JPH08241176A - Portable computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To expand a sound output system and facilitate various extension of a sound function according to the purpose of use, etc. CONSTITUTION: A sound card 20 is provided with a 1st level adjuster 81 which adjusts the level of the output signal of a sound chip 21 and a signal path which outputs the output signal of the sound chip 21 to an extension connector 40, and an extension unit 30 is equipped with a 2nd level adjuster 91 which adjusts the level of the output signal of the sound chip 21 inputted through the extension connector 40, an amplifier for external headphones which amplifies the signal outputted from the level adjuster 91, and a circuit which outputs control signals corresponding to the use state of the external headphones to the extension connector 40; the external headphones are enabled to be used on the extension unit side and information contents outputted from an internal speaker 74 of the main body are switched and controlled according to the use state of the external headphones.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable computer in which a sound card equipped with a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting and controlling a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sound card (sound PCB) equipped with a sound chip for selectively outputting and controlling a plurality of kinds of sound signals has been standardly or detachably mounted on the main body, and an expansion connector to which an expansion unit can be connected In the portable computer provided in, the main body was provided with a single sound output system, and the signal of this sound output system was distributed and supplied to the expansion unit.

Further, the sound output system on the main body side and the sound output system on the expansion side distributed and supplied to the expansion unit have a structure in which the level is adjusted by a common level adjuster.
Further, when the system power is turned on with the sound card mounted in the main body, there is a problem that initial noise is output from the sound output system.

[0004]

As described above, conventionally, a sound card equipped with a sound chip for selectively outputting and controlling a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted on the main body as standard or detachable, and the expansion unit is connected. In a portable computer having a possible expansion connector in the main body, a single sound output system is provided in the main body, and signals of this sound output system are distributed and supplied to the expansion unit. Therefore, there is a functional problem that the sound output function is specified within a narrow range. Further, since the sound output system on the main body side and the sound output system on the expansion side distributed and supplied to the expansion unit are configured to perform level adjustment by a common level adjuster, the sound output function is specified within a narrow range. There was a functional problem. Further, when the system power is turned on with the sound card mounted in the main body, there is a problem that initial noise is output from the sound output system.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable computer capable of expanding the sound output system and easily expanding various sound functions according to the intended use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable computer in which initial noise of a sound output system generated when a system power is turned on with a sound card mounted on a main body is surely suppressed.

[0007]

According to the present invention, a sound card equipped with a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting and controlling a plurality of types of sound signals is mounted on the main body, and an expansion connector to which an expansion unit can be connected is provided on the main body. In the portable computer system, the first level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit and the output signal of the sound output control circuit are output to the expansion connector on the sound card mounted on the main body. To the extension unit connected to the extension connector of the main body,
Second level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit input via the expansion connector, amplifier for external headphones for amplifying the signal output from the level adjuster, and use of external headphones With a circuit that outputs a control signal according to the state to the expansion connector,
Enables the use of external headphones on the expansion unit side,
In addition, the content of information output from the internal speaker of the main body is switched and controlled according to the usage state of the external headphones.

Further, according to the present invention, a sound card equipped with a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting and controlling a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted on the main body, and the main body has an expansion connector to which an expansion unit can be connected. In a computer system, a sound card installed in the main body has a first level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit, and a specific beep sound generated by the main body for the output signal of the level adjuster. And a signal path for outputting the output signal of the sound output control circuit that synthesizes a specific beep sound by this circuit to the expansion connector,
A second level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit input to the expansion unit connected to the expansion connector of the main body through the expansion connector, and the signal output from this level adjuster is amplified. Amplifier for external headphones and when external headphones are not used,
It is equipped with a circuit that outputs a control signal for outputting the output signal of the sound output control circuit that synthesizes a specific beep sound from the internal speaker of the main unit to enable the use of external headphones on the expansion unit side. , The information output from the internal speaker of the main body is controlled according to the usage state of the external headphones.

Further, according to the present invention, a sound card having a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting and controlling a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted on the main body, and the main body has an expansion connector to which an expansion unit can be connected. In a computer system, a sound output system provided on the main body and a level adjuster interposed in this sound output system,
The sound output system provided in the sound card mounted on the main body and the level adjuster interposed in the sound output system are provided, and the main body side is provided with two independent sound output systems. The feature is that the output system can adjust the level independently.

Further, according to the present invention, a sound card having a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting and controlling a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted on the main body, and the main body has an expansion connector to which an expansion unit can be connected. In a computer system, in the main body, a notification sound generation circuit that generates a notification sound including a plurality of types of beep sounds, and a sound control circuit that controls a sound card,
Under the control of this sound control circuit, the level adjuster of the main body that adjusts the level of a specific type of beep sound signal output from the alarm sound generation circuit, and the internal speaker that outputs the output signal of this level adjuster, The sound card installed in the main unit is provided with a sound card level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit and a headphone terminal of the main unit for outputting the output signal of this level adjuster. And the internal speaker of the main body are independently adjustable in level.

