JPH1011197A - Keyboard control device and its controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to immediately use a system without restarting the system even at the time of connecting an external keyboard or an external mouse after starting the system. SOLUTION: When an external input device such as an external keyboard 32 and an external mouse 33 is not unconnected at the time of starting the system, processing for setting up a keyboard communication line or a mouse communication line to a usable state and a processing for permitting interruption signals INT2, INT3 for informing of data inputted through the communication line to a CPU 15 are executed as preparing processing for hot connection. Even when the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33 is connected after starting the system and data are inputted from the connected device, the hot connection of the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33 is recognized by an interruption signal generated by the hot connection preparing processing and the connected device can be used.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard control device and a control method therefor, and more particularly to a keyboard control device and a control method improved to enable hot connection of an external input device such as an external keyboard or an external mouse. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various notebook-type or laptop-type portable personal computers which are easy to carry and can be operated by a battery have been developed. This type of portable computer is configured so that an external keyboard, an external mouse, and the like can be connected as necessary, in addition to an internal keyboard unit provided as standard.

However, a conventional keyboard controller for controlling such a keyboard or a mouse is configured to recognize the connection of an external keyboard or an external mouse only in an initialization process executed when the system is started. Therefore, even if an external keyboard or an external mouse is connected after the system is started, the external input device cannot be used immediately because the external input device is not recognized. In order to be able to use an external keyboard or an external mouse connected after the system is started, it was necessary to restart the system and make the keyboard controller recognize the external input device.

[0004]

As described above, in the prior art, the connection of the external input device can be recognized only by the initialization processing executed at the time of starting the system. Even if connected, there was a disadvantage that it could not be used immediately.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and even when an external input device is connected after the system is started, the external input device is used from the point of connection without restarting the system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard control device and a control method therefor.

[0006]

The present invention is used in a computer system to which an external input device such as an external keyboard or an external mouse can be connected. When the computer system starts up, the external input device is connected to the system. A keyboard controller for recognizing and controlling the external input device when the computer system is started, when the external input device is not connected, in preparation for a hot connection in which the external input device is connected after the computer system is started. Hot connection preparation processing means for performing processing, wherein a communication line between the external input device and the external input device is set to a usable state, and data is input from the external input device via the communication line. Generate an interrupt signal to notify the internal processor And hot connection preparing process means for permitting, in response to the occurrence of the interrupt signal, the external input device is characterized by comprising a means for recognizing that it is a hot connection.

In this keyboard control device, when an external input device such as an external keyboard or an external mouse is not connected when the computer system is started, as a preparation process for hot connection, a connection between the external input device and the external input device is made. A process of setting a communication line to a usable state and a process of permitting generation of an interrupt signal for notifying an internal processor of the keyboard control device when data is input from an external input device via the communication line. Is performed.

With this preparation process, even when an external input device is connected after the system is started, an interrupt signal can be generated when data is input from the external input device. By the generation of this interrupt signal, the connection of the external input device is recognized,
Control of the external input device is started. Therefore, it is possible to use the external input device from the time of connecting the external input device without restarting the system.

Further, the present invention is used in a computer system having a shared connector to which an external keyboard or an external mouse can be connected. When the computer system is started, the external keyboard or the external mouse connected to the shared connector is connected. In a keyboard control device for recognizing and controlling the same, when both the external keyboard and the external mouse are not connected when the computer system is activated, the external keyboard or the external mouse is connected after the computer system is activated. Hot connection preparation processing means for performing the preparation processing in preparation for the above, wherein a communication line with the shared connector is set in a usable state, and data is transmitted from the external keyboard or external mouse via the communication line. When it is entered Hot connection preparation processing means for permitting the generation of an interrupt signal for notifying the internal processor; and in response to the generation of the interrupt signal, a device connected to the shared connector can be either the external keyboard or the external mouse. Means for judging whether or not there is, and starting control of a device connected to the shared connector according to the judgment result.

