JP5172812B2 - Information processing apparatus and its open / close detection apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an opening / closing detection apparatus thereof, and in particular, an information processing apparatus capable of detecting the opening / closing of a display-side housing with a low-cost configuration that does not require fine position adjustment and The present invention relates to an open / close detection device.

  In general, in a notebook PC, measures such as adopting a function capable of shifting to a power saving mode are taken in order to reduce power consumption. In order to realize one of such measures, when the lid provided with the display is closed, it cannot be used in that state and will not be used, so it automatically shifts to the power saving mode. What you do is known. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether or not the lid is closed. Conventionally, as a means for performing such determination, a magnet and a magnet sensor that detects a magnetic field formed by the magnet or a Hall effect IC are used. It is used. The determination means based on this combination can detect the opening and closing of the lid in a non-contact manner.

JP 2007-227184 A JP 2004-192936 A

  However, in the configuration using a magnet, a magnetic sensor, and a Hall effect IC, there is a problem that in the manufacturing process, when the magnet, the magnetic sensor, and the Hall effect IC are arranged, delicate position adjustment is required, and the manufacturing is complicated. . In addition, a configuration using a magnet, a magnetic sensor, and a Hall effect IC has a problem of high cost.

  By the way, in the notebook PC, various LEDs are mounted for the status display. Such an LED can be used as an optical sensor by detecting the dark current in a state where light is not emitted.

  For example, in the LED illumination device of Patent Document 1, the control unit controls each LED module separately so that a period in which the LED module in the on state and the LED module in the off state are mixed appears in time series, and the light is turned off. Each LED of the LED module in the state is operated as a photodiode, and the light output of each LED of the LED module in the lighting state is stored in the storage unit based on the output of each LED operated as the photodiode The amount of forward current applied is feedback controlled so that

  In the flash lamp of Patent Document 2, a light receiving circuit that outputs a light / dark detection signal corresponding to the surrounding light / dark based on the light receiving state of the LED 5 by an analog switch or a drive that causes the LED to emit light is emitted to the LED as the light emitting means and the light receiving means. Connect the circuit, switch the analog switch to the light receiving circuit side with a one-chip microcomputer, obtain the light / dark detection signal, execute the control loop to judge the lightness of the surroundings, and if the surroundings are dark during this control loop execution, the analog switch Is switched to the drive circuit side for a predetermined lighting time to cause the LED to emit light.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and uses an LED that is used for display, and does not require fine position adjustment, and can be opened and closed with a low-cost configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of detecting and an open / close detection apparatus thereof.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a main body side housing provided with an input unit, and is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the main body side housing. An information processing apparatus including a display-side casing provided with a display device on a side facing the input unit, provided on the input unit side of the main body-side casing and the display device side of the display-side casing, First and second LEDs, which are disposed at positions facing each other when the display-side casing is closed, and which function as light-emitting means for display and function as light-receiving means, and the first and first LEDs Open / close detection means for detecting opening / closing of the display-side casing based on the light reception detection result of the second LED, and one of the first LED and the second LED is lit to serve as the light emission means function In other cases, the other is turned off and functions as a light receiving means, and the opening / closing detection means detects the opening / closing of the display-side casing based on the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off. It is characterized by.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the open / close detection means may determine that the display-side casing is closed when the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off is within the first predetermined range. desirable.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first LED is an LED that emits light when the device is not used, and the second LED is an LED that emits light when the device is in use. Is desirable.

Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a first light receiving unit that is provided on a display device side of the display-side casing and is shielded when the display-side casing is closed,
It is desirable that the open / close detection means detect opening / closing of the display-side casing based on the unlit LED and the light reception detection result of the first light receiving means.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the open / close detection means has a light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off within a first predetermined range, and a light reception detection result of the first light reception means is the first. 2 is within the predetermined range, it is determined that the display-side casing is closed, while the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off is outside the first predetermined range, and the first light receiving means When the received light detection result is outside the second predetermined range, it is desirable to determine that the display-side casing is opened.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first light receiving means is a camera LED that lights when the camera is operating, or a hard disk LED that lights when the hard disk is operating. It is desirable.

  Further, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided the second light receiving means provided on the side opposite to the display device side of the display side housing, wherein the open / close detection means includes the LED that is turned off, the first It is desirable to detect the opening / closing of the display-side casing based on the light reception detection result of the first light receiving means and the second light receiving means.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the open / close detection means has a light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off within a first predetermined range, and a light reception detection result of the first light reception means is a second value. When it is within a predetermined range and the light reception detection result of the second light receiving means is substantially the same as the light reception detection result of the unlit LED, it is determined that the display-side casing is closed, while the light is turned off. The received light detection result of the LED being out of the first predetermined range, the received light detection result of the first light receiving means is out of the second predetermined range, and the received light detection result of the second light receiving means. It is desirable to determine that the display-side casing is opened when the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off is substantially the same.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the second light receiving means is an ALS (ambient light sensor).

