JP3541034B2 - Information processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

【００４４】
ＷＰ等の通常入力時は、間欠的なキーボード入力となる。従って、電源は、通信入出力部を除き、ＯＮ状態とする。そして、第１処理ブロック１にクロックを与え、第２処理ブロック９８と表示ブロック９９にはクロックを与えない。従って、電力消費は、第１処理ブロックのみで発生する。必要に応じて、第２処理ブロック９８や、表示ブロック９９にクロックを供給して短時間間欠的に起動させる。次に、頻繁な処理の時は、第２処理ブロック９８を常時クロック動作状態にして、処理速度を速める。
【００４５】
一定時間キーボード入力がない時は、第２処理ブロック９８の電源を停止させ、メモリー内容をバックアップさせ、次のキーボード入力が来た段階で復帰させる。
【００４６】
図８は図７とほぼ同じであるが、クロック周波数が低い第１処理部４を全体の“モニター”として用い、実際の処理はクロック周波数の高い第２処理部７で行う場合を示している。第１処理部４はキーボード２０１のキーボード入力に応じて、第２処理部７をその都度、起動させ処理を行わせるイベント処理を行う方式である。処理完了後第２処理部は停止し、省電力化を計る。次のキーボード入力まで停止する。表示ブロック９９は第２処理部７からの表示信号に基づき起動し、表示完了後自動的に停止する。図８の方式は従来のＯＳに近いＯＳで動作するという効果があり、在来ソフトとの互換性が高くなる。在来のＭＳ-ＤＯＳは１つのＣＰＵで動作するように設計されている。図７の方式ではＣＰＵは２つとみなせるので在来の応用ソフトを動かす場合には、互換性に問題が生じる可能性があった。又互換性の問題がない場合でも在来ＯＳでは省電力効果は落ちる。従って在来ＯＳと本発明の２ＣＰＵ用の専用ＯＳ、専用ソフトの２つを搭載することにより、ＷＰソフトで用いた場合は本発明の専用ＯＳ用のソフトを動かし、数十〜数百分の１の省電力化を計る。そして、汎用ソフトは、在来ＯＳ用ＯＳを用いる。この場合、省電力効果は落ちる。実際はノートパソコンの80％程度がＷＰ用途のためこの構成により大巾な省電力効果が計れる。
【００４７】
図９は、実施例１の別の具体的なブロック図で図１０はフローチャート図である。これは、ＭＳ-ＤＯＳ等の従来のＯＳで作動させる場合の方法を開示したものである。第２処理部７は、クロックや電源を停止してもレジスタや内部ＲＡＭ等の情報が保持される方式のＣＰＵを用いている。ステップ２５１でキー入力があった場合、ステップ２５２で第１処理部４はキーボード２０１からのキーボードのコード信号を、常時動作状態にある起動部２２１に送る。ステップ２５３起動部２２１は、休止状態にある主処理部２２２にクロックを送り、動作状態にさせる。レジスタ２２４と内部ＲＡＭ２２３はバックアップされているためクロック供給により、瞬時に起動する。ステップ２５４で主処理部２２２は、プログラムを入力待機にさせた状態で停止しているため、この状態からプログラムはスタートする。そして、ステップ２５５でキーボード入力を受けＷＰ等のプログラム処理を行う。ステップ２５６で処理に応じて、必要なら、ステップ２５７で表示命令を出力し表示を書き換える。ステップ２５６でグラフィックコントローラ２０６を起動させ、ステップ２５９でビデオＲＡＭ２０９の内容を書き換え、ステップ２６０で液晶コントローラドライバ２０７を起動させステップ２６１で、強誘電性液晶の液晶２０８を部分書き換えした後、ステップ２６２でＶＲＡＭ２０９をバックアップした後、表示ブロック９９は停止し、ステップ２６３で省電力モードに入る。ステップ２７０で第２処理部７の処理完了した後、ステップ２７１で走行しているプログラムを“キーボード入力待機状態”の段階でプログラムを停止させ、ステップ２７２でレジスタ２２３と内部ＲＡＭ２３４等の復帰に必要な内容と第２メモリー９をバックアップし、ＣＰＵのクロックを停止させる。ステップ２７３で第２処理部７の停止し、省電力モードに入る。但し、起動部２２１は作動しているためステップ２５１で新たなキーボード入力や通信ポート５からの入力があるまで、入力待機状態にさせる。従って、第２処理ブロック９８の中では、起動部２２１しか作動していない。図９の方式はこのＣＰＵはクロックを停止させてもレジスタ等の内容がバックアップされ保持できる。クロック再開とともに、瞬時に復帰する方式のＣＰＵを用いている。主として作動するＣＰＵは１つである。従って、従来のＯＳを使えるという特徴がある。在来のＷＰ等のソフトも、少し変更するだけで使用できるため在来のソフト資産を使えるという大きな効果がある。従って、現時点では、極めて現実的な方法といえる。後に述べる実施例２のような第１処理部４により直接表示を書き換えることによりさらに大巾に電力消費を削減できる。
【００４８】
長時間キーボード入力がない時、レジュームモードに入り、殆どの電源を停止させる。特に、強誘電性液晶の場合メモリー効果があるが、同じ表示内容を連続的に表示させた場合、放置準安定化現象と呼ばれる永久メモリー効果が現われる。これを避けるため、省電力モード時、もしくは電源停止モード時にタイマー２２が、一定の時間、表示が継続したことを判断した場合、第１処理部４や電源スイッチ２０に表示変更命令を送り、表示回路８により表示部２の表示内容の全部もしくは一部を書き替え永久メモリー現象を防止する。
【００４９】
万が一、永久メモリー現象が起こり、表示部２の一部が表示変更できなくなった場合は、表示リセットＳＷ２３によりヒーター２４を介して表示部２の温度を上げ、液晶の配列を整えることにより、表示部２の表示内容変更が再び可能となる。
【００５０】
なお、省電力モードでは第２処理部７のクロックを停止することにより電力削減できるが、更に低下させるには中断制御部６により、第２処理部７もしくは表示回路８への電源供給を停止することにより、より完全な省電力化がはかられる。
【００５１】
電源停止モードでは、第２メモリー９の電源バックアップだけしか電力消費しない。
【００５２】
図１のように電池使用時は、バックライト２５を消し、反射回路２６を介して反射素子２７を作動させ反射モードで使用する。
【００５３】
図１２（ａ）（ｂ）のように反射素子２７としては、フィルム状の強誘電性液晶素子の透過モードと散乱モードを用い図１２（ａ）に示す透過を図１２（ｂ）に示す反射を用い反射と透過を切り替えることができる。入射光３２は反射部２７で乱反射し反射光３３となる。この場合偏光フィルムは、表示部２と反射素子２７の偏光板を兼用することにより部品点数を削減できる。またフィルム状のエレクトロクロミック表示素子を用いることにより、透過状態と、白紙のような白い乱反射状態の２つのモードを実現できる。
【００５４】
又、反射素子２７は図１３(ａ)(ｂ）のように固定式でもよい。反射素子２７は低屈折率光透過部２８と高屈折率光透過部２９からなる光透過部と、部分的に開口部３０をもつ反射部３１から構成されている。
【００５５】
図１３（ａ）に示すようにバックライト部２５からの光は、光屈折率光透過部２９の中に入るが、低屈折率光透過部２８との界面で全反射し、図に示すように開口部３０から偏光板３５に入り、偏光となった後液晶部１７に入光し、外部に放射され明るい表示がなされる。
【００５６】
次に、電池使用的に反射モードで使う場合は図１３（ｂ）に示すように外部からの光３２は液晶部１７を透過しアルミの蒸着等からなる反射部３１で反射し、反射光３３は液晶１７を通り、外部に表示される。
【００５７】
この反射部２７は外部駆動回路が要らないため、全体構成が簡単になるという効果がある。この光屈折率と低屈折率の作成法は屈折率分布レンズで一般的に用いられている、溶融塩に侵す方法で用意に作成できる。
【００５８】
透過・反射兼用型液晶ディスプレイは透過もしくは反射専用型液晶ディスプレイに比べると表示品質が劣るという問題点があったがこの反射と透過を切り替えることにより、透過時と反射時のどちらの表示も専用型と同等の表示ができるという効果が生まれる。このため電池・ＡＣの二電源駆動用途に適している。
【００５９】
外部電源を使用する場合は第１処理部４の指令によりバックライト２５が点灯するとともに、第１処理部４より反射回路２６に透過命令が送られ、反射素子２７は透過状態になり図１２（ａ）に示すように、表示は透過光により非常に表示は明るくなる。
【００６０】
次に電池を使用する場合は第１処理部４より、反射表示回路２６に反射命令が送られ、反射素子２７は乱反射を含む反射状態になり、図１２（ｂ）に示すように、外光による反射光による表示がなされる。この場合バックライト２５の分だけ消費電力が減る。
【００６１】
又、図１４（ａ）（ｂ）に示すようにアルミのような金属板にテーパーのついたまる穴を設けた反射透過板３４を使用することにより、図１３（ａ）（ｂ）と同じ効果が得られる。
【００６２】
以上のような構成をとることにより間欠的なキー入力に対してＣＰＵは間欠動作し、平均的な消費電力は大幅に減少するという効果がある。
【００６３】
しかもこの場合、表示は継続するため処理部の動作が停止しても使用者に全く、異和感を与えない。このため操作性を全く損なわずに大幅な省電力化ができるという効果がある。
【００６４】
又、具体的には、キー入力の周期は数十ｍｓ、これに対しＷＰソフト等の場合一回のＣＰＵ処理時間は平均すると数十〜数百μｓであるため数十ｍｓのうち１／１００〜１／１０００の動作時間働けばよい。このため間欠動作させることにより、消費電力も連動して低減される。しかしＣＰＵの間欠動作だけでは、表示部が０．５〜１Ｗ、全体の１０〜２０％程度の電力を消費するため、もしＣＰＵの諸費電力が１／１０００になっても表示部が作動していれば対策前の１／１０〜１／５の消費電力は残ることになる。本発明では、表示部に強誘電性液晶等のメモリー効果のある表示素子を用いるため表示に要する電力消費をＣＰＵ同様、間欠動作させられる。
【００６５】
従ってＷＰ等のキー入力主体の用途の場合、全体の消費電力を１／１００〜１／１０００に下げることが可能となる。
【００６６】
（実施例２）
図１５は一実施例のブロック図を示す。実施例２では、第１処理部４の機能を強化し、消費電力の大きい第２処理部７の作動頻度をさらに少なくしたもので、より低消費電力化が図られる。
【００６７】
実施例１の図１との構成上の違いは、第１処理ブロック１から表示ブロック９９へ表示指示信号を伝送する信号線９７がある点にある。第１処理ブロック１の中の第１処理部４が直接表示ブロック９９の中の表示回路８に指示変更信号を出し、表示部２の表示内容を変更する。なお実施例１では第２処理部７が表示回路８に表示変更信号を与える点を述べた。
【００６８】
図１６は第１処理部４に関連したブロック図をさらに詳しく説明したもので、第１処理部４は第１メモリー部５の中にアルファベット・かな等のフォントのドットパターンをＲＯＭ等により記憶する第１フォントＲＯＭ部４０と、イメージメモリー部４１と一般メモリー部４２の三つの部分をもつ。
【００６９】
また図１１に示すようにフォントメモリーとして、第２メモリー部９の中の第２フォントＲＯＭ部４３を用いることもできる。
【００７０】
従って第１処理部４だけで次の一連の簡単な表示を変更する処理ができる。キー入力に基づき文字コードを発生し、文字コードに対応したフォントパターンを第１フォントＲＯＭ部４０もしくは第２フォントＲＯＭ部４３から読み込み表示回路８を介して表示部２に表示を出すことができる。第２メモリー９の中には第２一般メモリー４４がある。
【００７１】
つまり大きな処理を伴わないデータ文字列の入力時は、低消費電力の第１処理部４が主に表示の変更処理を行なう。大きな処理が必要な場合は消費電力の大きい第２処理部７が処理をする。このことにより、第２処理部７の動作頻度が減り、より省電力化をはかれる。この場合図１６に示すように、第２メモリー部９の中の第２フォントＲＯＭ４３のフォントパターンを呼び出すことにより第１メモリー部５のメモリーを削減できる。
【００７２】
実施例２を図１８と図１９のフローヂャートを用いて説明すると図１８のフローチャートは基本的に実施例１の図６のフローチャートと同じである。
【００７３】
違いは、第１処理部４が直接表示回路8を起動する。このためステップ１３０と表示フローチャート１３１が追加されている点にある。ステップ１３０で第１処理部４で処理可能な単純な表示変更であると第１処理部4が判断した場合、表示フローチャート１３１に向う。この中を簡単に説明すると、まず、ステップ１３２で表示ブロック９９が起動され、ステップ１３３で表示内容が変更され、ステップ134で表示変更を確認した後、ステップ１３５で表示ブロックの電源をＯＦＦしてステップ１０３の情報入力の待機状態に戻る。このステップ１３３の表示内容の変更をさらに詳しく説明したのが図１９である。ステップ１３２で第１処理ブロック１の起動合図により表示ブロック９９の起動を行なった後、ステップ１４０でカーソルの移動のみの場合は、そのままステップ１４１のカーソルの部分書き換えを行なう。そうでない場合は、ステップ１４２での表示部２の入力予定領域に既に表示が存在するか確認する。これは、イメージメモリー部４１の内容を第１処理部４によれ確認できる。ＮＯの場合はそのままステップ１４３の部分書き換え処理を行う。ＹＥＳの場合はステップ１４４に向う。ステップ１４４では表示部９９の入力予定領域に存在する表示内容をイメージメモリー４１で確認し、今回の表示変更に前回の表示内容が必要かを判断する。ＮＯの場合はステップ１４３で部分書き換えにより上書きを行うだけでよい。ＹＥＳの場合は、ステップ１４５で、入力予定領域に相当するイメージをイメージメモリ４１もしくは第２フォントＲＯＭ９から呼び出し、今後、新たに表示したいイメージを合成する。ステップ１４６では、白黒反対モードかどうかを判別し、ＹＥＳならステップ１４７で、そのイメージの該当部分を反転して表示する。ＮＯならステップ１４８で表示変更該当部の表示の部分書き換えを行い、ステップ１３４表示変更を確認して、ステップ１３５で表示ブロック９９を停止させる。
【００７４】
具体的に説明すると、図２０はキー入力に対する各部の処理状況を示したものでｔ＝ｔ１において図２０のｅに示す、“Ｉ”なるキー入力があった場合、第１処理部４は“Ｉ”なる文字コードに変換し、この文字コードに相当するフォントパターンを図１６に示す第１フォントＲＯＭ４０から読み込み、表示回路８を駆動させ表示部２に図２０ｅに示す“Ｉ”なる表示を発生させる。この場合、強誘電性液晶などのメモリー効果型ディスプレイの場合、部分書き替えができる。部分の書き替えには２種類の方法がある。一つは、一点を書きかえるドット部分書き替えと、水平又は、垂直のライン一本分の全ドットを書き替える。ライン部分書き換えがある。当然ドット書き換えの方が低消費電力であるが、高電圧が必要であり、コストが高くなる。ライン書き換えは１ドット書き換える場合でも、一ライン全部書き換える必要があるが低い電圧で良い。実施例では両方の表示方法について述べる。
【００７５】