In this keyboard control device, when both the external keyboard and the external mouse are not connected, the same preparation processing as described above is performed, and when an interrupt signal is generated, first, the external connector is connected to the common connector. A determination is made as to whether the connected device is an external keyboard or an external mouse, and control of the device connected to the shared connector is started according to the determination result. Therefore, even when the shared connector is used, hot connection of the external input device can be supported.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a computer system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The computer system is a laptop or notebook type portable computer, and includes a CPU 11, a system memory 12, a BIOS ROM 13, and a keyboard controller (KBC) 14, as shown in the figure.

The CPU 11 controls the entire system, and executes a program to be processed stored in the system memory 12. As the CPU 11,
For example, a microprocessor “Pentium” manufactured and sold by Intel Corporation in the United States is used. The system memory 12 stores an operating system, an application program to be processed, user data created by the application program, and the like. An operating system (OS) having a function of managing hardware resources of an I / O device (interrupt level, DMA channel number, I / O address space, etc.) is used.

The BIOS ROM 13 stores the system BIOS.
This is for storing S (Basic I / O System), and is constituted by a flash memory so that a program can be rewritten. The system BIOS includes an IR that is executed when the system is started, such as when the power is turned on.
It includes a T routine, a device driver for controlling various I / O devices, a system management program, a setup program, and the like.

The keyboard controller 14 controls an internal keyboard 31 incorporated in the computer main body. The keyboard controller 14 scans a key matrix of the internal keyboard 25, receives a signal corresponding to a pressed key, and receives a signal corresponding to a pressed key. An SCC (scan code controller) for converting to a key code (scan code) is built in.

The keyboard controller 14 includes a keyboard connector 32a provided on the computer body.
A function of controlling an external keyboard 32 with a built-in SCC that can be connected to a mouse, and an external mouse 33 that can be connected to a mouse connector 33a provided on the computer body, and a pointing stick 35 (IPS) using a dedicated processor (IPS controller) It has a control function. The IPS controller 34 is a pointing stick control IC including a circuit for detecting a signal from the pointing stick 35 and the like.

In the initialization processing executed when the computer system is started (when the operating system is started), the keyboard controller 14 recognizes the connected external input device and controls the recognized external input device. To start. Thus, the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 can be used. The keyboard controller 14 also controls the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 3 after the system starts.
Even if 3 is connected, it has a hot connection function that recognizes the connection and makes it usable.

This hot connection function is realized by a hot connection preparation process and a hot connection recognition process. The hot connection preparation processing is performed when the external keyboard 3
2 and the external input device such as the external mouse 33 is not connected. In this processing, the communication line between the external input device and the unconnected external input device (the keyboard is connected when the external keyboard 32 is not connected) A keyboard communication line such as a clock line and a data line leading to the connector 32a, and a mouse communication line such as a clock line and a data line leading to the mouse connector 33a when the external mouse 33 is not connected can be used. And an interrupt signal for notifying the CPU 15 of the keyboard controller 14 of a data input from an unconnected external input device (IN when the external keyboard 32 is not connected).
At T3, when the external mouse 33 is not connected, a process of permitting generation of INT2) is performed.

By this preparation processing, even when an external input device is connected after the system is started, when data is input from the external input device, an interrupt signal corresponding to the connected external input device is generated. Can be done.

The hot connection recognition process is executed by the CPU 15 of the keyboard controller 14 in response to the generation of the interrupt signal.
Here, the external input device that is hot-connected is recognized in accordance with the interrupt signal, and the setting for enabling the external input device is performed. .

Next, a specific configuration of the keyboard controller 14 will be described. The keyboard controller 14 is a microcomputer with a built-in processor. As shown in the figure, a CPU 15, a RAM 16 used as a work area of the CPU 15, a program ROM 17, a system bus interface 18 for communication with the host CPU 11, An interrupt controller 19 for notifying a data reception interrupt, an external keyboard interface 20 for controlling communication with an external keyboard 32 via a keyboard communication line, and an external controller for controlling communication with an external mouse 33 via a mouse communication line. Mouse interface 21, external keyboard interface 20, and external mouse interface 21
Are individually enabled / disabled to enable / disable each of the keyboard communication line and mouse communication line.
A port control register 22 for controlling invalidation is provided.

