JPH08161252A - Information processor and function extension device for extending function of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a function extension device and a function extension system capable of completely eliminating the need of installation labor and time and activating an extended function on an application for which a dedicated software for performing the control is automatically installed to an information processor just by connecting the function extension device to the information processor. CONSTITUTION: The dedicated software for controlling this function extension device 101, a voice synthesizer for instance, from the information processor 301 is provided inside the function extension device 101. Since the dedicated software is automatically installed to the information processor by the operating system of the information processor 301 when the function extension device 101 is mounted to the information processor 301, the need of the labor and time of installing the dedicated software by a user is eliminated and the voice synthesizer is used in an optional computer.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a function expanding device for expanding the function of an information processing device, and more particularly, to the expanded function in any application software on the information processing device only by connecting to the information processing device. The present invention relates to a function expanding device that can be used and an information processing device whose function is expanded in this way.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in an information processing apparatus such as an electronic computer, an extended function having hardware resources and software for realizing the function in order to realize the function not provided by itself. Additional devices have been proposed. An example of a device that connects such a hardware device to a computer main body to expand the functions of the computer main body is a speech synthesizer that reads out natural language text data on the computer.

Conventionally, in order to use a speech synthesizer, a user first connects the speech synthesizer to the computer main body and installs dedicated software for controlling the speech synthesizer from the computer main body. I had to do what I did. When reading aloud, the user has to start the dedicated software installed in the computer main body by himself / herself.

This type of speech synthesizer is configured to read aloud the document data stored in the text buffer in the dedicated software installed in the computer main body. Therefore, when the user issues a reading command, the dedicated software first reads the text data of the document to be read stored in the storage medium into the text buffer managed by the dedicated software. Then, the dedicated software transfers the reading instruction and the document data stored in the text buffer in the dedicated software into the speech synthesizer. as a result,
The voice synthesizing device receives the document data and the voice synthesizing instruction, generates voice for the document data, and outputs the voice from the speaker.

[0005]

When such a conventional extended function adding device is used, not only it is necessary to connect the device to the information processing device main body, but also dedicated software for controlling the device is required. It was necessary to install it on the information processing device. For example, in the case of a speech synthesizer,
In order to read aloud by voice, it was necessary to connect a hardware device for performing voice synthesis, and further install dedicated software for controlling the voice synthesizer in the computer main body. Therefore, there is a problem in that the information processing apparatus without the dedicated software installed cannot be used even if the extended function adding apparatus is connected.

Further, in the conventional apparatus, the extended function cannot be used unless the dedicated software is activated. Therefore, the user must start the dedicated software each time the extended function is used. For example, in the case of a speech synthesizer, the user has to activate the dedicated software when reading aloud.
Therefore, there is a problem that it is not convenient for the user.

Further, when the extended function is used for document processing, the conventional extended function adding apparatus needs to store the document in a text buffer under the control of the dedicated software. For example, in the case of a voice synthesizer, the document data stored in the text buffer in the dedicated software is read out. Therefore, when reading out the document data in other application software, the document data in the other application software that you want to read out is read out. I had to put it in a file first. Moreover, since the dedicated software has to be started and the file has to be read from the dedicated software, there is a problem in that it is inconvenient for the user.

By the way, recently, a standard specification called plug-and-play that enables automatic setting of an expansion board for an information processing apparatus has been studied (NIKKEI ELECTRTNICS 1994.1.31 (no. 600) pp96-1
01). However, this specification is intended to allow the user to easily set the expansion board, add a hot-plugging / unplugging function that enables the expansion / removal of the expansion board even when the personal computer is operating, and support the manufacturer for the user. The purpose is to reduce the accompanying burden (ibid., Page 96, column 3, line 10-page 97, column 1, line 2). In this standard specification called Plug and Play,
This is to enable automatic setting at the physical level of the expansion board. No consideration is given to the setting and activation of dedicated software for executing the extended function and the handling of document data. The above-mentioned document mentions that it is considered to automatically load the device driver into the main memory (Fig. 1 on page 97 of the same document), but its specific mode is not disclosed (ibid. Page 99, Figure 3).