図３に示した水平ドライブ部１１と垂直ドライブ１２の耐電圧が高ければ“Ｉ”の列だけの一点一点単位の部分書き替えができる。従ってこの場合、第１処理部４は“Ｉ”に対応するフォント一ヶ分の情報を発生すればよい。しかし耐圧の高いＩＣのコストは高い。コストを下げるためには、この耐圧は低いことが望ましい。従って現在の半導体プロセスでは、要求耐圧を下げるために、行単位の部分書き替えにも対応しておく必要がある。
【００７６】
この場合、第１処理部４は第１メモリー５の中に、最低一行分のイメージのメモリーをもつ必要がある。
【００７７】
日本語の場合、６４０×２４ｄｏｔ分のメモリーとなる。この場合“I"を書き替えるためには、その一行分、つまり６４０ｄｏｔ分を２４ライン分書き替える必要がある。
【００７８】
第１処理部５のイメージメモリー４１から前のイメージを読み出し、“Ｉ”のパターンを第１フォントＲＯＭ４０から読み出し、合成し一行分のイメージを作り上げる。この情報に基づき、表示回路８を介して表示部２の一行分を書き替える。同時にその新しい一行のイメージをイメージメモリー４１に記憶させる。これで“Ｉ”の表示変更は完了する。
【００７９】
この場合、図１６のように、第２フォントＲＯＭ４３を用いる場合は、コード情報を一行分もつだけでよいため、第１フォントＲＯＭ４０やイメージメモリー４１は不要となる。この場合、一行分のデータは約40キャラクター２バイト文字で、一行あたり４０×２＝８０Ｂでよい。この場合、全画面分のコード情報を第１メモリー５の内部にもつこともできる。
【００８０】
以上の２通りの方法で“Ｉ”なる表示が完了する。この場合、第２処理部７の処理は図２０のｃに示すように全く行なわれない。
【００８１】
同様にして、ｔ２で“スペース”をｔ3で“Ｌ”をｔ4で“ｉ”をｔ5で“ｖ”をｔ6で“ｅ”にキー入力に対す表示が、第１処理部４のみで行なわれる。第１処理部４は第２処理部７に比べると著しく処理速度が遅いが、一行の表示処理を行なうには、充分な速度である。これにより低消費電力化がはかれる。
【００８２】
図２０ｔ7においては大量の処理を指示するキー入力、例えばＷＰ入力時のスペルチェックや日本語から英語への翻訳処理や日本語のカナ漢字変換処理表計算の演算命令が入った状態を示している。
【００８３】
この場合、第１処理部４は第２処理部７の処理が必要であると判断し、ｔ71において、第２処理部７を起動させる。この起動状態は実施例１で述べたのと同時である。第２処理部７は図２０のｃのように、ｔ71において起動し中断前の処理状態に戻り、第１処理部４からの文字列の情報を受け処理を行なう、必要に応じて図２０のｂのようにｔ72において、表示回路８を介して表示部２の表示内容を変更する。
【００８４】
この経過は日本語から英語の翻訳処理の入力例を用いると説明しやすい。図２０ｆにおいて、ｔ２でＫがキー入力され図２０ｈにおいてＫがそのまま表示される。ｔ１でａが入力されると図２０ｈに示すように“ka"と表示される。
【００８５】
ここまでは図２０のｃに示すように第２処理部７は動作しない。ｔ7において翻訳変換キーが押された時、ｔ71から第２処理部７の処理が始まり、翻訳処理により“kareha"の日本語が、“He is"という英語に翻訳される。この処理結果は表示回路８に送られ、ドット書き替えが行なわれる。
【００８６】
図２０のｈに示すように“He is"と表示される。図２０のｄに示すのライン書き替え時の消費電力に比べて図２０のｇに示すように、ドット書き替え時の消費電力は少ない。
【００８７】
次に図２１を用いてカーソル移動時の消費電力削減のために、図２１の（ａ），（ｂ）のように白黒反転モードを用いると、ライン書き替えの場合消費電力が大きい。従って、図２１の（ｃ），（ｄ）のように行間のラインを用いて横棒のカーソルを表示することにより、一行の表示書き替えが不要となり、省電力化できる。また高速化されるため、低速の第１処理部４で処理しても応答が速くなる。このことはドット書き替えモードでも効果がある。
【００８８】
図２２の（ａ）に示すように、カーソルの移動だけは横棒カーソルを用いる。この場合、目立ちやすくするために、第１処理部４により間欠的に白黒反転表示させると、より効果的である。そして(b)のようにキー入力があった場合のみ、一字分の反転表示させる。この切り替えにより、少なくともカーソル移動時の消費電力は少なくなる。
【００８９】
図２２の（ａ）〜（ｈ）は図２０ｔ１からｔ7までに対応し、(i)は再変換時の表示を示す。
【００９０】
図２３はドット書き替え時に(a)〜(g)は文章中に挿入入力する時の状態を示し、第２フォントＲＯＭを図１６の構成で用いる場合は、全ての漢字コードが第１フォントＲＯＭ４０に入っている訳でないので、一行分のイメージ情報をイメージメモリー４１にもっておく必要がある。そして図２３（ｃ）から（ｄ）のように後退する時は“ｎ”というイメージをイメージメモリー４１から復元するため、第２処理部７や２フォントＲＯＭ４３を用いなくても(d)なる表示が可能となる。
【００９１】
図２４の（ａ）〜（ｇ）は“He is man"なる文字列を、コピーする状態を示す。(a)〜(f)までは第１処理部４だけで処理できる。(g)は挿入処理が必要なため第１処理部４の能力でほぼ処理できる。第２処理部７が動作する。
【００９２】
実施例２の場合、実施例１において第２処理部７が処理していた部分の大半を、低消費電力の第１処理部４が処理するため、実施例１に比べてさらに平均消費電力が下がるという効果がある。
【００９３】
ただし、ＷＰや表計算のソフトにより第１処理部と第２処理部の分担比率の最適値は異なる。従ってソフトにより第１処理部４は分担内容を変化させ、消費電力と処理速度とのバランスの最適化を図ることもできる。また図２５のようにビデオメモリー８２を表示ブロック９９に加え第１処理部４と接続線第９６と接続することにより前回の表示イメージはビデオメモリー８２の中にあるため図１６（ａ）のイメージメモリー４１を省略することもできる。
【００９４】
（実施例３）
図２６は実施例３の場合のブロック図である。実施例１および施例２と違う部分は、図１を見ると明らかなように、実施例１においては、起動命令線８０を介して第１処理ブロック１から第２処理ブロック９８へ起動命令と終了命令の双方が送られた。また表示起動命令線８１を介して第１処理ブロック１から表示ブロック部９９へ起動命令を終了命令の双方が送られた。
【００９５】
しかし、実施例３では図２６から明らかなように、まず、表示ブロック９９への表示起動命令線８１がない。次に起動命令線８０においては第１処理ブロック１から第２処理ブロック９８へ起動命令が送られるだけで終了命令は送られない。
【００９６】
第２処理部７が処理を終了した段階で自分自身で停止処理を行い、省電力モードに入る。表示ブロック９９の起動は第２処理部７が表示変更が必要であると判断した時データ線８４を介して表示ブロック９９に表示起動命令を出し、起動させる。表示部２の表示変更が完了した時点で、表示部ロック９９は動作を停止し、表示省電力モードに入る。これを図２７のフローチャートで説明する。このフローチャートは、第１処理ステップ群１５１と第２処理ステップ群１５２と表示ステップ群１５３の三つの部分に分かれる。まず、第２処理ブロック９８起動と停止の時点から違いを述べてみる。
【００９７】
実施例１のフローチャート図６と違う点は図から明らかなように第２処理ブロック９８つまり第２処理ステップ群１５２から第１処理ブロック１すなわち第１処理ステップ群１５１への制御の流れがない。つまり、第１処理部４はステップ１１２で第２処理部７を起動させる命令を第２処理部７へ送り、第２処理部７は起動される。この点のみが実施例１と共通する。停止に関しては実施例１と違う第１処理部４からの命令を受けて停止することはしないで、ステップ１２１で第２処理部の機能を自動停止する。そして、ステップ１０３で情報入力待機状態になる。
【００９８】
次に表示ブロック９９の起動と停止に関して実施例１との違いを述べる。
【００９９】
実施例１では第２処理部７が表示完了情報を第１処理ブロック９９へ表示起動命令を送る。しかし、実施例３では図２７のステップ１１５ａで第２処理ブロック９８が表示ブロック９９へ起動命令を送り表示ステップ１１６で表示ブロック９９が起動し、ステップ１１７で表示内容の変更が行われる。ステップ１１８で表示変更を確認した後、ステップ１１９で、表示ブロック９９を自分自身で停止させる。
【０１００】
以上のように実施例３は実施例１と機能は同じであるが、第２処理ブロック９８の停止及び、表示ブロック９９の停止は自動的に行われる。
【０１０１】
また、表示ブロック９９の起動命令は第２処理ブロック９８が発する。従って、第１処理ブロック１の負担が少なくなり、全体の速度が速くなるだけでなく、構成が簡単になるという効果がある。
【０１０２】
（実施例４）
図２８は第４の実施例のブロック図を示す。実施例４は外部との通信等の入出力をもつ場合の本発明による省電力方法を開示したものである。情報処理装置は情報入力ブロック９７に外部との入出力を伴う入出力部５０をもち、その中に通信ポート５１や外部インターフェース部５２をもつ。入出力がある場合図２９のタイミング図に示すように動作する。これは図２０に示したキー入力の場合のタイミング図と似た動作をする。図２９のａに示す通信ポートからの入力がｔ１〜ｔ７４とあった場合入出力部５０の中の通信ポート部５１は第１処理ブロック１に信号を送る。ｔ１においては第１処理部４は、入力情報を表示回路８に送り図２９のｄのように動作され表示部での表示を図２９のｅのように書き替える。そして、ｔ７に大きな処理を伴う入力が来た場合のみ図２９のｃのように第２処理部７をｔ＝ｔ７１において起動させる。
【０１０３】
第２処理部７はｔ＝ｔ７において起動命令を送り表示回路８を起動させ表示部２を書き替える。実施例３は通信等を介した入出力がある場合、大きな処理を伴わない入力に対しては、第２処理部７は動作せず、第１処理部４又は入出力部５０が入出力処理、表示処理を行なう。このため入出力動作時の省電力化効果がある。
【０１０４】
実施例４は、太陽電池を利用しているため、さらに消費電力が減少し、長期間使用できるという効果がある。
【０１０５】
光がこなくなれば太陽電池が動作しないという面もあるが、表示部２と同じ面に太陽電池６０を配置することにより、太陽電池が作動しない時は表示部２の表示内容もキーボードのキーも見えない。
【０１０６】
従って、現実的には、不具合はない。暗い環境例えばスライド上映中の講演会におけるＷＰ入力等の場合はキー入力により、電源保持回路が動作し、第１処理部４は動作する。
【０１０７】
（実施例５）
図３０は、第５の実施例のブロック図を示すもので、電源として太陽電池６０が追加されている。第１処理部４は速度が遅いため電力消費量は極めて少ない。従って太陽電池で駆動させることが可能である。実施例１と殆ど同じで動作は変わらないが太陽電池の場合、入射光量が減った場合電力供給が停止する。停止した場合、まず電源部６１からの電力供給に切替わる。又長期間キー入力も太陽電池６０からの電力供給もなくなった場合図３１のｂのｔ＝ｔ６１に示すように電源停止モードに入り、第１処理部４は第１メモリー５に処理情報を退避させ動作を停止する。この場合電力消費は減少する。そしてｔ＝ｔ７１において太陽電池６０からの電力供給があった場合もしくは情報入力部３からのキー入力があった場合起動し、ｔ７２のキー入力により再び元の動作を開始する。
【０１０８】
ここでキー入力による第１処理部４の起動法の一例を説明すると、図３２に示すように情報入力部３のキー入力部６２は電池６４からの電圧を保持回路６３に送る。従ってキーが押された場合保持回路６３は電源を第１処理部４に送り、第１処理部４を起動させる。このとき並行してキー入力部６２はキー入力情報を第１処理部４に送り、処理が再開される。図３３は第１処理部４と第２処理部７を共用した場合のブロック図を示す。
【０１０９】
この場合キー入力部６２は各キーは１種類の電源用ＳＷとキー入力ＳＷの２つをもってもよい。
【０１１０】
実施例５はさらに低消費電力化をはかったものである。設計により、数年以上の電池交換不要型ノートパソコンも可能となる。なお、図３３に示すように実施例１〜５とも第１処理部と第２処理部を兼用して一つにすることもできる。
【０１１１】
（実施例６）
実施例６は８ｍｍＣＤ−ＲＯＭ等の光ディスクを用いた情報処理装置に本発明を用いた場合である。
【０１１２】
図３４はブロック図であり、情報入力ブロック９７には、ＣＤ−ＲＯＭのＣＤ−ＲＯＭドライブ３０１とキーボード２０１が接続されている。
【０１１３】
図３５は、斜視図である。ＣＤ−ＲＯＭプレーヤ３１２はキーボード２０１と液晶２０８ＣＤ−ＲＯＭ等の光ディスク３１５を光ディスク挿入部３１６に挿入することにより図３４の起動部２２１に起動信号が起こり、第２処理部７が起動する。
【０１１４】
また、キーボード２０１からの入力により第１処理部４からコード信号が起動部２２１に送られ第２処理部７が起動し、処理終了後、第２処理部７が停止する点は他の実施例と同様である。
【０１１５】
この特徴は消電力によりＣＤ−ＲＯＭプレーヤー等のポータブル機器の電池使用可能時間が延びる。特に、ＣＤドライブ３０１からの挿入信号を受けて起動部２２１が起動する点が本実施例の特徴であり、ＣＤ−ＲＯＭ等の光ディスク３１５の挿入や取り出しにより、第２処理部７が起動する。
【０１１６】
（実施例７）
実施例７はディジタルテープレコーダーに本発明を応用した場合を示す。図３６、図３７はＤＡＴ等のディジタルオーディオテープレコーダー３１２の応用例で液晶２０８とカセット挿入口３１４をもつ。ディジタルオーディオテープ３１３をカセット挿入口３１４に挿入することにより、図３６のブロック図に示すように、ディジタルテープドライブ３１１からの挿入信号により、第１処理部４を介して起動部２２１に信号が送られ、第２処理部７は起動する。
【０１１７】
ディジタルオーディオテープ３１３の出し入れにより第２処理部７が起動停止することにより、操作者のテープ出し入れと連動して、作動を始めるという効果がある。
【０１１８】
我々のシミュレーションによる試算ではＷＰソフトで動作させ、本発明を用いないで５Ｗの平均消費電力が、あった場合、本発明を用いることにより数十ｍｗになる。従って、従来の二次電池でも数百時間程度の使用が可能になり、高効率のリチウム電池等の一次電池を用いることにより１０００時間以上も可能となる。つまり、毎月５時間使用しても１年以上もつノートパソコンが可能となり、ポケット電卓のように長時間電池交換なしに使用できる。このときにより、開発方向も高速化、多画素化が進められている。充電のわずらわしさから使用者が解放される。本発明は電源コード及び充電器からノートパソコンを開放するものである。従来強誘電性液晶の応用面に関しては、高速性・高解像度の面に注目されていた。本発明の着眼点は、強誘電性液晶において従来全く注目されていなかった、消費電力削減の面に焦点をあてたものである。
【０１１９】
この種の着眼は従来になく、今後成長が期待されるノートパソコン等の高機能ポータブル情報機器の省電力化に対する効果は高い。
【０１２０】