The external keyboard interface 20
Operation is controlled by a flag set in bit 7 (b7) of the port control register 22, and when the flag is enabled, the clock line CLK of the keyboard communication line
Is set to an H level, so that the keyboard communication line can be used. Thereby, data can be received from the external keyboard 32 via the keyboard communication line. When data is received from the external keyboard 32 via the keyboard communication line, the external keyboard interface 20 generates an interrupt signal INT3 to notify the CPU 15 of the data.

The operation of the external mouse interface 21 is controlled by a flag set in bit 6 (b6) of the port control register 22, and when the flag is enabled, the clock line CLK of the mouse communication line is set to H level. Set the mouse communication line to a usable state. Thus, data can be received from the external mouse 33 via the mouse communication line.
When receiving data from the external mouse 32 via the mouse communication line, the external mouse interface 21
In order to notify the CPU 15, the interrupt signal INT
2 is generated.

The interrupt controller 19 includes an internal keyboard 31, an external keyboard 32, an external mouse 33,
When any of the interrupt signals corresponding to S35 is generated, the CPU 15 is interrupted to execute the data reception interrupt processing. The interrupt controller 19 includes an external keyboard 32 and an external mouse 3.
3 corresponding to the respective interrupt signals INT3 and INT2.
Are provided, and these interrupt signals can be respectively invalidated as necessary.

The hot connection control register 161 allows or prohibits the execution of hot connection control that makes it possible to use the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 immediately after the system is started even when the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 are connected. And as shown in FIG. 2,
Permission or inhibition of hot connection control is designated by a flag (HOTCON) set by the host CPU 11 for the bit 7 (b7). Flag (HOTCON)
= 1 indicates the hot connection control permission mode. In this case, the hot connection control characteristic of the present invention is performed. The flag (HOTCON) = 0 indicates the hot connection control prohibition mode. In this case, only the use of the device whose connection has been recognized at the time of system startup is permitted. Therefore, for example, when the external keyboard 32 is connected and the external mouse 33 is not connected at the time of starting the system, the external keyboard interface 20 is enabled in the initialization process at the time of starting the system.
The external mouse interface 21 is set to a disabled state.

The external device setting status register 162
This is for managing the current use state of each external input device, and a plurality of external input device control flags are set. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the external device setting status register 162.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, bit 2 (b2) of the external device setting status register 162
Is a flag (IPSEL) that specifies the use mode of the IPS 35 when an external mouse is connected, bit 1
In (b1), a flag (EXTKEY) indicating the connection state of the external keyboard 32 is set, and in bit 0 (b0), a flag (EXTMOS) indicating the connection state of the external mouse 33 is set.

The flag (IPSEL) is set by the host CPU 11 in response to an instruction from the user. When the external mouse 33 is connected, the flag (IPSEL) = 1 indicates that the IPS 35 and the external mouse 33 Specify the mode to use the pointing device at the same time,
A flag (IPSEL) = 0 specifies a mode in which the external mouse 33 is used when the external mouse 33 is connected.

The flag (EXTKEY) is set by the CPU 15 in the initialization processing at the time of system startup or in the recognition processing in the hot connection control processing. The flag (EXTKEY) = 1 indicates that the external keyboard 32 is connected. The control is valid, and the flag (EXTKEY) = 0 indicates that the control of the external keyboard 32 is invalid.

The flag (EXTMOS) is set by the CPU 15 in the initialization processing at the time of system startup or in the recognition processing in the hot connection control processing. The flag (EXTMOS) = 1 indicates that the external mouse 33 is connected. The control is valid, and the flag (EXTMOS) = 0 indicates that the control of the external mouse 33 is invalid.

The flag (EXTKEY) and the flag (EXTMOS) are used by the CPU for hot connection control.
15 and also used to notify the host CPU 11 of the environment changed by the hot connection control. In the hot connection control, the current state is checked by the flag (EXTKEY) and the flag (EXTMOS).
It is determined whether the data is a normal data input from an already connected device.

FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the aforementioned external input device control flag and each device control state. Hereinafter, a basic operation procedure of the hot connection control will be described with reference to FIG.

[Hot connection of keyboard communication line] When the relationship between the external device control flag and each device control state is as shown in (1), (2), (5), and (6) of FIG. Hot connection control is performed as follows.

