JPH11134078A - Power-down control method for computer system and decoding device mounted thereupon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make long the battery operatable time of a notebook computer mounted with a DCD-ROM drive by reducing the power consumption of an MPEG2 decoder. SOLUTION: The supply system of the electric power source Vcc to the MPEG2 decoder 18 is divided into two systems of a power source for a PCI/ MPEG interface IC 181 and a power source for the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, an NTSC encoder IC 184, and an MPEG2 image memory 183; and a switch circuit 190 is inserted into the power line connected with the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, NTSC encoder IC 184, and MPEG2 image memory 183. The ON/OFF operation of the switch circuit 190 is controlled by a DCD reproduction control program and set ON only when the DVDROM drive device 7 loaded with a DVD medium is mounted in a selectable bay.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a computer system such as a notebook personal computer equipped with a DVD-ROM drive, and a power down control method for a decoding device mounted thereon.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of computers and multimedia technologies, various computer systems compatible with so-called multimedia have been developed. This type of computer system is provided with a function for reproducing moving images and audio data in addition to text data and graphics data.

[0003] With the development of multimedia in such computers, DVDs have recently attracted attention as new storage media that can replace CD-ROMs. One DVD
-ROM media can record about 4.7 Gbytes of data, which is about seven times the size of current CD-ROMs on one side, and about 9.4 Gbytes of data can be recorded on double-sided recording. By using the DVD-ROM media, it becomes possible to reproduce a title such as a movie including a large amount of video information on a computer with high quality.

[0004] Video information recorded on DVD-ROM media is composed of two types of data, presentation data and navigation data. Presentation data is a set of video objects to be reproduced, and is composed of video, sub-picture, and audio. Video data is compression-coded by the MPEG2 system. In addition, run-length encoding and AC
-3 are supported. The sub-picture is bitmap data, and is used for displaying subtitles of a movie or displaying options on a menu screen. One video object can include one channel of video data, up to eight channels of audio data, and up to 32 channels of sub-picture data.

[0005] Navigation data is playback control data for controlling the playback procedure of presentation data, and navigation commands can be embedded therein. The navigation command is for changing the reproduction contents and the reproduction order of the video data. By using this navigation command, the title creator can define various branch structures in the title, and can create an interactive title.

When a title stored in a DVD is reproduced on a computer, data read from a DVD-ROM drive is read into a main memory of the computer, and is transferred to an MPEG2 decoder. In the MPEG2 decoder, first, a descrambling process for canceling a scramble process previously applied to an encoded video data sequence to prevent illegal copying of a title is performed, and then a decoding for expanding the encoded video data sequence is performed. Is performed. The decoded video data is displayed on a display monitor of a computer or an external TV by a display controller.

In recent years, as a computer used in homes and offices, a notebook type personal computer which can be driven by a battery and is more excellent in space saving and portability than the desktop type computer is becoming mainstream. is there. Therefore, even in such a notebook personal computer, it is required to mount the DVD-ROM drive device described above.

[0008]

When a DVD-ROM drive device is mounted on a notebook personal computer, it is necessary to mount the above-described MPEG2 decoder on a system board. But this MP
The EG2 decoder requires a large-capacity image memory to decode an MPEG2 video stream, and requires a high-speed operation for descrambling and decoding a large amount of image and audio data at high speed. , Its power consumption is very large. Therefore, DVD-RO
If the M drive device can be mounted, the time during which operation can be performed by battery driving will be significantly reduced.

Conventionally, in a notebook personal computer, in order to effectively use the limited mounting space for a peripheral device, a notebook type personal computer has a plurality of types of peripheral devices which can be selectively mounted. Some have mounting slots. The peripheral device mounting slot is called a “selectable bay” or the like, and includes a CD-R.
OM drive device, floppy disk drive device,
Hard disk drive for expansion (Second HD
D) and an auxiliary battery (second battery).

In a notebook personal computer having such a "selectable bay", the D
The VD-ROM drive device is not fixedly mounted on the main body of the personal computer.
Drive device, floppy disk drive device, hard disk drive device for expansion (second HDD),
Like the auxiliary battery (second battery) and the like, it is preferable to mount the DVD-ROM drive device as one of the peripheral devices that can be mounted in the “selectable bay”.

