JPH08328683A - Computer system and method for displaying its message - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide the computer system provided with features such as a computer main body is protected resultingly in the personal computer with excellent carrying performance especially by providing a function to display message information relating to the user, for example, at application of power of the system. CONSTITUTION: A password entry menu 2a is displayed to execute a security function by a BIOS 1 at application of power of the system. Message information stored in a flush ROM 7 is displayed on the password entry menu 2a. Thus, when the content of the message information is information such as a location in contact with the user or telephone number, it is highly possible that a missing computer main body is returned. Furthermore, before an operating system is started, it is confirmed that designated internal data are inhibited for delete by message information of the user in common, for example. Then the computer is used as a kind of security function protecting data or a kind of electric memo utilizing a contact item.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lightweight and small personal computer, and more particularly to a computer system having a function of displaying message information regarding a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a lightweight and small personal computer has been developed as a computer system, and it is becoming widespread so that each user has a dedicated computer.

Therefore, a password (s) for registering a password, which is identification information of a user, in advance and activating a data processing system (OS) in response to the input of the password (s
The security function is becoming an indispensable function.

In the security function of the personal computer, when the system power is turned on, the basic input / output system (BIOS) displays a password input screen on the display device. The password input screen is a screen in which the user requests the input of a registration password from an input device such as a keyboard.

When the user inputs the registration password from the password input screen, the OS set in the computer
Starts and starts predetermined data processing. On the other hand, if the registration password is not entered correctly, the OS will not start. Therefore, since the operator of the personal computer can be restricted by the registration password, the confidentiality and protection of the data inside the computer can be achieved.

[0006]

By providing the security function by the registered password as described above, it becomes possible to secure the confidentiality and protection of the internal data in the personal computer. By the way, as described above, a personal computer which is light and small in size and has excellent portability is becoming popular. Since such a personal computer can be carried and carried by a user, it has useful features such as being able to operate the computer at a desired place.

However, while it is excellent in portability, it is easy for the user to leave it at a desired place or lose it. Further, since a person other than the original user can borrow and easily carry it, a situation such as misplacement or loss is likely to occur similarly to the above.

[0008] In the event of such misplacement or loss, if there is a function of notifying the user of the corresponding personal computer, it is highly convenient because it is likely to be returned. Further, for example, when a plurality of users share one personal computer, it is very convenient if the user name being used and the function of notifying the user of a special message are provided.

An object of the present invention is to provide a function of displaying message information relating to a user when the system is turned on, for example, to protect the computer body of a personal computer with excellent portability as a result. It is to provide a computer system provided with.

[0010]

According to the present invention, for example, in a highly portable personal computer, registration means for registering desired message information input by a user in a non-volatile memory and the message information when the system is powered on. Is read from a non-volatile memory and is displayed on a predetermined display screen.

[0011]

In the present invention, when the system is turned on, for example, the BIOS displays a password input screen for executing the security function. At this time, when the message information is registered in the nonvolatile memory in advance, the BIOS displays the message information on the password input screen. Therefore, if the content of the message information is, for example, information such as a location or a telephone number that can be contacted to the user, there is a high possibility that it will be returned when the computer body is lost. Further, before the OS is started, it can be used as a kind of security function for protecting data, for example, by confirming that the specified internal data is prohibited to be erased by the message information of the shared user. is there.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a main part of a computer system according to this embodiment, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of this embodiment. (System Configuration) This system is assumed to be, for example, a laptop or portable small personal computer, and a keyboard and an input / output device such as a display device are integrally provided in the computer body.

As shown in FIG. 1, this system has a basic input / output system (BIOS) 1 for controlling the input / output of password information and message information related to this embodiment. The BIOS 1 executes registration processing and display processing of password information and message information according to a dedicated application program 5 stored in a floppy disk device, for example.

The display unit 2 has, for example, a liquid crystal display screen, and
The password input screen 2a or the like is displayed according to the control of the IOS 1. The password input screen 2a is a screen for requesting input of password information registered by the user.

