JP5342801B2 - Power supply control circuit, computer having the same, and power supply control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power source control circuit, a computer, and a power source control method, which can reliably and rapidly shut off a computer power source until shifting to processing of an OS after power-on. <P>SOLUTION: The power source control circuit 20a is provided with a reading means 21 for reading progress of initialization and a diagnosis test of own hardware to be executed after power-on of a computer 10, a storage means 22 for detecting and storing a power switch signal for controlling the power of the computer, an initialization waiting means 23a for waiting until the reading means 21 reads a result indicating that a predetermined hardware resource has been initialized, and a signal generation means 24 for transmitting an instruction signal for power-off to the computer after the completion of waiting if the power switch signal is detected during the waiting. Another control circuit is provided with, in place of the initialization waiting means 23a, a boot waiting means 23b for waiting until a predetermined time elapses after a result indicating boot start of the OS is read. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply control circuit for a computer, a computer including the same, and a power supply control method. More specifically, the computer executes at least initialization of its own hardware and a diagnostic test when the power is turned on. The present invention relates to control of power shutdown until transition.

Computers compatible with personal computers (PCs) are used in a wide range of industrial applications. Such a computer is equipped with a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) for controlling input / output devices and the like. When the computer is turned on, the BIOS is first operated. In a typical computer, computer hardware initialization and diagnostic tests are first performed. The initialization and diagnostic test programs are stored in the ROM and are generally included in the BIOS. In the diagnostic test, the hardware on the motherboard such as CPU, external cache memory, main memory (RAM), ROM, I / O bridge, keyboard, serial port, parallel port, disk interface, graphics system, etc. are tested. . Then, after the initialization and the diagnostic test are executed, the operating system (OS) is booted.
A typical example of such a computer is a computer having compatibility with a PC / AT (IBM) machine, which is a general architecture of a PC. In this PC / AT compatible machine, the diagnostic test is called “Power On Self Test (POST)”.
Usually, when the computer is turned off, when the power switch is pressed, the computer is started. When the computer is turned on and the power switch is pressed, the computer is designed to shut down the power (shutdown process) after saving the operating file and system state. If the OS is operating, the computer is turned off after the OS executes the shutdown process.

However, in general, problems often occur with respect to power control immediately after the computer is turned on. Therefore, the prevention technique has been disclosed. For example, a technique for preventing inadvertent power-off immediately after power-on (see Patent Document 1), power failure control for shutting down without booting the OS when a power failure of the uninterruptible power source is detected when the computer is restarted Method (see Patent Document 2).
In a computer equipped with a recent general BIOS, the computer may not be shut down even if the power switch is pressed immediately after the power is turned on.
Also, when the power switch is pressed while the OS is booted, the power may be shut down (dirty shutdown) with incomplete system state saving. The system was not able to start up.

JP-A-5-66860 JP 2005-196464 A

A computer equipped with an OS is used in an application system for purposes such as device control, man-machine interface, and information processing, and is incorporated into a device / device. In such a system, turning on / off the computer is not limited to being performed by an operator pressing a power switch, but is often controlled by a signal output from an external device / device connected to the computer.
In particular, in an automatic operation (unattended) system that automatically controls the turning on / off of the computer, if a factor that should turn off the computer occurs once, the computer can be shut down reliably. Desired. Even after the computer is turned on and before the OS process is started, an external device or the like sends a signal to the computer to turn off the power, or the operator presses the computer's power switch. In such a case, it is necessary to shut off the power supply of the computer reliably and promptly.

However, as described above, in the conventional technique, the computer may not be shut down even if the power switch is pressed immediately after the power is turned on. This is because a signal for requesting power-off is invalidated and not recognized by the CPU until certain hardware resources are initialized by the BIOS. In this case, the signal once generated is lost, and the computer is not shut down by the signal. In an environment where the operator operates the computer, it is possible to cope with such as pressing the power switch again. However, in the automatic operation system, the computer power is not shut off.
In addition, after a certain hardware resource is initialized by the BIOS, a signal for requesting power-off is valid. However, as described above, when the power is turned off during booting of the OS, a dirty shutdown occurs. There was a case. As a result, when the computer is started next time, the system cannot be restarted normally. In the automatic operation system, the computer stops at the time of startup.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the fact that the progress of initialization of hardware resources can be determined by reading the progress of a diagnostic test or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply control circuit capable of reliably and promptly shutting off the power supply of the computer, a computer including the same, and a power supply control method.