なお、メモリー効果のある表示素子として強誘電性液晶を実施例として用いたが、スメクチック液晶やエレクトロクロミック表示素子のような他のメモリー型表示素子として使うことができる。また液晶は単純マトリクスドライブ型液晶の例を示したがＴＦＴ液晶ドライブも用いることができる。
【０１２１】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように本発明は、不使用状態が一定時間続いたことを検出した時点、もしくは主要な処理が完了した時点で主要処理部の電源を停止させると同時に表示部の表示を継続させる情報処理装置を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施例における情報処理装置のブロック図
【図２】本発明の実施例１のタイミング図
【図３】本発明の実施例における表示部の構成図
【図４】本発明の実施例における表示部の動作原理断面図
【図５】本発明の実施例における表示部の画面図
【図６】本発明の実施例における動作を説明するフローチャート
【図７】本発明の具体的な実施例の構成を示すブロック図
【図８】本発明の具体的な実施例の構成を示す別のブロック図
【図９】本発明の具体的な実施例の構成を示す別のブロック図
【図１０】本発明の具体的な実施例における動作を説明するフローチャート
【図１１】本発明の具体的な実施例における別のブロック図
【図１２】本発明の実施例における反射素子の動作原理図
【図１３】本発明の実施例における反射板の動作原理図
【図１４】本発明の実施例における別の反射板の動作原理図
【図１５】本発明の実施例２を説明するためのブロック図
【図１６】本発明の実施例２における第１処理部周辺のブロック図
【図１７】本発明の実施例における別の第２処理部周辺のブロック図
【図１８】本発明の実施例２を説明するためのフローチャート
【図１９】本発明の実施例２を説明するためのフローチャート
【図２０】本発明の実施例２を説明するためのタイミング図
【図２１】本発明の実施例２を説明するためのカーソルの表示状態図
【図２２】本発明の実施例２を説明するための翻訳処理時の表示部正面図
【図２３】本発明の実施例２を説明するための追加入力の表示部の前面図
【図２４】本発明の実施例２を説明するための複写モード時の表示図
【図２５】本発明の実施例２を説明するための変形のブロック図
【図２６】本発明の実施例３を説明するためのブロック図
【図２７】本発明の実施例３を説明するためのフローチャート
【図２８】本発明の実施例４を説明するためのブロック図
【図２９】本発明の実施例４を説明するためのタイミング図
【図３０】本発明の実施例５を説明するためのブロック図
【図３１】本発明の実施例５を説明するためのタイミング図
【図３２】本発明の実施例５を説明するための情報部入力部のブロック図
【図３３】本発明の実施例５を説明するための第１処理部と第２処理部を兼用した場合のブロック図
【図３４】本発明の実施例６を説明するためのブロック図
【図３５】本発明の実施例６を説明するための斜視図
【図３６】本発明の実施例７を説明するためのブロック図
【図３７】本発明の実施例７を説明するための斜視図
【符号の説明】
１ 第１処理ブロック
２ 表示部
３ 情報入力部
４ 第１処理部
５ 第１メモリー部
６ 中断制御部
７ 第２処理部
８ 表示回路部
９ 第２メモリー
１１ 水平ドライブ部
１２ 垂直ドライブ部
２０ 電源スイッチ
２４ ヒーター
２５ バックライト
２６ 反射回路
２７ 反射素子
３０ 開口部
３２ 入射光
３３ 反射光
３４ 反射透過板
４０ 第１フォントＲＯＭ
４３ 第２フォントＲＯＭ
８２ ビデオメモリー
９８ 第二処理ブロック
９９ 表示ブロック
２０１ キーボード
２０２ フレキシブルディスクコントローラー
２０４ ＲＯＭ
２０５ バックアップＲＡＭ
２０６ グラフィックコントローラ
２０７ 液晶コントローラ・ドライバー
２０８ 液晶
２０９ バス[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, as personal computers have become smaller and lighter, portable personal computers driven by batteries have appeared and are rapidly spreading. These are called notebook computers, which are small and lightweight but have the same functions as stationary and laptop computers. Because it can be used with batteries, a new form of use has been created in which it is used by bringing it to places where it is difficult to secure power, such as conference rooms and lecture rooms.
[0003]
However, in such a use form, a problem that the battery usable time is short is becoming a problem. When used for recording a meeting in a conference room or recording a lecture in a university, it is desirable that the battery can be used for about 10 hours continuously for one use. In view of the margin, a battery usable time of at least 20 to 30 hours, ideally 100 hours or more of a calculator is required.
[0004]
On the other hand, the battery life of a notebook computer that can be actually obtained is only a few hours. Therefore, there is a problem that the battery runs out during use for a long-time conference, the power is turned off, and the input operation is interrupted. In addition, since the usable time of the battery is short, it is necessary to frequently charge the battery, which is troublesome.
[0005]
Despite the small size and light weight of the notebook personal computer, the use of the notebook personal computer has been inconvenient because the battery usage time is short.
[0006]
Here, considering existing pocket-type portable information devices such as calculators and electronic organizers, these devices have much lower processing speeds than personal computers, and therefore consume less power. For this reason, even if the current primary battery is used, it can be used for several years, and there is almost no need to care about the battery life. On the other hand, a notebook computer consumes much power because it has a processing speed as fast as a stationary computer. For this reason, power consumption is two to four digits greater than that of existing pocket-type portable information devices. Even with high performance rechargeable batteries, current technology has the best battery life of 2-3 hours. As mentioned earlier, the user is not satisfied with this battery life. Various countermeasures are conceivable as power saving technologies to compensate for this short battery life, and some of them have been implemented.
[0007]
Hereinafter, a conventional technique will be described.
[0008]
First, some laptops have what is commonly referred to as the "resume" feature. This employs a method in which, when the non-use state continues for a certain period of time, information necessary for restarting the last computer is saved in a nonvolatile IC memory, and the power of the CPU and the display unit is automatically turned off. When the power switch is turned on when the user wants to use it again, the previous processing state and display contents at the time of power-off are restored in a short time based on the saved information in the IC memory. This method has the effect of substantially extending the use time and is practical.
[0009]
However, if no key input is performed at all for a certain period of time, for example, for 5 minutes, all the power of the device is forcibly turned off. Since the display disappears, the operator cannot confirm the display contents, and the operation is interrupted. When the user wants to check the displayed contents or to continue the input operation again, it is necessary to turn on the power switch. This is annoying to the user. Although this power saving method extends the life of the battery substantially, it has a drawback that the usability is considerably deteriorated.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional configuration, as a means for reducing power consumption, almost all power supplies including a main processing circuit unit and a display circuit unit are simply stopped. For this reason, as described above, the user automatically turns off the power when the non-use state continues for a certain period of time. Therefore, in the case of an intermittent processing operation, it is necessary to frequently turn on the power of the apparatus. In the case of a notebook computer, most of the users perform intermittent processing, which has exacerbated this disadvantage.
[0011]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problem, and when the non-use state is detected for a certain period of time or when the main processing is completed, the power supply of the main processing unit is stopped and the display on the display unit is simultaneously performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus for continuing the processing.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
