JP5075745B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an audio signal output control technique suitable for application to a personal computer having an image reproduction function capable of transmitting a video signal to, for example, a television broadcast receiver.

  In recent years, personal computers having functions for receiving and viewing television broadcast program data and playing back AV (Audio and Visual) content stored on a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) have become widespread. Thus, for example, if a notebook-type personal computer that can be driven by a battery is carried, image data (including sound) can be used even while moving or away from home.

  Recently, the definition of video has been increased, and personal computers capable of reproducing high-definition image data stored in a recording medium of the HD (High Definition) DVD standard have begun to spread. Since this type of personal computer is generally equipped with a mechanism for outputting high-definition video signals externally, it can be played back on the personal computer by connecting it to a large-screen high-definition television broadcast receiver, for example, at home. It is also possible to enjoy the high-definition video that has been made with a large-screen high-definition television broadcast receiver.

As in the case where the personal computer and the television broadcast receiver are connected, there is an increasing use form in which a plurality of electronic devices each having a function of reproducing image data and audio data are connected. For this reason, for example, various proposals for efficiently performing source switching have been made (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-7-192443

  By the way, in the personal computer, resource management is performed centrally by an operating system (OS), and an output destination of a video signal and an output destination of an audio signal are set under the control of the OS. Since the interfaces for making these settings are currently prepared individually, as described above, the high-definition video reproduced on the personal computer can be enjoyed with a large-screen high-definition television broadcast receiver. In such a case, two operations of (1) switching the output destination of the video signal to the television broadcast receiver and (2) switching the output destination of the audio signal to the television broadcast receiver must be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, the output of the audio signal, to provide an information processing apparatus for realizing that performed by association with the operation for switching the output destination of the video signal For the purpose.

According to the embodiment, the information processing apparatus includes a keyboard, a speaker, a connector for outputting an audio signal, a sound driver that controls output of the audio signal to the speaker and the connector, and an output destination of the image signal. The output destination of the audio signal from the sound driver is the connector, the speaker, or the connector and the speaker according to a key code by a predetermined operation of the keyboard provided for switching. Output destination control means for changing whether or not both are included.

The output of the audio signal, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus for realizing that performed by association with the operation for switching the output destination of the video signal.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows one usage mode of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 is realized as a notebook personal computer (PC), for example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, here, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the video equipment 2 via an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable A. The video equipment 2 is a large-screen high-definition television broadcast receiver (TV). Various software (application programs) for reproducing high-definition image data is installed in the information processing apparatus 1, and high-definition video reproduced by these application programs can be enjoyed by the video equipment 2 by connecting with the HDMI cable A. be able to. Further, the information processing apparatus 1 and the video equipment 2 connected by the HDMI cable A can mutually transmit and receive various commands for controlling the operation of the connection partner via the HDMI cable A.

  Here, a basic output control mechanism of the video signal and the audio signal in the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Resource management of the information processing apparatus 1 realized as a personal computer or the like is performed centrally by the OS, and switching of the output destination of the video signal and the audio signal is performed by a display driver and a sound controller which are modules in the OS. Are controlled.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, the video signal is output by a display driver, for example, displayed on an LCD or the like, or externally output via an HDMI connector. Or is set. For example, the setting for switching from the display on the LCD or the like to the external output via the HDMI connector is not limited to when an explicit operation is performed by the user, but the information processing apparatus 1 is turned on by a command from the video equipment 2. This is caused by various events.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, the output of the audio signal is set, for example, as a speaker output or an external output via the HDMI connector, by the sound driver. The settings by these sound drivers are completely independent of the settings by the display driver (according to OS specifications).

  Therefore, for example, a user who has performed an operation of switching the output destination of the video signal to the video device 2 considering that the video reproduced by the information processing apparatus 1 is to be enjoyed by the video device 2 (sound is also enjoyed by the video device 2). In order to follow this video signal, an operation of switching the output destination of the audio signal to the video device 2 is performed. The information processing apparatus 1 provides a mechanism that enables output of an audio signal to such a video device 2 in conjunction with the output of the video signal (without user intervention). This point will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge 12, a main memory 13, a graphics controller 14, a VRAM 14A, a display 15, a south bridge 16, a BIOS-ROM 17, an HDD 18, a magneto-optical disk drive ( ODD) 19, sound controller 20, speaker 21, embedded controller / keyboard controller (EC / KBC) 22, keyboard 23, touch pad 24, network controller 25, HDMI connector 26, CEC (bidirectional control between devices) controller 27, etc. I have.

  The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of each unit in the information processing apparatus 1. The CPU 11 executes various programs including an operating system (OS) 100 loaded from the HDD 18 to the main memory 13 and utilities that operate under the control of the OS 100 and applications that handle AV contents. As one of the utilities, there is a video / sound output interlocking utility 101 described later. The CPU 11 also executes a basic input / output system (BIOS) stored in the BIOS-ROM 17. Hereinafter, the basic input / output system itself stored in the BIOS-ROM 17 may be referred to as the BIOS 17.