Further, according to the present invention, a sound chip for outputting an audio signal, a sound control circuit for outputting a first beep signal and a second beep signal, the audio signal and the first beep signal are synthesized. A combining circuit, a first level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the output signal of the combining circuit, a second level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the second beep signal, and the first and second level adjusting means. And a speaker that generates a synthesized output sound of the above.

The present invention also provides a sound chip which outputs an audio signal, a sound control circuit which outputs a first beep signal, a second beep signal and a modem output signal, the audio signal and the first beep. A combining circuit for combining the signals, a first level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the output signal of the combining circuit, a second level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the second beep signal or the modem output signal, and And a speaker for generating a combined output sound of the first and second level adjusting means.

Further, according to the present invention, a sound output system for outputting a beep sound or another sound, a circuit capable of mute control interposed in the sound output system, and the sound output system for controlling the circuit when the power is turned on. It is characterized by comprising means for muting the system for a certain period of time.

The present invention also provides a first sound output system for outputting a beep sound of a specific type or another sound, a first circuit for muting control interposed in the sound output system, and the above-mentioned specific circuit. A second sound output system that outputs a standard beep sound other than the type or another sound, a second circuit that can be muted and that is interposed in this sound output system, and the above-mentioned first and second sound output systems. Means for simultaneously controlling the circuits and muting the first and second sound output systems for a predetermined time.

[0015]

According to the above construction, a plurality of sound output systems can be provided in the main body, and the signal of each sound output system can be independently adjusted in level to be output to a desired output end except for a specific beep. A wide-ranging sound system that effectively utilizes the sound function is realized. For example, when sound is output from the headphones or speakers on the expansion unit side or the headphones on the main unit side, the warning beep indicating the device status is excluded from the above sound output systems, and the device status is notified only from the internal speaker of the main unit. By outputting the warning beep, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary noise such as a warning beep and always obtain a good sound. Further, it is possible to reliably suppress the initial noise output of the sound output system and output a high quality sound.

[0016]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the PC main body 10 includes a CPU 11 that controls the system and a sound card (Sound PC).
B) A sound control gate array (GA) 31 for controlling the setting of 20, a notification sound generation SI chip 32 for generating and controlling a notification sound including various beep sounds, and the like are provided, and an internal speaker 74 and the inside thereof are provided. An amplifier 73 for controlling the driving of the speaker 74, a mute circuit 72 for temporarily setting the input end of the amplifier 73 to a low impedance to suppress the initial noise generated when the power is turned on, and an instruction by a specific key combination operation (hot key operation) Level controller 7 that adjusts the volume level according to
1 etc. are provided.

Gate array for sound control (G
A) 31 indicates that the CPU 11 has I
Upon receiving sound card setting data such as RQ (interrupt level), DMA channel, and I / O port address, these data are set in the sound card (Sound PCB) 20. Also, internal sound control register (I / O-Reg)
Of a specific bit (here, bit 6) of the mute circuit 72, 82, 92 as a mute control signal (MC).
a and 92b, and mutes for a predetermined time as shown in FIG. 3 to suppress noise (buzz sound) generated at the initial stage when the power is turned on.

The SI chip 32 for generating the notification sound is an IBM
Output terminals that output various beep sounds (AT-BEEP) including standard game beeps that are compatible with AT, and various beep sounds unique to the device, such as low battery notification and display panel power-on closing notification. It is equipped with an output terminal for outputting (PS-BEEP) and an output terminal for outputting an incoming / outgoing call notification sound (Int MODEM) of the built-in modem.

Of the signals output from the notification sound generation SI chip 32, various beep sounds (PS-BEEP) peculiar to the device, such as low battery notification, and incoming / outgoing call notification sound (Int MODEM) of the built-in modem. Is a PCMCIA card (PC
It is combined through a gate and is input to a level adjuster (Level Cont) 71 together with an outgoing / incoming call notification sound (Ext MODEM) of an external modem provided by a card.

Further, various beep sounds (AT-BEEP) including a standard game beep and the like compatible with AT are transmitted to a sound chip (So-PC) mounted on a sound card (Sound PCB) 20.
und Chip) 21 output signal.

Various beep sounds (PS-BEEP) peculiar to the device, such as the low battery notification described above, are not supplied to other sound output systems, and therefore are output only from the internal speaker 74 here.