Therefore, the handling of the dedicated software when connecting the extended function adding device to the information processing device remains as a problem to be solved.

A first object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device,
A function for expanding the function of the information processing apparatus, which allows the dedicated software to be automatically installed in the information processing apparatus by connecting the apparatus to the information processing apparatus when connecting the apparatus for expanding the function. To provide an expansion device and an information processing device.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus in which dedicated software can be activated on application software when the extended function is used.

Further, a third object of the present invention is that, when the extended function is used for document processing, the extended function can be used for a document on application software without dropping it in a file, which is convenient. To provide a good information processing device.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above first object, the information processing apparatus is connected to an information processing apparatus to execute a specific function. In the function expansion device for expanding the function of
An interface for connecting to an information processing device, a process for executing a specific function, a specific function processing device for outputting a processing result, and the specific function processing device for executing a specific function And a storage device storing dedicated software for controlling execution of a specific function of the processing device on the information processing device side, and when connected to the information processing device, the storage device stores There is provided a function expansion device including means for enabling transfer of stored dedicated software to an information processing device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus having a system for expanding a function by connecting a function expanding apparatus for executing a specific function, a main unit for executing information processing. It has a processing device and a main storage device for storing software and data executed by the main processing device. The main storage device stores at least an operating system, and the operating system is connected to a function expansion device. When the signal notifying that the function expansion device is received, the function expansion device is inquired about the location of the dedicated software for controlling the function expansion device, and when the dedicated software exists, the dedicated software is copied to the main storage device, There is provided an information processing device characterized by installing dedicated software.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in an information processing device having a system for expanding a function by connecting a function expanding device for executing a specific function,
It has a main processing device that executes information processing, and a main storage device that stores software and data that the main processing device executes. The main storage device stores at least an operating system, and the operating system is
When the signal notifying that the function expansion device has been connected is received, the function expansion device is queried for the location of the dedicated software for controlling the function expansion device. When the dedicated software exists, the dedicated software is used as the main processing unit. An information processing apparatus is provided which is characterized in that the dedicated software is installed by mapping in the memory space.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention for attaining the second and third objects of the present invention, the function expanding device for executing a specific function is connected to expand the function. When an information processing apparatus having a system for operating the function expansion device receives a signal notifying that the function expansion device is connected, the function expansion device is inquired about the location of dedicated software for controlling the function expansion device, and the dedicated software exists. In this case, a means for copying the dedicated software into the information processing device, a means for displaying a specific function of the function expansion device in a menu with respect to the application software in the information processing device, and an application software When a specific function is selected in, the special software is activated to control the function expansion device and The information processing apparatus is provided, characterized in that it comprises a means for executing the function.

[0017]

In the function expanding device, dedicated software for controlling the function expanding device, for example, the voice synthesizing device is provided in the function expanding device. Since it is automatically installed in the information processing apparatus by the operating system, the user does not need to install special software, and the speech synthesizer can be used in any computer.

The dedicated software displays the voice synthesizing function on the application software used by the user, receives the voice synthesizing command and the character data from the application software used by the user, and stores it in the function confirmation device. Transfers a voice synthesis command and character data to a specific function, for example, a voice synthesis control unit. Therefore, even if the operating system and application software of the information processing apparatus do not support the voice synthesis function, it is possible to read aloud the document data created by the arbitrary application software.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present invention can be applied to a function expansion device for expanding various functions. In the following, as an example thereof, a voice synthesizer, which is a device for adding a voice synthesizer function as an extended function to a computer (electronic computer),
And, an example of a function expansion system for realizing this will be described. In particular, here, an example in which a voice synthesizer having a card shape is used is shown. Of course, the function expansion device applicable to the present invention is not limited to the card type. Further, the present invention is not limited to a computer and may be any device that performs information processing. For example, it can be applied to a controller for control, an information storage device, a communication control device, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement of a speech synthesizer to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, a voice synthesizer 101 of the present invention is housed in a card-type case 101a, and the voice synthesizer 1 is provided inside.
01 itself, a voice synthesis control unit 102, a text data storage unit 103 for storing character data and the like, a voice synthesis unit 104 for generating voice from the character data, and a D / A for converting a digital signal into an analog signal. And a unit 105. Further, the voice synthesizer 101 includes a speaker 106.
Is connected. The speaker 106 has a built-in amplifier, but it may be omitted. In addition, the speaker 106
May be built in the speech synthesizer 101. further,
It may be provided in the computer main body 301.