  The north bridge 12 is a bridge device that connects the local bus of the CPU 11 and the south bridge 16. The north bridge 12 has a function of executing communication with the graphics controller 14 via a bus, and also includes a memory controller that controls access to the main memory 13. The graphics controller 14 is a display controller that controls the display 15 on the information processing apparatus 1 side. The graphics controller 14 generates a video signal to be sent to the display 15 from the image data written in the VRAM 14A. The graphics controller 14 also has a function of outputting a video signal from the HDMI connector 26 to the outside.

  The south bridge 16 is a controller that controls various devices on the PCI bus and the LPC bus. The south bridge 16 is directly connected to the BIOS-ROM 17, the HDD 18, the ODD 19, and the sound controller 20, and has a function of controlling them. The HDD 18 stores, for example, television broadcast program data and AV content downloaded via the Internet, and the ODD 19 stores, for example, an HD DVD storing AV content. The sound controller 20 is a sound source controller that controls the speaker 21. The sound controller 20 also has a function of outputting an audio signal from the HDMI connector 26 to the outside.

  The EC / KBC 22 is a one-chip microcomputer in which an embedded controller for power management and a keyboard controller for controlling the keyboard 23 and the touch pad 24 are integrated. The network controller 25 is a communication device that executes communication with an external network such as the Internet. The EC / KBC 22 operates even when the information processing apparatus 1 is powered off. For example, the EC / KBC 22 monitors whether the power on operation is performed, and activates the information processing apparatus 1 when an event to be turned on occurs. Execute the control to make it happen. The EC / KBC 22 continues to supply power to the CEC controller 27 even when the information processing apparatus 1 is powered off.

  The HDMI connector 26 is a terminal provided for detachably connecting the HDMI cable A. The CEC controller 27 executes data transfer control for transmitting and receiving various commands for operation control via the HDMI connector 26 under the control of the EC / KBC 22. One of the events to be powered on monitored by the EC / KBC 22 is reception of a power-on request command by the CEC controller 27.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks related to the synchronized output control of the audio signal (with the video signal) realized in the information processing apparatus 1 having such a configuration.

  For example, when an operation for switching the output destination of the image signal from the display 15 to the HDMI connector 26 is performed using the keyboard 23, a key code corresponding to the keyboard operation is generated by the EC / KBC 22 and passed to the OS 100 by the BIOS 17. Normally, based on this operation, the display driver 1001 that drives and controls the graphics controller 14 switches the output destination of the video signal from the display 15 to the HDMI connector 26 under the control of the OS 100. Even in the case of a command from the video equipment 2, the EC / KBC 22 generates a key code corresponding to the above-described keyboard operation when receiving a notification of receiving the command from the CEC controller 27.

  The video / sound output linkage utility 101 automatically switches the output destination of the audio signal from the speaker 21 to the HDMI connector 26 in conjunction with this when the output destination of the video signal is switched from the display 15 to the HDMI connector 26. This program is registered as a resident program that always operates when the information processing apparatus 1 is powered on. In the information processing apparatus 1, the video / sound output link utility 101 is interposed in an output destination setting instruction path for the display driver 1001 and the sound driver 1002. Therefore, when the key code generated by the EC / KBC 22 relates to the display driver 1001, the video / sound output interlocking utility 101 requests the OS 100 to notify the occurrence of the event.

  The video / sound output interlocking utility 101 that is a resident type program includes an output destination switching control module 1011, a display state detection module 1012, and an output destination setting module 1013. The output destination switching control module 1011 is a video signal. In response to the notification from the OS 100 that the event of switching the output destination from the display 15 to the HDMI connector 26 is received, the instruction is given to the display driver 1001 and the instruction to switch the output destination of the audio signal from the speaker 21 to the HDMI connector 26 is given. Functions provided to the sound driver 1002 are provided as basic functions. Thereby, according to the specifications of the OS 100, the switching of the output destination of the audio signal can be linked to the video signal for each of the video signal and the audio signal, which is necessary for the switching operation of the output destination. To improve usability. Note that the output destination switching control module 1011 automatically switches the output destination of the audio signal when the output destination of the video signal is only the HDMI connector 26. That is, when the output destination of the video signal is switched from only the display 15 to both the display 15 and the HDMI connector 26, the output of the audio signal from the speaker 21 is maintained and an explicit operation from the user is performed. In response to the instruction, for example, switching is performed so that the output destination of the audio signal is both the speaker 21 and the HDMI connector 26. Depending on the specifications, it is naturally possible to automate the switching of the audio signal output destination to both the speaker 21 and the HDMI connector 26.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the output interlocking control of the audio signal (with the video signal) executed by the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

  When an operation for outputting video to the video device 2 connected by the HDMI cable A is performed (step A1), the output destination switching control module 1011 that receives notification of the occurrence of the event from the OS 100 outputs to the video device 2 only. (Step A2), and if the output is only to the video device 2 (YES in step A2), the display driver 1001 is instructed to switch the video output destination to the video device 2 (step A3). In conjunction with this, an instruction to switch the audio output destination to the video equipment 2 is given to the sound driver 1002 (step A4).

