to be usable. For example, the OS is loaded from the HDD 21 to the main memory 13 and executed.

  Note that the configuration unit 45 initializes the USB controller 24 when the detected device is the USB controller 24. When the user is requested to input a password (also referred to as a BIOS password) at the time of starting the BIOS, the configuration unit 45 can use the USB-connected keyboard 24B that can be used for inputting the BIOS password. In response to the completion of the initialization process, the activation determination unit 41 is notified that the device is set to be usable. Furthermore, when the startup order (boot priority) of a USB-connected device (for example, USB flash memory 24A) is first, it waits for completion of initialization processing for enabling the USB-connected device. The activation determination unit 41 is notified that the device is set to be usable.

  With the above configuration, when the computer 1 is activated at the first timing (that is, when activated for the first time), the device connected to the computer 1 is set to be usable and device information used for the BIOS activation process. 19A can be stored in the nonvolatile memory 19.

Next, the operation when the computer 1 is activated at the second timing will be described below.
The information read unit 46 reads the device information 19A from the nonvolatile memory 19 in response to a request for reading the device information 19A by the activation determination unit 41. Then, the information read unit 46 outputs the read device information 19A to the configuration unit 45.

  The configuration unit 45 uses the device information 19 </ b> A output by the information read unit 46 to set a plurality of devices connected to the computer 1 to be usable. For example, the configuration unit 45 uses the resource information 19B included in the device information 19A to execute configuration of the device corresponding to the resource information 19B (entry of the resource information 19B). The configuration unit 45 allocates a memory resource, a memory I / O, an interrupt request, and the like to the device based on the resource information 19B. Further, the configuration unit 45 sets the battery 32 to be usable by using the battery information 19C included in the device information 19A. The configuration unit 45 further sets the display 15 to be usable using the display information 19D included in the device information 19A. Then, the configuration unit 45 notifies the activation determination unit 41 that the device is set to be usable.

  Note that the configuration unit 45 initializes the USB controller 24 when the device indicated by the device information 19A (resource information 19B) is the USB controller 24. When the BIOS is requested to be input by the user when the BIOS is activated, the configuration unit 45 initializes the USB connection keyboard 24B that can be used for inputting the BIOS password. The activation determination unit 41 is notified that the device has been set to be usable. Furthermore, when the startup order (boot priority) of a USB-connected device (for example, USB flash memory 24A) is first, it waits for completion of initialization processing for enabling the USB-connected device. The activation determination unit 41 is notified that the device is set to be usable.

In response to the notification from the configuration unit 45, the activation determination unit 41 clears the initial activation flag included in the EC / KBC 25.
As a result, it is possible to start an OS that operates using a device set to be usable. For example, the OS is loaded from the HDD 21 to the main memory 13 and executed.

  When the computer 32 is activated at the second timing, the battery 32 may be replaced after the computer 1 is activated last time. In this case, the activation determination unit 41 detects that the battery 32 has been replaced via the EC / KBC 25. Then, the activation determination unit 41 notifies the device detection unit 42 that the battery 32 has been replaced.

  The device detection unit 42 detects the newly connected battery (battery after replacement) 32 in response to the notification from the activation determination unit 41. The device detection unit 42 notifies the device information detection unit 43 that a new battery 32 has been detected.

  The device information detection unit 43 detects the battery information 19C from the newly connected battery 32 in response to the notification from the device detection unit 42. The device information detection unit 43 outputs the detected battery information 19C to the configuration unit 45 and the information write unit 44.

  The configuration unit 45 uses the battery information 19C output by the device information detection unit 43 to set the new battery 32 to be usable. Further, the information write unit 44 stores the battery information 19 </ b> C output by the device information detection unit 43 in the nonvolatile memory 19. For example, the information writing unit 44 overwrites the battery information 19C corresponding to the battery 32 before replacement with the battery information 19C corresponding to the battery 32 after replacement.