However, even in this case, the DV
It is still necessary to mount the above-mentioned MPEG2 decoder on the system board in order to reproduce the D media. Therefore, if the DVD-ROM drive device is mounted as one of the peripheral devices that can be mounted in the “selectable bay”, the DVD-ROM drive device is stored in the “selectable bay”.
Even when a device other than the ROM drive device is mounted, a problem occurs that a large amount of power is wasted by the MPEG2 decoder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and enables an MPEG2 decoder to be set to a power down mode unless it is necessary to operate the MPEG2 decoder.
An object of the present invention is to provide a computer system which has a function of reproducing video data requiring a G2 decoder and consumes low power.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a computer system for controlling a disk drive device, comprising: a decoding device for decoding a digital compression-encoded coded data sequence; Drive identification means for identifying the type of the mounted disk drive device, and power management means for managing the power of the decoding device according to the identification result by the drive identification means,
Power management means for switching the decoding device from a power down mode to a normal mode when a disk drive device that reads an encoded data string that requires decoding by the decoding device is mounted. And

In this computer system, power management of the decoding device is performed in accordance with the type of the mounted disk drive device. That is, except when a device that requires a decoding device, such as a DVD-ROM drive device, is mounted, the power consumption of the decoding device can be reduced by shutting off power supply to the decoding device. Mode and DVD-R
When a device that requires a decoding device, such as an OM drive device, is mounted, by starting power supply to the decoding device, the decoding device is switched from the power down mode to the normal mode in which normal operation is possible. .

[0015] Therefore, DV is added to the "selectable bay".
Even when no D-ROM drive is installed, DV
It is possible to prevent a problem that large power is wastefully consumed by the D decoder, and it is possible to extend a battery-operated operation time of the notebook computer.

A DVD-ROM drive is usually compatible with CD-ROM media / DVD-ROM media. When a CD-ROM medium is loaded in a DVD-ROM drive, a decoding device is not required.
Therefore, a means for identifying the type of the medium is further provided, and even when the DVD-ROM drive device is mounted, the decoding device can be operated with low power consumption except when the DVD-ROM medium is mounted. It is preferable to set the power down mode.

Further, the configuration for managing the power of the decoding apparatus according to the result of media identification as described above is based on DVD-RO.
The present invention is also effective when applied to a machine configuration in which the M drive device is fixedly mounted. The decoding device is set to the power-down mode except when a DVD-ROM medium is loaded, and the DVD-ROM medium is When loaded, it is preferable to switch the decoding device from a power down mode to a normal mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system having a video decoding device for decoding a video data sequence that has been digitally compressed and encoded, and for inputting the video data sequence to the video decoding device and reproducing the video data sequence. In response to the activation / termination of a playback control program for controlling playback of the video data sequence using the video decoding device,
The video decoding apparatus further comprises a power supply control unit for switching between supply and cutoff of power supply to the video decoding apparatus, wherein the power supply of the video decoding apparatus is cut off except when reproducing the video data using the reproduction control program.

Since the reproduction control program is activated by the user when reproducing a DVD medium or the like, switching the supply / cutoff of power to the video decoding apparatus in accordance with the activation / termination of the reproduction control program. In addition, power management of the video decoding device can be performed simply and efficiently.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This computer system is a notebook-type personal computer which can be driven by a battery. As shown, an LCD unit 2 is attached to a computer main body 1 so as to be rotatable between a closed position and a released position. . The above-described selectable bay 3 is provided on the right side surface of the computer main body 1. As shown, a floppy disk drive (FDD) 4 and a hard disk drive (second H) for expanding the capacity of a built-in hard disk drive are provided in the selectable bay 3.
DD) 5, CD-ROM drive device 6, and DVD
-The ROM drive device 7 and an auxiliary battery (second battery) not shown can be exchangeably mounted. These floppy disk drive devices (FD
D) 4. Hard disk drive (second HDD) for expanding the capacity of the internal hard disk drive
5, CD-ROM drive device 6, and DVD-RO
The M drive device 7 and the auxiliary battery (second battery) all have the same shape.

The CD-ROM drive device 6 can drive only a 12 cm or 8 cm CD medium loaded in the tray 61. DVD-R
The OM drive device 7 is configured to be compatible with CD media / DVD media,
cm or 8cm CD media, 12cm DV
D media drive is possible.

