JP3591450B2 - Information processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computers as information processing apparatuses in various forms such as a desktop type and a notebook type have become widespread. Such an information processing apparatus generally includes an operating system (hereinafter, referred to as “OS”) that is basic software that manages execution of application software when operating the information processing apparatus and exchanges information between a peripheral device and a main body. Is installed.)
[0003]
Such an OS includes a diskless OS stored in a static storage medium such as a ROM and a disk OS stored in a dynamic storage medium having a drive system such as a floppy disk or a hard disk.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The diskless OS consumes less power than the disk OS, and has a short startup time from when the device is turned on until it becomes usable. Further, the diskless OS does not require a drive system for accessing data, and thus has a lower possibility of data destruction than the disk OS. However, the diskless OS has less functions since the storage capacity of the storage medium is limited as compared with the disk OS, and cannot handle software that requires a large amount of data processing such as document editing software and spreadsheet software. For this reason, information processing apparatuses equipped with a diskless OS are often used in small portable information processing apparatuses such as personal information management tools such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) mainly for displaying schedule management software and mail software and for writing small amounts of data. Widespread.
[0005]
On the other hand, since the disk OS can process a relatively large amount of data, it can handle multi-functional and high-functional software as compared with the diskless OS. However, the disk OS has a longer startup time and consumes more power than the diskless OS. Therefore, an information processing apparatus equipped with a disk OS has a disadvantage that a continuous operation time is short, especially in a portable type driven by a rechargeable battery or the like.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention enables an OS having different functions to be mounted on a single information processing apparatus, so that a single information processing apparatus can cope with a case in which processing is to be performed quickly or a case in which abundant functions are desired. Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus in which power consumption can be reduced by using an OS in accordance with a situation and continuous operation time can be further lengthened.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus configured to include both a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium, An OS (Operating System) is stored in the medium, and an OS different from the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is stored in the static storage medium. The stored OS and another OS stored in the static storage medium can be selectively activated as desired by the user. A primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a driving power source, and a control unit is provided for switching between the primary battery and the secondary battery. When the OS stored in the medium is activated, the secondary battery is selected as a driving power source. I have. Alternatively, a primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a driving power source, and a control unit that switches between the primary battery and the secondary battery is provided. When the OS stored in the storage medium is started, the primary battery is selected as a driving power source. ing.
[0008]
Further, the dynamic storage medium may be configured to be built in, or the dynamic storage medium may be configured to be detachable, or the dynamic storage medium can be added later. It may be configured.
[0010]
Moreover The static storage medium may be configured to be built in, or the static storage medium may be configured to be removable, or the static storage medium may be configured to be added later. It may be.
[0011]
Generally, there is a difference in power consumption during operation between an OS stored in a static storage medium and an OS stored in a dynamic storage medium. Specifically, an OS stored in a static storage medium consumes less power during operation than an OS stored in a dynamic storage medium. In general, an OS stored in a static storage medium has a limited function as compared with an OS stored in a dynamic storage medium.
[0012]
Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the static storage medium and the dynamic storage medium is provided in the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus is operated by the OS stored in the static storage medium. When operating an information processing device for the purpose of using software that can be used, an OS stored in a static storage medium is started, and software that is difficult to operate with an OS stored in a static storage medium is used. By activating the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium only when operating the information processing apparatus for the purpose of performing the operation, the information processing apparatus is always compared with the case of activating the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium. Can reduce overall power consumption. Therefore, particularly when the information processing device is a portable information processing device, the continuous operation time of the information processing device can be further extended by suppressing the overall power consumption to be low.
[0013]
Further, another information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus including a plurality of OSs (operating systems) whose power consumption during operation is different from each other. It is configured so that it can be selectively activated as desired by the user. , The plurality of OSs are stored in a plurality of storage media, and the plurality of storage media include a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium, A primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a driving power source, and a control unit that switches between the primary battery and the secondary battery according to an OS to be started is provided.The control unit includes: When the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is started, the secondary battery is selected as a driving power source. Alternatively, a primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a drive power source, and a control unit that switches between the primary battery and the secondary battery in accordance with an OS to be started is provided. The unit selects the primary battery as a driving power source when an OS stored in the static storage medium is started.