The sound card (Sound PCB) 20 has a sound chip (Sound Chip) 2 shown in FIG.
1, a switch circuit 22, a main body side line input terminal LT1 and the like, an FM sound source (FM Synth), a microphone changeover switch and the like are provided as an input source of a sound chip (Sound Chip) 21.

Further, a level adjuster 81 and a level adjuster 81 for adjusting the output signal level of the sound chip 21 in which the AT compatible beep sound (AT-BEEP) is synthesized.
There is provided a mute circuit 82 for muting the output of, a headphone amplifier 83 for amplifying a signal output through the mute circuit 82, and the like.

Further, when the headphones are not used on the PC body 10 side, a bypass switch circuit for synthesizing the output signal of the level adjuster 81 with the output signal of the level adjuster (Level Cont) 71 of the PC body 10, and AT compatible Sound Chip that synthesizes the beep sound (AT-BEEP)
A signal path for outputting the output signal of 21 to the expansion connector 40 is provided.

The expansion unit (Port Replicater) 30 has a CD audio signal (CD A0udio) input terminal and an external microphone as an input source for the sound chip (Sound Chip) 21 in addition to the expansion side line input terminal LT2 described above. (Ex
t Mic) input terminal and the like are provided. Also, expansion connector 4
Level adjuster 91, which adjusts the level of the output signal of the sound chip (Sound Chip) 21 that synthesizes the AT-compatible beep sound (AT-BEEP) input to the extension unit (Port Replicater) 30 via 0, Mute circuits 92a and 92b for muting the output of the device 91, a headphone amplifier 93a for amplifying a signal output through the mute circuit 92a, and an external speaker for amplifying a signal output through the mute circuit 92b. Amplifier 93
b, a line-out terminal for directly outputting the output signal of the sound chip 21 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a portable computer in which the present invention is actually adopted.
The same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals. FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of mute processing according to the present invention.

This mute processing is the execution of the initialization routine upon the system power being turned on. First, the sound control register (I / O-Reg) of the sound control gate array (GA) 31 constituting the sound controller is set. “0” indicating that mute is valid in the specific bit (bit 6)
Is set (steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 3).

The "0" level mute control signal (MC) indicating the validity of the mute is supplied to the mute circuits 72, 82, 92a and 92b interposed in each sound output system.

Mute circuit 7 for each sound output system
2, 82, 92a and 92b, when receiving a mute control signal (MC) of "0" level indicating the validity of mute, amplifiers 73, 83, 93a, correspondingly provided.
The input terminal of 93b is set to a low impedance state and muted (step S3 in FIG. 3).

In the muted state, the setting data register such as IRQ in the sound control gate array (GA) 31 which constitutes the sound controller is reset, and the sound card (Sound PCB) 2
Confirm that 0 is installed, and set the sound card setting data such as IRQ (interrupt level), DMA channel, and I / O port address in the register in the sound control gate array (GA) 31 (Fig. 3 steps S4, S5).

After that, the reset is released and a wait for a predetermined time (here, 300 ms) is applied (steps S6 and S7 in FIG. 3). After this wait, the specific bit (bit 6) of the sound control register (I / O-Reg) is set to "1" indicating that the mute is invalid, and the mute is invalid (step S9 in FIG. 3).

At this time, the mute circuits 72, 82, 92a and 92b of the respective sound output systems each have a "1" level mute control signal (MC) indicating invalid mute.
In response, the amplifiers 73, 83, 9 provided correspondingly
The input ends of 3a and 93b are returned to the high impedance state to cancel the mute.

By such mute control, noise (buzz noise) generated at the initial stage when the power is turned on can be surely suppressed. In the above embodiment, the mute circuits 72, 82, 92a and 92b are provided in front of the amplifiers 73, 83, 93a and 93b of the sound output systems, but the amplifiers 73, 83, 93a and 93b have gains. When there is a control terminal for setting [0] to [0], the amplifiers 73, 8 are set by the mute control signal (MC) without interposing the mute circuits 72, 82, 92a, 92b in each sound output system.
The configuration may be such that the wheels are directly controlled to gains [0] of the wheels 3, 93a, 93b.

[0034]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, P
Since the main body C, the sound card, and the expansion unit each have an independent sound output system and have the function of switching the sound output target according to the sound output state,
Various sound functions can be easily expanded according to the application.