The present invention is as follows.
1. A power supply control circuit for controlling the power supply of a computer on which a program for executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test is installed when power is turned on, and reading means for reading the progress of initialization and diagnostic test by the program; The process comprising: a storage means for detecting a power switch signal for controlling the power supply and storing the detection; and a result indicating that at least a predetermined input / output resource of the hardware is initialized by the reading means When the standby is completed by the initialization standby unit and when the detection is stored by the storage unit when the standby is completed by the initialization unit, a power is supplied to a power control input provided in the hardware. and a signal generating means for transmitting a control signal for instructing the cutoff, the predetermined input resources, before Power supply control circuit, which is a hardware resources necessary for the input signal from the power control input the computer executes a power-off processing based on effectively detect the signal.
2 . A computer that boots an operating system after the program has executed the initialization and diagnostic tests, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the reading means read at least the result indicating the start of booting of the operating system. If the standby means for booting that waits until the booting and the instruction for shutting off the power supply during the standby by the standby means for booting are prohibited, and the detection is stored by the storage means when the standby is completed And a signal generating means for transmitting a control signal instructing the power supply control input to shut off the power supply, and the predetermined time is determined by an input signal from the power supply control input after the boot of the operating system is started. The operating system can normally shut down the power Wherein a constant time or more time until 1. The power supply control circuit described.
3 . A power supply control circuit for controlling the power supply of a computer on which a program for booting an operating system is executed after executing at least initialization of hardware and diagnostic test of its own hardware when power is turned on. Reading means for reading the progress, storage means for detecting a power switch signal for controlling the power supply and storing the detection, and reading the progress including a result indicating at least the start of booting of the operating system by the reading means. A boot standby unit that waits until a predetermined time elapses, and prohibits a power-off instruction during the standby by the boot standby unit, and the storage unit detects the detection when the standby is completed. If stored, the power supply provided in the hardware And a signal generating means for transmitting a control signal for instructing the interruption of power supply to the control input, said predetermined time, said operating system by an input signal from the power control input from said been operating system boot start A power supply control circuit characterized in that the power supply control circuit has a fixed time equal to or longer than a time until the power supply can be normally shut off.
4 . A computer on which a program for executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test at the time of power-on is installed. A computer comprising the described power supply control circuit.
5 . 1. A computer equipped with a program for booting an operating system after executing at least initialization of its own hardware and a diagnostic test when power is turned on . Or 3. A computer comprising the power supply control circuit according to 1.
6 . A power supply control method for controlling the power supply of a computer on which a program for executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test is executed at the time of power-on, comprising reading the progress of initialization and diagnostic test by the program, Wait for initialization when the computer recognizes the power-off instruction effectively and waits for reading the progress including the result indicating that the hardware resources necessary for executing the power-off process are initialized based on the instruction. In parallel with the initialization standby step, a storage step for monitoring the power switch signal for controlling the power supply and detecting the signal when the signal is detected, and a initialization standby step Later, when the detection is stored by the storage step, the initialization interruption instruction that instructs the computer to turn off the power supply Power control method characterized by comprising the steps, a.
7 . A computer that boots an operating system after the program executes the initialization and diagnostic test, and further reads the progress of the initialization and diagnostic test by the program after the shutdown instruction step at initialization, and at least the operating system A reading process that waits until the progress including the result indicating the start of booting is read, and after the reading process, until the operating system is in a state in which the power supply can be normally shut down from the start of the operating system boot. Waiting until a certain time more than a certain period of time has elapsed, and during the waiting time, the boot standby process for holding the power-off instruction to the computer, and the boot standby process for controlling the power supply When the power switch signal is monitored and detected A storage step of storing said detection, after the boot standby step, wherein if the detection by the storage step are stored further comprises a blocking instruction step for instructing power-off to the computer 6. The power supply control method described.
8 . A power supply control method for controlling the power supply of a computer having a program for booting an operating system after executing at least initialization of hardware and diagnostic test of the hardware at the time of power-on. A reading step of reading the progress and waiting for reading of the progress including at least a result indicating the start of booting of the operating system; and after the reading step, the operating system is normally powered off from the start of booting of the operating system Waiting for a certain period of time or more until the processing is ready, and during the standby, a boot standby process in which a power-off instruction to the computer is suspended, and a boot standby process in parallel A power supply for controlling the power supply When the signal is detected by monitoring the switch signal, the storage step for storing the detection, and after the boot standby time step, if the detection is stored by the storage step, the computer is turned off. A power supply control method comprising: a shut-off instruction step for instructing.