The keyboard communication line clock line is set to the HIGH level, and the INT3 interrupt is permitted. -When a signal comes on the data line of the keyboard communication line, an INT3 interrupt occurs.

From the state of the flag (EXTKEY) at that time, it is recognized that the interruption is due to the hot connection of the external keyboard 32, and the flag (EXTKEY) is set to 1. Thereby, the device control states are (1) to (3), (2) to (4), (5) to (7), and (6).
To (8).

[Hot connection of mouse communication line] The relationship between the external device control flag and each device control state is shown in FIG.
In (1), (2), (3), and (4), hot connection control of the mouse communication line is performed.

The clock line of the mouse communication line is H
The level is set to the IGH level, and the INT2 interrupt is permitted.・ When a signal comes on the data line of the mouse communication line,
An INT2 interrupt occurs.

The hot connection of the external mouse 33 is recognized from the state of the flag (EXTMOS) at that time, an enable command is transmitted to the external mouse 33, and an ACK is received. Set the flag (EXTMOS) to 1. Thereby, the device control state is changed from (1) to (5), (2) to (6), (3) to (7), and (4) to (8).

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The overall operation procedure of the keyboard controller 14 will be described. As described above, C of the keyboard controller 14
The PU 15 checks the connection state of the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 in the initialization process at the time of starting the system, and initializes internal information on the connected device. The connection state is determined by issuing a predetermined command and receiving a response to the command. By this connection state determination processing, the external device setting state register 16
2 is performed. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the external input device can be connected according to the contents of the external device setting status register 162 (step S).
11). When both the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 are connected (EXTKEY = 1, EXTM
In the case of OS = 1), since the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 are already controlled by the keyboard controller 14, it is determined that the external input device cannot be connected, that is, the hot connection is not performed. On the other hand, the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33
If any one of the devices is not connected, there is a possibility that the unconnected device is hot-connected, so a hot-connection preparation process is performed to prepare for the hot connection (step S12).

In this hot connection preparation processing, as described above, the processing of permitting the use of the communication line corresponding to the hot connectable device and permitting the interrupt signal corresponding thereto is performed. The details of the hot connection preparation processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the CP of the keyboard controller 14
U15 enters an interrupt waiting state and waits for occurrence of a data reception interrupt from various input devices (step S1).
3). When a data reception interrupt occurs, an interrupt process is executed. First, an interrupt factor (which interrupt signal INT has been generated) is checked by referring to an internal status register of the interrupt controller 19 or the like. Then, based on the interrupt factor and the current content of the external device setting status register 162, it is checked whether or not the interrupt is caused by the hot connection of the external keyboard 32 (step S14). For example, EXTKEY =
If it is 0 and the cause of the data reception interrupt is INT3, it is recognized that the external keyboard 32 is hot-connected. Then, the internal information relating to the external keyboard 32 is initialized, and after setting EXTKEY = 1, control of the external keyboard 32 is started (step S15).

If the interruption was not caused by the hot connection of the external keyboard 32, it is checked whether or not the interruption was caused by the hot connection of the external mouse 33 (step S16). For example, when EXTMOS = 0 and the cause of the data reception interrupt is INT2, it is recognized that the external mouse 33 is hot-connected. Then, the internal information relating to the external mouse 33 is initialized, and after setting EXTMOS = 1, control of the external mouse 33 is started (step S17).

When the data reception interrupt is not caused by hot connection of an external device, that is, when the interrupt is caused by data input from the internal keyboard 31 or the IPS 35, or is caused by data input from an already connected external device. The normal processing required for key input control is performed (step S18).

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The details of the hot connection preparation process will be described. First, EXTK
It is determined whether or not the external keyboard 32 is connected according to the content of the EY (step S21). If the external keyboard 32 is not connected, HOTCON is referred to and it is checked whether or not hot connection control is permitted (step S22). When the external keyboard 32 is not connected and the hot connection control is permitted, the clock line of the keyboard communication line is set to HIGH so that communication via the keyboard communication line is enabled, and the like. Further, the setting of the interrupt permission of the INT3 is performed (steps S23 and S24).