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a main body side housing provided with an input unit, and a case that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body side housing. A display-side casing provided with a display on a side facing the input section, and an open / close detection device for an information processing apparatus, wherein the input-side side of the main-body side casing and the display side of the display-side casing are First and second LEDs that are provided respectively and are arranged at positions facing each other when the display-side casing is closed, function as light-emitting means for display, and function as light-receiving means; An opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the display-side housing based on a light reception detection result of the second LED, and one of the first LED and the second LED is lit When functioning as a light means, the other is turned off to function as a light receiving means, and the open / close detection means is based on the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off. It is characterized by detecting opening and closing.

  According to the present invention, the main body side housing provided with the input unit, and the main body side housing are provided so as to be openable and closable, and the display is provided on the side facing the input unit when closed. In an information processing apparatus including a display-side housing, positions provided on the input unit side of the main body-side housing and the display side of the display-side housing, and facing each other when the display-side housing is closed And the first and second LEDs functioning as light receiving means and functioning as light receiving means for status display use, and the display side based on the light reception detection results of the first and second LEDs. Open / close detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the housing, and when one of the first LED and the second LED is lit and functions as a light emitting means, the other is turned off and received. The open / close detecting means is used for display because the open / close detecting means detects the open / close of the display-side housing based on the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that can detect the opening and closing of the display-side housing with a low-cost configuration and an opening / closing detecting apparatus thereof that do not require fine position adjustment by using the LED Has the effect of becoming.

FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of a notebook personal computer to which an information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration example of the notebook personal computer of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the opening / closing detection operation of the display-side casing by the embedded controller. FIG. 4 is a schematic external view of a notebook personal computer to which the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration example of the notebook personal computer of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the opening / closing detection operation of the display-side casing by the embedded controller according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic external view of a notebook personal computer to which the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration example of the notebook personal computer of FIG. FIG. 9-1 is a flowchart for explaining an opening / closing detection operation of the display-side casing by the embedded controller according to the third embodiment (part 1). FIG. 9-2 is a flowchart for explaining the opening / closing detection operation of the display-side casing by the embedded controller according to the third embodiment (part 2).

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In addition, constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art or that are substantially the same.

(Embodiment 1)
1A and 1B are schematic external views of a notebook personal computer to which an information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 1A shows a state where a display-side housing is open, and FIG. The display side housing | casing has shown the state closed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the notebook computer 1 according to the first embodiment includes a main body side housing 2 and a display side housing 3 which are substantially rectangular parallelepipeds. The main body side housing 2 and the display side housing 3 are connected to each other by a pair of left and right connecting portions (hinge portions) 7a and 7b at the respective ends, and the connecting portions 7a and 7b open and close these housings. Supports freely.

  The display-side housing 3 includes a display device 5 on which various types of information are displayed in response to a command from the main body-side housing 2 and a camera 6 provided above the display device 5. The main body side housing 2 includes an input unit 4 having a keyboard, a track point (pointing device), and the like on an upper surface thereof. In addition, in the lower center of the display device 5 of the display-side housing 3, there is provided a suspend display LED 1 (first LED) that lights in the system state (ACPI state) S3 to S5. A power-on LED 2 (second LED) that lights in the system state S0 to S2 is provided in the center on the back side of the main body side housing 2. LED1 and LED2 are arrange | positioned in the position which opposes in the state in which the display side housing | casing 3 was closed. When one of LED1 and LED2 is lit, the other is unlit.

  In the state where the display-side housing 3 is closed, in the case of S0 to S2, the LED 1 in the off state receives the irradiation light of the LED 2 in the on state. The illuminance detected by the LED 1 with the display-side housing 3 closed is such that the main body-side housing 2, the display-side housing 3, and the LEDs 1, 2 are set to a first predetermined value (for example, 20 Lux). Constructed (no light entering from outside)

  Similarly, in the case of S3 to S5, the unlit LED 2 receives the irradiation light of the lit LED 1. In the state in which the display-side housing 3 is closed, the illuminance detected by the LED 2 becomes a first predetermined value (for example, 20 Lux) so that the main body-side housing 2, the display-side housing 3, and the LEDs 1, 2 (The light is prevented from entering from the outside.)

  In the present embodiment, the LEDs 1 and 2 that are used for display are used as light receiving means in the off state, so that fine position adjustment is unnecessary and the configuration of the display-side housing 3 is low-cost. Open / close is detected. The LEDs 1 and 2 function as a light emitting means for display and a light receiving means for detecting opening / closing of the display-side housing 3 and detect opening / closing of the display-side housing 3 based on a light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off. .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration example of the notebook computer 1 of FIG. As shown in the figure, the notebook personal computer 1 includes a CPU 31, ROM 32, memory 33, HDD (hard disk) 34, display device 5, camera 6, graphics adapter 35, embedded controller 36, input unit 4, and power supply circuit 37. LEDs 1 and 2 are provided, and each unit is connected directly or indirectly via a bus.