If the power switch signal is received by the main power control circuit of the present invention until the computer finishes initialization of its predetermined input / output resources after the power is turned on, the power of the computer is surely shut off after the initialization. Can be made. Further, when the computer is a computer that boots an OS after executing its own hardware initialization and diagnostic test, it is possible to quickly shut off the computer without booting the OS.
The predetermined input resources, because the computer is the hardware resources necessary to execute the power-off processing based on the effective detection and the instruction the instruction of power-off, the initialization minimal input and output resources The computer power can be shut off immediately after being released.
Furthermore, the system waits until a predetermined time elapses from the start of booting of the OS, and when a power switch signal is received during the standby, it is provided with another means for instructing the computer to turn off the power after the standby. The computer can be reliably shut off without causing a system trouble due to the shut-off.
Another power supply control circuit according to the present invention waits until a predetermined time elapses after the computer starts booting the OS. If a power switch signal is received during the standby, the computer shuts off the power after the standby. By providing the means for instructing, when the power switch signal is received before the start of the OS boot, the power of the computer can be shut off immediately, and the power switch signal is received after the start of the OS boot. In this case, it is possible to reliably shut off the computer without causing a system trouble due to the power shutdown.
The predetermined time is a fixed time that is longer than the time from when the booting of the OS is started until the OS can normally perform the power-off processing. Therefore, when the power switch signal is received during that time, the OS It is possible to cause the OS to execute the shutdown process reliably after starting.
When a power switch signal is received by the computer having the main power control circuit before the initialization of its predetermined input / output resource after the power is turned on, the power supply is surely shut off after the initialization. In the case of a computer that boots the OS after executing its own hardware initialization and diagnostic test, it is possible to provide a computer that quickly shuts down its own power supply without booting the OS.
If a power switch signal is received before the start of OS booting by a computer including the other power control circuit or a computer further including the other means in the main power control circuit, the power supply is immediately turned on. If a power switch signal is received after the OS is booted and the OS is booted, a computer can be provided that shuts off its own power without causing a system trouble due to the power shutdown.
When a power switch signal is received by the power control method of the present invention after the computer is turned on and before the initialization of its predetermined input / output resource is completed, the power of the computer is surely shut off after the initialization. In the case of a computer that boots the OS after executing its own hardware initialization and diagnostic test, the power of the computer can be shut off without booting the OS. Further, the steps of the power supply control method can be realized by hardware or software.
Furthermore, the system waits until a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of booting of the OS, and when the power switch signal is received during the standby, the computer is provided with a step of instructing the computer to turn off the power after the standby. The power of the computer can be surely shut off by the OS without causing a system trouble.
Another power control method of the present invention waits until a predetermined time elapses after the computer starts booting the OS, and when a power switch signal is received during the standby, the computer shuts off the power after the standby. By providing an instruction step, if the power switch signal is received before the start of the OS boot, the power of the computer can be shut off immediately, and the power switch signal is received after the start of the OS boot. In such a case, the power of the computer can be surely shut off by the OS without causing a system trouble due to the power shut-off. Further, the steps of the power supply control method can be realized by hardware or software.

  According to each of the above inventions, in an application system (especially an automatic operation system), it is possible to prevent a problem that the computer power is not shut off immediately after startup and a failure that the computer cannot be restarted normally. Reliability, maintainability and safety can be improved.

  Furthermore, each of the above-described inventions can be applied regardless of hardware and software resources that have become a de facto standard for PCs. That is, it provides a solution that can use LSI, BIOS, OS, etc. such as so-called chip sets that are generally distributed as they are, and can save a great development burden and cost required for changing them.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a power supply control circuit of the present invention and a computer that is a control target thereof. In the following description and drawings, components and functions of the computer that are not related to the power control of the present invention are omitted.
The hardware 10a constituting the computer 10 includes a CPU 11, a main memory (RAM) 13, a ROM 14 storing a BIOS, a hard disk drive (HDD) 15 storing an OS, an I / O bridge 12, a power supply circuit 16, a bus 17, and the like. Is provided. However, in addition to these, the computer 10 may include a display device, a keyboard, a DVD drive, and the like, and the hardware 10a includes a CPU bridge, various buses, a graphics controller, a LAN, and various other interfaces. It may be.
The I / O bridge 12 has functions such as connection of various internal buses, various input / output interfaces, DMA control, and interrupt control. In many cases, an LSI called a chip set in which these functions are integrated is used.

The bus 17 provided in the I / O bridge 12 is a bus used for transmission of input / output data and the like. The progress of the diagnostic test executed after power-on is output to the input / output port 80H in a typical PC / AT compatible machine, for example, and can be read via the bus. However, the acquisition method of the progress is not limited to reading by the input / output port, and may be acquired by software on the computer 10, for example.
Initialization of the computer hardware proceeds in parallel with the diagnostic test. In this document, the term “diagnostic test” also includes initialization of each part of the hardware 10a. “Diagnosis test (diagnostic code)” means the result of initialization of resources in the hardware 10a and each of the diagnostic tests. The test result. Initialization and diagnostic test procedures and diagnostic codes differ depending on the BIOS used.

The power supply circuit 16 is a power supply circuit that supplies power to the hardware 10a. The I / O bridge 12 includes a function for managing the power supply of the computer 10 and controls the supply / cutoff of power to each hardware part of the computer.
Normally, when the computer 10 is turned off (stopped), the auxiliary power 162 is supplied from the power supply circuit 16 to the minimum hardware portion, and the main power supply 161 is cut off. In this document, “power supply” refers to the main power supply 161 unless otherwise specified.
However, various stop states can be set depending on the computer. For example, there are a state where the data is stopped while being stored in the memory, a state where the data is stored in the HDD or the like and the state is stopped. The present invention is mainly directed to a stopped state in which the hardware is initialized and the system is rebooted from the HDD or the like when the power is turned on again.