Backlight and liquid crystal display An information input section for inputting external information from the user; An information processing apparatus including
The liquid crystal display unit performs display in a transmission mode in which display is performed by transmitted light from the backlight, and in a reflection mode in which display is performed by reflected light of external light,
When the input to the information input unit is interrupted for a certain time or when interrupted for a long time, and When the display on the liquid crystal display unit continues for a certain period of time, all or a part of the display content of the liquid crystal display unit is rewritten to prevent a permanent memory phenomenon.
Also, the information processing apparatus of the present invention
Backlight and liquid crystal display An information input section for inputting external information from the user; An information processing apparatus including
The liquid crystal display unit performs display in a transmission mode in which display is performed by transmitted light from the backlight, and in a reflection mode in which display is performed by reflected light of external light,
When the input to the information input unit is interrupted for a certain time or when interrupted for a long time, and When the display on the liquid crystal display section continues for a certain period of time, all of the display contents of the liquid crystal display section Or some Is rewritten.
[0013]
The information processing device, Previous When the display is performed in the transmission mode by the liquid crystal display unit, it is determined whether there is an input of the information input unit for a fixed time,
For a predetermined time to the information input unit, when there is no input of the information input unit, the power of the backlight is turned off, display in the reflection mode by the liquid crystal display unit,
When the display is performed in the reflection mode by the liquid crystal display unit, it is preferable that the liquid crystal display unit determines whether or not the display of the liquid crystal display unit has continued for a certain period of time.
Further, the liquid crystal display unit is provided with a reflective layer and a liquid crystal layer on the display side with respect to the backlight,
The reflective layer is configured to reflect incident light that has entered from the display side through the liquid crystal layer and exit to the display side through the liquid crystal layer,
The reflective layer has a plurality of openings, and light from the backlight is transmitted through the openings, and the transmitted light is transmitted from the display side through the liquid crystal layer. preferable.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus includes four blocks: an information input unit 3, a first processing block 1, and a second processing block 99.
[0016]
First, when an information input unit 3 such as a keyboard receives a key input from a user or an external input by an information input unit such as a communication interface, the information processing device transmits the information to the first processing block 1. The first processing unit 4 detects which key of the key input has been pressed or what information has been input from the outside, and determines the next processing based on the information in the first memory 5.
[0017]
First, as shown in FIG. 2A, when there is no input information in the information input unit 3 for a certain time and when the operation of the second processing unit 7 is completed, the interruption control unit 6 controls the second processing unit 7 and the display circuit. The clock signal is stopped and / or the power saving process is forcibly performed on the unit 8.
[0018]
The power saving method will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2A, when the n-th key input is performed on the information input unit 3 at t = t1, this information is transmitted from the information input unit 3 to the first processing unit 4.
[0020]
Then, the first processing unit 4 determines the content of the key input, and issues a start command to the second processing unit 7 through the interruption control unit 6 and the start command line 80 only when the processing of the second processing unit 7 is necessary. Then, the second processing unit 7 is forcibly activated to send information to the second processing unit 7. As shown at t = t3 in FIG. 2C, the second processing unit 7 performs a process according to the input after being activated, and after completion of the second processing unit 7, sends an end signal to the first processing unit 4. The sending first processing unit 4 or the interruption control unit 6 sends an end command to the second processing unit 137 via the start command line 80. Then, the second processing unit 7 temporarily saves the information on the final processing contents, for example, the contents of the RAM memory and the contents of the register to the second memory 9. Thereafter, as shown at t = t5 in FIG. 2C, the processing of the second processing unit 7 is stopped or the function is reduced, the power consumption is largely reduced, and the apparatus enters the power saving mode. Even after t = t5 when the second processing unit 7 is stopped, the second memory 9 is backed up by a battery or uses a nonvolatile memory, so that the memory contents are preserved. When a display change is necessary, the second processing unit 7 sends display change information to the first processing unit 4. The first processing unit 4 sends a display start command to the display circuit 8 via the display start command line 81 to start the display circuit. As shown in FIG. 2D, the information processed at t = t4 is sent to the display circuit unit 8, and the display circuit 8 calls the image of the previous display content from the video memory 82 or the second memory 9, and 2 Create a new image based on the display change and information sent from the processing unit 7. Then, the processing information is displayed on the display unit 2. Thereafter, the display circuit 8 sends its own command or end signal to the first processing unit 4 via the interruption control unit 6 at t = t6, and stops the operation of the display circuit 8 such as the clock based on the instruction of the first processing unit 4. Alternatively, the speed is reduced to enter the display power saving mode, and the power consumption of the display circuit 8 thereafter is greatly reduced as shown at t = t6 and later in FIG.