  The CPU 31 controls the entire notebook personal computer 1 by the OS 34a stored in the HDD 34 connected via the bus, and controls functions based on various programs stored in the HDD 34. The ROM 32 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System: basic input / output system) 32a, data, and the like.

  The memory 33 is composed of a cache memory and a RAM, and is a writable memory used as a work area for writing processing data of the execution program as a read area for the execution program of the CPU 31.

  The HDD (Hard Disk) 34 includes various drivers such as an OS 34a for controlling the entire notebook personal computer 1 such as Windows (registered trademark) XP, Vista, 7, etc., and a display driver for operating peripheral devices in hardware. 34b has a function of storing an application program 34c directed to a specific job.

  The graphics adapter 35 converts display information into a video signal under the control of the CPU 31 and outputs the converted video signal to the display device 5. The display device 5 is a liquid crystal display device, for example, and has a function of displaying various information according to the control of the CPU 31.

  The camera 6 includes a lens for imaging subject light, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, a driver for driving the image sensor, an A / D converter, a DSP, and the like. A subject is imaged under the control of the CPU 31 and image data is input.

  The embedded controller 36 is connected to the input unit 4, the power supply circuit 37, the LED drive circuits 41 and 42, and the LED light receiving circuits 51 and 52, and controls these operations. The embedded controller 36 controls the power supply circuit 37 to perform power supply control according to the system state (ACPI state). The system states are defined as six states S0 to S5, where S0 is a full operation state, S1 is a low power consumption state (however, both the processor and chipset are powered on), and S2 is a low power consumption state (however, the processor And the cache are powered off, the chipset is powered on), S3 is in a standby state, S4 is in a dormant state, and S5 is powered off by software. Here, the state of S0 to S2 is referred to as a use state of the device, and the state after S3 (S3 to S5) is referred to as a non-use state of the device.

  The embedded controller 36 controls the operation of the LED drive circuits 41 and 42 and the LED light receiving circuits 51 and 52 to control the lighting and light detection of the LEDs 1 and 2. The LEDs 1 and 2 are connected to the LED driving circuits 41 and 42 and the LED light receiving circuits 51 and 52, respectively, and function as light emitting means for display and also function as light receiving means for detecting opening / closing of the display-side housing 3. To do. As is well known, the LEDs 1 and 2 are made of a semiconductor, emit light when a current is applied, and generate a current when the light is received.

  The LED light receiving circuits 41 and 42 include amplifiers, current-voltage converting resistors, and the like, convert light receiving currents corresponding to the light receiving intensities of the LEDs 1 and 2 into voltage signals, and output the voltage signals to the embedded controller 36. The LED drive circuits 51 and 52 turn on or off the LEDs 1 and 2 according to a command from the embedded controller 36.

  The embedded controller 36 turns on LED2 when the system state is S0 to S2 (LED1 is turned off), and turns on LED1 when the system state is S3 to S5 (LED2 is turned off). Thus, the LED 1 and the LED 2 are in different states, one of which is turned on and the other is turned off, so that the opening and closing of the display-side housing 3 can be detected in S0 to S5.

  The embedded controller 36 functions as an opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the display-side housing 3. The embedded controller 36 receives a voltage signal corresponding to the received light intensity from the LEDs 1 and 2 via the LED light receiving circuits 41 and 42, and the detected illuminance obtained by A / D conversion is within a first predetermined range (for example, , 20 ± 1 Lux). The embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed when the detected illuminance of one of the LEDs 1 and 2 is within the first predetermined range, and the detected illuminance of both the LED 1 and LED 2 is the first. If it is not within the predetermined range, it is determined that the display-side housing 3 is open. The embedded controller 36 notifies the CPU 31 of the open / closed state of the display-side housing 3.

  The input unit 4 is a user interface for a user to perform an input operation. The input unit 4 is a keyboard composed of various keys for inputting characters, commands, and the like, a tracks pointer for moving a cursor on the screen, and selecting various menus. Etc.

  The power supply circuit 37 includes an AC adapter, an intelligent battery, a charger for charging the intelligent battery, a DC / DC converter, and the like. The embedded controller 36 manages the system state by controlling the power supply to each device by the power supply circuit 37 in accordance with the instruction of the BIOS 32a.

  Next, the opening / closing detection operation of the display-side casing 3 by the embedded controller 36 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the opening / closing detection operation of the display-side housing 3 by the embedded controller 36. The embedded controller 36 repeatedly executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 at a predetermined cycle.

  In FIG. 3, the embedded controller 36 first determines the system state (step S10). If the system state is S0 to S2, the process proceeds to step S11, whereas if the system state is S3 to S5. The process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S11, the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is within a first predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 20.5 Lux). When the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is within the first predetermined range (“Yes” in step S11), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side casing 3 is closed (step S13). If the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is not within the first predetermined range (“No” in step S11), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side casing 3 is open (step S14).