The card type case 101a in which the voice synthesizer is housed can be formed in the same shape and size as an IC card, a memory card or the like. With such a size, it can be applied to, for example, a palmtop-type information processing apparatus, particularly an information processing apparatus such as an electronic notebook. Of course, the function expansion device of the present invention is
It goes without saying that the invention can also be applied to information processing devices larger than this.

The voice synthesis control unit 102 is used by the voice synthesis device 1.
It has a dedicated software for controlling the voice synthesizer 101 from the computer body to which 01 is attached. This dedicated software is installed in the computer main body by the operating system of the computer main body when the card type speech synthesizer 101 is attached to the computer main body.
The function of the dedicated software is to display the voice synthesizing function on the application of the computer main body and transfer the voice synthesizing command and the character data to the voice synthesizing control unit 102 from the application software of the computer main body through the operating system. That is.

The voice synthesis control unit 102 transfers a voice synthesis command to the voice synthesis unit 104 and transfers character data to the text data storage unit 103.

The text data storage unit 103 stores character data transferred from the computer main body. The text data storage unit 103 receives the command from the voice synthesis control unit 102 and transfers the character data to the voice synthesis unit 104.

The voice synthesis unit 104 receives the character data from the text data storage unit 103. Speech synthesizer 104
Performs rule synthesis processing to convert the received character data into a voice signal.

The D / A section 105 converts the voice signal into an analog signal and outputs the voice from the speaker 106.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware system configuration of the speech synthesizer 101. In FIG. 2, the speech synthesizer 101 of this embodiment includes a card interface 201 for connecting to a computer main body, a CPU 202, and an R.
It has an OM 204 and a memory 205. These transfer instructions and data via the bus 203.
The speech synthesizer 101 can be attached to and detached from the bus of the computer main body, and transfers commands and data from the computer main body via the bus of the computer main body. Also, the ROM 20
4 is the card interface 2 on the computer bus
Connection is possible via 01.

The card interface 201 has a connector (not shown) connectable to the computer main body 301 and a connection state detection circuit 201a for detecting whether or not the connector is physically connected. Connection state detection circuit 201a
For example, it monitors the power supply line of the connector and detects that the connector is connected when the level of the power supply line changes. Of course, the connection state detection circuit 201a may detect the connection of the connector by another method. When the connection state detection circuit 201a detects that the connector is connected,
The CPU 202 is notified of the detection signal. Based on this signal, the CPU 202 sends a signal indicating the completion of mounting the voice synthesizer 101 to the computer main body 301. It should be noted that the connection state detection circuit 201a may directly send a signal indicating the completion of mounting the voice synthesizer 101 to the computer main body 301. A connection state detection circuit may be provided in the computer main body 301.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the ROM 204, a voice synthesis function is added to the application software of the computer main body, and a voice synthesis command and character data are transferred from the application software of the computer main body 301 to the voice synthesizer 101. The dedicated software 206 for performing the voice synthesis, the software 207 for performing the voice synthesis, the voice unit data 208 used for the rule synthesis processing, the voice dictionary 209, and the voice including the control of data exchange between the voice synthesizer 101 and the computer main body. Control software 2 for controlling the synthesizer 101
04a are stored. As shown in FIG. 4, the memory 205 stores a text (character data) 103 transferred from the computer main body, reading accent information 207, a synthesized waveform 208, and the like.