[0014]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the information processing apparatus of this invention, when operating an information processing apparatus for the purpose of using the software which can operate even with the OS whose power consumption during operation is relatively small, the power consumption during operation is relatively small. When the information processing device is operated for the purpose of using software that is difficult to operate on an OS with a relatively low power consumption, it is possible to start the OS with a relatively high power consumption. It is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing apparatus as compared to a case where an OS with a relatively large number of programs is always started. Therefore, particularly when the information processing device is a portable information processing device, the continuous operation time of the information processing device can be further extended by suppressing the overall power consumption to be low.
[0015]
Furthermore, a configuration may be provided in which each of the plurality of OSs includes a device that can be operated in common.
[0016]
Further, a configuration may be employed in which a storage medium for storing data that can be commonly referred to by each of the plurality of OSs is provided.
[0017]
Further, the plurality of OSs may be stored in a single storage medium.
[0018]
Alternatively, the plurality of OSs may be stored in a plurality of storage media.
[0019]
In this case, at least one of the plurality of storage media storing at least one of the plurality of OSs may be configured to be detachable.
[0020]
Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of storage media storing at least one of the plurality of OSs may be configured to be added later.
[0021]
Further, the plurality of storage media may include a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium.
[0022]
In addition, a primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a driving power source, Depending on the OS to be started It is good also as composition provided with the control part which switches between the above-mentioned primary battery and the above-mentioned secondary battery.
[0029]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 1, in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a display unit 4 having a liquid crystal display panel 5 as an output device includes a main body 1 having a keyboard 2 as an input device, The portable personal computer is supported by the hinge portion 3 so as to be openable and closable, that is, foldable.
[0032]
A schematic configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in the main body 1, in addition to the keyboard 2 described above, an HDD unit 8 is built in as a storage device. Further, in addition to the liquid crystal display panel 5 described above, the display unit 3 incorporates a polymer secondary battery unit 7 which is a built-in power supply of the information processing apparatus. The liquid crystal display panel 5 is of a reflective type that does not require a backlight. A control unit 9 for controlling the liquid crystal display panel 5, controlling the HDD unit 8, controlling the charging and discharging of the polymer secondary battery unit 7, and controlling the operation of the entire information processing apparatus is provided in the main body 1. . The program executed by the information processing device is recorded in at least one of the HDD unit 8 and a memory provided in the control unit 9. The control of each device by the control unit 9 is performed based on a program recorded in the HDD unit 8 or the memory.
[0033]
A battery pack 6 for accommodating a plurality of replaceable batteries is detachably provided between the hinge portions 3 on both sides of the display unit 4 that support the display unit 4 so that the display unit 4 can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 1. . Further, it can be operated by power supply from the AC adapter 50. In other words, the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment can use a polymer secondary battery built in the back of the liquid crystal display panel 5 as a power source in addition to a household AC power source. It is also possible to use a dry battery as a primary battery. The supply of power to each device is performed via the control unit 9 as indicated by the thick line in FIG.
[0034]
When the AC adapter 50 is connected, the control unit 9 shuts off the power supply from the polymer secondary battery 7 and the dry battery pack 6 to use the power from the AC adapter 50, and the AC adapter 50 is not connected. Only occasionally, the power supply line is controlled so as to use the electric power from the polymer secondary battery 7 or the dry battery pack 6. The control unit 9 also charges the polymer secondary battery 7 using the power from the AC adapter 50.
[0035]
The structure of the battery pack 6 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the dry battery pack 6 has a plurality of battery accommodating portions that can accommodate two dry batteries 61 as one unit in series and are electrically directly connected to each other. In the present embodiment, four battery housing sections are provided, and the dry batteries 61 are housed in all the battery housing sections, so that a total of eight dry batteries 61 are connected in series.
[0036]
The hinge portion 3 has a function of supporting the display unit 4 with respect to the main body 1 while protecting electric wiring between the main body 1 and the display unit 4. Therefore, the hinge portion 3 does not need to support the display portion 4 over the entire width of the information processing apparatus. In the present embodiment, the hinge portion 3 only supports the display portion 4 on both sides. Therefore, by arranging the battery in the area therebetween, it is possible to secure a power source independent of the AC adapter 50 while minimizing the increase in volume. As a result, it is possible to perform long-time driving outdoors or the like where the AC adapter 50 cannot be used without impairing portability. Further, since the easily-available dry battery 61 can be used as a power source, the discharge of the built-in secondary battery is completed, and even in an environment where the AC adapter 50 cannot be used, the dry battery 61 can be used. The information processing device can be operated by using the information processing device. Further, the dry battery 61 can be easily obtained even if a spare battery is not always carried.
