JPH05189100A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the power consumption to extend the use time of an incorporated battery. CONSTITUTION:When a command 111 to instruct the use of an external connection device 12 is outputted from a CPU 11 to a decoder 12, the decoder 12 decodes this command 111. When decoding the command 111, the decoder 12 outputs a power supply control instruction 121 to an I/O register 13 to set or reset the I/O register 13. A power supply control part 14 outputs a power supply control signal 141 to an external device connection part 15 in accordance with an output 131 of the I/O register 13 to control the power supply to the external device connection part 15. When the CPU 11 does not use the external connection device 2, power supply to the external device connection part 15 is cut off.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus having an external device connection section for connecting to an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information processing apparatus to which an external device is connected is limited to a desktop type computer, and a commercial power source is used in this type of computer, so that the need for power saving is reduced. ing.

On the other hand, in recent years, the size of computers has been reduced, and a high-performance notebook type computer having a portable size has appeared. Since a built-in battery is used as a power source in this type of computer, it is necessary to control the power supply of an external device connection portion that is not normally used to extend the life of the built-in battery.

In such an external device connecting portion of the conventional information processing apparatus, power is consumed for controlling and driving the external device even when the external device is not used, so that the life of the built-in battery is shortened. There is a problem.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to eliminate the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and provides an information processing apparatus capable of reducing power consumption and extending the usage time of a built-in battery. With the goal.

[0006]

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus having an external device connecting portion for connecting an external device, and a holding means for holding a use instruction command of the external device, and the holding means. And a control means for controlling to supply power to the external device connection portion while the use instruction command is held.

Another information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus having an external device connecting portion for connecting an external device, and determines whether or not the external device is connected to the external device connecting portion. And a control unit for controlling to supply power to the external device connection unit when the detection unit detects the connection of the external device to the external device connection unit. To do.

Another information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus having an external device connecting portion for connecting an external device, the holding device holding a use instruction command of the external device, and the external device. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the external device is connected to the connecting portion; and detecting the connection of the external device to the external device connecting portion by the detecting means and holding the use instruction command in the holding means. And a control means for controlling to supply power to the external device connection portion during the operation.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the information processing device 1 is a CP
It has a U (central processing unit) 11 and is connected to the externally connected device 2 from the outside via an external device connecting portion 15.

When the CPU 11 outputs a command 111 instructing to use the externally connected device 2 to the decoder 12, the decoder 12 decodes the command 111 from the CPU 11. When the decoder 12 decodes the command 111, the power supply control instruction 12
1 is output to the I / O register 13.

The I / O register 13 is composed of a flip-flop and has a power supply control instruction from the decoder 12.
Set or reset depending on 121. The power supply control unit 14 outputs a power supply control signal 141 to the external device connection unit 15 according to the output 131 of the I / O register 13 to control the power supply to the external device connection unit 15.

The power source control unit 14 controls the power saving of the external device connection unit 15, and the external device connection unit 15
Depending on the structure, the power supply is turned on / off, the operation mode is switched to the normal state or the standby state, or the supply clock is controlled to reduce the power consumption of the external device connection unit 15.

The external device connection unit 15 may include a control circuit depending on the type of the external connection device 2, a drive unit for only data or control signals, or a combination of both.

The external connection device 2 is connected to a small computer, and generally, a communication interface,
Printer output, display interface, expansion bus interface, floppy disk interface, etc. In these externally connected devices 2, it is often safe to turn off the control circuit and the drive circuit when they are not connected or not used.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the information processing device 1 having the CPU 11, the external device 2 is controlled by the CPU 11
Generally, it is performed according to the program executed in. Here, a printer is assumed as the externally connected device 2.

When the printer is connected as the externally connected device 2 and the data is output to the printer, the CPU 11 first executes a power-on instruction (one of power supply control instructions) for turning on the external device connection section 15. .. This power-on instruction is decoded by the decoder 12 and the I / O register 13 is set.