The control software 204a is, for example, for transmitting a mounting completion signal of the voice synthesizer 101, for responding to an inquiry from the computer body 301 about the location of the dedicated software when installing the dedicated software, and the like. Have a program. The CPU 202 executes a mounting completion signal transmission process, a response process at the time of installing dedicated software, and the like, based on the control software 204a. The response process at the time of installing the dedicated software may be realized by hardware logic. In that case, the hardware logic may be incorporated in the card interface 201, for example.

The D / A conversion of the D / A section 105 is C
It is realized by the PU 202. Of course, independent D / A
A converter may be included.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration when the voice synthesizer 101 is attached to the computer main body 301. The computer main body 301 operates by an operating system 303 having a text buffer 302. The application software 304 operates on the operating system 303. The computer main body 30
1, a display device 500 is connected to the display device 1, as shown in FIG.

Next, the voice synthesizer 101 is connected to the computer main body 3
01 to the computer main body 3 from the voice synthesis control unit 102.
The process of installing the dedicated software in 01 will be described.

When the voice synthesizer 101 is attached to the computer main body 301, a signal indicating completion of attachment is sent to the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301. Computer body 3
When the operating system 303 of 01 receives the attachment completion signal, it asks the voice synthesis control unit 102 whether there is software to be installed in the computer main body 301.
The voice synthesis control unit 102 returns information such as an address of dedicated software to be installed to the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301. Computer body 301
The operating system 303 of the above installs the dedicated software from the voice synthesis control unit 102 into the computer main body 301.

Next, the voice synthesizer 101 is connected to the computer main body 3
A process in which the dedicated software adds a voice synthesizing function to the application software 304 when the application software 304 of the computer main body 301 is started up when the application software is installed in 01 will be described. When the user activates the application software 304 of the computer main body 301, the operating system 303 notifies the dedicated software 206 of the activation of the application software 304. The dedicated software 206 controls the operating system 30 of the computer main body 301 to display the voice synthesizing function in a menu or the like on the application software 304.
The application software 304 is instructed via 3.

Next, the voice synthesis control unit 102 when reading the document data on the application software 304.
The processing of will be described. The user designates document data to be read out from the application software 304 and gives a voice synthesis command. Operating system 303
Writes the document data of the part to be read to the shared buffer 302 in the operating system 303,
Transfers voice synthesis commands to dedicated software. The dedicated software uses the operating system 3 to execute the voice synthesis command sent from the application software 304.
03 through 03, the voice synthesis control unit 10 in the card
Transfer to 2. The voice synthesis control unit 102 transfers the voice synthesis command to the voice synthesis unit 104, and transfers the character data written in the shared buffer 302 in the operating system 303 to the text data storage unit 103 in the voice synthesis device 101.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration when the voice synthesizer 101 is attached to the computer main body 301. The voice synthesizer 101 is a computer main body 301.
It can be attached to and detached from the bus 401. The computer body 301 is
A CPU 402 that performs an operation, and an RA that temporarily holds a program and data for the operation and sequentially rewrites
RO for storing M403 and system startup program
M 404, a storage medium 405 such as a magnetic disk for holding a system program, an application program, data and the like, and I for controlling system input / output.
/ O controller 406. These perform instruction and data transfer via bus 401. When the voice synthesizer 101 is attached to the card slot of the computer main body 301, the bus 203 of the voice synthesizer 101 and the bus 401 of the computer main body 301 are connected. As a result, the ROM 204 in the voice synthesizer 101 is connected to the bus 401 of the computer main body 301 via the card interface 201.
Directly connected to. When the installation of the voice synthesizer is completed,
A mounting completion signal is transmitted to the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301. The operating system 303 of the computer main body 301 which has received the signal of completion of mounting
Installs the dedicated software 206 stored in the ROM 204 of the voice synthesizer 101 in the computer main body 301.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of means for installing the dedicated software 206 in the computer main body 301. When the mounting of the voice synthesizer 101 is completed, the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301 asks the voice synthesis control unit 102 whether or not there is software to be installed in the computer main body 301. Speech synthesis control unit 102
Is the ROM 20 in which the dedicated software 206 is stored.
The address information of No. 4 and the memory capacity of the dedicated software 206 are returned to the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301. The operating system 303 of the computer main body 301 checks the free space of the RAM 403 of the computer main body 301, and if the free space is insufficient,
Forcibly terminate the unused application software 305.