  With the above configuration, when the computer 1 is started at the second timing (that is, when the computer 1 is started after the first startup), device configuration is performed using the device information 19A stored in the nonvolatile memory 19. Therefore, the time required for processing can be shortened compared to the first activation in which the configuration is executed after the device information is detected from the device. For example, in a device connected via a low-speed interface (bus), the entire start-up time becomes longer depending on the time required to acquire information necessary to start using the device from the device. Therefore, the device information 19A is stored in the nonvolatile memory 19 at the first startup, and after the next startup, the startup of the computer 1 can be speeded up by using the device information 19A stored in the nonvolatile memory 19. it can.

  When the computer 1 is activated, the activation determination unit 41 is instructed to set up the BIOS for changing the configuration of a device connected to the computer 1 in response to, for example, a predetermined key being input. Detect that. In that case, the activation determination unit 41 requests the setup unit 47 to start BIOS setup.

  The setup unit 47 displays a setup screen in response to a request from the activation determination unit 41. In the setup screen, for example, permission or prohibition of use of each device connected to the computer 1 (that is, whether the device is valid or invalid) is set according to an input (operation) by the user. When the setup is completed, the setup unit 47 restarts the computer 1 and notifies the activation determination unit 41 that the configuration of the device connected to the computer 1 has been changed.

  When the activation determination unit 41 detects that the configuration of the device connected to the computer 1 has been changed in response to the notification from the setup unit 47, the activation determination unit 41 performs the activation (reactivation) immediately after the device configuration is changed. This is handled in the same manner as the activation at the first timing (first activation). Then, as described above, the operation when the computer 1 is started at the first timing is executed. Thereby, when the computer 1 is started after the device configuration is changed by the BIOS setup, the device information is detected again from the device connected to the computer 1, and the device is set to be usable and detected. The device information 19A stored in the non-volatile memory 19 can be updated using the device information. Therefore, the computer 1 can be normally started even when the device configuration is changed. In addition, in the activation after the activation immediately after the BIOS setup (that is, the activation at the second timing), the computer 1 can be activated at high speed by using the updated device information 19A.

  Note that the setup unit 47 does not notify the activation determination unit 41 that the device configuration has been changed by setup, but stores information (device configuration change flag) indicating whether or not the device configuration has been changed. May be stored. In that case, the activation determination unit 41 reads the device configuration change flag stored in the nonvolatile memory 19 in response to the activation of the computer 1. Then, when the device configuration change flag is set, the activation determination unit 41 handles the activation in the same manner as the activation at the first timing (initial activation).

4 to 6 show examples of the device information 19A. As described above, the device information 19A includes, for example, resource information 19B, battery information 19C, and display information 19D.
First, FIG. 4 shows an example of resource information 19B corresponding to a device (hardware) connected to the computer 1. This device is, for example, the graphics controller 14, the network controller 20, the card controller 23, the USB controller 24, the HDD 21, the ODD 22, the sound controller 17, and the like.

  The resource information 19B includes a plurality of entries corresponding to a plurality of devices. An entry corresponding to a certain device includes, for example, a device ID, a device name, a memory resource, a memory I / O, and an interrupt. “Device ID” indicates identification information uniquely assigned to the device. “Device name” indicates the name of the device. “Memory resource” indicates a range of memory allocated to the device. “Memory I / O” indicates a range of memory I / O allocated to the device. “Interrupt” indicates an interrupt request generated when the device calls the CPU 11. “Device ID” and “device name” are also referred to as device configuration information. Further, “memory resource”, “memory I / O”, and “interrupt” are also referred to as resource information.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of battery information 19 </ b> C corresponding to the battery 32. A battery connected to the computer 1 may be replaced by a user. Further, the capacity of the battery to be replaced may be different. Therefore, the battery information 19C corresponding to the battery 32 is updated after the battery is replaced.