[0021]
After t = t6, the display circuit unit 8 is stopped or almost stopped, but the display contents are held because the display unit 2 is formed of an element having a memory effect such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal. Here, the contents of the display unit 2 will be described. In the case of a simple matrix liquid crystal, the display section 2 has electrodes in a matrix as shown in FIG. It comprises a horizontal drive line 13 and a vertical drive line 14 in two horizontal and vertical directions connected to the horizontal drive unit 11 and the vertical drive unit 12. FIG. 4 shows one state of the pixel with the application of the voltage.
[0022]
In each pixel, a signal is applied to the ferroelectric liquid crystal 17 by electrodes formed by horizontal drive lines 13 and vertical drive lines 14 provided on glass 15, 16.
[0023]
FIG. 4A shows a state when light is not transmitted. By applying a signal, the direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 17 changes, the polarization angle of the transmitted light changes, and light is transmitted in this state by forming a polarizing plate.
[0024]
Next, when a voltage in the opposite direction is applied, the direction of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 17 changes and the polarization angle of the transmitted light is rotated by 90 degrees, and the light is not transmitted by the polarizing plate as shown in FIG. One of the features of the ferroelectric liquid crystal is a memory effect. As shown in FIG. 4C, even if the power supply is stopped, the state shown in FIG. 4B is maintained. Therefore, the display is continued without operating the display circuit 8 at all from t = t6 to t = t14 described below. In this manner, the power saving mode is set after t = t6, and the information input unit 3 and the first processing unit 4 only operate.
[0025]
The first processing unit 4 performs only processing such as conversion of a key input into a character code. Since this key input is manually performed by a human, it can be input at most several tens of times per second. The human input speed is several orders of magnitude slower than the processing speed of the microcomputer. Therefore, the processing speed of the first processing unit 4 may be as low as a calculator. Therefore, the power consumption is several orders of magnitude lower than that of the CPU of the stationary personal computer. As shown in FIG. 2B, the first processing unit 4 operates while the power switch 20 of the information processing apparatus 1 is turned on. However, since the power consumption is small, it is possible to suppress the entire power consumption. it can.
[0026]
Next, when there is an (N + 1) th key input at t = t11, at t = t12, the first processing unit 4 determines the content of the key input, and if necessary, via the interruption control unit 6 or directly to the first key input unit. (2) A start command is sent to the processing unit 7 to start it. The second processing unit 7 restarts the processing by the clock based on the start command, and the information entered in the second memory unit 9, that is, the information at the time of the previous stop at t = t5, for example, the memory contents, register information, display contents, etc. The information is read, and the CPU environment at time t = t5 is completely restored. Thereafter, at t = t13, information from the first processing unit 4 is sent to the second processing unit 7, and the processing is restarted. The second processor 7 has a high processing speed so that high-speed calculations can be performed, so that the power consumption is close to that of a general personal computer. If operated continuously, the battery life is short, as with existing laptops. However, in the present invention, since the power saving mode is intermittently entered, the power consumption is reduced accordingly.
[0027]
Explaining this power saving mode, for example, in the case of WP software or the like, the time required for one process is usually 1 ms or less. On the other hand, the key input by a human is several tens ms at the fastest. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2C, the peak power consumption of the second processing unit 7 from t13 to t15 is large, but the average power consumption is several tenths to several hundredths of this peak value. In other words, significant power saving can be achieved by the power saving mode.
[0028]
At t = t14, the second processing unit 7 sends the display unit 2 information on only the changed portion of the display content.
[0029]
Before t = t14, the display unit 2 continuously displays the display content changed at t = t6 even when the display circuit 8 is not operating due to the memory effect of the ferroelectric liquid crystal 17. At t = t14, partial rewriting is performed only on the portion whose display content has been changed based on the key input at t = t11. This partial rewriting changes the display content from one line to several lines by applying a voltage to a specific horizontal drive line 13 and a specific vertical drive line 14. In this case, the processing time is shorter than that of the entire rewriting, and the power consumption is correspondingly reduced.
[0030]
At t = t15 in FIG. 2C, the second processing unit 7 stops its operation and enters the power saving mode again. When the processing of the second processing unit 7 is completed before t = t15 in FIG. 2C, or when a termination instruction is received from the first processing unit 4, the second processing unit 7 2 Save in the memory 9.
[0031]
Next, at t = t14, the second processing unit 7 stops or slows down its operation, and enters the input saving mode. When input information comes at short intervals such as t = t21, t31, t41, and t51, for example, when input is made from a plurality of keys or communication ports, as shown in FIG. The power saving mode is entered at t43. When the first process 4 determines that the interval of the input information is shorter than the predetermined interval, the first process 4 issues a power saving mode stop command, and as shown at t = t43 and thereafter in FIG. The processing unit 7 is not forcibly terminated and does not enter the reduced input mode. Then, when the interval of the input information becomes longer, the power saving mode is started as before.
[0032]
When the first processing unit 4 detects that there is no key input for a certain period of time, the main operation including the first processing unit 4 is stopped, the power is turned off, and the apparatus enters a power stop mode. However, the contents of the memory are backed up by a battery. Power is almost completely turned off.
[0033]
However, before the power is turned off, the first processing unit 4 sends a power stop display command to the display circuit 8 directly or via the second processing unit 7 to display the seventh display 21 as shown in FIG. After the stop is displayed, the apparatus enters the power stop mode. Since the display unit 2 has a memory effect, this display is displayed even after the power is stopped, so that the user can distinguish between the power saving mode and the power stop mode.
[0034]
In the power saving mode, the operation is restarted by key input, and the user does not need to be aware that the operation has been interrupted.
[0035]
However, in the case of the power supply stop mode, since the display of the power supply stop is displayed, the user turns on the power switch 20 so that the second processing unit 7 restores the previous processing state from the second memory 9. Then, the next work following the previous one can be started. This part is the same as the existing "Resume" mode.
[0036]
Here, the above operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the power is turned on in step 101, the first processing unit 4 starts operating in step 102. In step 103, input information such as a key input from the information input unit 3 is sent to the first processing unit 4, and in step 104, it is determined whether or not the input has been interrupted for a predetermined time. If the input suspension time: t is large, the process proceeds to step 105. If the second processing unit 7 is operating, the process returns to step 103. If not, the entire power supply of step 106 is turned off, the operation of step 107 is stopped, and the power SW Stop until is pressed.
[0037]
Returning to step 104, if the input interruption time t is several minutes, the process proceeds to step 108, and if the processing frequency of the first processing unit 4 and the second processing unit 7 is low, the backlight power supply of step 108 is turned off to turn off the backlight. Enter the power saving mode.
[0038]
Here, returning to step 104, if the input interruption time t is short, the processing of the first processing unit in step 110 is checked in step 110a whether the display has continued for a long time. The display of the display unit 2 is refreshed in step 110b for preventing image sticking, the processing frequency of the second processing unit is determined in step 112a, and if it is large, the second processing unit 7 is constantly operated in step 11. If it is small, go to step 111. If it is determined in step 111 that the process of the second processing unit 7 is not necessary, the process returns to step 103.
[0039]
If it is determined in step 111 that the processing of the second processing unit 7 is necessary, the process proceeds to step 112. a If the second processing unit 7 is not operating in step 112, the process proceeds to step 113a, and an instruction to activate the second processing unit 7 is issued to the second processing unit 7. In response to this, in step 113, the first processing unit 4 and the interruption control unit 6 activate the second processing unit 7, and in step 114, start the processing of the second processing unit. If it is determined in step 115 that there is a change in the display, the second processing unit 7 supplies display polarization information to the interruption control unit 6 and the first processing unit 4 in step 116a. Then, in step 116b, the interruption control unit 6 sends a display unit activation command to the display block 99. In step 116c, the display circuit 8 is started, and in step 117, display change including partial rewriting of the display unit 2 is performed. In step 118, after confirming the display change, the display completion information is sent to the first processing unit 4 in step 117a. In step 117b, a display completion command is received, and in step 119, the operation of the display unit is stopped.
[0040]
Here, when the process returns to step 115, the process returns when there is no display change. After confirming the completion of the processing of the second processing unit 7 in Step 120, the completion information of the second processing unit is generated in Step 120a, and the function of the second processing unit 7 is stopped in Step 121 in response to the processing unit end command. After that, the state returns to the state of step 103.
[0041]
FIGS. 7 and 8 are block diagrams showing a case where the first embodiment is specifically configured as a notebook personal computer.
[0042]
Referring to FIG. 8, the information input block 97 includes a keyboard 201, a communication port 51 of RS232C, and a flexible disk controller 202. Separately, there is a hard disk 203. The first processing block mainly includes a first processing unit 4. In the second processing block 98, there is a second processing unit 7 employing a CPU of a system that enters a power saving mode when the clock is stopped and recovers by supplying the clock, and a bus line 210 is connected. The bus line 210 is connected to a start-up ROM 204, a second memory 9 composed of a DRAM, and a backup RAM 205 composed of an SRAM for storing return information of each unit from a resume state at the time of resume. The first processing unit 4 and the display block 99 are connected to the bus line 210. The display block 99 includes a graphic controller 206 and a liquid crystal controller driver 207 as a display circuit. There is also a video RAM 209 and a liquid crystal 208. By saving some of the above components as required and setting the remaining components in a stopped state, power saving can be achieved. Table 1 shows this power saving method.