Next, the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301 directly accesses the ROM 204 in the voice synthesizer 101 based on the address information. The operating system 303 of the computer main body 301 is R
The dedicated software 206 stored at the corresponding address in the OM 204 is loaded into the RAM 40 of the computer main body 301.
Write to 3. When the writing of the dedicated software 206 is completed, a writing completion signal is sent to the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301, and the installation of the dedicated software 206 is completed.

The application software 30
4,305 and operating system 303
Writing can be performed from the disk device 405 via the bus 401.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the exclusive software of the computer main body 3
It is a figure showing an example of the other means to install in 01. When the installation of the voice synthesizer 101 is completed, the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301 asks the voice synthesis control unit 102 whether or not there is software to be installed in the computer main body 301. Speech synthesis control unit 102
Is the ROM 20 in which the dedicated software 206 is stored.
The address information of No. 4 and the memory capacity of the dedicated software 206 are returned to the operating system 303 of the computer main body 301. The operating system 303 of the computer main body 301 uses the address information and memory capacity of the dedicated software 206 to determine the CPU 40 of the computer main body 301.
The dedicated software is mapped in the memory space of 2. The ROM 204 in the speech synthesizer 101 and the CPU 402 of the computer main body 301 are connected via the buses 203 and 401, and the dedicated software 206 stored in the ROM 204 is introduced into the CPU 402 via the buses 203 and 401. .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a menu display means is used as a means for displaying the voice synthesis function on the application software 304. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, it can be seen that the menu portion 502 is provided on the upper part of the display screen 501 and the reading 503 is provided as one of the menus. When this reading is designated by the cursor 510 with a mouse or the like,
Furthermore, a small menu 504 is displayed. Also,
An area 505 for creating a document is provided on the other part of the display screen.
Is provided.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of means for displaying the voice synthesis function shown in FIG. 7 as a menu on the application software 304. Dedicated software 206
In advance, character data of a voice synthesis command displayed on the menu screen and the like are stored in the menu display unit 801. When the user starts the application software 304, the operating system 30 of the computer main body 301
3 notifies the dedicated software 206 that the application software 304 has been started. The dedicated software 206 transfers the character data stored in the menu display unit 801 to the operating system 303, and also sends a menu display command to the application software 304 via the operating system 303.

FIG. 9 shows an example in which the name of a file or application software 304 is read aloud when the user opens the file or application software 304. As shown in FIG. 9, when a document file is opened on the display screen 501, when the icon 506 is designated by the cursor 510, an announcement "Open document file" is given.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of means for reading the names of files and application software 304 when the user opens the files and application software 304. When the user performs a file opening operation such as double-clicking, the operating system 303 notifies the dedicated software 206 that the file will be opened. The dedicated software 206 searches the file name storage unit 1001 where the file name and application software name are stored, and
From 01, the corresponding character data is converted to the voice synthesizer 101.
It is transferred to the inside text data storage unit 103. The voice synthesis control unit 102 transfers the character data transferred to the text data storage unit 103 to the voice synthesis unit 104 and outputs a voice.

Next, an example of the association between the application software and the function expansion device will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the application 304 and the operating system (OS) 303 before connecting the function expansion device (function expansion card 1102: see FIG. 12) to the computer main body. The application 304 requests the OS to draw the screen 1101 or input a request from the mouse 1103 to the OS 112.
1 is requested to the OS 303. In accordance with the request, the OS 303 draws the screen 1101 and notifies the application 304 of an input from the mouse 1103 as an event 1124. The application 304 operates based on the event 1124 sent from the OS, and requests the OS 303 to make a request 1121 required for the next operation.