  On the other hand, if the output is not output only to the video equipment 2 (NO in step A2), the output destination switching control module 1011 instructs the video equipment 2 to output video in addition to the display on the information processing apparatus 1. Is given only to the display driver 1001 (step A5).

  Here, when an operation for switching the output destination of the video signal from the display 15 to the HDMI connector 26 is performed, the output destination of the audio signal is automatically switched from the speaker 21 to the HDMI connector 26 in conjunction with the operation. In contrast, when the operation of switching the output destination of the video signal from the HDMI connector 26 to the display 15 is performed, the output destination switching control module 1011 is similarly linked to the audio signal. The signal output destination is automatically switched from the HDMI connector 26 to the speaker 21.

  In addition to this basic function, the output destination switching control module 1011 has the following functions. Now, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 1 and the video equipment 2 are connected by the HDMI cable A, and that the video reproduced by the information processing apparatus 1 is displayed on the video equipment 2. Further, at this time, it is assumed that the audio is output only from the video device 2 and, for example, since the reproduction is finished, it is assumed that the HDMI cable A is pulled out from the HDMI connector 26.

  The display state detection module 1012 acquires the display state of the video signal including the connection state of the HDMI cable A from the OS 100. Then, the display state detection module 1012 that has detected that the HDMI cable A is pulled out from the HDMI connector 26 via the OS 100 notifies the output destination switching control module 1011 to that effect. Upon receiving this notification, the output destination switching control module 1011 gives the sound driver 1002 an instruction to switch the output destination of the audio signal from the HDMI connector 26 to the speaker 21.

  Considering a state in which video is output to both the information processing apparatus 1 and the video apparatus 2 and only audio is output only to the video apparatus 2, even if the HDMI cable A is pulled out and the information processing apparatus 1 is used alone. Since the video signal is displayed on the display 15, the switching operation of the output destination relating to the video is not performed. Therefore, an opportunity to switch the audio output destination to the speaker 21 cannot be obtained. Therefore, in consideration of such a case, when the output destination switching control module 1011 detects that the HDMI cable A is pulled out from the HDMI connector 26 by the notification from the display state detection module 1012, the output destination of the audio signal is output. Is automatically switched from the HDMI connector 26 to the speaker 21.

  Also, personal computers are no longer equipped with a resume function that restores the previous power-off state when the power is turned on. Therefore, the information processing device 1 and the video device 2 are connected by the HDMI cable A, and the video reproduced by the information processing device 1 is displayed on both the information processing device 1 and the video device 2, and audio. Consider a case where suspending is performed in a state where only video equipment 2 is outputting. Also in this case, when the information processing apparatus 1 alone is resumed at a later date, the video signal is displayed on the display 15, so that the switching operation of the output destination for the video is not performed. Therefore, an opportunity to switch the audio output destination to the speaker 21 cannot be obtained.

  In consideration of such a case, first, when the resume is performed, the display state detection module 1012 acquires the output state of the restored video signal and audio signal from the OS 100, and the result is the output destination switching control module. 1011 is notified. The output destination switching control module 1011 outputs the audio signal when the notification content is that the output destination of the audio signal is only the HDMI connector 26 and the output destination of the video signal is other than only the HDMI connector 26. A function of automatically switching the destination from the HDMI connector 26 to the speaker 21 is further provided.

  By the way, in a recent personal computer, a video is displayed on both the information processing apparatus 1 and the video equipment 2, that is, a video signal is output from both the display 15 and the HDMI connector 26. In addition to the clone display that displays the screen at the same time, a multi-display that displays the same screen in a divided manner is also conceivable. With reference to FIG. 6, the outline of this clone display and multi-display is shown.

  (A) in FIG. 6 is a screen to be displayed, and multi-display displays each partial image in a preselected range on this screen (FIG. 6 (B)). Further, the clone display is used to display the entire screen (FIG. 6C). In the case of multi display, one can be positioned as a primary. Furthermore, the positioning of the primary can be switched dynamically. Therefore, the display state detection module 1012 appropriately acquires which one is primary from the OS 100 when multi-display is performed, and notifies the output destination switching control module 1011 of the result. The output destination switching control module 1011 has a function of giving the sound driver 1002 an instruction to switch the output destination of the audio signal between the speaker 21 and the HDMI connector 26 so that the audio signal is output on the primary side. Prepare.

