JPH10190855A - Automatic start-up system for computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption for an automatic start-up of digital data network communication in a personal computer. SOLUTION: A personal computer 1 is (composed) of a digital data network control part 2 for communication control connected to a digital data network and a personal computer power supply part 6 for supplying power for the personal computer including the digital data network control part 2. The digital data control part 2 is composed of an ISDN circuit control part 3 that controls an input signal from the digital data network, a call control part 4 that controls a call control procedure of an ISDN protocol in a digital signal from the ISDN circuit control part 3, and a power supply control part 5 that inputs an incoming call state from the call control part 4 and sends a signal for starting a power supply to the personal computer power supply part 6. The digital data network control part 2 is operated by an inter-office power supplying from the digital data network.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for automatically starting a communication function of a computer, and more particularly to a computer for starting a power supply of a computer such as an office computer, a workstation, a personal computer, etc. through an external digital data communication function. Regarding the automatic start system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of communication technology, Internet communication using a telephone line network all over the world has been rampantly expanding. For connection to the Internet, the personal computer of each terminal connects to the provider via the telephone line or digital data line of each regional office, and the provider has the role of its own server. Connected to a network subscriber. In such a state, if a personal computer is always connected to a digital data line, etc.,
The communication cost becomes expensive, and if possible, it is desired to connect to the line only when necessary for communication.

Conventionally, this type of automatic startup technology using digital data communication reduces power consumption from a commercial power supply and operation costs in a terminal adapter device disposed between a communication line network and each personal computer. It is used for the purpose. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
No. 7793 discloses a line corresponding unit that operates with station-supplied power, a power supply control unit that supplies required commercial power to each circuit by a control signal from the line corresponding unit when an incoming call is received,
Power supply means for supplying required power to the existing data terminal device by the control signal, when in standby,
A terminal adapter device is described, which operates only with the power supplied from the station, and is capable of automatically starting an existing data terminal device by receiving a supply of commercial power at the time of startup. Here, there is no description of specific contents that operate only by the power supplied from the station during standby.

[0004]

However, the first problem is that in any case the incoming call is activated. That is, an activation request for activating the data terminal may be made before the call control setting, and an incoming call is activated even at an unnecessary incoming call, which wastes power.

A second problem is that a terminal adapter device, a data terminal, and a power supply control unit are required, and they are structurally divided into two, requiring a large space. Therefore, the waste of power consumption of the power supply control unit is increased. That is, since the power supply control unit connects the factors of the activation request for activating the terminal adapter device and the data terminal, a power supply unit is required for each.

[Object of the Invention] An object of the present invention is to provide a low power consumption of the entire terminal by preventing the number of times of activation from being wasted. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a compact device that does not require an installation space. Another object of the present invention is to provide low power consumption after startup.

[0007]

According to the present invention, a call control unit (4 in FIG. 1) for recognizing an incoming call state is provided in order to prevent unnecessary activation and reduce power consumption. It has a power supply control unit (5 in FIG. 1) for controlling the power supply unit of the personal computer based on a signal from the call control unit. Also, a digital data network control unit (2 in FIG. 1) is provided in the personal computer for miniaturization.

In addition, since the power supply unit is integrated into the power supply unit (6 in FIG. 1) in the personal computer to reduce power consumption after the start, waste of power in the power supply unit can be solved.

[Operation] The incoming call state is recognized by the call control unit to determine whether the incoming call or communication to the personal computer is necessary. Therefore, it is not necessary to turn on the power unnecessarily, which is effective in reducing the power consumption. is there.

In addition, since the digital data network control unit is provided in the personal computer, the power supply unit and the structure of only the digital data network control unit can be reduced, and the power consumption can be suppressed. The power supply can be made smaller,
The size can be reduced.

Further, by integrating the power supplies, it is possible to suppress waste of power due to thermal resistance or the like occurring in each power supply unit.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments according to the present invention will be described.
This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[1] Description of Configuration Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes input means such as a keyboard, an FD, an HD, and a mouse; storage means for storing an operation program, an application program, and the like; arithmetic means such as a CPU;
1 shows an overall view of a personal computer including a storage device such as a printer and an output unit such as a printer. Also, TE
(Terminal Equipment) In a personal computer 1, a digital data network controller 2 of a TA (Teaminal Adapter) for communication control connected to a digital data network 7, and a power supply of a personal computer including the digital data network controller 2. There is a personal computer power supply 6 for supply. Also, the digital data network control unit 2 of the TA
Is a DSU (Digital Service Unit) that controls an input signal from the digital data network 7,
rk Termination) ISDN line controller 3 and ISDN
A digital signal from the circuit controller 3 is used to control a call control procedure of the ISDN protocol. A call state is input from the call controller 4 and a signal is sent to the personal computer power supply 6 to turn on the power. And a power supply controller 5.