  The battery information 19 </ b> C includes an entry corresponding to the battery 32 connected to the computer 1. The entry corresponding to the battery 32 includes, for example, a battery ID, a battery name, a capacity, a model number, and the like. “Battery ID” indicates identification information uniquely assigned to the battery 32. “Battery name” indicates the name of the battery 32. “Capacity” indicates the charging capacity of the battery 32. “Model number” indicates the model number of the battery 32 assigned by a vendor or the like.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of display information 19D corresponding to the display 15. A display (display panel) 15 connected to the computer 1 may be replaced by a user. When the display 15 is replaced, it is assumed that power is not supplied by the external power source and the battery 32 (for example, it is assumed that power is not supplied for ease of work and safety). Therefore, the display information 19D corresponding to the display 15 is updated after power supply is cut off.

  The display information 19 </ b> D includes an entry corresponding to the display 15 connected to the computer 1. The entry corresponding to the display 15 includes, for example, a display ID, a display name, a model number, and the like. “Display ID” indicates identification information uniquely assigned to the display 15. This identification information is, for example, EDID (extended display identification data). “Display name” indicates the name of the display 15. “Model number” indicates the model number of the display 15 assigned by a vendor or the like.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the procedure of the BIOS activation process executed by the BIOS activation program 40 will be described.
First, the activation determination unit 41 determines whether or not the computer 1 is activated for the first time in response to an instruction to activate the computer 1 (that is, whether or not the computer 1 is activated at the first timing). Is determined (block B11). The first timing is a timing that is started for the first time after manufacturing (after shipment), or a timing that is started for the first time after the supply of power by the external power source and the battery 32 is interrupted. For example, the activation determination unit 41 makes a determination with reference to an initial activation flag provided in the EC / KBC 25 that indicates whether the computer 1 is activated for the first time.

  When the computer 1 is activated for the first time (YES in block B11), the BIOS activation program 40 (computer 1) executes the first activation process (block B12). More specifically, the activation determination unit 41 instructs each unit in the BIOS activation program 40 to execute the first activation process. The procedure of the first activation process will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If the computer 1 is not activated for the first time (NO in block B11), the activation determining unit 41 determines whether or not the device configuration (hardware configuration) used by the computer 1 has changed (block B13). . When the device configuration used by the computer 1 has been changed (YES in block B13), the BIOS activation program 40 executes the first activation process (block B12). On the other hand, when the device configuration used by the computer 1 has not been changed (NO in block B13), the BIOS boot program 40 executes the second boot process (block B14). More specifically, the activation determination unit 41 instructs each unit in the BIOS activation program 40 to execute the second activation process. The procedure of the second activation process will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Next, an example of the procedure of the first activation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the device detection unit 42 determines whether a device (hardware) connected to the computer 1 has been detected (block B201). When a device connected to the computer 1 is detected (YES in block B201), the device information detection unit 43 determines whether or not the detected device is the display (LCD) 15 (block B202). . When the detected device is the display 15 (YES in block B202), the device information detection unit 43 detects the display information 19D from the display 15 (block B203). Then, the information writing unit 44 stores the detected display information 19D in the nonvolatile memory 19 (block B204).

  When the detected device is not the display 15 (NO in block B202), the device information detection unit 43 determines whether or not the device is the battery 32 (block B205). When the detected device is the battery 32 (YES in block B205), the device information detection unit 43 detects the battery information 19C from the battery 32 (block B206). Then, the information writing unit 44 stores the detected battery information 19C in the nonvolatile memory 19 (block B207).

  When the detected device is not the battery 32 (NO in block B205), the device information detection unit 43 detects the resource information 19B from the device (block B208). Then, the configuration unit 45 performs configuration such as allocation of memory resources using the detected resource information 19B (block B209). Further, the information write unit 44 stores the resource information 19B corresponding to the device in the nonvolatile memory 19 (block B210).