The power control input 120 provided in the I / O bridge 12 is a signal input terminal for instructing the computer 10 to turn on / off the power. For example, in a chip set used for a PC / AT compatible machine, this terminal is an input terminal called “Power Button” or the like, and originally the power switch 30 can be connected to the terminal.
In this document, a control signal transmitted to the power control input 120 to instruct the computer 10 to turn on or off the power is referred to as a power control signal (Ps). The power supply control signal Ps is desirably a signal that is at least 100 milliseconds or more in order to be reliably received. Also, for example, in a PC / AT compatible machine, when a signal that is on for more than 4 seconds (so-called “long press”) is input to the power control input, Is done. For this reason, the power control signal Ps generated by the signal generation means 24 described later is a signal that is turned on for a time shorter than 4 seconds.

The power supply control circuit 20a is a circuit of the main invention for controlling the computer 10 to shut off the power supply. A power switch 30 and an external device 40 can be connected to the power control circuit 20a.
The power switch 30 is a switch for the operator to turn on / off the computer 10. Normally, in a personal computer, the power switch 30 is integrally mounted on the housing of the computer 10, but the power control circuit 20 a is a circuit interposed between the power control input 120 and the power switch 30. In FIG. 2, the power switch 30, the computer 10, and the hardware 10a are separated from each other.
The power switch 30 generates a power switch signal S1 for controlling the power supply of the computer 10. If necessary, the auxiliary power 162 is supplied to the power switch 30 while the computer is turned off. Most of the power switch 30 is a momentary switch, and when the switch is pressed, the power switch signal S1 is turned on. However, the configuration of the switch is not limited to this, and for example, a switch for turning on and off the power may be provided separately.
The external device 40 is a device / device provided in a system in which the computer 10 is used, and examples thereof include a power switch, a controller, a machine, and an uninterruptible power supply of an application system. The external device 40 generates a power switch signal S2 for controlling the power supply of the computer 10.
The power switch signals S1 and S2 are collectively referred to as a power switch signal Sw below.
However, if the voltage, duration or other signal format of the signal S1 or S2 is not compatible with the standard / characteristics of the input signal of the power supply control input 120, the electronic circuit for conversion is replaced with the power supply control circuit 20a. By incorporating it in the signal S1 or S2 input section, it can be converted into a signal format compatible with the standard and characteristics of the input signal of the power control input 120. For example, when the power switch 30 is a toggle switch that manually switches the on / off stop position, the power switch signal S1 is on while the switch is on. In this case, when the signal S1 is turned on, the power switch signal Sw that is turned on for a short time is generated to instruct the computer to turn on the power, and when the signal S1 is turned off, the power supply is instructed to be cut off. Therefore, the power switch signal Sw that is turned on for a short time can be generated.
Therefore, the power switch signal Sw is a signal that is turned on when either the signal S1 or S2 is received and is compatible with the required standard / characteristic of the power control input 120.

  The power control circuit 20 a includes a reading unit 21, a storage unit 22, an initialization standby unit 23 a, and a signal generation unit 24. When the computer 10 is turned off, the auxiliary power 162 is supplied to the storage means 22 and the signal generation means 24. When the computer 10 is off and the signal S1 or S2 from the power switch 30 or the external device 40 is received by the storage means 22, the power switch signal Sw is directly used as the power control signal Ps by the signal generating means 24. Then, the computer 10 is started. When the computer 10 is powered on, the power switch signal Sw remains as it is when the signal S1 or S2 is received, except for a period of time when the initialization standby unit 23a is in a standby state to be described later. It is transmitted to the power control signal Ps and input to the power control input 120.

The reading means 21 is connected to the bus 17, reads the diagnostic code, and sends the diagnostic code to the initialization standby means 23a.
The initialization standby unit 23a waits until the reading unit 21 reads a diagnostic code that matches a predetermined code. Hereinafter, the predetermined code is Ca, and a signal indicating the standby state is a standby signal Ta.
The predetermined code Ca is a diagnostic code including a result indicating that at least a predetermined input / output resource of the hardware 10a has been initialized. The predetermined code only needs to indicate the result of another initialization or diagnostic test executed after the initialization is completed, but the diagnosis output immediately after the initialization of the predetermined input / output resource is completed. The code is desirable.
The predetermined input / output resource is a hardware resource necessary for the computer 10 to effectively detect an input signal from the power control input 120 provided in the hardware 10a and execute processing based on the signal. Can do. The hardware resources include a power supply control input / output circuit in the hardware 10a, a controller related to the power control input / output circuit, a memory necessary for executing the processing, and the like. That is, the predetermined code Ca can be a diagnostic code indicating the result of initialization of these minimum hardware resources.

The storage means 22 monitors the state of the power switch signal Sw and stores the detection when detecting that the signal is turned on. Hereinafter, the stored detection signal is referred to as Sh.
The signal generating unit 24 receives the standby signal Ta from the initialization standby unit 23 a and the power switch signal Sw and the detection signal Sh from the storage unit 22. Then, a power control signal Ps is transmitted to the power control input 120.