Next, an expansion card (function expansion card) 11
FIG. 12 shows the internal state of the computer when 02 is inserted in the computer and dedicated software is introduced. The dedicated software 206 enters between the OS 303 and the application to link with the application 304, and
A request for hooking the event notification 1124 from S303 to the application 304 is issued to the OS 303. In addition, the dedicated software 206 responds to the menu of the application 304 with the dedicated software 206.
OS3 requests to add menu items provided by
Send to 03. When a menu provided by the dedicated software is selected by the mouse 1103, the application 304 is notified of an event indicating that the menu has been selected. The dedicated software 206 hooking the event notification 1124 detects that the menu to be provided is selected, and refers to the information stored in the shared buffer 302 as necessary, and functions according to the detected menu item. It controls the expansion card 1102.

FIG. 13 is a chart showing the exchange of information from the insertion of the expansion card 1102 to the incorporation of the dedicated software 206. When the card is inserted into the computer body, a card insertion notification signal is sent to the computer (1201). The computer itself is dedicated software 2
The card is queried for the presence or absence of 06 (1202). If there is dedicated software 206 in the card, a signal with the dedicated software 206 is returned from the card (12
03). Next, when the computer sends a request for taking out the dedicated software to the card (1204), the dedicated software 206 is sent from the card (1205). Upon receipt of the dedicated software 206, the computer incorporates and executes the dedicated software 206 (120
6).

FIG. 14 shows an example of reading a voice rule synthesis card. Usually application 30
4 has a menu command of copy (or copy) and cut (delete), and has a function of storing character information in a range designated by the user in the shared buffer 302. By the menu command prepared by the application 304 such as copy and cut, the shared buffer 30
Store the character string in 2. Next, dedicated software 206
When the audio output menu provided by the user is selected by the mouse 1103 or the like, an audio output menu selection event is sent to the application 304. A speech synthesis card (speech synthesis device) 101 that hooks an event in the middle
Detects an audio output menu selection event and extracts the character string stored in the shared buffer 302 (111
4) Send to the voice synthesis card 101 to start rule synthesis.

FIG. 15 shows a processing flow of regular speech synthesis. A processing procedure for regular speech synthesis will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 15. First, the computer 301 waits for a character string to be synthesized to be sent (step 1500). The sent character string is stored in the text buffer 103 on the RAM (memory) 205. Next, using the voice dictionary 209 that stores the correspondence between the kanji notation of words and the reading accent information, the kanji-kana mixed sentence stored in the text buffer 103 is read and converted into accent information, and the RAM 205 is read.
It is stored in the reading accent information storage area 207 (step 1501). Stored on ROM204,
The phoneme piece data 208 that is the source of the synthesized speech is selected by the reading information (step 1502), and the intonation of the voice is calculated from the accent information 207 (step 1503). The speech waveform is adjusted and generated (step 1504). Then, the generated voice waveform is stored in the synthesized waveform storage area 208.

FIG. 16 shows a processing flow of dedicated software for the expansion card. When the dedicated software is read from the card and executed, first, the event transmission from the OS 303 to the application 304 is hooked (step 1601), and all the events from the OS 303 can be monitored. Next, dedicated software 206
The application that has been started before the start is searched, and if there is an active application (step 1602), a card control menu is added to the menu of the active application 304 (step 1603). The processing up to this point corresponds to the initialization processing that is executed only once when the dedicated software is started.
Next, the event transmission contents from the OS are checked (step 1604), and when the card control software menu is selected, the information set by the application is acquired from the shared buffer of the OS (step 160).
5) Then, the card is controlled according to the selected menu item (step 1606). Next, it is checked whether or not there is a newly launched application (step 160
7) If a newly activated application is found, a card control menu item is added to the application menu (step 1608). Next, the process returns to the check for the presence / absence of menu selection (step 1604) and the process is repeated.

The processing flow of the application is shown in FIG. When the application is started, a menu for controlling the application is set (step 170).
1). Next, a window for the application is generated (step 1702). When the window is created, specialized software can detect the launch of the application. Next, an event is waited for (step 1703), and when an event is received, appropriate processing is performed for each event. Of the events processed by the application, the events related to expansion cards are "copy".
In the event indicating that the menu of the command (step 1704) and the "cut" command (step 1706) has been selected, the contents set in advance by the user are copied to the shared buffer 302 of the OS (step 170).
5) and move (step 1707). Other events are processed appropriately for each application (step 1708) and wait for an event (step 1
The same process is repeated from 703).