  On the other hand, in step S12, the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is within a first predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 20.5 Lux). If the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is within the first predetermined range (“Yes” in step S12), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side casing 3 is closed (step S13). If the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is not within the first predetermined range (“No” in step S12), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open (step S14).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the display side housing 3 is closed by being provided on the input unit 4 side of the main body side housing 2 and the display device 5 side of the display side housing 3 respectively. The display-side housing 3 is opened and closed based on the LEDs 1 and 2 functioning as display light-emitting means and functioning as light-receiving means, and the light-receiving detection results of the LEDs 1 and 2. The embedded controller 36 is configured such that when one of the LEDs 1 and 2 functions as a light emitting unit when the LED 1 and 2 are lit, the other is turned off and functions as a light receiving unit. Since the opening / closing of the display-side housing 3 is detected based on the received light detection result of the LED being used, it is used for display on the notebook computer 1. Because it is configured to detect the opening and closing of the display-side housing 3 using the light-emitting LEDs as the light receiving means, it is not necessary to finely adjust the position, and the opening and closing of the display-side housing is detected with a low-cost configuration It becomes possible to do.

Further, since the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed when the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off is within the first predetermined range,
It becomes possible to detect opening and closing of the display-side housing 3 by a simple method.

  Also, since LED 1 is an LED that emits light when the device is not in use, and LED 2 is an LED that emits light when the device is in use, the display side in both the normal state and the rest state The opening / closing of the housing 3 can be detected.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, in order to improve the open / close detection accuracy of the display-side casing 3, the display-side casing 3 is further arranged on the display device 5 side, and is shielded when the display-side casing 3 is closed. The first light receiving means is used for detecting opening / closing of the display-side casing 3.

  4A and 4B are schematic external views of a notebook personal computer to which the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is applied. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the display-side housing is open, and FIG. 4B shows a display-side housing. The body is closed. 4, parts having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points will be described.

  In FIG. 4, an LED 3 (first light receiving means) is provided adjacent to the camera 6 on the display device 5 side of the display-side housing 3. This LED 3 is an LED for the camera and lights up when the camera 6 is in use. The LED 3 is configured to be shielded from light by the display-side housing 3 when the display-side housing 3 is closed, and the detected illuminance becomes zero. The detected illuminance of the LED 3 in the off state is the illuminance of the external environment when the display-side housing 3 is open, and is zero when the display-side housing 3 is closed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration example of the notebook computer 1. 5, parts having the same functions as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points will be described.

  In FIG. 5, an LED drive circuit 43 and an LED light receiving circuit 53 are connected to the LED 3, and the embedded controller 36 controls the operation of the LED drive circuit 43 and the LED light receiving circuit 53 to turn on the LED 3 and detect light. To control. The embedded controller 36 turns on the LED 3 when the camera 6 is operating. Since the LED 3 is turned off when the camera 6 is not operating, the LED 3 is used as a light receiving means for detecting opening / closing of the display-side housing 3 while the camera 6 is not operating. Note that when the camera 6 is in operation, the LED 3 cannot be used as a light receiving means for detecting the opening / closing of the display-side housing 3. Therefore, when the camera 6 is in operation, an image captured by the camera 6 is displayed. You may use it for the opening-and-closing detection of the side housing | casing 3. FIG. For example, when the display-side housing 3 is closed, the image of the camera 6 becomes dark. When the display-side housing 3 is open, the image of the camera 6 does not become dark. It may be used to detect opening / closing of the housing 3. The first light receiving means used for detecting the opening / closing of the display-side housing 3 is not limited to the LED for the camera, but may be another LED for HDD or the like, and is not limited to the LED. Alternatively, an optical sensor that functions only as a light receiving means may be used.

  Next, the opening / closing detection operation according to the second embodiment of the display-side housing 3 by the embedded controller 36 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the opening / closing detection operation according to the second embodiment of the display-side housing 3 by the embedded controller 36. The embedded controller 36 repeatedly executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 at a predetermined cycle.

  In FIG. 6, first, the embedded controller 36 determines the system state (step S21). If the system state is S0 to S2, the process proceeds to step S22, whereas if the system state is S3 to S5. The process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S22, the embedded controller 36 determines whether the detected illuminance of the LED 1 and the detected illuminance of the LED 3 have changed by a predetermined amount or more. If the detected illuminance of LED 1 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 have not changed by a predetermined amount or more (“No” in step S22), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open (step S29). ).

  When the detected illuminance of LED 1 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 have changed by a predetermined amount or more (“Yes” in step S22), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of LED 1 is within a first predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 5). 20.5 Lux) is determined (step S23). If the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is not within the first predetermined range (“No” in step S23), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open (step S29).

  When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the first predetermined range (“Yes” in step S23), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (for example, 0 to 0.5 Lux). Is determined (step S24). If the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is not within the second predetermined range (“No” in step S24), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open (step S29).

  When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (“Yes” in step S24), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is in a closed state (step S25).