Next, it is determined whether or not the external mouse 33 is connected according to the contents of the EXTMOS (step S2).
5). If the external mouse 33 is not connected, HO
It is checked whether the hot connection control is permitted by referring to the TCON (step S26). External mouse 3
3 is not connected and the hot connection control is permitted, the communication via the mouse communication line is set to a state where communication via the mouse communication line is enabled, for example, by setting the clock line of the mouse communication line to HIGH. Are set (steps S27 and S28).

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The flow of processing when the external keyboard is hot-connected will be described. When the external keyboard 32 is hot-connected by the user, the external keyboard 32 automatically performs initialization processing by power-on, and when the initialization processing is completed, transmits a command indicating the completion. Thereby, data is received from the external keyboard 32 (step S3).
1, S32). As a result, INT3 is generated, and it is recognized that the external keyboard 32 is hot-connected according to the contents of the external device connection status register 162 at that time, and EXTKEY = 1 is set (step S33,
S34).

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The flow of processing when the external mouse is hot-connected will be described. When the external mouse 33 is hot-connected by the user, the external mouse 33 automatically performs initialization processing by power-on, and when the initialization processing is completed, transmits a command indicating the completion. Thereby, data is received from the external mouse 33 (steps S41, S42). As a result, INT2 is generated, and it is recognized that the external mouse 33 is hot-connected in accordance with the contents of the external device connection status register 162 at that time, and EXTMOS = 1 is set (steps S43 and S44).

As described above, in the first embodiment,
When an external input device such as an external keyboard 32 or an external mouse 33 is not connected when the computer system is started, processing for setting a keyboard communication line and a mouse communication line to a usable state as preparation processing for hot connection. And an external keyboard 3 via the communication line
2 and an interrupt signal INT2 for notifying the CPU 15 when data is input from the external mouse 33.
A process for permitting the occurrence of INT3 is performed. By this hot connection preparation processing, even when the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33 is connected after the system is started, when data is input from the device, an interrupt signal can be generated thereby. By the generation of the interrupt signal, the hot connection of the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33 is recognized, and the device can be used. Therefore, it is possible to use the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 from the time when they are connected, without starting the system.

Here, the port control register 22
Is used to control the enable / disable of the KB communication line and the mouse communication line. However, such a dedicated register is not provided. For example, the corresponding bit value of the external device setting status register 162 is used for the control. Good.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 shows a system configuration of a computer system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, only the portions different from the first embodiment will be described.

In this computer system, the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 can be selectively connected to the PS.
2 and other shared connectors (keyboard / mouse connector)
40a is provided in the computer main body. In this case, the keyboard connector 32a is not normally required, but may be provided.

The keyboard controller 14 is provided with a shared line interface 41 capable of controlling both the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33, instead of the external mouse interface 21 shown in FIG.

The operation of the common line interface 41 is controlled by a flag set in the bit 6 (b6) of the port control register 22. When the flag is enabled, the common line interface 41 is set by setting the clock line CLK of the common line to the H level. Set the line to a usable state. Thereby, the external keyboard 3 can be connected via the shared line.
2 or external mouse 33. When receiving data from the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33 via the shared line, the shared line interface 41 generates an interrupt signal INT2 to notify the CPU 15 of the data.

In the external device setting status register 162, as shown in FIG. 10, two flags (LINMOD, LINSEL) for designating the use mode of the shared line are used for control using the shared line. Additional settings have been made.

The flag (LINMOD) is set by the host CPU 11 in response to an instruction from the user, and the flag (LINMOD) = 1 specifies a mode in which the shared line is used for communication between the external keyboard and the external mouse. The flag (LINMOD) = 0 specifies that the shared line is fixedly used as the mouse communication line.

The flag (LINSEL) is set by the CPU 15 in the initialization processing at the time of system startup or in the recognition processing in the hot connection control processing, and the flag (LINSEL) = 1 uses the shared line as a keyboard communication line. The control is performed, and the flag (LINSEL) = 0 indicates that the control using the shared line as the mouse communication line is performed. This flag (LINSEL) is valid only when the flag (LINMOD) = 1.

FIG. 11 shows the external keyboard connector 32
In the system provided with a, LINMOD =
The external input device control flag (EXT
MOS, EXTKEY, LINSEL, IPSSEL)
And the relationship between each device control state.