The power supply control unit 4 turns on the power supply of the external device connection unit 15 in response to the signal 131 from the I / O register 13. Here, when a printer is connected as the external connection device 2, the external device connection unit 15 is composed of a drive circuit. Therefore, turning on the power of the external device connection unit 15 simply enables the drive circuit. is there.

After that, the CPU 11 executes a program for outputting data to the printer, and the externally connected device 2 outputs the data to the printer. When the printer output is completed, the CPU 11 issues an instruction to turn off the externally connected device 2, the instruction is decoded by the decoder 12, and the I / O
The register 13 is reset. Therefore, the power supply control unit 1
Reference numeral 4 disables the drive circuit of the external device connection section 15.

Here, it is known that the drive circuit with the enable circuit has a great power saving effect by disabling, so that the information processing apparatus 1 can save power.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the second embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 except that an external device connection detection unit 16 is added, and the same parts are the same. It is attached with a code. The operation of the same component is similar to that of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The external device connection detection unit 16 is the external device 2
The connection or non-connection of the external connection device 2 is detected by detecting the signal 151 or the physical connection state between the external connection device 2 and the external connection device 2. Here, the physical connection state of the external connection device 2 is detected by a mechanical switch or a jumper of a connector,
In other words, there is a method of detecting by short-circuiting the signals of the connector at the time of connection. It should be noted that the decoder 12 and the I / O register 13 for instructing the power supply control shown in FIG. 1 are not essential and are therefore omitted in FIG.

The external device connection detector 16 is used for the external device 2
Of the power supply control unit 14 by detecting the connection state of the
Is notified of the connection or non-connection of the external connection device 2. When the external device connection detection unit 16 notifies the power supply control unit 14 of the connection of the externally connected device 2, the power supply control unit 14 controls the external device connection unit 15 to turn on. In addition, when the external device connection detection unit 16 notifies the power supply control unit 14 that the external connection device 2 is not connected, the power supply control unit 14 controls the external device connection unit 15 to turn off.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the third embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 except that an external device power supply detection unit 17 is added, and the same parts are the same. It is attached with a code. The operation of the same component is similar to that of the second embodiment of the present invention.

The external device power source detecting section 17 is used as the external device 2
It is determined whether the external connection device 2 is in the power-on state by detecting the power supply voltage from the signal 151 between the external connection device 2 and the power supply ON / OFF signal from the external connection device 2.

The external device power source detection unit 17 is used as the external device 2
The power-on state of the external connection device 2 is detected and the power supply control unit 14 is notified of the power-on or power-off of the external connection device 2 by the signal 171. The power supply control unit 14 is notified of the connection of the externally connected device 2 by the external device connection detection unit 16, and the external device power supply detection unit 1
When the power-on of the external connection device 2 is notified from 7, the external device connection unit 15 is controlled to be turned on. Also,
Even if the power control unit 14 is notified by the external device connection detection unit 16 that the external connection device 2 is not connected, or the external device connection detection unit 16 notifies that the external connection device 2 is connected,
When the external device power detection unit 17 notifies that the external device 2 is powered off, the external device connection unit 15 is controlled to be turned off.

The external device connection detector 1 shown in FIG.
6 is not essential, but by providing the external device connection detection unit 16 and the external device power supply detection unit 17, the external connection device 2 is powered on even when the external connection device 2 is in the connected state. For example, the power supply control unit 14 controls the external device connection unit 15 to be turned on and the external device connection unit 15 to be turned off when the power is cut off.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the fourth embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 except that the external device operation detection unit 18 is added, and the same parts are the same. It is attached with a code. The operation of the same component is similar to that of the third embodiment of the present invention.

The external device operation detector 18 is the external device 2
The operating state of the externally connected device 2 is detected by monitoring the change of the signal 151 between and. That is, the external device operation detection unit 18 sends the signal 151 to and from the externally connected device 2.
Is changed for a certain period of time, and whether the externally connected device 2 is in the operating state is determined. in this case,
The external device operation detection unit 18 is a signal between the external device 2 and the external connection device 2.
If 151 does not change for a certain period of time, it is determined that the external device 2 is not in operation, and if the signal 151 changes, the external device 2
Is in the operating state.