FIG. 2 shows a system configuration of the notebook personal computer of the present embodiment.
As shown, a CPU bus 10 is provided on the system board of the notebook personal computer of the present embodiment.
0, PCI bus 200, ISA bus 300, and ZV
A port 400 is provided. The ZV port 400
This is a video / audio dedicated bus for directly connecting the PC card sockets 171 and 172 with the display controller (VGA controller) 14 and the sound controller 41 in a point-to-point format.

The video bus includes a 16-bit digital YUV data signal line (8-bit luminance data Y and 8-bit color difference data UV) corresponding to a 422 image format, and horizontal / vertical synchronization signals (HSYNC, VSY).
NC) and a signal line group for transferring a pixel clock (PCLK).

The audio bus includes a PCM signal for serially transmitting audio information, a signal (LRCK) indicating whether the current audio data output is a left channel or a right channel, and a signal line group for transferring a serial clock. It is composed of

Further, the CPU 1 is provided on the system board.
1, host / PCI bridge device 12, main memory 13,
Display controller 14, PCI / ISA bridge 16, PC card controller 17, MPEG2 decoder 18, video capture controller 19, P13
94 controller 20, USB (UniversalS
A serial bus (controller) 22, a satellite tuner 23, a video capture 31, a sound controller 41, a BIOS-ROM 42, and the like are provided.

Among these devices, the PC card controller 17, the MPEG2 decoder 18, the P1394 controller 20, and the video capture 31 are devices for handling moving images, and perform transfer of moving images to the display controller 14 through the ZV port 400. The moving image output ports are commonly connected to the ZV port 400.

The CPU 11 is, for example, a microprocessor “Pent” manufactured and sold by Intel Corporation in the United States.
ium "etc. This CPU 11
CPU bus 1 which is directly connected to the input / output pins has a 64-bit data bus.

The main memory 13 is a memory device for storing an operating system, a device driver, an application program to be executed, processing data, and the like, and includes a plurality of DRAM modules. The main memory 13 includes a system memory mounted on a system board in advance, and an extension memory mounted as needed by a user. The DRAM modules constituting the system memory and the extension memory include a synchronous DRAM and a Rambu.
s and the like are used.

The host / PCI bridge device 12 has a CP
This is a bridge LSI that connects between the U1 and the PCI bus 2, and functions as one of the bus masters of the PCI bus 2.
The host / PCI bridge device 12 is connected to the CPU bus 1
It has a function of bidirectionally converting bus cycles including data and addresses between the internal PCI bus 2 and a function of controlling access to the main memory 13 via the memory bus.

The PCI bus 2 is a clock synchronous type input / output bus, and all cycles on the PCI bus 2 are performed in synchronization with the PCI bus clock. The frequency of the PCI bus clock is a maximum of 33 MHz. The PCI bus 2 has an address / data bus used in a time-division manner.
This address / data bus is 32 bits wide.

The data transfer cycle on the PCI bus 2 is as follows:
It consists of an address phase and one or more data phases following it. In the address phase, an address and a transfer type are output, and in the data phase, 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit data is output.

The display controller 14 is one of the bus masters of the PCI bus 2 like the host / PCI bridge device 12, and has a video memory (VRAM) 143.
Is displayed on the LCD 141 or an external CRT display, and supports VGA specification text and graphics display.

Further, the display controller 1
4 has a video port 141 connected to the ZV port 4 as shown in the figure, and a moving image display function for displaying a video data stream (S1) input from the video port 141 as a video window on a display screen. have.

The PCI / ISA bridge 16 is a bridge LSI that connects the PCI bus 200 and the ISA bus 300. Here, a plurality of I / O control functions are built in. In the present embodiment, an infrared controller 161 that controls infrared communication with an external infrared communication device
And a second HDD 5 and a CD-RO selectively mounted in the built-in HDD and the selectable bay 3 described in FIG.
An IDE controller 162 for controlling devices having an IDE or ATAPI interface, such as an M drive device 6 and a DVD-ROM drive device 7, a real-time clock (RTC) 163, a printer port, a serial port (SIO), and a floppy disk drive (FDD). ), And an I / O controller 164 for controlling devices on the ISA bus 300.