[0037]
A connector 62 for electrical connection between the battery pack 6 and the main body 1 is provided on the front surface of the dry battery pack 6. By pulling the dry battery pack 6 backward from the main body 1, the dry battery pack 6 is separated from the main body 1. Removed. The connector 62 has a plurality of pins for supplying electric power to and from the main body 1 and transmitting information on the batteries contained in the dry battery pack 6. The main body 1 electrically detects that these pins are fitted into the connector of the main body 1, thereby recognizing that the dry battery pack 6 is mounted on the main body 1.
[0038]
When the dry battery pack 6 is mounted on the main body 1, the dry battery pack 6 can be used as a power source, or a polymer secondary battery (hereinafter also referred to as a built-in battery) built in the display unit 4 can be used as a power source. it can. In such a case, the present embodiment preferentially uses the built-in battery and uses the dry battery pack 6 when the capacity of the built-in battery is reduced (built-in battery priority mode). This is because the used batteries are only discarded and the waste is not generated as much as possible.
[0039]
Conversely, the dry battery pack 6 may be used preferentially, and the built-in battery may be used when the capacity of the dry battery pack 6 becomes small (battery pack priority mode). This is based on the idea that dry cells are relatively easy to use, so use built-in batteries as a last resort where no dry cells are available. Which mode is to be set may be set in the control unit 9 in advance, or may be switchable by the user according to preference.
[0040]
In any case, when the battery used preferentially is exhausted, an operation of switching to the other battery is required. This control is performed on the main body side based on battery voltage information sent from a control circuit provided for each battery. At this time, in order to prevent the power supply to each device of the information processing apparatus from being interrupted, a power supply line to be used later is connected, and then a power supply line to be used first is cut off. . Of course, when the AC adapter 50 is connected, the power of the AC adapter 50 is used.
[0041]
Further, when the preferentially used battery is exhausted as described above, one of the internal battery and the dry battery pack 6 may be used instead of switching to the other battery. In this case, when either one of the batteries is exhausted, the operation of the information processing apparatus is stopped after performing a predetermined data saving operation.
[0042]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.
[0043]
In the example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4, a CPU 10, a system controller 11 connected to the CPU 10, a system memory 12 further connected to the system controller 11, an HDD 13, which is a main body of the HDD unit 8, a ROM 14, It has a card controller 15 and other devices 16. The CPU 10, the system controller 11, the system memory 12, and the like constitute a control unit 9 (see FIG. 1) which controls various controls of the information processing apparatus.
[0044]
An ATA card 17 which is a storage card such as a flash memory card is attached to the card controller 15. The ATA card 17 is detachable from the card controller 15 and may be attached from the beginning, or may be attached later as desired by the user. The other devices 16 include input devices such as a keyboard 2 (see FIG. 1) and a mouse, output devices such as a display panel 5 (see FIG. 1), recording devices such as a file device, a modem, and a printer. .
[0045]
The system controller 11 mediates signals between the CPU 10 and other devices connected to the system controller 11. For example, the system controller 11 transmits data to the memory such as the system memory 12 or the ROM 14 or an input / output device. , Or a command signal or data signal extracted from a memory such as the system memory 12 or the ROM 14 to the CPU 10.
[0046]
In this example, the disk OS is stored in the HDD 13 which is a dynamic recording medium, and the diskless OS is stored in the ATA card 17 which is a static recording medium. This information processing apparatus is configured so that a diskless OS and a disk OS can be selected and activated according to a user's request. For example, when a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a normal power button (not shown) are pressed together, or a dedicated power button (not shown) is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus, the diskless OS starts up. When the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on by pressing only a normal power button, the disk OS is started.
[0047]
Further, the HDD 13 stores relatively multifunctional and highly functional software such as document editing software and spreadsheet software, and the ATA card 17 requires relatively high processing capability such as schedule management software and mail software. No software is stored. In the ROM 14, a POST (Power-On Self Test) program and a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) are written.