FIG. 2 is a time chart showing the operation of the power supply control circuit 20a. Hereinafter, the operation of the power supply control circuit 20a will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power switch signal Sw is turned on while the main power supply 161 of the computer 10 is off, the power control signal Ps input to the power control input 120 is turned on. The on period of the power supply control signal Ps varies depending on the specific circuit configuration, but the main power supply 161 is supplied by this signal and the computer is started. The standby signal Ta indicating the standby state is set to on by the initialization standby means 23a.
In the computer 10, after the power is turned on, a signal input to the power control input 120 is invalidated until a certain input / output resource is initialized (hereinafter referred to as a dead time t1). That is, even if the power switch signal Sw (b) is generated during the dead period t1 and the power control signal Ps is input, the signal is not recognized by the computer 10 and the power shut-off process is not started. Become. Therefore, when the storage means 22 detects that the power switch signal Sw is turned on, the detection is stored and the detection signal Sh is set to on.
On the other hand, the progress of the diagnostic test executed after the power is turned on is read by the reading means 21. When the diagnostic code (c) corresponding to the predetermined code Ca including the result of initializing the predetermined input / output resource is read, the dead period t1 has ended, and the computer inputs to the power control input 120. The signal can be recognized effectively. Therefore, the standby signal Ta is reset to off by the initialization standby unit 23a (T1).

When the standby signal Ta is reset to OFF (T1), when the detection signal Sh is set to on, the signal generator 24 transmits the power control signal Ps (b ') to the power control input 120. The The held power switch signal (b) is transmitted as the power control signal Ps (b ′), and the detection signal Sh is reset to off by the storage unit 22.
By transmitting the power control signal Ps (b ′), the computer 10 starts the power shut-off process, and after the end, the main power supply 161 is shut off.
Further, after the standby state is completed, the state of the power switch signal Sw is transparently transmitted to the power control signal Ps by the signal generator 24. That is, when the power switch signal Sw is turned on, the power control signal Ps is turned on without being suspended, and immediately causes the computer 10 to start the power shutdown process.

As shown in FIG. 3, another power supply control circuit 20 b of the present invention includes a reading unit 21, a storage unit 22, a boot standby unit 23 b, and a signal generation unit 24. The hardware 10a, the I / O bridge 12, the power control input 120, the power circuit 16, the bus 17, the power switch 30, and the external device 40 to be controlled by this circuit are the same as those of the power control circuit 20a. . The power switch signal S1 and S2 from the power switch 30 and the external device 40, the internal power switch signal Sw and the detection signal Sh, and the power control signal Ps sent to the power control input 120 are also included in the power control circuit 20a. Same as the case.
When the computer 10 is turned off, the auxiliary power 162 is supplied to the storage means 22 and the signal generation means 24. When the signal S1 or S2 from the power switch 30 or the external device 40 is received by the storage means 22 with the computer 10 turned off, the power switch signal Sw is transmitted as it is to the power control signal Ps, and the computer 10 It is activated. When the computer 10 is turned on, the power switch signal Sw remains unchanged when the signal S1 or S2 is received, except during a period when the boot standby unit 23b is in a standby state to be described later. It is transmitted to the control signal Ps and input to the power supply control input 120.

The computer 10 initializes its own hardware 10a and performs a diagnostic test, and then starts reading (booting) the OS from the HDD 15 or the like to the main memory 13. The start of booting of the OS can be known by reading the progress of the diagnostic test (diagnostic code). The reading means 21 is the same as the reading means of the power supply control circuit 20a, and reads the diagnostic code.
The boot standby unit 23b waits until a predetermined time elapses after the diagnostic code read by the reading unit 21 matches the predetermined code. In order to time the predetermined time, the boot time standby means 23b incorporates a timer. Hereinafter, the predetermined code is Cb, the predetermined time is tb, and a signal indicating the standby state is a standby signal Tb.
The predetermined code Cb is a diagnostic code including at least a result indicating the start of booting of the OS. The predetermined code Cb may be a diagnostic code indicating the result of initialization or a diagnostic test executed before the start of the OS boot, but may be a diagnostic code output immediately before the start of the OS boot. desirable.
The predetermined time tb is a time from when the computer 10 starts booting the OS until the OS can perform a power-off process normally by an input signal from the power control input 120 (hereinafter, referred to as the “time tb”). t2)) It is possible to set a certain time as described above. The time t2 varies greatly depending on the configuration of the computer, the scale of the OS to be used, and the like. For example, when the OS is booted from the HDD or the like, it is about several seconds to several tens of seconds.

  The signal generator 24 receives the standby signal Tb from the boot standby unit 23b and the power switch signal Sw and the detection signal Sh from the storage unit 22. Then, a power control signal Ps is transmitted to the power control input 120.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the power supply control circuit 20b. Hereinafter, the operation of the power supply control circuit 20b will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power switch signal Sw is turned on while the main power supply 161 of the computer 10 is off, the power control signal Ps is turned on. The on period of the power supply control signal Ps varies depending on the specific circuit configuration, but the main power supply 161 is supplied by this signal and the computer is started. The standby signal Tb is reset to off by the boot standby unit 23b.
A diagnostic test is executed after the power is turned on, and the diagnostic code is read by the reading means 21. When a diagnostic code (d) corresponding to the predetermined code Cb including at least a result indicating the start of booting of the OS is read, the timer is started simultaneously with the standby signal Tb being set by the boot standby unit 23b. (Ts). While the standby signal Tb is on, the signal generator 24 prohibits transmission of the power control signal Ps.
The timer times the predetermined time tb. As described above, the predetermined time tb can be a certain time that is equal to or longer than the time t2 from when the OS starts to boot until the OS can normally perform the power-off process. As a result, it is possible to prohibit power-off until the OS is surely shifted to normal processing. When the predetermined time tb has elapsed, the standby signal Tb is reset to off (T2).
On the other hand, when the power switch signal Sw is turned on in the standby state, that is, the period when the standby signal Tb is on, the signal is stored by the storage means 22 and the detection signal Sh indicating the detection is set to on. Is done.