The processing flow of the OS is shown in FIG. FIG.
Now, only the processing for automatic installation of dedicated software from the expansion card will be explained, and for other processing,
Other processing (step 1804) is performed. First,
Check if the card is inserted (step 1
801). If it is inserted, it is checked whether or not the dedicated software 206 for this OS is stored in the card (step 1802). If it is stored, read the dedicated software 206 from the card,
It is executed (step 1803). After that, another OS process (step 1804) is performed, and the process is repeated from the card insertion check (step 1801).

In the embodiments described above, the speech synthesizer was mainly used as the function expanding device, and the function expanding system therefor was explained, but the present invention is not limited to this. An example is shown below.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a FAX modem. The FAX modem device used in this embodiment is housed in a card type case (not shown). As shown in FIG. 19, the card interface 20
1, a CPU 202, a ROM 204, a RAM 205, and an audio modulation circuit 1906. The ROM 204 has dedicated software 1901 and FAX software 1902.
And modem software 1903 are stored. R
The AM 205 is provided with a reception buffer 1904 and a transmission buffer 1905.

In such a configuration, when the card is inserted into the computer, the dedicated software 1901 in the ROM 203 is read into the computer as in the procedure shown in FIG. 13, and as shown in FIG. First, the event notification (1124) from the OS 303 to the application 304 is monitored between the OS 303 and the application 304, and necessary control is performed on the card (1102).

[0059]

As described above, in the present invention, the dedicated software is automatically installed in the information processing apparatus only by connecting the function expanding apparatus to the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the installation work is completely unnecessary. Also,
Extensions can be launched on the application. Further, according to the present invention, the document on the application can be sent as it is to the function expansion device via the shared buffer of the OS, and the usability for the user is improved.

When a voice synthesizer is used as the function expanding device of the present invention, the voice output function can be used in any application.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a voice synthesis measure which is an example of a function expanding device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware system configuration of the voice synthesizer.

[Fig. 3] When a voice synthesizer is attached to the computer body,
It is a block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of a computer main body and a speech synthesizer.

FIG. 4 shows a case where a voice synthesizer is attached to the computer body,
It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a computer main body and a speech synthesizer.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a state in which control software is installed in a computer main body.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of installing the control software in the computer main body.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where a menu display unit is used as a unit for displaying a voice synthesizing function on an application.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a case where a display unit using a menu is used as a unit for displaying a voice synthesizing function on an application.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display example when a user reads out a name of a file or application software when opening the file or application software.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a unit for reading the names of files and application software when the user opens the files and application software.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an OS and an application.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between an OS, applications, and dedicated software when dedicated software is installed.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a tree of signals when the OS reads dedicated software from the function expansion card.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing data exchange by a voice synthesis card to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of voice rule synthesis processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of dedicated software according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an application processing procedure.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the OS in the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a FAX modem card to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 ... Speech synthesizer, 102 ... Speech synthesis controller, 10
3 ... Text data storage unit, 104 ... Voice synthesis unit, 10
5 ... D / A section, 106 ... Speaker, 201 ... Card interface, 202 ... CPU, 203 ... Bus, 204 ... R
OM, 205 ... memory, 206 ... dedicated software, 2
07 ... Speech synthesis software, 208 ... Phoneme pieces, 209
... voice dictionary, 207 ... phonetic accent storage section, 208 ...
Synthetic waveform storage unit, 301 ... Computer body, 302 ... Shared buffer, 303 ... Operating system, 304 ...
Application software, 401 ... Bus, 402 ... CP
U, 403 ... RAM, 404 ... ROM, 405 ... Storage medium, 801 ... Menu display section, 1001 ... File name storage section, 1101 ... Screen, 1102 ... Dedicated software,
1103 ... mouse, 1121 ... request, 1122 ...
Drawing 1123 ... Mouse input, 1124 ... Event notification, 1201 ... Card insertion notification, 1202 ... Inquiry of exclusive software, 1203 ... Notification of exclusive software, 1204
… Dedicated software retrieval request, 1205… Dedicated software transmission, 1206… Dedicated software execution