[0048]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an OS startup operation in the information processing apparatus configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an OS startup operation in the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of each system configuration when the diskless OS is started.
[0049]
First, the user selects beforehand which of the diskless OS and the disk OS to activate, and turns on the information processing apparatus (S1). At this time, when the diskless OS is selected, a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 (see FIG. 1) and a normal power button are pressed together, or a dedicated power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus. Then, when selecting the disk OS, only the normal power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus. When using software that does not require a relatively high processing capacity, such as schedule management software or mail software, start a diskless OS and use a relatively multifunctional software such as document editing software, spreadsheet software, or image editing software. -When using sophisticated software, start the disk OS.
[0050]
Next, the control unit 9 (see FIG. 1) in the information processing apparatus determines whether a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and the power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or whether only the power button is pressed. It is determined whether to start the diskless OS (S2).
[0051]
When a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or a dedicated power button is pressed and the diskless OS is started, the control unit 9 in the information processing apparatus is not used in the diskless OS. The device 16b and the HDD 13 are set to the OFF state (S3), and the device 16a used in the diskless OS is initialized and diagnosed (S4). Further, the card controller 15 is initialized and the ATA card 17 is set to a predetermined state (S5).
[0052]
Then, the diskless OS stored in the ATA card 17 is started (S7), and the information processing device is enabled. Thereafter, the user can perform relatively simple information processing such as schedule management and transmission / reception of e-mail by operating schedule management software, mail software, and the like on the diskless OS.
[0053]
On the other hand, when only the power button is pressed when the power is turned on and the disk OS is started, the control unit 9 initializes and diagnoses all devices in the system, and performs normal POST processing and BIOS setup processing ( S6).
[0054]
Then, in this case, the disk OS (see FIG. 4) stored in the HDD 13 is started (S7), and the information processing apparatus is enabled. Thereafter, the user can perform relatively high-level information processing such as document editing, spreadsheet, or image editing by operating document editing software, spreadsheet software, or image editing software on the disk OS. .
[0055]
The other devices 16 are configured so that both the disk OS and the diskless OS can operate in common via the control unit 9. Further, a recording medium such as the ROM 14 and the ATA card 17 stores data that can be commonly referred to by both the disk OS and the diskless OS via the control unit 9.
[0056]
As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes both the diskless OS and the disk OS, and further can select and start any one of the diskless OS and the disk OS as desired by the user. It is configured to be able to.
[0057]
As described above, a diskless OS stored in a static storage medium has a relatively low power consumption, whereas a disk OS stored in a dynamic storage medium has a relatively low power consumption. There are many OSs. Therefore, when the information processing apparatus is started for the purpose of using software that can be operated even by a diskless OS such as schedule management software and mail software, the diskless OS is selected, and the diskless OS such as document editing software and spreadsheet software is selected. When the information processing apparatus is started for the purpose of using software that is difficult to operate, the overall power consumption of the information processing apparatus is selected by selecting the disk OS as compared with the case where the disk OS is always started. The amount can be reduced.
[0058]
Therefore, in particular, when the information processing apparatus is a portable type driven by a battery, the diskless OS is used when the information processing apparatus is used in a place where the AC adapter cannot be used. And the continuous operation time of the information processing apparatus can be further lengthened.
[0059]
Here, when the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a secondary battery and a primary battery, and is configured to be able to select a driving power source from the secondary battery and a driving power source from the primary battery, When starting the disk OS, it is preferable to use the secondary battery as the driving power source, and when starting the diskless OS, it is preferable to use the primary battery or the secondary battery as the driving power source.
[0060]
Since the supply power of a primary battery such as a dry battery suddenly drops at the end of discharge, if the disk OS is started using the primary battery as a drive power source, the primary battery only drives the drive system of the HDD at the end of discharge. Power cannot be supplied, necessary data cannot be stored on the disk, and data may be destroyed. In particular, when the primary battery is used as a driving power source after the secondary battery (built-in battery) is used up first, such a problem may occur because the secondary battery can no longer be used as a backup power source. Therefore, when starting the disk OS, it is preferable to use a secondary battery as a drive power supply.