  Device information 19A (display information 19D, battery information 19C, resource information 19B) is stored in the non-volatile memory 19 in block B204, block B207 or block B210, and then the device returns to block B201 and is connected to the computer 1 again. Whether or not is detected is determined. That is, the processing from block B201 to block B210 is performed for each device connected to the computer 1.

  When no device connected to the computer 1 is detected (that is, when detection of all devices connected to the computer 1 is completed) (NO in block B201), the configuration unit 45 It is determined whether or not the USB controller 24 is present in the devices connected to 1 (block B211). When there is no USB controller 24 (NO in block B211), the activation determination unit 41 clears the initial activation flag provided in the EC / KBC 25 (block B218), and ends the process.

  When there is the USB controller 24 (YES in block B211), the configuration unit 45 initializes the USB controller 24 (block B212). Then, the configuration unit 45 determines whether or not the user is required to input the BIOS password when the BIOS is activated (block B213). When input of the BIOS password is requested (YES in block B213), the configuration unit 45 waits for completion of initialization processing for using the USB-connected keyboard 24B used for inputting the BIOS password (block B214). ).

  After the initialization process of the USB-connected keyboard 24B is completed in block B214, or when the BIOS password input is not requested (NO in block B213), the configuration unit 45 starts the OS stored in the USB flash memory 24A. It is determined whether or not a predetermined key input for instructing (USB memory boot) has been made (block B215). When there is no predetermined key input (NO in block B215), the configuration unit 45 determines whether USB memory boot is instructed by BIOS setup or the like (block B216). When there is a predetermined key input (YES in block B215), or when USB memory boot is instructed (YES in block B216), the configuration unit 45 uses the initial setting for using the USB flash memory 24A. Waiting for the completion of the conversion process (block B217).

  After the initialization process of the USB flash memory 24A is completed in block B217, or when the USB memory boot is not instructed (NO in block B216), the activation determination unit 41 displays the initial activation flag provided in the EC / KBC 25. Clear (block B218) and end the process.

  With the above processing, when the computer 1 is started for the first time (when it is started at the first timing), the device connected to the computer 1 is set to be usable, and the device information 19A used for the BIOS start processing is stored. It can be stored in the nonvolatile memory 19.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 9 shows an example of the procedure of the second activation process.
First, the information read unit 46 reads device resource information 19B from the nonvolatile memory 19 (block B301). The configuration unit 45 executes device configuration using the read resource information 19B (block B302). Then, the information read unit 46 reads the display information 19D corresponding to the display 15 from the nonvolatile memory 19 (block B303).

  Next, the activation determination unit 41 determines whether or not the battery 32 has been replaced after the computer 1 was activated last time (block B304). Specifically, the activation determination unit 41 determines whether or not the battery 32 has been replaced via the EC / KBC 25. When the battery 32 has not been replaced (NO in block B304), the information read unit 46 reads the battery information 19C from the nonvolatile memory 19 (block B305).

  On the other hand, when the battery 32 has been replaced (YES in block B304), the device detection unit 42 detects the battery 32 after replacement, and the device information detection unit 43 detects the battery information 19C from the battery 32 (block B306). . Then, the information write unit 44 stores the detected battery information 19C in the nonvolatile memory 19 (block B307).

  Next, the configuration unit 45 determines whether or not the USB controller 24 is among the devices connected to the computer 1 (block B308). If there is no USB controller 24 (NO in block B308), the process ends.

  When there is the USB controller 24 (YES in block B308), the configuration unit 45 initializes the USB controller 24 (block B309). Then, the configuration unit 45 determines whether or not the user is required to input a BIOS password when the BIOS is activated (block B310). When the input of the BIOS password is requested (YES in block B310), the configuration unit 45 waits for completion of the initialization process for using the USB-connected keyboard 24B used for inputting the BIOS password (block B311). ).