The PC card controller 17 is one of the PCI devices.
16 bit PC card of IA specification and 3 of card bus specification
It controls a 2-bit PC card and also supports moving picture transfer via the ZV port 400. This P
The C card controller 17 has two operation modes, a normal mode and a multimedia mode (ZV port mode). The normal mode is for controlling a normal PC card such as a modem card. Data transfer is performed between the PCI bus 200 and the PC card, and the ZV port is not used.

The multimedia mode (ZV port mode) is a P-mode that handles moving images such as a video capture card, an MPEG2 encoder card, and an MPEG2 decoder card.
This mode is used when the C card is mounted in the PC card socket. In this mode, the aforementioned ZV port 400 is used, and the moving image data stream (S4) is directly transferred from the PC card to the display controller 14 via the ZV port 400.

The operation mode is switched between the normal mode and the multimedia mode by the CPU 11. That is, the CPU 11 reads the attribute information from the PC card mounted on the PC card socket, and detects the type of the mounted PC card based on the attribute information. If the inserted PC card is a card compatible with the multimedia mode, the CPU 11 switches the PC card controller 17 to the multimedia mode.

The sound controller 41 includes a CPU 11
The input / output control of the audio data is performed under the control of A / D conversion. The audio signal from the microphone terminal is A / D converted and taken into the memory 13, or the digital audio data transferred through the ZV port 400 is converted into an analog signal. It has the function of converting it to a signal and outputting it to the speaker.

The MPEG2 decoder 18 is connected to the PCI bus 2
It has a PCI interface connected to 00 and a video output port connected to ZV port 400. The MPEG2 decoder 18 receives, via the PCI bus 200, the moving image data from the DVD-ROM drive device 7, which has been digitally compressed and encoded by MPEG2, and performs a decoding process for descrambling and expanding the data. The decoded moving image data is converted into the aforementioned 16-bit YUV data format,
It is output on the V port 400 and transferred to the video input port 141 of the display controller 14.

Normally, the MPEG2 data stream read from the DVD-ROM drive includes codes for main video (video), sub-pictures (sub-pictures) such as subtitles, and audio signals (audio) that constitute video such as a movie. Data is multiplexed. Run-length encoding and Dolby AC3 are used for encoding the sub-video and audio signals, respectively. For this reason, the MPEG2 decoder 18 demultiplexes the video, sub-picture, and audio from the MPEG2 data stream,
A decoding process for decoding the video, sub-picture, and audio is performed.

The video data and sub-picture decoded by the MPEG2 decoder 18 are combined and output in a 16-bit YUV data format onto a video bus defined on the ZV port 400. Further, the audio signal decoded by the audio decoder is transmitted via an audio bus defined on the ZV port 400 in a serial data transfer format.

The video capture controller 19
It has a function of controlling the operation of the video capture 31 in accordance with an instruction from the PU 11, a function of capturing moving image data output on the ZV port 400, and transferring it to the main memory 13 via the PCI bus 200. Video capture 3 by video capture controller 19
Control 1 is performed via the I ² C bus. In moving image transfer from the ZV port 400 to the main memory 13, a PC
In consideration of the bandwidth of the I bus 200, first, in order to reduce the data transfer rate, a scale-down process (using a frame rate, resolution, color format conversion, etc.) of the moving image data is executed by a built-in scaler. It is stored in a FIFO buffer. After this, the FIFO
The data in the buffer is transferred to the main memory 12 by DMA transfer.

The P1394 controller 20 has a P139
4 is for controlling data transfer to and from an external device via a high-speed serial interface, and has a PCI interface connected to the PCI bus 200 and a moving image output port connected to the ZV port 400. . When moving image data is received from a digital video camera or the like via the P1394 high-speed serial interface, the P1394 controller 20 converts the moving image data into a 16-bit YUV data format and converts the moving image data into a video bus defined on the ZV port 400. Is output to the display controller 14 as a moving image stream (S5).

The satellite tuner 23 receives video data transmitted from digital satellite broadcasting and transfers it to the main memory 13. When the video data of the digital satellite broadcast is composed of the MPEG2 stream, the decoding process is performed by the MPE in the same manner as the video data read from the DVD-ROM drive 7.
This is performed by the G2 decoder 18.

The video capture 31 converts video data input from a video camera or an image sensor via a camera interface into a 16-bit YUV data format, and converts it into a video bus defined on the ZV port 400. The image data is output to the display controller 14 by being output as a moving image stream (S3).