  On the other hand, in step S26, the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 2 and the detected illuminance of the LED 3 have changed by a predetermined amount or more. If the detected illuminance of LED 2 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 have not changed by a predetermined amount or more (“No” in step S26), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side casing 3 is closed (step S25). ).

  When the detected illuminance of LED 2 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 change by a predetermined amount or more (“Yes” in step S26), the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of LED 2 is within the first predetermined range. (Step S27). If the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is within the first predetermined range (“Yes” in step S27), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side casing 3 is closed (step S25).

  When the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is not within the first predetermined range (“No” in step S27), the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (step S27). S28). When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (“Yes” in step S28), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side casing 3 is closed (step S25).

  If the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is not within the second predetermined range (“No” in step S28), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open (step S29).

  According to the second embodiment, the LED 3 that is disposed on the display device 5 side of the display-side housing 3 and is shielded when the display-side housing 3 is closed is provided, and the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is in the first predetermined range. If the detection illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range, it is determined that the display-side casing is closed, while the light reception detection result of the LED 2 is outside the first predetermined range. And when the light reception detection result of the LED 3 is outside the second predetermined range, it is determined that the display-side housing 3 is open, so that the display-side housing 3 can be opened and closed more accurately. Can be detected. In other words, for example, in a dark room, when the display-side housing 3 is open and the ambient illuminance falls within the first predetermined range, it is erroneously detected that the display-side housing 3 is closed. Can be prevented.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, in order to further improve the open / close detection accuracy of the display-side housing 3, the second light receiving means disposed on the surface opposite to the display device 5 side of the display-side housing 3 is further provided. This is a configuration used for opening / closing detection of the display-side housing 3.

  7A and 7B are schematic external views of a notebook personal computer to which the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 is applied. FIG. 7A shows a state in which the display-side housing is open, and FIG. 7B shows a display-side housing. The body is closed. 7, parts having the same functions as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points will be described.

  In FIG. 7, a pair of LEDs 4 </ b> A and 4 </ b> B (second light receiving means) are provided below the surface of the display side housing 3 opposite to the display device 5 side. The LEDs 4A and 4B detect the environmental illuminance when the display-side casing 3 is closed and opened. The LED 4A (for example, a green LED) is lit when the battery capacity is sufficient, and the LED 4B (red LED) is lit when the battery capacity is low. Since only one of the LEDs 4A and 4B is turned on and the other LED is always turned off, the turned-off LED can be used for opening / closing detection of the display-side housing 3.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic hardware configuration example of the notebook computer 1. 8, parts having the same functions as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only different points will be described.

  In FIG. 8, LED driving circuits 44A and 44B and LED light receiving circuits 54A and 54B are connected to the LEDs 4A and 4B, respectively. The embedded controller 36 operates the LED driving circuits 44A and 44B and the LED light receiving circuits 54A and 54B. Are controlled to control the lighting and light detection of the LEDs 4A and 4B. The embedded controller 36 detects the battery capacity of the power supply circuit 37, turns on the LED 4A when the battery capacity is sufficient (the LED 4B is turned off), and turns on the LED 4B when the battery capacity is low (the LED 4A is turned off). The embedded controller 36 uses the unlit LED among the LEDs 4 </ b> A and 4 </ b> B for opening / closing detection of the display-side housing 3. Further, the embedded controller 36 writes open / close information (for example, open (“1”), close (“0”)) indicating the open / closed state of the display-side housing 3 in the built-in register. The illuminance of the external environment detected by the LEDs 1 to 4 is written in the memory as the environmental illuminance X. The second light receiving means used for detecting the opening / closing of the display-side housing 3 is not limited to the battery LED. The LED may be used, and not only the LED but also an optical sensor such as an ALS (ambient light sensor) that functions only as a light receiving means may be used.

  Next, an opening / closing detection operation according to the third embodiment of the display-side housing 3 by the embedded controller 36 will be described. FIGS. 9A and 9B are flowcharts for explaining the opening / closing detection operation according to the third embodiment of the display-side housing 3 by the embedded controller 36. The embedded controller 36 repeatedly executes the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9-1 and 9-2 at a predetermined cycle. In FIGS. 9-1 and 9-2, the LED 4A, 4B that is turned off is referred to as LED4.

  In FIG. 9A, the embedded controller 36 first determines the system state (step S30). If the system state is S0 to S2, the process proceeds to step S31, while the system state is S3 to S5. In step S51 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 31, the embedded controller 36 refers to the register opening / closing information and determines the current opening / closing state of the display-side housing 3. The embedded controller 36 proceeds to step S32 when the display-side casing 3 is “open”, and proceeds to step S40 when the display-side casing 3 is “closed”.

  In step S32, the embedded controller 36 stores the detected illuminance of the LED 1 and the detected illuminance of the LED 3 in the memory as the environmental illuminance X1. Specifically, for example, the average value of the detected illuminance of LED1 and the detected illuminance of LED3 can be set as environmental illuminance X1 {= (detected illuminance of LED1 + detected illuminance of LED3) / 2}.