[0061]
When the diskless OS is started, the primary battery or the secondary battery can be used as the drive power source. However, the drive power source for starting the disk OS is limited to the secondary battery as described above. From the viewpoint of securing a longer use time of the information processing apparatus when the computer is activated, it is more preferable to use a primary battery as a driving power source when the diskless OS is activated.
[0062]
Such a power supply selection operation is performed by the control unit 9 based on which of the diskless OS and the disk OS is activated.
[0063]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0064]
The system configuration example of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 7 includes a CPU 20, a system controller 21 connected to the CPU 20, a system memory 22, an HDD 23, a ROM 24, and other devices 25 further connected to the system controller 21. are doing. The other devices 25 include an input device such as the keyboard 2 and a mouse, an output device such as a display device, a file device, a modem, and a recording device such as a printer. Unlike the system configuration shown in FIG. 4, the system configuration shown in FIG. 7 does not include a card controller and an ATA card. The ROM 24 is built in the information processing device.
[0065]
In this example, the disk OS is stored in the HDD 23 which is a dynamic recording medium, and the diskless OS is stored in the ROM 24 which is a static recording medium. This information processing apparatus is also configured so that a diskless OS and a disk OS can be selected and activated according to a user's request. For example, when a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a normal power button are pressed together, or a dedicated power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus, the diskless OS is started, and only the normal power button is pressed. When the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on, the disk OS is started.
[0066]
Further, the HDD 23 stores relatively multifunctional / highly functional software such as document editing software and spreadsheet software, and the ROM 24 stores software that does not require relatively high processing capability such as schedule management software and mail software. Is stored. Further, a ROM (Power-On Self Test) program and a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) are written in the ROM 24.
[0067]
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an OS startup operation in the information processing apparatus configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an OS boot operation in the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG.
[0068]
First, the user selects beforehand which of the diskless OS and the disk OS to activate, and turns on the power of the information processing apparatus (S11). At this time, when the diskless OS is selected, a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a normal power button are pressed together, or a dedicated power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus, and the disk OS is turned on. When selecting, the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on by pressing only the normal power button. When using software that does not require a relatively high processing capacity, such as schedule management software or mail software, start a diskless OS and use a relatively multifunctional software such as document editing software, spreadsheet software, or image editing software. -When using sophisticated software, start the disk OS.
[0069]
Next, the control unit 9 in the information processing apparatus activates the diskless OS based on whether the predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and the power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or whether only the power button is pressed. It is determined whether or not (S12).
[0070]
When a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a power button are pressed together when the power is turned on or a dedicated power button is pressed and the diskless OS is started, the control unit 9 in the information processing apparatus The devices not used by the diskless OS and the HDD 23 are set to the OFF state (S13), and the devices used by the diskless OS are initialized and diagnosed (S14).
[0071]
Then, the diskless OS stored in the ROM 24 is started (S16), and the information processing device is enabled. Thereafter, the user can perform relatively simple information processing such as schedule management and transmission / reception of e-mail by operating schedule management software, mail software, and the like on the diskless OS.
[0072]
On the other hand, when only the power button is pressed when the power is turned on and the disk OS is started, the control unit 9 initializes and diagnoses all devices in the system, and performs normal POST processing and BIOS setup processing ( S15).
[0073]
Then, in this case, the disk OS (see FIG. 7) stored in the HDD 23 is started (S16), and the information processing apparatus is enabled. Thereafter, the user can perform relatively advanced information processing such as document editing, spreadsheet, or image editing by activating document editing software, spreadsheet software, or image editing software on the disk OS. .
[0074]
As described above, the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG. 7 also includes both a diskless OS and a disk OS, and further selects one of the diskless OS and the disk OS as desired by the user. It is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing apparatus as compared with the case where the disk OS is always started, and in particular, the information processing apparatus In the case of a portable information processing device driven by a computer, when the information processing device is used in a place where an AC adapter cannot be used, a diskless OS is used to reduce the overall power consumption. Can be made longer.
[0075]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing still another example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.
[0076]
In the example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9, a CPU 30, a system controller 31 connected to the CPU 30, a system memory 32 further connected to the system controller 31, an HDD 33 serving as a main body of the HDD unit 8, a ROM 34, It has a card controller 35 and other devices 36. The CPU 30, the system controller 31, the system memory 32, and the like constitute a control unit 9 (see FIG. 1) that controls various controls of the information processing apparatus. The POST program and the BIOS are written in the ROM 34.