The BIOS-ROM 42 stores a system BIOS, which is a program for controlling hardware. The system BIOS includes a memory, peripheral devices, and a POST routine for initializing and testing various LSIs when the power is turned on.

FIG. 3 shows a specific hardware configuration for controlling the power down of the MPEG2 decoder 18. As shown, the MPEG2 decoder 18 includes a PCI / MPEG interface IC 181, M
PEG2 decoder IC182, NTSC encoder IC
184 and an MPEG2 image memory 183.

PCI / MPEG interface IC1
81 is a PCI bus 200 and an MPEG2 decoder IC1
82 and the PCI bus 20
MPEG2 stream received via MPEG0
It has a function of sending video / audio data decoded by the MPEG2 decoder IC 182 to the ZV port 400 while sending it to the 2 decoder IC 182.
Also, this PCI / MPEG interface IC 18
Various functions necessary for handling the MPEG2 decoder IC 182 as a PCI device are incorporated in the device 1. Further, the PCI / MPEG interface IC 181 is provided with a power control register 184 in which control data for controlling the supply of power VCC to the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, the NTSC encoder IC 184, and the MPEG2 image memory 183 is provided.

The MPEG2 decoder IC 182 is a PCI
/ M which received the MPEG interface IC 181
This is for decoding a PEG2 stream, and is provided with a descrambling processing circuit, a demultiplexing circuit for an MPEG2 stream, a decoding circuit corresponding to each of video, audio, and sub-pictures. The MPEG2 image memory 183 is used as a work area for the decoding process by the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, and also stores microcode for controlling the decoding process. Digital YUV data and audio data, which are the results of video and audio decoding by the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, are converted to digital signals in the CCIR656 format by PCI.
/ MPEG interface IC181 and NTSC
It is sent to the encoder 184.

The NTSC encoder 184 is an MPEG2
The digital YUV data and audio data from the decoder IC 182 are converted into NTSC TV signals and output to an external TV receiver.

Power supply VC for MPEG2 decoder 18
C supply system is PCI / MPEG interface I
A power supply for the C181, an MPEG2 decoder IC 182,
It is divided into two systems: an NTSC encoder IC 184 and a power supply for the MPEG2 image memory 183.
EG2 decoder IC182, NTSC encoder IC1
A switch circuit 190 is inserted in the power supply line connected to the memory 84 and the MPEG2 image memory 183 as shown in FIG.
Power is supplied to 181 bypassing the switch circuit 190.

The switch circuit 190 is provided for supplying / cutting power to the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, the NTSC encoder IC 184, and the MPEG2 image memory 183.
ON / OFF of 0 is determined by the value of control data set in the power supply control register 184.

For example, when the control data of “1” is set in the power control register 184 by the CPU 11,
The switch circuit 190 is turned on and, like other devices, MP
EG2 decoder IC182, NTSC encoder IC1
84 and the MPEG2 image memory 183 also have a power supply VC.
C is supplied. On the other hand, when the control data of “0” is set in the power control register 184, the switch circuit 190 is turned off, and the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, NT
The supply of power VCC to the SC encoder IC 184 and the MPEG2 image memory 183 is cut off.

The default value of the control data of the power control register 184 is “0”. Even if the computer is powered on, unless the control data of “1” is set in the power control register 184, the MPEG2 decoder IC
182, NTSC encoder IC 184, and MPE
The power supply VCC is not supplied to the G2 image memory 183.

The control data of “1” is set in the power control register 18 because the DVD-R is stored in the selectable bay 3.
The OM drive device 7 is mounted and the DVD
-The case where a DVD medium is loaded in the ROM drive device 7.

Hereinafter, a peripheral device (selectable bay device) installed in the selectable bay 3 and a DVD
-The principle of identification of a medium loaded in the ROM drive device 7 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, an interface (selectable bay I / F line) between the PCI / ISA bridge 16 and the selectable bay device via the selectable bay 3 has an IDE / ATAPI compatible interface. In addition to the lines, two select signal lines (SEL1, SEL2) are defined. These select signal lines (SEL1, SEL2) are provided to identify the type of the selectable bay device mounted on the selectable bay 3, and on the system board of the computer main body, the power supply VCC is provided via a pull-up resistor. And a selectable bay identification register 165 provided in the PCI / ISA bridge 16.
It is connected to the. The selectable bay identification register 165 has two select signal lines (SEL1, SEL1).
2) Two-bit device identification information corresponding to each potential is set.