[0043]
[Table 1]

[0044]
During normal input such as WP, intermittent keyboard input is performed. Therefore, the power is turned on except for the communication input / output unit. Then, a clock is applied to the first processing block 1 and no clock is applied to the second processing block 98 and the display block 99. Therefore, power consumption occurs only in the first processing block. If necessary, a clock is supplied to the second processing block 98 and the display block 99 to start them intermittently for a short time. Next, at the time of frequent processing, the second processing block 98 is always in a clock operating state to increase the processing speed.
[0045]
If there is no keyboard input for a certain period of time, the power supply of the second processing block 98 is stopped to back up the contents of the memory, and return when the next keyboard input comes.
[0046]
FIG. 8 is almost the same as FIG. 7, but shows a case where the first processing unit 4 having a low clock frequency is used as the entire "monitor" and actual processing is performed by the second processing unit 7 having a high clock frequency. . The first processing unit 4 is a method of performing an event process in which the second processing unit 7 is activated every time in response to a keyboard input of the keyboard 201 to perform a process. After the processing is completed, the second processing unit is stopped to save power. Stop until the next keyboard input. The display block 99 is activated based on the display signal from the second processing unit 7, and automatically stops after the display is completed. The method of FIG. 8 has the effect of operating on an OS close to the conventional OS, and increases compatibility with conventional software. Conventional MS-DOS is designed to operate with one CPU. In the system shown in FIG. 7, since there can be regarded as two CPUs, there is a possibility that compatibility problems may occur when running conventional application software. Further, even if there is no compatibility problem, the power saving effect is reduced in the conventional OS. Therefore, by installing the conventional OS, the dedicated OS for 2 CPUs of the present invention, and the dedicated software, when the WP software is used, the software for the dedicated OS of the present invention is operated, and tens to hundreds of minutes are used. Measure 1 for power saving. The general-purpose software uses an OS for a conventional OS. In this case, the power saving effect decreases. Actually, about 80% of notebook computers are used for WP, so this configuration can achieve a great power saving effect.
[0047]
FIG. 9 is another specific block diagram of the first embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart. This discloses a method for operating with a conventional OS such as MS-DOS. The second processing unit 7 uses a CPU that retains information such as a register and an internal RAM even when the clock and the power supply are stopped. If there is a key input in step 251, the first processing unit 4 sends a keyboard code signal from the keyboard 201 to the activation unit 221 which is always operating in step 252. The step 253 starting unit 221 sends a clock to the main processing unit 222 in the sleep state to make the main processing unit 222 active. Since the register 224 and the internal RAM 223 are backed up, they are instantaneously activated by clock supply. In step 254, the main processing unit 222 is stopped in a state where the program is on standby for input. Therefore, the program starts from this state. Then, in step 255, a keyboard input is received and program processing such as WP is performed. In step 256, if necessary, a display command is output in step 257 to rewrite the display, if necessary. In step 256, the graphic controller 206 is activated. In step 259, the contents of the video RAM 209 are rewritten. In step 260, the liquid crystal controller driver 207 is activated. In step 261, the liquid crystal 208 of ferroelectric liquid crystal is partially rewritten. After backing up the VRAM 209, the display block 99 stops and enters the power saving mode in step 263. After the processing of the second processing unit 7 is completed in step 270, the program running in step 271 is stopped at the stage of "keyboard input standby state", and in step 272 it is necessary to return the register 223 and the internal RAM 234 and the like. The contents and the second memory 9 are backed up, and the clock of the CPU is stopped. In step 273, the second processing unit 7 stops and enters the power saving mode. However, since the activation unit 221 is operating, it is set in an input standby state until there is a new keyboard input or an input from the communication port 5 in step 251. Therefore, in the second processing block 98, only the activation unit 221 is operating. In the system shown in FIG. 9, the contents of registers and the like can be backed up and held even if the CPU stops the clock. A CPU of a system that returns instantaneously when the clock is restarted is used. One CPU is mainly operated. Therefore, there is a feature that a conventional OS can be used. Conventional software such as WP can be used with a small change, so that there is a great effect that conventional software assets can be used. Therefore, at present, it can be said that it is a very realistic method. By directly rewriting the display by the first processing unit 4 as in the second embodiment described later, the power consumption can be further reduced.
[0048]
When there is no keyboard input for a long time, the computer enters the resume mode and turns off most power. In particular, a ferroelectric liquid crystal has a memory effect. However, when the same display content is continuously displayed, a permanent memory effect called a quasi-stabilization phenomenon appears. To avoid this, when the timer 22 determines that the display has been continued for a certain period of time in the power saving mode or the power stop mode, the timer 22 sends a display change command to the first processing unit 4 or the power switch 20 to display the display. The circuit 8 rewrites all or part of the display content of the display unit 2 to prevent the permanent memory phenomenon.
[0049]
In the unlikely event that a permanent memory phenomenon occurs and a part of the display unit 2 cannot be changed in display, the display reset SW 23 raises the temperature of the display unit 2 via the heater 24 to adjust the arrangement of the liquid crystal. The display contents of item 2 can be changed again.
[0050]
In the power saving mode, the power can be reduced by stopping the clock of the second processing unit 7. However, to further reduce the power, the interruption control unit 6 stops the power supply to the second processing unit 7 or the display circuit 8. As a result, more complete power saving can be achieved.
[0051]
In the power stop mode, only the power backup of the second memory 9 consumes power.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 1, when the battery is used, the backlight 25 is turned off, and the reflection element 27 is operated via the reflection circuit 26 to use the battery in the reflection mode.
[0053]
As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the reflection element 27 uses the transmission mode and the scattering mode of a film-like ferroelectric liquid crystal element to transmit the transmission shown in FIG. Can be used to switch between reflection and transmission. The incident light 32 is irregularly reflected by the reflection unit 27 and becomes reflected light 33. In this case, the number of parts of the polarizing film can be reduced by also using the polarizing plate of the display unit 2 and the reflective element 27. Further, by using a film-like electrochromic display element, two modes of a transmission state and a white irregular reflection state such as white paper can be realized.
[0054]
The reflection element 27 may be of a fixed type as shown in FIGS. The reflection element 27 is composed of a light transmission part including a low-refractive-index light transmission part 28 and a high-refractive-index light transmission part 29, and a reflection part 31 partially having an opening 30.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 13A, the light from the backlight unit 25 enters the light-refractive-index light transmitting unit 29, but is totally reflected at the interface with the low-refractive-index light transmitting unit 28, and as shown in FIG. After entering the polarizing plate 35 through the opening 30 and being polarized, the light enters the liquid crystal unit 17 and is radiated to the outside to provide a bright display.
[0056]
Next, when the battery is used in the reflection mode, as shown in FIG. 13B, the external light 32 passes through the liquid crystal unit 17 and is reflected by the reflection unit 31 made of aluminum or the like. Is displayed outside through the liquid crystal 17.
[0057]
Since the reflection section 27 does not require an external drive circuit, there is an effect that the entire configuration is simplified. The method of forming the light refractive index and the low refractive index can be easily prepared by a method of invading a molten salt, which is generally used for a gradient index lens.
[0058]
The transmissive / reflective liquid crystal display has the problem that the display quality is inferior to that of the transmissive or reflective LCD, but by switching between reflective and transmissive, both the transmissive and reflective displays are dedicated. The effect that the same display can be achieved is produced. For this reason, it is suitable for dual power supply use of battery and AC.
[0059]
When an external power supply is used, the backlight 25 is turned on by a command from the first processing unit 4, a transmission command is sent from the first processing unit 4 to the reflection circuit 26, and the reflection element 27 is in a transmission state. As shown in a), the display becomes very bright due to the transmitted light.
[0060]
Next, when a battery is used, a reflection command is sent from the first processing unit 4 to the reflection display circuit 26, and the reflection element 27 enters a reflection state including diffused reflection, and as shown in FIG. The display is made by the reflected light. In this case, power consumption is reduced by the amount of the backlight 25.
[0061]
Also, by using a reflection / transmission plate 34 having a tapered hole in a metal plate such as aluminum as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the same effect as in FIGS. 13A and 13B is obtained. Is obtained.
[0062]
With the above configuration, the CPU operates intermittently in response to intermittent key input, and the average power consumption is greatly reduced.
[0063]
Moreover, in this case, since the display is continued, even if the operation of the processing unit is stopped, the user does not feel any discomfort at all. For this reason, there is an effect that significant power saving can be achieved without impairing operability at all.
[0064]
More specifically, the cycle of key input is several tens of ms, whereas the average CPU processing time for WP software or the like is several tens to several hundreds μs on average, and is 1/100 of several tens ms. It is only necessary to work up to 1/1000 of the operation time. For this reason, the power consumption is reduced in conjunction with the intermittent operation. However, only the intermittent operation of the CPU causes the display unit to consume 0.5 to 1 W, or about 10 to 20% of the total power. Therefore, even if the power consumption of the CPU is reduced to 1/1000, the display unit operates. If this is the case, the power consumption of 1/10 to 1/5 before the countermeasures will remain. In the present invention, since a display element having a memory effect such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal is used for the display unit, the power consumption required for display can be intermittently operated similarly to the CPU.
[0065]
Accordingly, in the case of a key input application such as WP, the overall power consumption can be reduced to 1/100 to 1/1000.
[0066]
(Example 2)
FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of one embodiment. In the second embodiment, the function of the first processing unit 4 is strengthened, and the operation frequency of the second processing unit 7 that consumes a large amount of power is further reduced, so that lower power consumption is achieved.
[0067]
The configuration of the first embodiment is different from that of FIG. 1 in that a signal line 97 for transmitting a display instruction signal from the first processing block 1 to the display block 99 is provided. The first processing unit 4 in the first processing block 1 directly issues an instruction change signal to the display circuit 8 in the display block 99 to change the display content of the display unit 2. In the first embodiment, the point that the second processing unit 7 gives the display change signal to the display circuit 8 has been described.
[0068]
FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram related to the first processing unit 4 in more detail. The first processing unit 4 stores a dot pattern of a font such as an alphabet or a kana in a first memory unit 5 using a ROM or the like. It has a first font ROM 40, an image memory 41, and a general memory 42.
[0069]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a second font ROM section 43 in the second memory section 9 can be used as a font memory.
[0070]
Therefore, only the first processing unit 4 can perform the following series of simple display changing processing. A character code is generated based on a key input, and a font pattern corresponding to the character code can be read from the first font ROM section 40 or the second font ROM section 43 and displayed on the display section 2 via the display circuit 8. The second memory 9 includes a second general memory 44.