When the standby signal Tb is reset to off (T2), when the detection signal Sh is set to on, the power generation control signal Ps (b ') is transmitted to the power supply control input 120 by the signal generator 24. . The held power switch signal Sw (b) is transmitted as the power control signal Ps (b ′), and the storage unit 22 resets the detection signal Sh to off.
By transmitting the power control signal Ps (b ′), the computer 10 starts the power shut-off process, and after the end, the main power supply 161 is shut off.
When not in the standby state, that is, before Ts or after T2, the state of the power switch signal Sw is transparently transmitted to the power control signal Ps by the signal generator 24. That is, when the power switch signal Sw is turned on, the power control signal Ps is turned on without being suspended, and immediately causes the computer 10 to start the power shutdown process.

The power supply control circuit 20a which is a main invention can further include the boot standby unit 23b which is another invention. In this case, the power supply control circuit 20a further includes a boot standby unit 23b in parallel with the initialization standby unit 23a, and an output signal of the reading unit 21 is input to the standby units 23a and 23b. The standby signals Ta and Tb output from the standby units 23a and 23b are sent to the signal generating unit 24. The signal generating unit 24 determines that the standby state is established when either the Ta or Tb signal is on.
FIG. 5 is a time chart when the initialization standby unit 23a operates immediately after the computer is turned on, and the boot standby unit 23b operates thereafter. In FIG. 5, when T1 reads a diagnostic code “c” including a result indicating that a predetermined input / output resource is initialized, Ts reads a diagnostic code “d” including a result indicating the start of booting of the OS. T2 indicates the time when a predetermined time tb has elapsed from Ts.
The standby signal (Ta or Tb) is set to on during T1 after power is turned on and from Ts to T2, and when the power switch signal Sw is received during that time, the standby signal is turned off. Immediately after that, the power control signal Ps is transmitted, and the power-off process of the computer is started (not shown). When the power switch signal Sw is received while the standby signal from T1 to Ts is off, the power control signal Ps is output immediately, and the power-off process of the computer is started without booting the OS (see FIG. Not shown).

Specifically, the power supply control circuit 20a and the power supply control circuit 20b can be configured by a circuit illustrated in FIG.
The reading unit 21 includes a bus input circuit 211 and reads a diagnostic code.
The storage unit 22 includes a power switch signal input circuit 221 and a storage circuit 222. The power switch signal input circuit 221 receives the signals S1 and S2 from the power switch 30 and the external device 40, and generates a power switch signal Sw. When the standard / characteristic of the signal S1 or S2 is different from the standard / characteristic of the power supply control input 120, it can be converted into a power switch signal Sw compatible with the power supply control input 120 and the standard / characteristic by this circuit. The memory circuit 222 sets the detection signal Sh when receiving the power switch signal Sw. The detection signal Sh is reset when the power supply control signal Ps is sent.
The initialization standby unit 23a includes a comparison circuit a (231a) and a standby circuit a (233a). The comparison circuit a sends a signal (Ca detection) to the standby circuit a when the diagnostic code matches the predetermined code Ca, and the standby circuit a resets the standby signal Ta by the signal.
The boot standby unit 23b includes a comparison circuit b (231b), a timer circuit (232), and a standby circuit b (233b). The comparison circuit b outputs a signal (Cb detection) when the diagnostic code matches the predetermined code Cb, and the standby circuit b sets the standby signal Tb at the same time when the timer circuit is started by the signal. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed by the timer circuit, the standby circuit b resets the standby signal Tb.
The signal generation means 24 includes a signal generation circuit 242 and peripheral logic. When the standby signal (Ta + Tb) of either Ta or Tb is reset when the detection signal Sh is set by the memory circuit 222, the signal generation circuit 242 transmits the power control signal Ps. The element 245 is a circuit for transmitting the power switch signal Sw without being put on hold when the power switch signal Sw is received when the standby signal is not set.

A computer including the power supply control circuit described above as a part of the hardware 10a can be realized.
The first is a computer that performs at least initialization of its own hardware and a diagnostic test when the power is turned on, and includes the power supply control circuit 20a.
Second, a computer that starts up an OS after executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test when power is turned on, the computer including the power control circuit 20b, or the power control circuit 20a It is a computer provided with boot time standby means 23b.