The input unit 3 inputs various data input by a keyboard or a mouse. The BIOS 1 operates according to the activation of the dedicated application program 5 by the input unit 3
RA and password information and message information entered from
M (read / write memory) 6 or flash ROM
Register in (read only memory) 7.

The RAM 6 is a memory whose stored contents are backed up by a backup battery, and the password information PW and the message information UM are in operation during system operation.
To store. Flash ROM 7 is flash EEPR
The non-volatile memory means OM, and is a memory for storing the password information PW and the message information UM when the system is powered off.

Further, the present system has a power supply control unit 4 called a power supply microcomputer, controls a system power supply which is, for example, a charging type battery, and particularly outputs an ON / OFF signal indicating the power ON / OFF to the BIOS 1. .

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. (Message Display Processing) In this embodiment, the dedicated application program 5 including the registration / deletion routine of the password information PW and the registration / deletion routine of the message information UM for executing the security function is the BIOS.
It is assumed that the read / write operation of the RAM 6 is controlled via the 1. The BIOS 1 controls read / write operations of the RAM 6 and the flash ROM 7.

RAM when the system is powered off
6 and the contents of the flash ROM 7 are different, B
The IOS 1 copies the content of the RAM 6 to the flash ROM 7 and saves it. That is, the password information PW and the message information UM are stored in the flash ROM 7.

When the power of the system is turned on and the system is in operation, the BIOS 1 writes the password information PW and the message information UM read from the flash ROM 7 to RA.
Store in M6.

Under such an assumption, when the system power is turned on, the power control unit 4 sends a power ON signal to the BIOS.
It is given to S1 (YES in step S1). BIOS1
Displays the password input screen 2a as the initial screen on the display unit 2
Is displayed (step S3).

At this time, the BIOS 1 accesses the RAM 6 and determines whether or not the password information PW is registered (step S2). When the password information PW is not registered, the BIOS 1 does not display the password input screen 2a and does not display the message information UM of this embodiment (NO in step S2).

Next, the BIOS 1 accesses the RAM 6 and determines whether or not the message information UM is registered (step S4). When the message information UM is registered, as shown in FIG. 1, the character string of the message information UM is displayed in the area below the message (Password =) requesting the password input on the password input screen 2a ( Step S5).

The message information UM is, for example, a location or a telephone number that can contact the user. Here, it is assumed that, for example, the user carries the computer main body to a certain place, operates it, and then leaves it at that place. Then, when a third party other than the user turns on the power of the computer body that has been left behind, the message information UM is displayed on the screen of the display unit 2 of the computer body by the processing described above.

Therefore, there is a high possibility that a third party who sees the message information UM will contact the user and the misplaced computer body will be returned to the user. At this time, since the registration password cannot be input to a third party, the internal data of the computer main body is not destroyed by the security function. (Message Registration Processing) In this embodiment, the registration processing of the message information UM designated by the user is executed by the registration routine of the message information UM of the dedicated application program 5. The registration process of the message information UM is the same as the registration process of the password information PW.

First, when the system is powered on and the system is in operation, the dedicated application program 5 is activated (YES in step S10, S11). Here, when the password registration mode is designated, the BIOS 1 displays the password registration screen on the display unit 2 by the registration routine of the password information PW (YES in step S12, S13).

On this password registration screen, BI
The OS 1 stores the message information UM input by the user through the input unit 3 in the RAM 6 (steps S14, S1).
5). The RAM 6 has its storage contents backed up by a backup battery and holds the registered message information UM during the operation of the system.

Next, when the system is powered off, B
The IOS 1 receives the OFF signal indicating the power off from the power control unit 4, and the message information UM registered from the RAM 6
Is read out and stored in the flash ROM 7 (step S
16, YES, S17).