[0077]
In this configuration example, a PC card 37 as a memory card is attached to the card controller 35. Further, the HDD 33 of this configuration example is configured to be detachable from the information processing apparatus. The HDD 33 may be built in the information processing apparatus from the beginning, or may be added later as desired by the user. The other devices 36 include input devices such as a keyboard 2 (see FIG. 1) and a mouse, output devices such as a display panel 5 (see FIG. 1), recording devices such as a file device, a modem, and a printer. .
[0078]
In this example, the disk OS is stored in the HDD 33 which is a dynamic recording medium, and the diskless OS is stored in the PC card 37 which is a static recording medium. This information processing apparatus is also configured so that a diskless OS and a disk OS can be selected and activated according to a user's request. For example, when a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a normal power button (not shown) are pressed together, or a dedicated power button (not shown) is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus, the diskless OS starts up. When the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on by pressing only a normal power button, the disk OS is started. Alternatively, the user may set the OS to be preferentially activated in the BIOS of the ROM 34 in advance.
[0079]
Further, the HDD 33 stores relatively multifunctional and highly functional software such as document editing software and spreadsheet software, and the PC card 37 requires relatively high processing capability such as schedule management software and mail software. No software is stored.
[0080]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an OS startup operation in the information processing apparatus configured as described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an OS start operation in the information processing apparatus configured as in FIG.
[0081]
First, the user selects beforehand which of the diskless OS and the disk OS to activate, and turns on the power of the information processing apparatus (S21). At this time, when the diskless OS is selected, a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 (see FIG. 1) and a normal power button are pressed together, or a dedicated power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus. Then, when selecting the disk OS, only the normal power button is pressed to turn on the information processing apparatus. When using software that does not require a relatively high processing capacity, such as schedule management software or mail software, start a diskless OS and use a relatively multifunctional software such as document editing software, spreadsheet software, or image editing software. -When using sophisticated software, start the disk OS.
[0082]
Next, the control unit 9 (see FIG. 1) in the information processing apparatus determines whether a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and the power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or whether only the power button is pressed. It is determined whether to start the diskless OS (S22).
[0083]
When a predetermined key of the keyboard 2 and a power button are pressed together when the power is turned on, or a dedicated power button is pressed and the diskless OS is started, the control unit 9 in the information processing apparatus is not used in the diskless OS. The device and the HDD 23 are set to the OFF state (S23), and the device used in the diskless OS is initialized and diagnosed (S24). Further, the card controller 25 is initialized and the PC card 37 is set in a predetermined state (S25).
[0084]
Then, the diskless OS stored in the PC card 37 is activated (S27), and the information processing apparatus is in a usable state. Thereafter, the user can perform relatively simple information processing such as schedule management and transmission / reception of e-mail by operating schedule management software, mail software, and the like on the diskless OS.
[0085]
On the other hand, when only the power button is pressed when the power is turned on and the disk OS is started, the control unit 9 initializes and diagnoses all devices in the system, and performs normal POST processing and BIOS setup processing ( S26).
[0086]
Then, in this case, the disk OS stored in the HDD 33 is started (S27), and the information processing device is enabled. Thereafter, the user can perform relatively high-level information processing such as document editing, spreadsheet, or image editing by operating document editing software, spreadsheet software, or image editing software on the disk OS. .
[0087]
The other devices 36 are configured such that both the disk OS and the diskless OS can operate in common via the control unit 9. Further, a recording medium such as the ROM 34 and the PC card 37 stores data that can be commonly referred to by both the disk OS and the diskless OS via the control unit 9.
[0088]
Thus, the information processing apparatus configured as shown in FIG. 9 also includes both a diskless OS and a disk OS, and further selects one of the diskless OS and the disk OS as desired by the user. It is possible to reduce the overall power consumption of the information processing apparatus as compared with the case where the disk OS is always started, and in particular, the information processing apparatus In the case of a portable information processing device driven by a computer, when the information processing device is used in a place where an AC adapter cannot be used, a diskless OS is used to reduce the overall power consumption. Can be made longer.