The DVD-ROM drive device 7 is provided with all other selectable bay devices (FDD4, second H
DD5, CD-ROM drive device 6) and a common housing (selectable bay device case) 301. The selectable bay device case 301 includes a DVD-ROM drive unit 303, a flexible printed circuit board, and the like. A wiring interface 302 is provided.

The DVD-ROM drive unit 303 is provided with a media identification register 304 in which media identification information indicating whether the media loaded in the DVD-ROM drive device 7 is a CD media or a DVD media is set. I have. Since the focal length is different between the CD medium and the DVD medium, the type of the medium is automatically determined by the focus control mechanism in the DVD-ROM drive unit 303, and the result of the determination is set in the medium identification register 304 as the medium identification information. . The media identification register 304 is configured to be accessible by the CPU 11. By reading this media identification information from the media identification register 304 and examining its value, the type of the media can be determined.

The wiring interface 302 is a DVD-
The wiring interface 302 is used to adjust the input / output pin arrangement unique to the ROM drive unit 303 to the selectable bay I / F line.
When the ROM drive device 7 is mounted in the selectable bay 3, two select signal lines (SEL1, SEL
2) are both connected to the ground.
Thus, when the DVD-ROM drive device 7 is mounted in the selectable bay 3, 2-bit device identification information “00” is set in the selectable bay identification register 165 of the PCI / ISA bridge 16.

The connection state of the two select signal lines (SEL1 and SEL2) to the power supply or the ground in the wiring interface 302 is determined in advance for each selectable bay device. Therefore, the type of the selectable bay device can be determined from the 2-bit device identification information.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the correspondence between 2-bit device identification information (SELECT1, SELECT2) and the mounted selectable bay device.

Device identification information (SELECT1, SE
LECT2) = “11” indicates that the FDD 4 is mounted, and “10” and “01” are the second HDs respectively.
D5 and the second battery are mounted, and “00” indicates that the device of the ATAPI interface, that is, the CD-ROM drive device 6 or the DVD-ROM drive device 7 is mounted.

FIG. 5 shows the relationship between hardware and software used for power management of the MPEG2 decoder 18. The DVD playback control program 501 has a D
An application program used for playing back VD content, and a DVD-ROM drive device 7
And the MPEG2 decoder 18. The video port driver 502 is a software driver for controlling the digital video input port of the VGA controller 14.

The DVD reproduction control program 501 includes D
In addition to the normal DVD video playback control function using the VD-ROM drive device 7 and the MPEG2 decoder 18,
An MPEG2 decoder power management function for managing power supply / interruption to the MPEG2 decoder 18 is provided.

The main functions of the MPEG2 decoder power management are as follows. (1) Function of determining the type of the mounted selectable bay device by referring to the selectable bay identification register 165 (2) DVD by referring to the media identification register 304
A function of determining the type of media loaded in the ROM drive 7 (3) a power control register 18 of the MPEG2 decoder 18
4 is a function of writing control data for power supply control to D. Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS.
MP executed by the VD reproduction control program 501
The procedure of the power management process of the EG2 decoder 18 will be described.

The DVD reproduction control program 501 first reads device identification information from the selectable bay device identification register 165 when the program is started,
Based on the value of the device identification information, it is determined whether an ATAPI device (CD-ROM drive device 6 or DVD-ROM drive device 7) is mounted in the selectable bay 3 (steps S101 and S10).
2).

When an ATAPI device (CD-ROM drive 6 or DVD-ROM drive 7) is mounted, the DVD playback control program 501
Attempts to read the media identification register 304 (step S103), and determines whether or not the media identification information has been normally read (step S104).
The media identification register 304 is provided only in the DVD-ROM drive device 7 and not provided in the CD-ROM drive device 6. Therefore, depending on whether the reading of the media identification information has succeeded or not, the attached ATAPI
Whether the device is a CD-ROM drive 6 or a DVD
-It is possible to determine whether or not it is the ROM drive device 7.