Here, the digital data network control unit 2 can operate by power supply from the digital data network 7 to the station by a signal such as INFO and call setting. Also, for example, D
When a signal of about C + 5 V is supplied and changes to the L level, the level check circuit operates in the personal computer power supply section 6, the DC power supply for the personal computer is turned on, and start-up starts according to a predetermined program. The call control unit 4 is equipped with a microcomputer and a protocol control firmware (F / W), and decodes an incoming call message and sends a call out message to establish a data communication with the digital data network 7. It also has a function of adaptively responding to a call or termination according to a protocol.

[2] Description of Operation Next, the operation of the personal computer 1 shown in FIG. 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, in a standby state where there is no signal from the digital data network 7, there is no power supply from the digital data network 7, so that the ISDN line control unit 3 does not perform any operation and some of the internal parts are not operated. No power is supplied to the circuit.
Next, upon an incoming call from the digital data network 7, first, an INFO2 signal for starting communication is sent to the ISDN line control unit 3 of the digital data network control unit 2 in the personal computer 1. Upon receiving the notification, the ISDN line controller 3 returns an INFO3 signal indicating that the digital data network 7 has been notified. The power of this return is activated and returned by the INFO2 signal from the digital data network 7. Further, the digital data network 7 receiving the INFO2 signal returns the INFO4 signal to the ISDN line control unit 3, and the lower layer (layer 1) communication in ISDN is established. Thereafter, a call setup message for call control is sent from the digital data network 7. The call control unit 4 decodes and recognizes the incoming call, and when it is determined that there is an incoming call, sends a call state signal to the power control unit 5. The power supply control unit 5 sends an activation request signal for power activation to the personal computer power supply unit 6 with the incoming call state signal. Heretofore, the digital data network control unit 2 has received a power signal from the INFO 2 or the incoming call from the digital data network 7, and does not consume any power from the outside even for a desired response or an incoming call state signal. The personal computer 1 is turned on by a start request signal from the power control unit 5, for example, by a start request signal in which a DC 5 V signal changes to L level.
Communication is possible. At this time, the personal computer power supply unit 6 operates the level detection circuit with a low-power standby DC power supply. The personal computer 1
The call control unit 4 returns a response signal to the ISDN line control unit 3 in accordance with the ISDN call control procedure in parallel with the power-on of. The ISDN line controller 3 converts the response signal into a response signal to be loaded on the digital data network 7 and returns it to the digital data network 7. Thereafter, a response confirmation signal returns from the digital data network 7 and actual data communication starts. In this data communication, data communication is performed between the personal computer 1 and the digital data network 7 via the digital data network control unit 2. At the end of the data communication, a line disconnection request and a confirmation operation are performed by a predetermined protocol.

[0017]

【Example】

[1] Description of Configuration Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, showing specific examples.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an overall view of a personal computer PC98. ISA of personal computer for communication control connected to ISDN line INS64 network 7 in personal computer 1
There are an ISDN communication terminal board 2 connected to a general-purpose bus such as PCI, and a personal computer power supply unit 6 for supplying power to the personal computer 1 including the ISDN communication terminal board 2. The ISDN terminal board 2 includes an ISDN / user network interface (S / T interface line) control unit 3 for controlling an input signal from the ISDN line INS64 network 7,
A digital signal from the SDN / user network interface control unit 3 is received from a call control unit 4 comprising a communication processor / ROM unit and a call control line unit for call control for controlling a call control procedure of the ISDN protocol. And a power control signal 5 for sending a signal to the personal computer power supply unit 6 to turn on the power. IS
As described above, the DN communication terminal board 2 can operate the ISDN communication terminal board 2 by power supply from the digital data network 7. [2] Description of Operation Next, the operation of the circuit of FIG. 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