The basic operation procedure of the hot connection control will be described below with reference to FIG. here,
It is assumed that a keyboard connector is not provided, or even if it is provided, an external keyboard is not connected thereto ((1), (2), (3), (4) in FIG. 11).

[Hot connection of shared line] When the relationship between the external device control flag and each device control state is (1), (2), (3), or (4) in FIG. 11, the hot connection of the shared line is performed. The control is performed as follows.

The clock line of the common line is HIGH
Level and the INT2 interrupt is enabled. -When a signal comes on the shared data line, INT
Two interrupts occur.

Recognizing from the state of the flag (EXTKEY) at that time that the interruption is due to the hot connection of the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33, a read ID command is transmitted to the device and an ACK is received.

When the external keyboard 32 is connected, a predetermined ID code is returned in response to the read ID command. Therefore, whether the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33 is connected depends on whether or not the ID code is returned. Is determined.

When a predetermined ID code is returned, it is recognized that the external keyboard 32 is connected, and the flag (EXTKEY) is set to 1 and the flag (LINSEL) is set to 1. Thereby, the device control state becomes (1), (3)
To (7), (2) and (4) to (8).

When the predetermined ID code has not been returned, it recognizes that the external mouse 33 has been connected, transmits an enable command to the external mouse 33, and receives an ACK. Next, the flag (EXTMOS) is set to 1 and the flag (LINSEL) is set to 0. As a result, the device control state changes from (1) and (3) to (9), and (2) and (4)
To (10).

Next, the overall operation procedure of the keyboard controller 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, it is assumed that the keyboard connector 32a is not provided.

CPU 15 of keyboard controller 15
Is an external keyboard 32 and an external mouse 3 for the shared connector 40a in the initialization process at the time of system startup.
The connection state of No. 3 is checked, and the internal information on the connected device is initialized. The connection state is determined by issuing the read ID command and examining the response to the read ID command as described above. In addition, the external device setting status register 162 is initialized by the connection status determining process. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the external input device can be connected according to the contents of the external device setting status register 162 (step S51).

An external keyboard 32 is connected to the common connector 32a.
Alternatively, when the external mouse 33 is connected, it is determined that the external input device cannot be connected to the shared connector 32a, that is, the hot connection is not performed. On the other hand, when both the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 are not connected to the shared connector 32a, there is a possibility that the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33 is hot-connected. , Hot connection preparation processing is executed (step S
52).

In this hot connection preparation process, a process of permitting use of the shared line and permitting the corresponding interrupt signal is performed. The details of the hot connection preparation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the CP of the keyboard controller 15
U15 enters an interrupt waiting state and waits for occurrence of a data reception interrupt from various input devices (step S5).
3). When a data reception interrupt occurs, an interrupt process is executed and an interrupt cause (which interrupt signal INT
Is checked by referring to the internal status register of the interrupt controller 19 or the like. Then, based on the interrupt factor and the current content of the external device setting status register 162, the external keyboard 3
It is checked whether the interrupt is due to the hot connection of the second or external mouse or a normal interrupt other than the hot connection (step S54). In this case, if the interruption is due to hot connection, it is also determined which of the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse is connected to the shared connector 40a by issuing the read ID command.

When a predetermined ID code is returned,
It is recognized that the external keyboard 32 has been hot-connected. Then, internal information relating to the external keyboard 32 is initialized, and after setting EXTKEY = 1 and LINSEL = 1, control of the external keyboard 32 is started (step S55).

If the predetermined ID code is not returned, it is recognized that the external mouse 33 has been hot-connected. Then, the internal information relating to the external mouse 33 is initialized, and after setting EXTMOS = 1 and LINSEL = 0, control of the external mouse is started (step S56).

When the data reception interrupt is not caused by the hot connection of the external device, that is, when the interrupt is caused by the data input from the internal keyboard 31 or the IPS 35 or the interrupt is caused by the data input from the already connected external device. The normal processing required for key input control is performed (step S57).