  After the initialization process of the USB-connected keyboard 24B is completed in block B311, or when the BIOS password input is not requested (NO in block B310), the configuration unit 45 activates the OS stored in the USB flash memory 24A. It is determined whether or not a predetermined key input for instructing (USB memory boot) has been made (block B312). When there is no predetermined key input (block B312), the configuration unit 45 determines whether USB memory boot is instructed by BIOS setup or the like (block B313). When there is a predetermined key input (YES in block B312) or when USB memory boot is instructed (YES in block B313), the configuration unit 45 uses the initial setting for using the USB flash memory 24A. Waiting for the completion of the conversion process (block B314).

  After the initialization process of the USB flash memory 24A is completed in block B314, or when the USB memory boot is not instructed (NO in block B313), the activation determination unit 41 ends the process.

  With the above processing, the device connected to the computer 1 is set to be usable by using the device information 19A stored in the nonvolatile memory 19 at the start after the first start (start at the second timing). Is done. After the BIOS activation process is completed, the OS loaded from the HDD 21 or USB flash memory 24A to the main memory 13 is executed (activated).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the startup time can be shortened without impairing convenience. The BIOS activation program 40 saves the device information 19A detected at the first activation in the nonvolatile memory 19, and performs activation processing using the device information 19A stored in the nonvolatile memory 19 in the activation after the initial activation. Run. Thereby, the start-up of the computer 1 can be speeded up without restricting the functions available at the time of start-up. Therefore, the convenience for the user is not impaired, and the user is not required to perform an operation such as selecting a special mode for shortening the activation time.

  It should be noted that all the procedures of the BIOS activation process of this embodiment can be executed by software. For this reason, the effect similar to this embodiment is easily implement | achieved only by installing and executing this program in a normal computer through the computer-readable storage medium which stored the program which performs the procedure of a BIOS starting process. Can do.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ... Non-volatile memory, 19A ... Device information, 19B ... Resource information, 19C ... Battery information, 19D ... Display information, 25 ... EC / KBC, 40 ... BIOS starting program, 41 ... Startup determination part, 42 ... Device detection part, 43 ... Device information detection unit, 44 ... Information write unit, 45 ... Configuration unit, 46 ... Information read unit, 47 ... Setup unit.

Claims (9)

An information processing apparatus to which a plurality of devices are connected,
Power supply state detection means for detecting that the battery is replaced for the first time after being replaced;
A device information detecting means for detecting a plurality of device information for starting use of the plurality of devices from the plurality of devices when it is detected that the battery is first activated after the battery is replaced;
Device setting means for setting the plurality of devices to be usable using the plurality of device information;
Device information storage means for storing the plurality of device information in a nonvolatile memory,
The device setting means can use the plurality of devices by using the plurality of device information stored in the non-volatile memory when it is not detected that it is the first start after the battery is replaced. Information processing device to set to.   2. The power supply state detection unit detects that the battery has been replaced, and detects that the battery has been started for the first time after the battery has been replaced, based on detection of the replacement of the battery. The information processing apparatus described.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of device information includes information indicating memory resources allocated to the plurality of devices. The plurality of devices include a display device,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of device information includes identification information of the display device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of device information includes information indicating a capacity of the battery. Further comprising setup means for changing the configuration of the plurality of devices,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first activation further includes an initial activation after a configuration of the plurality of devices is changed.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of devices include a device built in the information processing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of devices include devices externally attached to the information processing apparatus. An activation control method for controlling activation of an information processing apparatus to which a plurality of devices are connected,
Detect that it is the first start after the battery is replaced,
When it is detected that it is the first start after the battery is replaced, a plurality of device information for starting use of the plurality of devices is detected from the plurality of devices,
Using the plurality of device information to enable the plurality of devices,
Storing the plurality of device information in a nonvolatile memory;
The setting can use the plurality of devices by using the plurality of device information stored in the non-volatile memory when it is not detected that the first activation after the battery is replaced. Startup control method set to

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