In the flash ROM 7, as described above,
The registered password information PW is stored together with the message information UM. Then, when the system power is turned on, the BIOS 1 reads the message information UM from the flash ROM 7 together with the password information PW, and R
Store in AM6.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the power of the computer main body is turned on on condition that the password information PW is registered, it is registered in advance on the initial screen (password input screen 2a). Message information UM
Is displayed.

If the message information UM is, for example, a location or a telephone number that can contact the user, a third party other than the user can confirm the message information UM and contact the user. So, for example, when a user leaves the computer body in a certain place,
There is a high possibility that the computer body will be returned to the user by a third party who sees the message information UM. At this time, since the registration password cannot be input to a third party, the internal data of the computer main body is not destroyed by the security function.

Further, if the message information UM is, for example, a message for another user who shares the computer main body, when the other user operates the computer main body, the contact from the shared user is confirmed. be able to. That is, a function like a kind of electronic memo can be provided. Further, for example, since it is possible to notify by message information UM that the specified internal data stored in the built-in hard disk device is prohibited to be erased, it is possible to use it as a kind of security function for protecting data.

[0033]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when the power of the system is turned on, the function of displaying the message information registered in advance on the display screen of the computer main body is provided, so that the portability is particularly excellent. The security function of the personal computer can be improved.
Specifically, a personal computer with excellent portability is likely to be left behind or lost. In such a case, if the message information including the items that can be contacted to the user is displayed, there is a high possibility that the message will be returned to the user. Further, if the message information is used as a kind of electronic memo, for example, when a plurality of users share one personal computer, if there is a user name being used or a function of giving a special message to the users, It is extremely convenient.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an essential part of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... BIOS, 2 ... Display unit, 2a ... Password input screen, 3 ... Input unit, 4 ... Power control unit, 5 ... Dedicated application program, 6 ... RAM (read / write memory), 7 ... Flash ROM.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A computer system comprising an input means for inputting data and a display means for displaying data, the registration means for registering arbitrary message information input by the input means in a non-volatile memory, and the system A computer system, comprising: a display control unit that displays a predetermined initial screen displaying the message information read from the non-volatile memory on the display unit when the power is turned on. 2. A computer system comprising an input means for inputting data and a display means for displaying data, the registration means for registering arbitrary message information input by the input means in a memory, and power-off of the system. At this time, a saving means for saving the message information stored in the memory in the non-volatile memory, and a judgment as to whether or not the message information is saved in the non-volatile memory when the system is powered on. And a display control means for displaying on the display means a predetermined initial screen displaying the message information read out from the non-volatile memory. 3. A computer system comprising an input means for inputting data and a display means for displaying data, the registration means for registering a password and message information input from the input means in a non-volatile memory, and a system. First display control means for displaying a password input screen on the display means when the password is registered in the non-volatile memory when the power is turned on, and the message information is stored in the non-volatile memory when the power is turned on. Second display control means for determining whether or not the message information has been registered, and displaying the message information read from the non-volatile memory on the password input screen when the message information is registered based on the determination result. A computer system comprising: 4. A computer system having an input means for inputting data and a display means for displaying the data, registering a password input by the input means, and activating a data processing system in response to the input of the password. In the nonvolatile memory, the message information input by the input means, the message information relating to the user arbitrarily set by the system user, and the password is registered when the system is powered on. When the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not the message information is stored in the non-volatile memory, and the result of this determination Enter the password for the message information read from the non-volatile memory when A computer system comprising: a second display control unit that displays the message on the screen and does not display the message information on the display unit when the password is unregistered regardless of the determination result. 5. A computer system having an input means for inputting data, a display means for displaying the data, and a registration means for registering arbitrary message information related to the user input by the input means in a non-volatile memory. In the step of displaying a predetermined initial screen on the display means by a predetermined initial process before starting the data processing system when the system is powered on, and whether the message information is registered in the non-volatile memory. A method for displaying a message, comprising: a step of determining whether or not the determination result is stored, and a step of reading the message information from the nonvolatile memory and displaying the message information on the initial screen when the determination result is stored.