When an incoming call from the ISDN line INS64 network 7 is received, first, the ISD
An INFO2 signal for starting communication is sent to the ISDN / user network interface control unit 3 of the N communication terminal board 2. Upon receiving this, the ISDN / user network interface control unit 3 sets the ISDN line INS64 network 7
Returns an INFO3 signal indicating that the notification has been received. In addition, the ISDN line INS64 network 7 which has received the request is set to INF
The O4 signal is returned to the ISDN / user network interface control unit 3, and the communication of the physical layer (layer 1) of the call control communication protocol layer in ISDN is established. Thereafter, establishment of the data link layer (layer 2) is established, and I
A call setup message SET UP command for call control is sent from the SDN line INS64 network 7. In order for the call control unit 4 to confirm the state of the incoming call, and to confirm that the call has arrived at the personal computer 1 from the transmission capability information element, the conditions of the information transmission capability are unrestricted digital and transfer mode. 6 of circuit switching and information transfer speed
Decoding and recognizing accurate incoming communication conditions such as 4 kbps,
If it is determined that there is an incoming call, it sends an incoming call state signal to the power supply control unit 5 (layer 3). The power supply control unit 5 sends the signal to the personal computer power supply unit unit 6 as a start request signal for starting the power supply, and the personal computer 1 is turned on and is in a communicable state. In balance therewith, the call control unit 4 returns a response signal to the ISDN line control unit 3 according to the ISDN call control procedure. ISDN
The user network interface control unit 3 converts the call control response signal to be loaded on the ISDN line INS64 network 7 into an IS
Return to DN line INS64 network 7. Then ISDN line I
A signal for confirming the response of the call control procedure returns from the NS64 network 7, and actual data communication starts. Until the start of this data communication, the operating power of the ISDN communication terminal board 2 is supported by various signals from the ISDN line INS64 network 7 and does not have any power supply for self-consumption. In addition, the personal computer 1 operates a standby low-power power supply, consumes only a small amount of power, starts power supply, starts data communication, and uses a commercial power supply in earnest. [3] Other Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the ISDN line is under construction of a common protocol not only in Japan but also in the United States, France, Germany, and other parts of the world, and the embodiment of the present invention can be adopted. Especially,
ISDN line control unit 3 and call control unit 4
The present invention can be applied to a line, and by expanding the range of determination of the transmission capability information element, the applicable range and function of the ISDN line can be greatly expanded.

In addition, for a personal computer connected to a digital data network and turned off, the personal computer can be turned on from a remote place through a digital data communication network to obtain information stored in the personal computer. it can. That is, by using the call control procedure of the user interface of the digital data communication network, it is possible to recognize the state of the incoming call from the remote place to the personal computer by the response signal from the call control unit 4, and thereafter, the application that has been incorporated in the personal computer in advance By transmitting the data for starting the program as a data communication signal, not only the power of the personal computer is turned on, but also the data contained in the personal computer thereafter can be obtained from a remote place by data communication.

More specifically, an incoming call from a remote place through the digital data communication network 7 is sent to the call control unit 4 of the digital data network control unit 2 in the personal computer as a user network interface signal. Call control unit 4
Then, the call control procedure is decoded from the user network interface signal to recognize the incoming call from the digital data communication network 7. After recognizing the incoming call, the call control unit 4 sends it to the power control unit 5 as a coded signal. The power supply control unit 5 converts the signal into a control signal for starting up the personal computer power supply unit 6. The converted control signal is received by the personal computer power supply unit 6, and the power of the personal computer 1 is turned on. Then, from a remote location,
Personal computer 1 and digital data communication network 7
In accordance with the combination of the communication procedures in the above, the function of turning on the power of the personal computer, which has been turned off, is activated by the data communication, and the application program of the computer is started to obtain the data of the storage means of the personal computer. Functions that can be implemented.

[0023]

According to the present invention, power consumption can be suppressed. That is, since the activation factors are accurately recognized and unnecessary activation is eliminated, and by unifying the power supply unit with the power supply in the personal computer, it is possible to eliminate waste of power generated in each power supply unit. is there.

Further, there is an effect that the size can be reduced.
That is, since the digital data network control unit is housed in the personal computer, the overall size can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Personal computer 2 Digital data network control part 3 ISDN line control part 4 Call control part 5 Power supply control part 6 Personal computer power supply part

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI H04L 12/02 H04L 11/02 D 29/00 13/00 T

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An automatic start system for a computer based on digital data communication control, wherein the computer includes a digital data network control unit for controlling communication connected to a digital data network, and a computer including the digital data network control unit. A computer power supply unit for supplying power; the digital data network control unit includes an ISDN line control unit that controls an input signal from the digital data network; A call control unit for controlling a call control procedure of the ISDN protocol by a signal; and a power supply control unit for inputting an incoming call state from the call control unit and sending a signal for turning on power to the computer power supply unit. Automatic computer startup system. 2. The automatic start system of a computer according to claim 1, wherein said digital data network control unit further comprises said call control via said ISDN line control unit in response to an INF0 signal from said digital data network. An automatic start system for a computer, comprising a procedure for operating a unit. 3. An automatic start-up system for a computer directly connected to a digital data network, comprising: an I / O signal responding to an INFO signal of the digital data network.
A line control unit for returning an NFO signal, a call control unit for responding to a call setting signal from the digital data network, and a power supply for generating a start request signal in response to an incoming call state signal from the call control unit Control unit, the call control unit outputs a signal of an incoming call state at the same time as the response, the power control unit generates the start request signal to turn on a main power switch of the computer. Automatic computer startup system. 4. The computer automatic start-up system according to claim 1, wherein said computer turns on power and starts a predetermined program in accordance with data communication from said digital data network. Automatic startup system.