[0071]
That is, when a data character string that does not involve a large process is input, the first processing unit 4 with low power consumption mainly performs a display change process. When a large process is required, the second processing unit 7 having a large power consumption performs the process. As a result, the operation frequency of the second processing unit 7 is reduced, and more power is saved. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the memory of the first memory unit 5 can be reduced by calling the font pattern of the second font ROM 43 in the second memory unit 9.
[0072]
The second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19. The flowchart of FIG. 18 is basically the same as the flowchart of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.
[0073]
The difference is that the first processing unit 4 directly activates the display circuit 8. Therefore, step 130 and a display flowchart 131 are added. If the first processing unit 4 determines in step 130 that the change is a simple display change that can be processed by the first processing unit 4, the process proceeds to the display flowchart 131. In brief, the display block 99 is activated in step 132, the display content is changed in step 133, the display change is confirmed in step 134, and the power of the display block is turned off in step 135. The process returns to the information input standby state in step 103. FIG. 19 illustrates the change of the display content in step 133 in more detail. After the display block 99 is activated in response to the activation signal of the first processing block 1 in step 132, if the cursor is moved only in step 140, the cursor is partially rewritten in step 141 as it is. If not, it is checked whether a display already exists in the input planned area of the display unit 2 in step 142. This is because the contents of the image memory unit 41 can be confirmed by the first processing unit 4. In the case of NO, the partial rewriting process of step 143 is performed as it is. In the case of YES, the process proceeds to step 144. In step 144, the display contents existing in the input planned area of the display unit 99 are confirmed in the image memory 41, and it is determined whether the previous display contents are necessary for the current display change. In the case of NO, it is only necessary to overwrite by partial rewriting in step 143. If YES, in step 145, an image corresponding to the expected input area is called from the image memory 41 or the second font ROM 9, and an image to be newly displayed in the future is synthesized. In step 146, it is determined whether or not the mode is the black-and-white opposite mode. If YES, the corresponding portion of the image is inverted and displayed in step 147. If NO, the display of the display change corresponding portion is partially rewritten in step 148, and the display change is confirmed in step 134, and the display block 99 is stopped in step 135.
[0074]
More specifically, FIG. 20 shows the processing status of each unit with respect to the key input. When there is a key input “I” shown in e of FIG. 20 at t = t1, the first processing unit 4 sets “ I "is converted into a character code" I ", and a font pattern corresponding to this character code is read from the first font ROM 40 shown in FIG. 16, and the display circuit 8 is driven to generate a display" I "shown in FIG. Let it. In this case, in the case of a memory effect type display such as a ferroelectric liquid crystal, partial rewriting can be performed. There are two methods for rewriting parts. One is to rewrite a dot portion to rewrite one point, and to rewrite all dots for one horizontal or vertical line. There is line rewriting. Naturally, dot rewriting requires lower power consumption, but requires a high voltage and increases costs. Even when rewriting one dot, it is necessary to rewrite the entire line, but a low voltage may be used. In the embodiment, both display methods will be described.
[0075]
If the withstand voltage of the horizontal drive unit 11 and the vertical drive 12 shown in FIG. 3 is high, partial rewriting can be performed in units of one point only for the column of "I". Therefore, in this case, the first processing unit 4 only needs to generate information for one font corresponding to “I”. However, the cost of an IC with a high withstand voltage is high. In order to reduce the cost, it is desirable that this withstand voltage is low. Therefore, in the current semiconductor process, it is necessary to cope with partial rewriting in units of rows in order to reduce the required breakdown voltage.
[0076]
In this case, the first processing unit 4 needs to have at least one row of image memory in the first memory 5.
[0077]
In the case of Japanese, the memory is 640 × 24 dots. In this case, in order to rewrite "I", it is necessary to rewrite one line, that is, 640 dots, for 24 lines.
[0078]
The previous image is read from the image memory 41 of the first processing unit 5, the pattern of "I" is read from the first font ROM 40, and combined to form an image for one line. Based on this information, one line of the display unit 2 is rewritten via the display circuit 8. At the same time, the new one-line image is stored in the image memory 41. This completes the display change of “I”.
[0079]
In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, when the second font ROM 43 is used, only one line of code information is required, and the first font ROM 40 and the image memory 41 are not required. In this case, the data for one line is about 40 characters and two-byte characters, and 40 × 2 = 80B per line may be sufficient. In this case, the code information for the entire screen can be stored in the first memory 5.
[0080]
The display of "I" is completed by the above two methods. In this case, the processing of the second processing unit 7 is not performed at all, as shown in FIG.
[0081]
Similarly, the display corresponding to the key input of "space" at t2, "L" at t3, "i" at t4, "v" at t5, and "e" at t6 is performed only by the first processing unit 4. . Although the processing speed of the first processing unit 4 is significantly lower than that of the second processing unit 7, the processing speed is sufficient for performing one-line display processing. Thereby, low power consumption is achieved.
[0082]
FIG. 20t7 shows a state in which a key input for instructing a large amount of processing, for example, a spell check at the time of WP input, a translation processing from Japanese to English, and a Japanese kana-kanji conversion processing spreadsheet calculation instruction is included. .
[0083]
In this case, the first processing unit 4 determines that the processing of the second processing unit 7 is necessary, and activates the second processing unit 7 at t71. This activation state is the same as that described in the first embodiment. The second processing unit 7 is activated at t71 and returns to the processing state before the interruption, and performs the processing of receiving the information of the character string from the first processing unit 4 as shown in FIG. At t72 as in b, the display content of the display unit 2 is changed via the display circuit 8.
[0084]
This progress can be easily explained by using an input example of a translation process from Japanese to English. In FIG. 20f, K is key-input at t2, and K is displayed as it is in FIG. 20h. When "a" is input at t1, "ka" is displayed as shown in FIG. 20h.
[0085]
Up to this point, the second processing unit 7 does not operate as shown in FIG. When the translation conversion key is pressed at t7, the processing of the second processing section 7 starts at t71, and the Japanese of "kareha" is translated into English of "He is" by the translation processing. The result of this processing is sent to the display circuit 8, where dot rewriting is performed.
[0086]
“He is” is displayed as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20g, the power consumption at the time of dot rewriting is smaller than the power consumption at the time of line rewriting shown in FIG. 20d.
[0087]
Next, if the black and white inversion mode is used as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B to reduce the power consumption at the time of moving the cursor with reference to FIG. 21, the power consumption is large in the case of line rewriting. Therefore, by displaying the horizontal bar cursor using the lines between the lines as in (c) and (d) of FIG. 21, it is not necessary to rewrite the display of one line, and power can be saved. Further, since the processing speed is increased, the response speed is increased even if the processing is performed by the first processing unit 4 having a low speed. This is also effective in the dot rewriting mode.
[0088]
As shown in FIG. 22A, a horizontal bar cursor is used only for moving the cursor. In this case, it is more effective to intermittently display black and white by the first processing unit 4 in order to make it more conspicuous. Only when a key input is made as shown in FIG. By this switching, at least the power consumption at the time of moving the cursor is reduced.
[0089]
(A) to (h) of FIG. 22 correspond to FIG. 20 from t1 to t7, and (i) shows a display at the time of reconversion.
[0090]
FIGS. 23 (a) to (g) show the state when inserting and inputting into the text at the time of dot rewriting. When the second font ROM is used in the configuration of FIG. 16, all the kanji codes are stored in the first font ROM 40. Therefore, it is necessary to store one line of image information in the image memory 41. 23 (c) to (d), the image "n" is restored from the image memory 41, so that the display (d) is performed without using the second processing unit 7 or the two-font ROM 43. Becomes possible.
[0091]
FIGS. 24A to 24G show a state in which a character string "He is man" is copied. (a) to (f) can be processed only by the first processing unit 4. (g) can be almost processed by the capability of the first processing unit 4 because an insertion process is required. The second processing unit 7 operates.
[0092]
In the case of the second embodiment, since the first processing unit 4 of low power consumption processes most of the parts that were processed by the second processing unit 7 in the first embodiment, the average power consumption is further reduced as compared with the first embodiment. It has the effect of going down.
[0093]
However, the optimal value of the sharing ratio between the first processing unit and the second processing unit differs depending on WP and spreadsheet software. Therefore, the first processing unit 4 can change the content of the allocation by software and optimize the balance between the power consumption and the processing speed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 25, by adding the video memory 82 to the display block 99 and connecting the first processing unit 4 to the connection line 96, the previous display image is in the video memory 82, so that the image of FIG. The memory 41 can be omitted.
[0094]
(Example 3)
FIG. 26 is a block diagram in the case of the third embodiment. The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is, as apparent from FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, a start command is sent from the first processing block 1 to the second processing block 98 via the start command line 80. Both end orders have been sent. Also, both the start command and the end command were sent from the first processing block 1 to the display block unit 99 via the display start command line 81.
[0095]
However, in the third embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 26, first, there is no display activation command line 81 to the display block 99. Next, in the start command line 80, only a start command is sent from the first processing block 1 to the second processing block 98, but no end command is sent.
[0096]
When the second processing unit 7 completes the processing, it performs the stop processing by itself and enters the power saving mode. The display block 99 is activated by issuing a display activation command to the display block 99 via the data line 84 when the second processing unit 7 determines that a display change is necessary, and is activated. When the display change on the display unit 2 is completed, the operation of the display unit lock 99 stops, and the display unit enters the display power saving mode. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart is divided into three parts: a first processing step group 151, a second processing step group 152, and a display step group 153. First, the difference from the start and stop of the second processing block 98 will be described.
[0097]
The difference from the flowchart of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment is that there is no control flow from the second processing block 98, that is, the second processing step group 152, to the first processing block 1, that is, the first processing step group 151, as is apparent from the drawing. That is, the first processing unit 4 sends an instruction to activate the second processing unit 7 to the second processing unit 7 in step 112, and the second processing unit 7 is activated. Only this point is common to the first embodiment. Regarding the stop, the function of the second processing unit is automatically stopped in step 121 without receiving the command from the first processing unit 4 different from the first embodiment. Then, in step 103, an information input standby state is set.
[0098]
Next, a difference from the first embodiment in starting and stopping the display block 99 will be described.
[0099]
In the first embodiment, the second processing unit 7 sends a display start instruction to the first processing block 99 with the display completion information. However, in the third embodiment, the second processing block 98 sends an activation command to the display block 99 in step 115a of FIG. 27, the display block 99 is activated in the display step 116, and the display content is changed in step 117. After confirming the display change in step 118, in step 119, the display block 99 is stopped by itself.