  The embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 1 and the detected illuminance of the LED 3 have changed by a predetermined amount or more (step S33). If the detected illuminance of LED 1 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 have not changed by a predetermined amount or more (“No” in step S33), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open and stores it in the register. Open / close information “open” is written (step S39). In step S39, when opening / closing information “open” is written in the register, it is not necessary to newly write it. The same applies hereinafter.

  When the detected illuminance of LED 1 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 change by a predetermined amount or more (“Yes” in step S33), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of LED 1 is within a first predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 5). 20.5 Lux) is determined (step S34). If the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is not within the first predetermined range (“No” in step S34), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open, and opens / closes information “open” in the register. Is written (step S39).

  When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the first predetermined range (“Yes” in step S34), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (for example, 0 to 0.5 Lux). It is judged whether it is (step S35). If the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is not within the second predetermined range (“No” in step S35), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open, and the open / close information “open” in the register. Is written (step S39).

When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (“Yes” in step S35), the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X1. (Step S36). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is within the range of environmental illuminance X1 ± 5%. When the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X1 (“Yes” in step S36), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is in the closed state, and the open / close information “closed” "Is written (step S38). In step S38, if the open / close information “closed” is written in the register, it is not necessary to newly write it. The same applies hereinafter.
If the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is not substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X1 (“No” in step S36), the embedded controller 36 causes the LED 2 to blink and determines whether the LED 1 is correctly detected (step S37). ). If the LED 1 is detected correctly (“Yes” in step S37), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed, and writes the open / close information “closed” in the register (step S38).

  On the other hand, in step S40, the embedded controller 36 stores the detected illuminance of the LED 4 in the memory as the environmental illuminance X2.

  The embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 1 and the detected illuminance of the LED 3 have changed by a predetermined amount or more (step S41). If the detected illuminance of LED 1 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 have not changed by a predetermined amount or more (“No” in step S41), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed and stores it in the register. Open / close information “closed” is written (step S38).

  When the detected illuminance of LED 1 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 change by a predetermined amount or more (“Yes” in step S41), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of LED 2 is within a first predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 5). 20.5 Lux) is determined (step S42). When the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is within the first predetermined range (“Yes” in step S42), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed, and displays the open / close information “closed” in the register. "Is written (step S38).

  When the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is not within the first predetermined range (“No” in step S42), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 20.5 Lux). ) Is determined (step S43). When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (“Yes” in step S43), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed, and displays the open / close information “closed” in the register. "Is written (step S38).

When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is not within the second predetermined range (“No” in step S43), the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X2. (Step S44). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is within the range of environmental illuminance X2 ± 5%. When the detected illuminance of the LED 1 is substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X2 (“Yes” in step S44), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open, and displays open / close information “ "Open" is written (step S39).

  If the detected illuminance of LED 1 is not substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X2 (“No” in step S44), the embedded controller 36 blinks LED 2 and determines whether LED 1 is correctly detected (step S45). ). If the LED 1 is detected correctly (“Yes” in step S45), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open, and writes the open / close information “open” in the register (step S39).

  In step S51, the embedded controller 36 refers to the register opening / closing information and determines the current opening / closing state of the display-side casing 3. If the display-side housing 3 is “open”, the embedded controller 36 proceeds to step S52, whereas if the display-side housing 3 is “closed”, the embedded controller 36 proceeds to step S60.

  In step S52, the embedded controller 36 stores the detected illuminance of the LED 2 and the detected illuminance of the LED 3 in the memory as the environmental illuminance X3. Specifically, for example, the average value of the detected illuminance of LED 2 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 can be set as environmental illuminance X3 {= (detected illuminance of LED 2 + detected illuminance of LED 3) / 2}.

  The embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 2 and the detected illuminance of the LED 3 have changed by a predetermined amount or more (step S53). If the detected illuminance of LED 2 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 have not changed by a predetermined amount or more (“No” in step S54), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open and stores it in the register. Open / close information “open” is written (step S39).

  When the detected illuminance of LED 2 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 change by a predetermined amount or more (“Yes” in step S53), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of LED 2 is within a first predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 5). 20.5 Lux) is determined (step S54). If the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is not within the first predetermined range (“No” in step S54), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open, and opens / closes information “open” in the register. Is written (step S39).

  When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the first predetermined range (“Yes” in step S54), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (for example, 0 to 0.5 Lux). It is determined whether or not (step S55). If the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is not within the second predetermined range (“No” in step S55), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open, and opens / closes information “open” in the register. Is written (step S39).

  If the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (“Yes” in step S55), the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X3. (Step S56). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is within the range of environmental illuminance X3 ± 5%. If the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X3 (“Yes” in step S56), the embedded controller 56 determines that the display-side housing 3 is in the closed state, and the open / close information “closed” is displayed in the register. "Is written (step S38). If the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is not substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X3 (“No” in step S56), the embedded controller 36 causes the LED 1 to blink and determines whether the LED 2 is correctly detected (step S57). ). If the LED 2 is correctly detected (“Yes” in step S57), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed, and writes the open / close information “closed” in the register (step S38).