When the reading of the medium identification information is successful, that is, when the DVD-ROM drive device 7 is mounted in the selectable bay 3, the DVD reproduction control program 501 sets the value of the medium identification information to It is determined whether the medium loaded in the DVD-ROM drive 7 is a DVD medium (step S105).

If a DVD medium is loaded,
The DVD reproduction control program 501 writes “1” power control data (power-on command) to the power control register 184 (step S106). This allows
The switch circuit 190 is turned on, and the MPEG2 decoder 18
Power supply to the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, MPEG2 image memory 183, and NTSC encoder 184
Supply of CC is started. Then, the DVD playback control program 501 sends the MP2
EG2 decoder IC 182, MPEG2 image memory 18
3 and the initialization processing of the NTSC encoder 184 is executed as necessary (step S107). After this,
It operates according to instructions from the user such as reproduction, fast forward, and rewind.

When the end of the DVD reproduction control program 501 is instructed by a user operation or the like (step S201 in FIG. 7), the DVD reproduction control program 501 is started.
Writes the power control data (power-off command) of “0” into the power control register 184 prior to the end of the program (step S202). This allows
The switch circuit 190 is turned off, and the MPEG2 decoder 18
Power supply to the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, MPEG2 image memory 183, and NTSC encoder 184
The supply of CC is cut off.

With the above processing, the MPEG2 decoder 1
The power is supplied to the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, the MPEG2 image memory 183, and the NTSC encoder 184 so that they are set to the normal mode in which the DVD-R can be operated normally.
Only when the DVD playback control program 501 is started while the OM drive device 7 is mounted in the selectable bay 3, otherwise, the MPEG2 decoder IC182 of the MPEG2 decoder 18 and the MPEG2 decoder
The power supply to the image memory 183 and the NTSC encoder 184 is cut off, and they are maintained in a low power consumption power down mode.

FIG. 8 shows P through the selectable bay 3.
A second example of an interface between the CI / ISA bridge 16 and the selectable bay device is shown.
Here, PCI / ISA via selectable bay 3
The interface (selectable bay I / F line) between the bridge 16 and the selectable bay device includes:
In addition to IDE / ATAPI compatible interface lines, three select signal lines (SEL1, SEL2, SE
L3) is defined. These select signal lines (SE
L1, SEL2, and SEL3) are provided to identify the type of the selectable bay device mounted on the selectable bay 3, and the device identification information set in the selectable bay identification register 165 is 3 bits. And the CD-ROM drive 6 and D
The VD-ROM drive device 7 can also be identified.

For example, when the wiring interface 302 of the DVD-ROM drive device 7 is configured so that all three select signal lines (SEL1, SEL2, and SEL3) are connected to the ground, 3-bit device identification information ( SELECT1, SELECT2, SELECT
FIG. 9 shows the correspondence between T3) and the selectable bay device, and the CD-ROM drive device 6 and the DVD-RO drive 6 differ depending on the difference between “1” and “0” in SELECT3.
The M drive device 7 can be distinguished.

As described above, only the device identification information
If the presence or absence of the ROM drive device 7 can be easily identified, the DV
The presence or absence of the D-ROM drive device 7 is checked, and if so, the switch circuit 190 may be switched from off to on at that time. FIG. 10 shows the procedure of the power management process in this case.

Here, the power management process of the MPEG2 decoder 18 is performed by a POST routine of the system BIOS executed when the computer is turned on.
During initialization processing for various LSIs, power supply / cutoff of the MPEG2 decoder 18 is switched.

That is, in the POST routine, first, 3-bit device identification information is read from the selectable bay device identification register 165, and the DVD-RO is stored in the selectable bay 3 based on the value of the device identification information.
It is determined whether the M drive device 7 is mounted (steps S301, S302).

When the DVD-ROM drive device 7 is installed in the selectable bay 3, the POST routine writes "1" power control data (power-on command) to the power control register 184 (step S2).
03). As a result, the switch circuit 190 is turned on, and M
MPEG2 decoder IC 18 of PEG2 decoder 18
2. The supply of the power supply VCC to the MPEG2 image memory 183 and the NTSC encoder 184 is started. Then, the POST routine executes the MPEG2 decoder 1
The initialization processing of the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, the MPEG2 image memory 183, and the NTSC encoder 184 is executed (step S204).