  Further, regarding the clone display, in the above description, when the clone display is started, that is, when the output destination of the video signal is switched to both the display 15 and the HDMI connector 26, the speaker of the audio signal is displayed. Although it has been shown that the output from the audio signal 21 can be automatically switched depending on the specifications, the output destination of the audio signal can be both the speaker 21 and the HDMI connector 26. It is also useful for the user to set in advance which of the two is to perform audio output.

  The output destination setting module 1013 provides an interface for the user to set which of the information processing apparatus 1 and the video equipment 2 is to perform audio output at the time of this clone display. The contents set by the output destination setting module 1013 are held as setting data 1014. The output destination switching control module 1011 refers to the setting data 1014 at the start of clone display, and the sound driver 1002 instructs to switch the output destination of the audio signal between the speaker 21 and the HDMI connector 26 based on the setting contents. To give.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the output interlocking control of the audio signal (with the video signal) executed by the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment in consideration of the multi display and the clone display.

  When an operation for outputting video to the video device 2 connected by the HDMI cable A is performed (step B1), the output destination switching control module 1011 that receives notification of the occurrence of the event from the OS 100 outputs to the video device 2 only. (Step B2), if the output is only to the video device 2 (YES in step B2), the display driver 1001 is instructed to switch the video output destination to the video device 2 (step B3). In conjunction with this, an instruction to switch the audio output destination to the video equipment 2 is given to the sound driver 1002 (step B4).

  On the other hand, if it is not an output to only the video equipment 2 (NO in step B2), then it is checked whether this is due to multi-display (step B5). If it is based on multi-display (YES in step B5), the output destination switching control module 1011 gives an instruction to output video to the video equipment 2 side in addition to display on the information processing apparatus 1 as a display driver. 1001 (step B6), and an instruction to switch the audio output destination between the information processing apparatus 1 and the video equipment 2 is given to the sound driver 1002 so that the audio signal is output on the primary side (step B6). Step B7).

  If the display is not based on multi-display, that is, based on clone display (NO in step B5), the output destination switching control module 1011 displays video on the video equipment 2 side in addition to the display on the information processing apparatus 1. Is output to the display driver 1001 (step B8), and the audio output destination is the information processing apparatus 1 and the video equipment 2 so that the audio is output to the preselected side indicated by the setting data 1004. An instruction to switch between them is given to the sound driver 1002 (step B9).

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in conjunction with the output of the video signal to the video device 2 connected by the HDMI cable A, the user does not intervene and the user intends. As described above, the audio signal is output to the video equipment 2.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The figure which shows one use aspect of the information processing apparatus (personal computer) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the basic output control mechanism of the video signal and audio | voice signal in the information processing apparatus of the embodiment The figure which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks related to linked output control of an audio signal (with a video signal) realized in the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of audio signal output interlocking control (with a video signal) executed by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. Diagram showing the outline of clone display and multi display 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of output interlock control of an audio signal (with a video signal) executed by the information processing apparatus of the embodiment in consideration of multi-display and clone display.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus (personal computer), 2 ... Video equipment (television broadcast receiver), 3 ... Remote controller, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... North bridge, 13 ... Main memory, 14 ... Graphics controller, 14A ... VRAM 15 ... Display, 16 ... South Bridge, 17 ... BIOS-ROM, 18 ... HDD, 19 ... Magneto-optical disk drive (ODD), 20 ... Sound controller, 21 ... Speaker, 22 ... Embedded controller / keyboard controller (EC / KBC), 23 ... keyboard, 24 ... touchpad, 25 ... network controller, 26 ... HDMI connector, 27 ... CEC controller, 100 ... operating system (OS), 101 ... video / sound output interlocking utility, 1001 Display driver, 1002 ... sound driver 1011 ... output destination switching control module, 1012 ... display state detection module, 1013 ... output destination setting module, 1014 ... setting data, A ... HDMI cable.

Claims (4)

Keyboard,
Speakers,
A connector for outputting an audio signal;
A sound driver for controlling output of audio signals to the speaker and the connector;
According to a key code by a predetermined operation of the keyboard provided for switching the output destination of the image signal, whether the output destination of the audio signal from the sound driver is the connector or the speaker, An information processing apparatus comprising: output destination control means for changing whether to use both the connector and the speaker. In accordance with the operation of the keyboard, comprising an embedded controller that generates a key code for sound output switching,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output destination control unit changes an output destination of an audio signal from the sound driver according to a key code generated by the embedded controller. Comprising detection means for detecting a key code by the keyboard operation,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output destination control unit changes an output destination of an audio signal from the sound driver according to the key code detected by the detection unit. A reproduction means for reproducing AV data and generating an audio signal;
The sound driver controls the output of the audio signal generated by the reproduction means;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the output destination control unit changes an output destination of an audio signal from the sound driver according to the key code detected by the detection unit.

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