  On the other hand, in step S60, the embedded controller 36 stores the detected illuminance of the LED 4 in the memory as the environmental illuminance X4.

  The embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 2 and the detected illuminance of the LED 3 have changed by a predetermined amount or more (step S61). If the detected illuminance of LED 2 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 have not changed by a predetermined amount or more (“No” in step S61), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed and stores it in the register. Open / close information “closed” is written (step S38).

  When the detected illuminance of LED 2 and the detected illuminance of LED 3 change by a predetermined amount or more (“Yes” in step S61), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of LED 2 is within a first predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 5). 20.5 Lux) is determined (step S62). If the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is within the first predetermined range (“Yes” in step S62), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed, and displays the open / close information “closed” in the register. "Is written (step S38).

  When the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is not within the first predetermined range (“No” in step S62), the embedded controller 36 determines that the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (for example, 19.5 to 20.5 Lux). ) Is determined (step S63). When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range (“Yes” in step S63), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is closed, and displays the open / close information “closed” in the register. "Is written (step S38).

When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is not within the second predetermined range (“No” in step S63), the embedded controller 36 determines whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X4. (Step S64). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is within the range of environmental illuminance X4 ± 5%. If the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X4 (“Yes” in step S64), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open, and displays open / close information “ "Open" is written (step S39).

  When the detected illuminance of the LED 2 is not substantially equal to the stored environmental illuminance X4 (“No” in step S64), the embedded controller 36 blinks the LED 1 and determines whether the LED 2 is correctly detected (step S65). ). If the LED 2 is correctly detected (“Yes” in step S65), the embedded controller 36 determines that the display-side housing 3 is open, and writes the open / close information “open” in the register (step S39).

  A description will be given using a specific example. (1) For example, in a system state = S0, in a bright room (250 Lux), the detected illuminance of LED1 = 250 Lux, the emission luminance (lighting) of LED2 = 20 nit, the detected illuminance of LED3 = 250 Lux, LED4 Detection illuminance = 200 nit (slightly darker than LEDs 1 and 3 because it is arranged on the back side of the display-side housing 2), the detection illuminance of LED1 = 250 Lux, the detection illuminance of LED3 = 250Lux, and the environmental illumination X1 (Step S32). Here, when the detection brightness of LED 1 is changed to 20 Lux, the emission brightness of LED 2 is 20 nit, the detection brightness of LED 3 is 0 Lux, and the detection brightness of LED 4 is 250 Lux, the detection brightness of LED 1 and the detection brightness of LED 3 are equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Change (“Yes” in step S33), detection illuminance of LED1 = 20 Lux (“Yes” in step S34), detection illuminance of LED3 = 0 (“Yes” in step S35), detection illuminance of LED4 = X1 ( (Yes in step S36)), and the closed state of the display-side casing 3 is detected (step S38).

  (2) For example, in the system state = S0, in a dark room (10 Lux), the detected illuminance of LED1 = 10 Lux, the emission luminance of LED2 (lighting) = 20 nit, the detected illuminance of LED3 = 10 Lux, and the detected illuminance of LED4 = 5 nit (display side) If it is disposed on the back side of the housing 2 and is a little darker than the LEDs 1 and 3, the detected illuminance of LED1 = 10 Lux and the detected illuminance of LED3 = 10Lux are stored as the environmental illuminance X1 (step S32). . Here, when the detection brightness of LED 1 is changed to 20 Lux, the emission brightness (lighting) of LED 2 is 20 nit, the detection brightness of LED 3 is 0 Lux, and the detection brightness of LED 4 is 10 Lux, the detection brightness of LED 1 and the detection brightness of LED 3 are changed. Change by a predetermined amount or more (“Yes” in step S33), detection illuminance of LED1 = 20 Lux (“Yes” in step S34), detection illuminance of LED3 = 0 (“Yes” in step S35), detection illuminance of LED4 = X1 ( “Yes” in step S36), and the closed state of the display-side housing 3 is detected (step S38).

  (3) For example, in the system state = S3, in a bright room (250 Lux), the emission luminance (lighting) of LED1 = 20 nit, the detection luminance of LED2 = 20 Lux, the detection illuminance of LED3 = 0 Lux, and the detection illuminance of LED4 = 250 nit The detected illuminance of LED4 = 250 Lux is stored as the environmental illuminance X2 (step S60). Here, when the emission luminance of LED1 (lights up) = 20 nit, the detection illuminance of LED2 = 250 Lux, the detection illuminance of LED3 = 250 Lux, and the detection illuminance of LED4 = 200 Lux, the detection illuminance of LED2 and the detection illuminance of LED3 are Change more than fixed amount (“Yes” in step S61), detection illuminance of LED2 = 250 Lux (“No” in step S62), detection illuminance of LED3 = 250 Lux (“No” in step S63), detection illuminance of LED2 = X4 (“Yes” in step S64), and it is detected that the display-side casing 3 is open (step S39).