[0100]
As described above, the third embodiment has the same function as the first embodiment, but the stop of the second processing block 98 and the stop of the display block 99 are automatically performed.
[0101]
Further, the activation instruction of the display block 99 is issued by the second processing block 98. Therefore, there is an effect that the load on the first processing block 1 is reduced, and not only the overall speed is increased but also the configuration is simplified.
[0102]
(Example 4)
FIG. 28 shows a block diagram of the fourth embodiment. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment discloses a power saving method according to the present invention in a case where input / output such as communication with the outside is provided. The information processing apparatus has an input / output unit 50 for input / output with the outside in an information input block 97, and has a communication port 51 and an external interface unit 52 therein. When there is input / output, the operation is performed as shown in the timing chart of FIG. This operates in a manner similar to the timing chart for key input shown in FIG. When the inputs from the communication ports shown in FIG. 29A are t1 to t74, the communication port unit 51 in the input / output unit 50 sends a signal to the first processing block 1. At t1, the first processing unit 4 sends the input information to the display circuit 8 and operates as shown in FIG. 29D to rewrite the display on the display unit as shown in FIG. 29E. Then, the second processing unit 7 is activated at t = t71 as shown in FIG.
[0103]
The second processing unit 7 sends a start command at t = t7, starts the display circuit 8, and rewrites the display unit 2. In the third embodiment, when there is input / output via communication or the like, the second processing unit 7 does not operate for an input that does not involve large processing, and the first processing unit 4 or the input / output unit 50 performs input / output processing. And display processing. For this reason, there is an effect of power saving at the time of input / output operation.
[0104]
In the fourth embodiment, since a solar cell is used, there is an effect that power consumption is further reduced and the device can be used for a long time.
[0105]
There is also a surface that the solar cell does not operate if the light stops, but by arranging the solar cell 60 on the same surface as the display unit 2, when the solar cell does not operate, the display contents of the display unit 2 and the keys on the keyboard are not used. can not see.
[0106]
Therefore, in reality, there is no problem. In a dark environment, for example, in the case of WP input in a lecture during a slide show, a key input activates the power holding circuit, and the first processing unit 4 operates.
[0107]
(Example 5)
FIG. 30 shows a block diagram of the fifth embodiment, in which a solar cell 60 is added as a power supply. Since the speed of the first processing unit 4 is low, the power consumption is extremely small. Therefore, it can be driven by a solar cell. The operation is almost the same as in the first embodiment, and the operation is not changed. However, in the case of a solar cell, the power supply is stopped when the amount of incident light decreases. When the operation is stopped, first, the power supply from the power supply unit 61 is switched. When neither key input nor power supply from the solar cell 60 is lost for a long period of time, the power-off mode is entered as shown at t = t61 in FIG. 31B, and the first processing unit 4 saves processing information in the first memory 5. To stop the operation. In this case the power consumption is reduced. Then, at t = t71, when the power is supplied from the solar cell 60 or when there is a key input from the information input unit 3, the operation is started, and the original operation is started again by the key input at t72.
[0108]
Here, an example of a method of activating the first processing unit 4 by key input will be described. As shown in FIG. 32, the key input unit 62 of the information input unit 3 sends the voltage from the battery 64 to the holding circuit 63. Therefore, when the key is pressed, the holding circuit 63 sends power to the first processing unit 4 and activates the first processing unit 4. At this time, the key input unit 62 sends the key input information to the first processing unit 4 in parallel, and the processing is restarted. FIG. 33 is a block diagram when the first processing unit 4 and the second processing unit 7 are shared.
[0109]
In this case, each key of the key input section 62 may have two types of power supply switch and key input SW.
[0110]
Embodiment 5 is intended to further reduce power consumption. The design also allows for laptops that do not require battery replacement for more than a few years. In addition, as shown in FIG. 33, the first processing unit and the second processing unit can be combined into one and used in the first to fifth embodiments.
[0111]
(Example 6)
Embodiment 6 is a case where the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus using an optical disk such as an 8 mm CD-ROM.
[0112]
FIG. 34 is a block diagram. The information input block 97 is connected to a CD-ROM drive 301 of a CD-ROM and a keyboard 201.
[0113]
FIG. 35 is a perspective view. When the CD-ROM player 312 inserts the optical disk 315 such as the keyboard 201 and the liquid crystal 208 CD-ROM into the optical disk insertion unit 316, an activation signal is generated in the activation unit 221 in FIG. 34, and the second processing unit 7 is activated.
[0114]
Another example is that the code signal is sent from the first processing unit 4 to the starting unit 221 by the input from the keyboard 201, the second processing unit 7 is started, and the second processing unit 7 stops after the processing is completed. Is the same as
[0115]
This feature extends the battery life of portable equipment such as CD-ROM players due to power dissipation. In particular, a feature of the present embodiment is that the activation unit 221 is activated in response to an insertion signal from the CD drive 301, and the second processing unit 7 is activated by inserting or removing an optical disk 315 such as a CD-ROM.
[0116]
(Example 7)
Embodiment 7 shows a case where the present invention is applied to a digital tape recorder. 36 and 37 show an application example of a digital audio tape recorder 312 such as a DAT, which has a liquid crystal 208 and a cassette insertion port 314. By inserting the digital audio tape 313 into the cassette insertion slot 314, a signal is sent to the start-up unit 221 via the first processing unit 4 in response to an insertion signal from the digital tape drive 311 as shown in the block diagram of FIG. Then, the second processing unit 7 is activated.
[0117]
When the second processing unit 7 is stopped by the insertion and removal of the digital audio tape 313, there is an effect that the operation is started in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the tape by the operator.
[0118]
According to a trial calculation based on our simulation, it is operated with WP software, and if there is an average power consumption of 5 W without using the present invention, it becomes several tens mw by using the present invention. Therefore, the conventional secondary battery can be used for about several hundred hours, and the use of a highly efficient primary battery such as a lithium battery can be used for more than 1000 hours. In other words, a notebook personal computer that lasts one year or more even when used for five hours a month can be used for a long time without replacing the battery like a pocket calculator. At this time, the speed of development and the increase in the number of pixels are being promoted. The user is released from the hassle of charging. The present invention releases a notebook computer from a power cord and a charger. Conventionally, attention has been paid to the application of ferroelectric liquid crystals to high speed and high resolution. The point of view of the present invention is to focus on the reduction of power consumption, which has not been noticed at all in ferroelectric liquid crystals.
[0119]
This type of focus has never been seen before, and the effect on power saving of highly functional portable information devices such as notebook personal computers, which are expected to grow in the future, is high.
[0120]
Although a ferroelectric liquid crystal is used as a display element having a memory effect as an example, it can be used as another memory type display element such as a smectic liquid crystal or an electrochromic display element. Although the liquid crystal is an example of a simple matrix drive type liquid crystal, a TFT liquid crystal drive can also be used.
[0121]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when detecting that the non-use state has continued for a certain period of time, or when the main processing is completed, the power of the main processing unit is stopped and the display of the display unit is simultaneously continued. A processing device can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a timing chart according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the principle of operation of the display unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a screen view of a display unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a specific example of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is another block diagram showing the configuration of a specific embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is another block diagram showing the configuration of a specific embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a specific embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is another block diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an operation principle diagram of a reflection element in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation principle of a reflector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation principle of another reflector according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a block diagram around a first processing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram around another second processing unit in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a timing chart for explaining Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a display state diagram of a cursor for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a front view of a display unit at the time of translation processing for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a front view of an additional input display unit for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a display diagram in a copy mode for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a modification for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a block diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a block diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a timing chart for explaining Example 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a block diagram for explaining Embodiment 5 of the present invention;
FIG. 31 is a timing chart for explaining Example 5 of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an information unit input unit for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 33 is a block diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which a first processing unit and a second processing unit are shared;
FIG. 34 is a block diagram for explaining Embodiment 6 of the present invention;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view for explaining Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 36 is a block diagram for explaining Embodiment 7 of the present invention;
FIG. 37 is a perspective view for explaining Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 First processing block
2 Display
3 Information input section
4 First processing unit
5 First memory section
6 Suspension control unit
7 Second processing unit
8 Display circuit section
9 Second memory
11 Horizontal drive
12 Vertical drive
20 Power switch
24 heater
25 Backlight
26 Reflection circuit
27 reflective element
30 opening
32 Incident light
33 reflected light
34 Reflective transmission plate
40 1st font ROM
43 2nd font ROM
82 video memory
98 Second processing block
99 display block
201 Keyboard
202 Flexible disk controller
204 ROM
205 Backup RAM
206 Graphic Controller
207 LCD controller / driver
208 liquid crystal
209 bus

Claims (4)

An information processing device including a backlight, a liquid crystal display unit, and an information input unit for inputting external information from a user ,
The liquid crystal display unit performs display in a transmission mode in which display is performed by transmitted light from the backlight, and in a reflection mode in which display is performed by reflected light of external light,
When the input to the information input unit is interrupted for a certain time or when interrupted for a long time, and when the display of the liquid crystal display unit continues for a certain time, all or a part of the display content of the liquid crystal display unit is displayed. An information processing device characterized by preventing a permanent memory phenomenon by rewriting. An information processing device including a backlight, a liquid crystal display unit, and an information input unit for inputting external information from a user ,
The liquid crystal display unit performs display in a transmission mode in which display is performed by transmitted light from the backlight, and in a reflection mode in which display is performed by reflected light of external light,
When the input to the information input unit is interrupted for a certain time or when interrupted for a long time, and when the display of the liquid crystal display unit continues for a certain time, all or a part of the display content of the liquid crystal display unit is displayed. An information processing device characterized by rewriting. If display in the transmission mode is performed by the pre-Symbol liquid crystal display unit, and determines whether or not a predetermined time, there is an input of the information input unit,
For a predetermined time to the information input unit, when there is no input of the information input unit, the power of the backlight is turned off, display in the reflection mode by the liquid crystal display unit,
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the display is performed in the reflection mode by the liquid crystal display unit, it is determined whether the display on the liquid crystal display unit has been continued for a predetermined time by the liquid crystal display unit. 4. The liquid crystal display unit is provided with a reflective layer and a liquid crystal layer on the display side with respect to the backlight,
The reflective layer is configured to reflect incident light that has entered from the display side through the liquid crystal layer and exit to the display side through the liquid crystal layer,
The reflective layer has a plurality of openings, and is configured such that light from the backlight passes through the openings and transmitted light exits from a display side through the liquid crystal layer. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

Images