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A function expansion device for expanding a function of an information processing device by executing a specific function by being connected to the information processing device, and an interface for connecting to the information processing device and a specific function. A specific function processing device for performing processing for executing a function and outputting a processing result, software for the specific function processing device to execute a specific function, and execution of a specific function of the processing device And a storage device that stores dedicated software for controlling the information processing device side, and when connected to the information processing device, transfers the dedicated software stored in the storage device to the information processing device. A function expansion device comprising means for enabling the function expansion device. 2. The function expanding device according to claim 1, wherein the means for transferring the dedicated software to the information processing device is provided in either the interface or the specific function processing device. 3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection state detection circuit for detecting connection with the information processing device, and receiving the signal for detecting connection with the information processing device, the device is A function expansion device, further comprising means for sending a mounting completion signal indicating completion of mounting to the information processing device to the information processing device. 4. The specific function processing device according to claim 3, comprising at least a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, and the means for sending the mounting completion signal to the information processing device is the C
A function expansion device characterized by being realized by a PU. 5. A card type case for accommodating an interface device, a specific function processing device and a storage device according to claim 4, wherein the means for transferring the dedicated software to the information processing device is the above-mentioned. A function expansion device provided in either the interface or the specific function processing device. 6. The specific function processing device according to claim 1,
As a specific function, the function expansion device is characterized by performing a voice synthesis on character data sent from an information processing device and performing a process of generating and outputting a voice waveform. 7. An information processing device having a system for expanding a function by connecting a function expanding device for executing a specific function, and receiving the signal notifying that the function expanding device is connected, the function expanding device. A device is inquired about the location of dedicated software for controlling the device, and when dedicated software exists, a means for copying the dedicated software into the information processing device, and application software in the information processing device. On the other hand, means for displaying a specific function of the function expansion device in the menu, and when the specific function is selected on the application software, the dedicated software is activated to control the function expansion device. An information processing apparatus comprising: means for executing a specific function. 8. An information processing apparatus having a system for expanding a function by connecting a function expansion apparatus for executing a specific function, the main processing apparatus executing the information processing, and the software executed by the main processing apparatus. And a main storage device for storing data, the main storage device stores at least an operating system, and the operating system receives the signal notifying that the function expansion device is connected, and the function expansion device. Inquires about the location of the dedicated software for controlling it, and when the dedicated software exists, the dedicated software is installed in the main memory by copying the dedicated software. Information processing device. 9. An information processing apparatus having a system for expanding a function by connecting a function expansion apparatus for executing a specific function, the main processing apparatus executing information processing, and the software executed by the main processing apparatus. And a main storage device for storing data, wherein the main storage device stores at least an operating system, and when the operating system receives a signal notifying that the function expansion device is connected, the function expansion device. To inquire about the location of the dedicated software for controlling it, and when the dedicated software exists, install the dedicated software by mapping the dedicated software in the memory space of the main processing unit. An information processing device characterized by: 10. The operating system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, when application software is present on the main storage device,
When a specific function of the function expansion device is displayed in the menu, and when a specific function is selected in the application software, the dedicated software is activated to control the function expansion device and An information processing apparatus, which further executes executing a function. 11. The function expansion device according to claim 10,
As a specific function, it performs voice synthesis on character data and also performs processing to generate and output a voice waveform. Dedicated software sends document data on application software to the function expansion device and An information processing device characterized by causing voice synthesis to be performed. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connection state detection circuit for detecting connection with the information processing apparatus, wherein the connection state detection circuit receives a signal for detecting connection with the information processing apparatus. A function expansion device, which sends an installation completion signal indicating that the device has been installed in the information processing device to the information processing device.