Further, the initial noise of the sound output system, which occurs when the system power is turned on with the sound card mounted in the main body, can be surely suppressed and a high quality sound can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit connection configuration of a main part of the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a portable computer main body in the above embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... PC main body, 11 ... CPU, 20 ... Sound card (Sound PCB), 21 ... Sound chip (Sound Chi)
p), 22 ... switch circuit, 30 ... expansion unit (Port
Replicater), 31 ... Gate array (GA) for sound control, 32 ... SI chip for generating notification sound, 40
… Expansion connector, LT1… Main unit side line input end, LT2
... Expansion side line input terminal, 71, 81, 91 ... Level adjuster, 72, 82, 92a, 92b ... Mute circuit, 7
3, 83, 93a, 93b ... Amplifier, 74 ... Internal speaker.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A portable computer system in which a sound card having a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted on the main body, and the main body has an expansion connector to which an expansion unit can be connected. The sound card installed in the main body is provided with a first level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit and a signal path for outputting the output signal of the sound output control circuit to the expansion connector. A second level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit input through the expansion connector to the expansion unit connected to the expansion connector, and amplifying the signal output from the level adjuster. An amplifier for external headphones and a circuit that outputs a control signal according to the usage status of the external headphones to the expansion connector Provided with, allowing the use of external headphones in the expansion unit side,
In addition, a portable computer system is characterized in that the content of information output from an internal speaker of the main body is switched and controlled according to the usage state of external headphones. 2. A portable computer system in which a sound card having a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted on the main body, and the main body has an expansion connector to which an expansion unit can be connected. The sound card installed in the main body has a first level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit, and a circuit for synthesizing the output signal of the level adjuster with a specific beep sound generated by the main body. And a signal path that outputs the output signal of the sound output control circuit that synthesizes a specific beep sound with this circuit to the expansion connector, and is input to the expansion unit connected to the expansion connector of the main unit via the expansion connector. Second level adjuster for adjusting the level of the output signal of the sound output control circuit, and the signal output from this level adjuster An amplifier for external headphones for amplifying, when the external headphone is not used,
It is equipped with a circuit that outputs a control signal for outputting the output signal of the sound output control circuit that synthesizes a specific beep sound from the internal speaker of the main unit to the external connector on the expansion unit side. ,
A portable computer system characterized by controlling information output from an internal speaker of the main body according to a usage state of external headphones. 3. In a portable computer system in which a sound card equipped with a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted in the main body, a sound output system provided in the main body and the sound output It is equipped with a level adjuster intervening in the system, a sound output system provided in the sound card mounted on the main body, and a level adjuster intervening in this sound output system. A portable computer system having a sound output system, and the level of each sound output system can be adjusted independently. 4. A portable computer system in which a sound card having a sound output control circuit for selectively outputting a plurality of kinds of sound signals is mounted on the main body, and the main body has an expansion connector to which an expansion unit can be connected. In addition, an alarm sound generation circuit that generates an alarm sound that contains multiple types of beep sounds of different types, a sound control circuit that controls the sound card, and an alarm sound generation under the control of this sound control circuit. It is equipped with a level adjuster of the main body that adjusts the level of a specific type of beep sound signal output from the circuit, and an internal speaker that outputs the output signal of this level adjuster. The level adjuster of the sound card that adjusts the output signal of the circuit and the output signal of this level adjuster are output. The portable computer system is provided with a headphone terminal for the main body to be controlled so that the headphone of the main body and the internal speaker of the main body can be independently adjusted in level. 5. A sound chip that outputs an audio signal, a sound control circuit that outputs a first beep signal and a second beep signal, and a synthesizing circuit that synthesizes the audio signal and the first beep signal. The first level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the output signal of the combining circuit, the second level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the second beep signal, and the combined first and second level adjusting means. A portable computer comprising a speaker for generating an output sound. 6. A sound chip which outputs an audio signal, a sound control circuit which outputs a first beep signal, a second beep signal and a modem output signal, and a composite of the audio signal and the first beep signal. A synthesizing circuit; a first level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the output signal of the synthesizing circuit; a second level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the second beep signal or the modem output signal; 2. A portable computer comprising a speaker for generating a synthesized output sound of the second level adjusting means. 7. The portable computer according to claim 5, wherein the first level adjusting means is a volume adjustment, and the second level adjusting means is an adjustment by key input. 8. The first beep signal is a beep signal peculiar to a compatible device, and the second beep signal is a beep signal indicating a low level state of a battery or a beep signal indicating that a display panel is closed. 7. The portable computer according to claim 5, wherein the portable computer is a specific type of beep signal included. 9. A sound output system for outputting a beep sound or other sound, a circuit capable of mute control interposed in the sound output system, and a circuit for controlling the circuit when the power is turned on for a predetermined time. A portable computer comprising means for muting. 10. A first sound output system for outputting a beep sound of a specific type or another sound, a first circuit for muting control interposed in the sound output system, and a standard other than the specific type. A second sound output system for outputting a beep sound or another sound, a second circuit capable of mute control interposed in the sound output system, and simultaneously controlling the first and second circuits when the power is turned on. A portable computer comprising means for muting each of the first and second sound output systems for a certain period of time.