The power supply control method of the present invention is a power supply control method for controlling the power supply of a computer that performs at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test when power is turned on. The computer is the same as the computer 10.
All of the power control method can be realized by hardware. The hardware may be implemented by being incorporated in a part of the computer 10 alone or in combination with other control functions. For example, it is a computer provided with the power supply control circuit 20a as a part of the hardware 10a.
Further, most of the power control method can be realized by software. The software may be realized as a program on the computer 10 or may be realized as firmware on the hardware 10a. For example, it can be implemented as a program of an embedded controller, a programmable logic device, etc. alone or in combination with other control functions.

The first power control method is a power control method when the hardware is initialized after the computer is turned on. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control method.
This power supply control method reads the progress of the initialization and diagnostic tests, waits until the progress including at least a predetermined result is read, and the initialization standby step (P1), while executing the standby step P1 A power switch signal for controlling the power supply of the computer is monitored, and when the signal is detected, a storage step (P2) for storing the detection is performed after the standby step P1 and the storage step P2 In the case where the detection is stored, a shutdown instruction step (P3) for instructing the computer to shut off the power supply is provided.
The predetermined result is a result indicating that the hardware resource necessary for the computer to effectively recognize the power-off instruction and execute the power-off process based on the instruction is initialized. Hereinafter, at least the initialization and diagnostic test process including the result are defined as a predetermined code Ca.
The previous power switch signal is a signal generated by the power switch 30 or the external device 40 or the like. These signals can be detected by hardware or software processing as signals that request the computer to be turned off, similar to the power switch signal Sw described above.
Instructing the computer to turn off the power is, for example, transmitting a control signal instructing to turn off the power to the power control input 120 provided in the hardware 10a.

First, when the computer is turned on, initialization of the computer hardware and a diagnostic test are started by the BIOS (S101).
The initialization standby process P1 includes a step of reading the progress of the initialization and diagnostic test (S113) and a step of determining whether the read progress matches the predetermined code Ca (S114). Wait until the process that matches the code Ca is read.
The storing step P2 monitors the state of the power switch signal during the standby in the initialization standby step P1 (S111), and stores the detection when the power switch signal is detected (S112). Is provided.
The initialization shutoff instruction process P3 includes a step (S121) of determining whether or not the detection of the power switch signal is stored in the storage process P2 after the standby is completed in the initialization standby process P1. When the detection is stored, the computer includes a step (S122) of instructing the computer to turn off the power.

The second power supply control method is a power supply control method centering on the time of booting the OS in a computer that boots the OS after performing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test at the time of power-on. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control method.
In this power supply control method, a reading process (P4) that waits until the progress including at least a predetermined result is read after reading the initialization and the diagnostic test, and a predetermined time elapses after the reading process P4. During the standby time in booting (P5) and waiting in the standby time in booting P5, when the power switch signal for controlling the power supply is monitored and detected, the power supply to the computer is After the boot storage process (P6) for storing the detection by holding the shutdown instruction and the boot standby process P5, if the detection is stored by the boot storage process P6, the computer is powered on. And a shut-off instruction step (P7) for instructing shut-off.
The predetermined result is a result indicating the start of booting of the OS. Hereinafter, the progress of initialization and diagnostic test including at least the result is referred to as a predetermined code Cb.
The predetermined time may be a certain time that is equal to or longer than the time from the start of the OS boot until the OS is in a state where the power can be normally shut off.
The first power switch signal is the same as that in the first power control method.
The significance of instructing the computer to turn off the power is the same as in the first power control method.

The reading step P4 includes a step (S201) of reading the progress of the initialization and diagnostic test, and a step (S202) of determining whether the progress matches the predetermined code Cb, and the reading step P4 matches the predetermined code Cb. Wait until the progress is read.
The sub-process (P41) incorporated in the reading process P4 includes a step of monitoring the state of the power switch signal (S203) and a step of instructing the computer to turn off the power when the power switch signal is detected (S204). Prepare. When the power switch signal is received during the reading process P4 by the sub-process P41, it is possible to immediately instruct the computer to shut off the power and shut off the computer without booting the OS.
In the boot standby process P5, after the reading process P4, a step of prohibiting a power-off instruction to the computer and starting a timer (S211), and a step of waiting until the predetermined time is counted by the timer (S214) ).
The boot time storage process P6 includes a step of monitoring the power switch signal during the standby in the boot time standby process P5 (S212) and a step of storing the detection when the signal is detected (S213).
The boot shut-off instruction process P7 includes a step (S221) of determining whether the detection of the power switch signal is stored in the boot storage process P6 after the standby is completed in the boot standby process P5, When the detection is stored, the computer includes a step (S222) of instructing the computer to turn off the power.

  Steps P4 to P7 of the second power supply control method are steps performed after steps P1 to P3 (S111 to S122) of the first power supply control method, but the first power supply control method is not used. The case may be performed after the initialization and the start of the diagnostic test (S101 in FIG. 6).