Next, the details of the hot connection preparation processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, EX
It is determined whether or not any of the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33 is connected to the shared connector 40a according to the contents of TKEY, EXTMOS, and LINSEL (step S61). If both the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 are not connected to the common connector, the HOTCON is referred to and it is checked whether the hot connection control is permitted (step S62). When both the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 are not connected and the hot connection control is permitted, communication via the shared line is enabled by setting the clock line of the shared line to HIGH or the like. Is set to
Also, the setting of the interrupt permission of INT2 is performed (steps S63 and S64).

As described above, in the second embodiment,
When both the external keyboard 32 and the external mouse 33 are not connected to the shared connector 40a, hot connection preparation processing is performed. When the interrupt signal INT2 is generated, first, the device connected to the shared connector 40a is A determination is made as to whether the device is the external keyboard 32 or the external mouse 33, and recognition and control of the device connected to the shared connector 40a is started according to the result of the determination. Therefore, even when the shared connector 40a is used, hot connection of an external input device can be supported.

Here, the port control register 22
Is used to control the enable / disable of the KB communication line and the mouse communication line. However, such a dedicated register is not provided. For example, the corresponding bit value of the external device setting status register 162 is used for the control. Good.

[0076]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when an external input device is connected after the system is started, the external input device can be used from the point of connection without restarting the system. Becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system having a keyboard controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a data storage format of a hot connection control register 161 provided in the keyboard controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data storage format of an external device setting status register provided in the keyboard controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a relationship between external device control flags managed by the keyboard controller shown in FIG. 1 and each external device.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart showing a procedure of a series of input device control processes executed by the keyboard controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart showing the procedure of hot connection preparation processing executed by the keyboard controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing the procedure of an external keyboard recognition process executed by the keyboard controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flowchart showing the procedure of an external mouse recognition process executed by the keyboard controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system having a keyboard controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data storage format of an external device setting status register provided in the keyboard controller of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view showing the relationship between external device control flags managed by the keyboard controller of FIG. 9 and each external device.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart showing the procedure of a series of input device control processing executed by the keyboard controller of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flowchart showing the procedure of hot connection preparation processing executed by the keyboard controller of FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

11 host CPU, 12 memory, 14 keyboard controller, 15 CPU, 20 external keyboard interface, 21 external mouse interface,
22 port control register, 161 hot connection control register, 162 external device setting status register