The external device operation detecting section 18 is the external device 2
The operating state of the power supply controller 14 is detected by the signal 181.
Is notified of whether the externally connected device 2 is in the operating state.
When the external device operation detection unit 18 notifies the power supply control unit 14 that the externally connected device 2 is in the operating state, the power supply control unit 14 controls the external device connection unit 15 to be in the ON state. Further, when the external device operation detection unit 18 notifies the power supply control unit 14 that the externally connected device 2 is not in the operating state, the power supply control unit 14 controls the external device connection unit 15 to be in the off state.

The external device connection detector 1 shown in FIG.
6 and the external device power detection unit 17 are not essential, but by providing the external device operation detection unit 18 in addition to the external device connection detection unit 16 and the external device power detection unit 17, the external connection device 2 is connected. Also, even if the power is on, if the signal 151 does not change, the external device connection unit 15
Is controlled by the power supply control unit 14 so that the external device connection unit 15 is turned on when the signal 151 changes.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the fifth embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 except that a command detection unit 19 is added, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts. It is attached. The operation of the same component is similar to that of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The command detecting section 19 detects a specific command, for example, a data transfer start signal or a data transfer end signal, from the data of the signal 151 with the external connection device 2 and performs a specific process with the external connection device 2. Judge execution or termination of.

The command detection unit 19 detects a specific command with the external connection device 2 and notifies the power supply control unit 14 of the execution or termination of the specific process with the external connection device 2 by the signal 191. When the command detection unit 19 notifies the power supply control unit 14 of the execution of the specific process with the external connection device 2, the power supply control unit 14 controls the external device connection unit 15 to be in the ON state. When the command detection unit 19 notifies the power control unit 14 of the end of the specific processing with the external connection device 2, the power supply control unit 14 controls the external device connection unit 15 to be turned off.

The external device connection detecting section 1 shown in FIG.
6, external device power supply detection unit 17, and external device operation detection unit 18
Is not essential, but the external device connection detection unit 16,
By providing the command detection unit 19 in addition to the external device power detection unit 17 and the external device operation detection unit 18, a specific command is not input even when the externally connected device 2 is in the connected state, the power-on state, and the operating state. When the process end notification is input, the external device connection unit 15 is turned off, and when the specific command is input or the process start notification is input, the external device connection unit 15 is turned on. Control by the power supply control unit 14.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the sixth embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 except that a power control signal 142 is added between the power control unit 14 and the external connection device 2. The same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. The operation of the same component is similar to that of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The power supply control unit 14 includes an external device connection detection unit 16
From the external device power supply detection section 17
171, the signal 181, from the external device operation detection unit 18, and the signal 191, from the command detection unit 19, know that the above-described power control conditions are satisfied, the power control signal 141
Controls the power supply of the external device connection section 15, and simultaneously controls the power supply of the external connection device 2 by the power supply control signal 142. At this time, the power source of the external device 2 is the information processing device 1
If the power source is shared, it is possible to significantly reduce the power consumption of the information processing device 1.

In this way, the command 111 output from the CPU 11 is decoded by the decoder 12, and the I / O is output according to the decoding result.
By setting and resetting the O register 13 and controlling the power supply to the external device connection unit 15 or the external connection device 2 by the power supply control unit 14 according to the output of the I / O register 13, the CPU 11 causes the external connection device 2 to operate. When not using, the power supply to the external device connection unit 15 or the external connection device 2 can be cut off. Therefore, the power consumption of the information processing device 1 can be reduced and the usage time of the built-in battery can be extended.

Further, the external device 2 is connected to the external device connecting section 1.
5 is detected by the external device connection detection unit 16, and the power supply control unit 14 controls the power supply to the external device connection unit 15 or the external connection device 2 in accordance with the detection result, thereby making an external connection. It is possible to cut off the power supply to the external device connection unit 15 when the device 2 is not connected. Therefore, the power consumption of the information processing device 1 can be reduced and the usage time of the built-in battery can be extended.