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a computer and a power supply control circuit. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the power supply control circuit at the time of initialization. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply control circuit at the time of booting. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the power supply control circuit at the time of booting. It is a time chart which shows operation | movement of the power supply control circuit at the time of a boot following the initialization. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structural example of a power supply control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st power supply control method. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd power supply control method.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10; Computer, 10a; Hardware, 12; I / O bridge, 16; Power supply circuit, 17; Bus, 20a, 20b; Power supply control circuit, 21; Reading means, 22; Storage means, 23a; 23b; boot standby means 24; signal generating means 30; power switch 40; external device etc. 120 power supply control input 161 power supply (main power supply) 162 power supply switch Sw power switch signal Sh: Detection signal, Ta, Tb: Standby signal, Ps: Power control signal

Claims (8)

A power supply control circuit for controlling the power supply of a computer on which a program for executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test at the time of power-on is installed,
Reading means for reading the progress of initialization and diagnostic test by the program;
Storage means for detecting a power switch signal for controlling the power supply and storing the detection;
An initialization wait unit for waiting until the reading unit reads the progress including a result indicating that at least a predetermined input / output resource of the hardware is initialized by the reading unit;
When the standby is completed by the initialization standby unit, when the detection is stored by the storage unit, a signal is generated to transmit a control signal instructing power supply to the power control input provided in the hardware Means,
Equipped with a,
The predetermined input / output resource is a hardware resource necessary for the computer to effectively detect an input signal from the power control input and execute a power shutdown process based on the signal. circuit. A computer that boots an operating system after the program has performed the initialization and diagnostic tests;
Boot time standby means for waiting until a predetermined time elapses after reading the progress including at least a result indicating the start of booting of the operating system by the reading means;
While the standby by the boot time waiting means is prohibited, an instruction to turn off the power is prohibited. When the detection is stored by the storage means when the standby is completed, the power supply control input is turned off. Signal generating means for transmitting a control signal to instruct;
Further comprising
The predetermined time is a fixed time that is equal to or longer than a time from when the boot of the operating system is started until the operating system can normally perform power-off processing by an input signal from the power control input. The power supply control circuit according to 1. A power supply control circuit for controlling the power supply of a computer equipped with a program for booting an operating system after executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test at the time of power-on,
Reading means for reading the progress of initialization and diagnostic test by the program;
Storage means for detecting a power switch signal for controlling the power supply and storing the detection;
Boot time standby means for waiting until a predetermined time elapses after reading the progress including at least a result indicating the start of booting of the operating system by the reading means;
The power-off control instruction provided in the hardware is prohibited when an instruction to shut off the power supply is prohibited during the standby by the boot time standby means, and the detection is stored by the storage means when the standby is completed. A signal generating means for transmitting a control signal instructing to shut off the power to
Equipped with a,
The predetermined time is a fixed time equal to or longer than a time from when the booting of the operating system is started until the operating system can normally perform power-off processing by an input signal from the power control input. A characteristic power supply control circuit.   2. A computer having a power control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the computer is equipped with a program for executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test when power is turned on. A computer equipped with a program for booting an operating system after executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test when power is turned on, and comprising the power supply control circuit according to claim 2 or 3 . A power supply control method for controlling the power supply of a computer on which a program for executing at least initialization of hardware and diagnostic tests at the time of power-on is installed,
The progress of initialization and diagnostic tests by the program is read, and at least the computer recognizes the power-off instruction effectively, and the hardware resources necessary for executing the power-off process based on the instruction are initialized. An initialization standby step of waiting until reading the progress including the result shown;
In parallel with the initialization standby step, a storage step of monitoring the power switch signal for controlling the power source and storing the detection when the signal is detected;
After the initialization standby step, when the detection is stored by the storage step, an initialization shutdown instruction step that instructs the computer to turn off the power;
A power supply control method comprising: A computer that boots an operating system after the program has performed the initialization and diagnostic tests;
A reading step of reading the progress of the initialization and diagnostic test by the program after the shut-off instruction step at initialization and waiting until the progress including at least a result indicating the start of booting of the operating system is read;
After the reading step, the computer waits until a certain period of time from the start of booting of the operating system to a state where the operating system can normally perform power-off processing elapses. A standby process at the time of holding the power-off instruction for
In parallel with the standby process at the time of booting, a storage process for monitoring the power switch signal for controlling the power supply and storing the detection when the signal is detected;
If the detection is stored by the storage step after the boot standby step, a shutdown instruction step for instructing the computer to turn off the power;
The power supply control method according to claim 6 , further comprising: A power supply control method for controlling the power supply of a computer equipped with a program for booting an operating system after executing at least initialization of hardware and a diagnostic test at the time of power-on,
A reading step of reading the progress of the initialization and diagnostic tests by the program and waiting until reading the progress including at least a result indicating the start of booting of the operating system;
After the reading step, the computer waits until a certain period of time from the start of booting of the operating system to a state where the operating system can normally perform power-off processing elapses. A standby process at the time of holding the power-off instruction for
In parallel with the standby process at the time of booting, a storage process for monitoring the power switch signal for controlling the power supply and storing the detection when the signal is detected;
If the detection is stored by the storage step after the boot standby step, a shutdown instruction step for instructing the computer to turn off the power;
A power supply control method comprising:

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