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A computer system to which an external input device such as an external keyboard or an external mouse is connectable. When the computer system starts up, the external input device connected to the system is recognized and controlled. In the keyboard control device, when the external input device is not connected when the computer system starts up, a hot connection preparation process for performing a preparation process for a hot connection in which the external input device is connected after the computer system starts up Means for setting a communication line between the external input device and the external input device to a usable state, and for notifying an internal processor when data is input from the external input device via the communication line. Hot connection preparation processing that allows the generation of interrupt signals And means, responsive to the occurrence of the interrupt signal, the keyboard controller, wherein the external input device is characterized by comprising a means for recognizing that it is a hot connection. 2. The operation of the hot connection preparation processing means is controlled by whether or not mode information set by a host CPU of the computer system indicates the validity of the hot connection. 2. The keyboard control device according to claim 1, wherein the configuration is such that the preparation process is not executed. 3. A keyboard control device for use in a computer system to which an external keyboard and an external mouse can be connected, and which recognizes and controls an external keyboard and an external mouse connected to the system when the computer system starts up. In one embodiment, when one of the external keyboard and the external mouse is not connected when the computer system is started, the preparation process is executed in preparation for a hot connection in which the unconnected devices are connected after the computer system is started. Hot connection preparation processing means to set the communication line between each of the unconnected devices to a usable state,
And hot connection preparation processing means for permitting generation of an interrupt signal for notifying the internal processor when data is input from each of the unconnected devices via the communication line, and Means for recognizing that the unconnected device has been hot-connected in response. 4. The operation of the hot connection preparation processing means is controlled by whether or not mode information set by a host CPU of the computer system indicates that the hot connection is valid, and wherein the mode information is invalid of the hot connection. 2. The keyboard control device according to claim 1, wherein the configuration is such that the preparation process is not executed. 5. A computer system having a common connector to which an external keyboard or an external mouse can be connected, wherein the computer system recognizes the external keyboard or the external mouse connected to the common connector when the computer system starts up. In the keyboard control device, when both the external keyboard and the external mouse are not connected when the computer system is started, the external keyboard or the external mouse is connected in preparation for hot connection after the computer system is started. Hot connection preparation processing means for performing preparation processing, wherein a communication line between the shared connector and the shared connector is set to a usable state, and data is input from the external keyboard or external mouse via the communication line. When it internal processor Hot connection preparation processing means for permitting generation of an interrupt signal for notifying, and in response to the generation of the interrupt signal, determining whether a device connected to the shared connector is the external keyboard or the external mouse. Means for determining and starting control of a device connected to the shared connector in accordance with the result of the determination. 6. A computer system to which an external input device such as an external keyboard or an external mouse can be connected. When the computer system starts up, an external input device connected to the system is recognized and controlled. In the keyboard control device, means for detecting presence or absence of connection of the external input device at the time of starting the computer system, and generating external device control information indicating a use state of the external device according to a result of the detection; Sometimes, when the external input device is not connected, hot connection preparation processing means for performing preparation processing in preparation for a hot connection to which the external input device is connected after the start of the computer system, the external input device, Available for communication line between And hot connection preparation processing means for permitting generation of an interrupt signal for notifying the internal processor when data is input from the external input device via the communication line, and Means for determining whether or not the cause of the generated interrupt signal is a hot connection by the external input device based on the external device control information; and A keyboard control device comprising: means for recognizing hot connection of a device and starting control thereof; and means for executing processing corresponding to the interrupt factor when an interrupt signal is not generated due to hot connection. 7. A computer system to which an external input device such as an external keyboard or an external mouse can be connected. When the computer system starts up, the external input device connected to the system is recognized and controlled. In the control method of the keyboard control device, when the external input device is not connected when the computer system is started, in preparation for a hot connection in which the external input device is connected after the start of the computer system, Setting an available communication line between the external input devices via the communication line, and permitting generation of an interrupt signal for notifying the internal processor when data is input from the external input device via the communication line; In response to the generation of a signal, the external input device Control method and recognizes that it is connection. 8. A keyboard control device used in a computer system to which an external keyboard and an external mouse can be connected, and which recognizes and controls an external keyboard and an external mouse connected to the computer system when the computer system starts up. In the control method, when any one of the external keyboard and the external mouse is not connected when the computer system is started, in preparation for a hot connection in which the unconnected devices are connected after the computer system is started, An interrupt for setting a communication line between each unconnected device to a usable state, and notifying the internal processor when data is input from each of the unconnected devices via the communication line. Signal generation, and in response to the generation of the interrupt signal, Control method and recognizes that the serial unconnected device is hot connected. 9. A computer system having a common connector to which an external keyboard or an external mouse can be connected, wherein the computer system recognizes the external keyboard or the external mouse connected to the common connector when the computer system starts up. In the control method of the keyboard control device, when both the external keyboard and the external mouse are not connected at the time of starting the computer system, the external keyboard or the external mouse is connected after the computer system starts up by hot connection. For setting a communication line between the shared connector and the shared connector in a usable state, and for notifying the internal processor when data is input from the external keyboard or external mouse via the communication line. Enable interrupt signal generation In response to the generation of the interrupt signal, it is determined whether the device connected to the shared connector is the external keyboard or the external mouse, and control of the device connected to the shared connector is performed according to the determination result. A control method characterized by starting the following. 10. A computer system to which an external input device such as an external keyboard or an external mouse can be connected. When the computer system starts up, the external input device connected to the system is recognized and controlled. In the control method of the keyboard control device, detecting whether or not the external input device is connected at the time of starting the computer system, and generating external device control information indicating a use state of the external device; When the external input device is not connected, a communication line between the external input device and the external input device is set to a usable state in preparation for a hot connection in which the external input device is connected after the start of the computer system, and the communication is performed. Data from the external input device via the line When an interrupt signal has been input, generation of an interrupt signal for notifying the internal processor of the interrupt signal is permitted.When the interrupt signal is generated, the factor of the generated interrupt signal is determined based on the external device control information. It is determined whether or not a hot connection is caused by an input device, and when an interrupt signal is generated by the hot connection, the hot connection of the external input device is recognized and its control is started. A control method characterized by executing a process corresponding to an interrupt factor.