[0089]
In the above description, the OS stored in the dynamic recording medium is described as an OS with relatively large power consumption, and the OS stored in the static recording medium is described as a large OS with relatively small power consumption. Instead of distinguishing the difference in power consumption depending on the storage medium on which the OS is stored, the difference in power consumption may be distinguished based on the difference in power consumption in the specifications of the OS itself. For example, by storing a plurality of OSs having different power consumptions in the specification on a single recording medium and selecting which OS to start according to the application as described above, the information processing can be similarly performed. The overall power consumption of the device can be reduced.
[0090]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, an OS having different functions can be mounted on a single information processing apparatus, and one information processing apparatus can be used even when it is desired to perform processing quickly or to make full use of various functions. It is possible to provide an information processing device that can be handled by the device and that can reduce power consumption by using an OS properly according to the situation, and that can make the continuous operation time longer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG.
3A and 3B are views for explaining the structure of the dry battery pack shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 3A is a plan view showing a part of a main body cut away, and FIG. 3B is a right side view.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an OS startup operation in the information processing apparatus configured as in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of each system configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 when a diskless OS is activated.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another example of the system configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an OS activation operation in the information processing apparatus configured as in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing still another system configuration example of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an OS startup operation in the information processing apparatus configured as in FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 body
2 keyboard
3 hinge part
4 Display
5 Liquid crystal display panel
6 dry battery pack
7. Polymer secondary battery unit
8 HDD unit
9 Control unit
10,20,30 CPU
11, 21, 31 System controller
12, 22, 32 system memory
13,23,33 HDD
14, 24, 34 ROM
15,35 Card controller
16, 16a, 16b, 25, 36 Other devices
17 ATA card
37 PC Card
50 AC adapter
61 dry batteries
62 Connector

Claims (14)

An information processing apparatus configured to be able to have both a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium,
An OS (operating system) is stored in the dynamic storage medium, and an OS different from the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is stored in the static storage medium.
A configuration in which an OS stored in the dynamic storage medium and another OS stored in the static storage medium can be selectively activated as desired by a user. And
A primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a drive power source, and a control unit that switches between the primary battery and the secondary battery is provided,
The information processing device, wherein the control unit selects the secondary battery as a driving power source when an OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is activated. An information processing apparatus configured to be able to have both a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium,
An OS (operating system) is stored in the dynamic storage medium, and an OS different from the OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is stored in the static storage medium.
A configuration in which an OS stored in the dynamic storage medium and another OS stored in the static storage medium can be selectively activated as desired by a user. And
A primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a drive power source, and a control unit that switches between the primary battery and the secondary battery is provided,
The information processing device, wherein the control unit selects the primary battery as a driving power source when an OS stored in the static storage medium is started. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic storage medium is incorporated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic storage medium is configured to be detachable. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic storage medium is configured to be added later. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the static storage medium is included. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the static storage medium is configured to be detachable. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the static storage medium is configured to be added later. An information processing apparatus including a plurality of OSs (operating systems) having different power consumptions during operation,
Any of the plurality of OSs is configured to be selectively activated as desired by a user,
The plurality of OSs are stored in a plurality of storage media, and the plurality of storage media include a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium,
A primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a drive power source, and a control unit that switches between the primary battery and the secondary battery according to an OS to be started is provided,
The information processing device, wherein the control unit selects the secondary battery as a driving power source when an OS stored in the dynamic storage medium is activated. An information processing apparatus including a plurality of OSs (operating systems) having different power consumptions during operation,
Any of the plurality of OSs is configured to be selectively activated as desired by a user,
The plurality of OSs are stored in a plurality of storage media, and the plurality of storage media include a dynamic storage medium and a static storage medium,
A primary battery and a secondary battery are selectably provided as a drive power source, and a control unit that switches between the primary battery and the secondary battery according to an OS to be started is provided,
The information processing device, wherein the control unit selects the primary battery as a driving power source when an OS stored in the static storage medium is started. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a device that allows each of the plurality of OSs to operate in common. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a storage medium that stores data that can be commonly referred to by each of the plurality of OSs. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein at least one of the plurality of storage media storing at least one of the plurality of OSs is detachably configured. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein at least one of the plurality of storage media storing at least one of the plurality of OSs is configured to be added later.

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