Further, whether or not the externally connected device 2 is in a power-on state is detected by the external device power supply detection unit 17, and the power supply control unit 14 is used by the power supply control unit 14 according to the detection result.
5 or by controlling the power supply to the external connection device 2, even if the external connection device 2 is connected to the external device connection unit 15, if the external connection device 2 is not in the power-on state, to the external device connection unit 15 The power supply can be cut off. Therefore, the power consumption of the information processing device 1 can be reduced and the usage time of the built-in battery can be extended.

Furthermore, whether or not the externally connected device 2 is in operation is detected by the external device operation detection unit 18, and the power supply control unit 14 causes the external device connection unit 1 to operate according to the detection result.
5 or by controlling the power supply to the external connection device 2, even when the external connection device 2 is connected to the external device connection unit 15 and the external connection device 2 is in the power-on state,
When the external connection device 2 is not in the operating state, the power supply to the external device connection unit 15 or the external connection device 2 can be cut off. Therefore, the power consumption of the information processing device 1 can be reduced and the usage time of the built-in battery can be extended.

The command detection unit 19 detects whether or not a specific command is input from the externally connected device 2, and the power supply control unit 14 causes the external device connection unit 15 to operate according to the detection result.
Alternatively, by controlling the power supply to the external connection device 2, a specific command is input even when the external connection device 2 is connected to the external device connection unit 15 and the external connection device 2 is in the power-on state and the operating state. When not performed, the power supply to the external device connection unit 15 can be cut off. Therefore, the power consumption of the information processing device 1 can be reduced and the usage time of the built-in battery can be extended.

[0043]

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the instruction to use the external device is stored.
By controlling to supply power to the external device connection part or the external device while the use instruction command is held, power consumption can be reduced and the use time of the built-in battery can be extended. is there.

Further, according to another information processing apparatus of the present invention, the power supply to the external device connecting portion or the external device is controlled according to the detection result of whether or not the external device is connected to the external device connecting portion. As a result, power consumption can be reduced, and the use time of the built-in battery can be extended.

Further, according to another information processing apparatus of the present invention, when it is detected that the external device is connected to the external device connection unit, the external device connection unit is held while the instruction to use the external device is held. Alternatively, by controlling to supply power to an external device, power consumption can be reduced and the use time of the built-in battery can be extended.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 2 External connection device 11 CPU 12 Decoder 13 I / O register 14 Power supply control unit 15 External device connection unit 16 External device connection detection unit 17 External device power detection unit 18 External device operation detection unit 19 Command detection unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masami Dono 3-20-4 Nishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside NEC Corporation

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus having an external device connection section for connecting an external device, comprising: holding means for holding a usage instruction command of the external device; and the holding means holding the usage instruction command. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls so as to supply power to the external device connection unit during the operation. 2. An information processing apparatus having an external device connecting section for connecting an external device, said detecting means for detecting whether or not said external device is connected to said external device connecting section, and said detecting means. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls to supply power to the external device connection unit when the means detects connection of the external device to the external device connection unit. 3. An information processing apparatus having an external device connecting section for connecting an external device, wherein the external device is connected to a holding means for holding a use instruction command of the external device and the external device connecting section. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the external device is connected to the external device connecting portion, and the external device connection while the holding instruction holds the use instruction command. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that controls the unit to supply power. 4. A power source detecting means for detecting a power-on state of the external device, and a control means for controlling to supply power to the external device connecting portion when the power-on state is detected by the power source detecting means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: 5. An operation detecting means for detecting an operation state of the external device, and a control means for controlling power supply to the external device connecting portion according to a detection result of the operation detecting means are provided. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. Detecting means for detecting specific data from data transferred between the external device and its own device, and a power supply to the external device connecting section when the specific data is detected by the detecting means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls supply. 7. The information processing according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling power supply to the external device as well as power supply to the external device connection portion. apparatus.