  According to the third embodiment, the LED 4 is provided below the surface of the display-side housing 3 opposite to the display device 5 side, and the detected illuminance of the unlit LED 1 and 2 is within the first predetermined range. When the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is within the second predetermined range and the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is substantially equal to the environmental illuminance, it is determined that the display side housing 3 is closed, When the detected illuminance of the unlit LED is outside the first predetermined range, the detected illuminance of the LED 3 is outside the second predetermined range, and the detected illuminance of the LED 4 is substantially equal to the environmental illuminance, Since it is determined that the side housing 3 has been opened, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the opening and closing of the display side housing 3 even when the correct detection illuminance cannot be obtained due to the failure or life of the LEDs 1 and 2. Become

  In the above-described embodiment, a notebook personal computer has been described as an example of the information processing device. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other information processing devices such as a PDA and a mobile phone. It is.

  The information processing apparatus and the opening / closing detection apparatus for the information processing apparatus according to the present invention are widely applicable to information processing apparatuses whose lids are opened and closed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Notebook-type personal computer 2 Main body side housing | casing 3 Display side housing | casing 4 Input part 5 Display device 6 Camera 7a, 7b Connection part (hinge)
31 CPU
32 ROM
32a BIOS
33 Memory 34 HDD (Hard Disk)
34a OS
34b Driver 34b Application program 35 Graphics adapter 36 Embedded controller 37 Power supply circuit 41-44 LED drive circuit 51-54 LED light receiving circuit

Claims (10)

A main body side housing provided with an input unit, and a display side housing provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body side housing and provided with a display device on a side facing the input unit when closed. In an information processing apparatus comprising
Provided on the input unit side of the main body side casing and the display device side of the display side casing, respectively, disposed at positions facing each other when the display side casing is closed, and functions as a light emitting means for display And first and second LEDs functioning as light receiving means;
Open / close detection means for detecting opening / closing of the display-side housing based on the light reception detection results of the first and second LEDs,
When one of the first LED and the second LED is turned on and functions as a light emitting means, the other is turned off and functions as a light receiving means.
The information processing apparatus, wherein the opening / closing detection means detects opening / closing of the display-side casing based on a light reception detection result of an LED that is turned off.   2. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the open / close detection unit determines that the display-side casing is closed when a light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off is within a first predetermined range. apparatus.   3. The first LED is an LED that emits light when the device is not in use, and the second LED is an LED that emits light when the device is in use. The information processing apparatus described in 1. And a first light receiving means provided on the display device side of the display-side casing and shielded when the display-side casing is closed,
The open / close detection means detects opening / closing of the display-side casing based on the extinguished LED and a light reception detection result of the first light receiving means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above. The open / close detection unit is configured such that when the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off is within a first predetermined range and the light reception detection result of the first light reception unit is within a second predetermined range, While determining that the display-side housing is closed,
When the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off is outside the first predetermined range and the light reception detection result of the first light receiving means is outside the second predetermined range, the display-side casing is opened. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information processing apparatus determines that the information has been received. The first light receiving means is a camera LED that lights up when the camera is operating, or
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information processing apparatus is an LED for a hard disk that lights up when the hard disk is operating. And a second light receiving means provided on a surface opposite to the display device side of the display side housing,
The opening / closing detection means detects opening / closing of the display-side casing based on light reception detection results of the unlit LED, the first light receiving means, and the second light receiving means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The open / close detection means has a light reception detection result of the unlit LED within a first predetermined range, a light reception detection result of the first light reception means is within a second predetermined range, and the second When the light reception detection result of the light receiving means is substantially the same as the light reception detection result of the unlit LED, it is determined that the display-side casing is closed,
The light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off is outside the first predetermined range, the light reception detection result of the first light receiving means is outside the second predetermined range, and the light reception detection of the second light receiving means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the result is substantially the same as the light reception detection result of the LED that is turned off, the display-side casing is determined to be opened.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second light receiving unit is an ALS (ambient light sensor). A main body side housing provided with an input unit, a display side housing provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body side housing, and provided with a display on the side facing the input unit when closed; In an information processing device open / close detection device comprising:
Provided on the input side of the main body side casing and the display side of the display side casing, respectively, disposed at positions facing each other when the display side casing is closed, and functions as a light emitting means for display. And first and second LEDs functioning as light receiving means;
Open / close detection means for detecting opening / closing of the display-side housing based on the light reception detection results of the first and second LEDs,
When one of the first LED and the second LED is turned on and functions as a light emitting means, the other is turned off and functions as a light receiving means.
The open / close detection device for an information processing apparatus, wherein the open / close detection means detects opening / closing of the display-side casing based on a light reception detection result of an LED that is turned off.

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