On the other hand, when the DVD-ROM drive device 7 is not mounted, the process of writing the power control data (power-on command) of “1” to the power control register 184 is not performed. In this case, the supply of the power supply VCC to the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, the MPEG2 image memory 183, and the NTSC encoder 184 of the MPEG2 decoder 18 and the initialization thereof are performed later by D
When the DVD-ROM drive device 7 loaded with the VD media is mounted in the selectable bay 3,
It may be executed when the reproduction control program 501 is started.

FIG. 11 shows a third procedure of the power management process of the MPEG2 decoder 18. Here, D
The presence / absence of the VD-ROM drive 7 and the type of media are not checked, and the DVD playback control program 5 is not checked.
MPEG2 decoder 1 in conjunction only with start / end of 01
8 is switched between supply and cutoff. This is usually
It is noted that the user's activation of the DVD reproduction control program 501 is often performed in a state where the DVD-ROM drive device 7 loaded with DVD media is mounted in the selectable bay 3.

That is, the DVD reproduction control program 50
When it is started, 1 first writes power control data (power-on command) of “1” to the power control register 184 (step S401). This allows
The switch circuit 190 is turned on, and the MPEG2 decoder 18
Power supply to the MPEG2 decoder IC 182, MPEG2 image memory 183, and NTSC encoder 184
Supply of CC is started. Then, the DVD playback control program 501 sends the MP2
EG2 decoder IC 182, MPEG2 image memory 18
3 and the initialization processing of the NTSC encoder 184 is executed as necessary. Thereafter, the operation is performed in accordance with instructions from the user such as reproduction, fast forward, and rewind.

When the end of the DVD reproduction control program 501 is instructed by a user operation or the like (step S402), the DVD reproduction control program 501 executes the power control register 184 prior to the end of the program.
Then, the power control data (power-off command) of “0” is written to (step S403). Thus, the switch circuit 190 is turned off, and the MPE of the MPEG2 decoder 18 is turned off.
G2 decoder IC 182, MPEG2 image memory 18
3, and the supply of the power supply VCC to the NTSC encoder 184 is cut off.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, MP
DV requiring decoding by EG2 decoder 18
When a device other than the D-ROM drive device 7 is installed in the selectable bay 3, the power supply to the MPEG2 decoder 18 is cut off. Therefore, even when a DVD-ROM drive or the like is not mounted in the selectable bay 3, it is possible to prevent a problem that a large amount of power is wasted by the MPEG2 decoder 18, and the battery drive of the notebook computer can be prevented. , The operation time can be extended.

By identifying the type of media loaded in the DVD-ROM drive 7,
-Even when the ROM drive device 7 is mounted, power supply to the MPEG2 decoder 18 is cut off except when a DVD-ROM medium is loaded. Therefore, the DVD-ROM drive 7
When driving media, the MPEG2 decoder 1
8 can be maintained in a power-off state, and power consumption can be reduced.

Since the DVD reproduction control program 501 for controlling the reproduction of the DVD content itself has the MPEG2 decoder power management function,
It is possible to easily realize the power control in which the power of the MPEG2 decoder 18 is turned on only when the D content is really reproduced.

In the above description, only the case where the power saving of the MPEG2 decoder 18 is performed by switching the power supply / interruption has been described.
EG2 decoder IC 182 and NTSC encoder 184
The power saving of the MPEG2 decoder 18 can also be realized by stopping the operation clock used therein.

Also, when the digital satellite broadcast program received by the satellite tuner 23 is reproduced, the MPE
Since the G2 decoder 18 is used, a satellite broadcast playback control program that controls the playback of a digital satellite broadcast program using the satellite tuner 23 and the MPEG2 decoder 18 is provided with the same power management function as the DVD playback control program 501. You may do it.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Except when it is necessary to operate the MPEG2 decoder, the MPEG2 decoder can be set to the power-down mode, and has a function of reproducing video data requiring an MPEG2 decoder such as a DVD medium and a notebook with low power consumption. A book-type personal computer can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing the appearance of a notebook personal computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing the system configuration of the notebook personal computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a specific hardware configuration for power down control of an MPEG2 decoder mounted on the notebook personal computer of the embodiment and an example of a selectable bay interface;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the type of device mounted on the selectable bay of the notebook personal computer of the embodiment and device identification information.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing a relationship between software and hardware used for power down control of the MPEG2 decoder applied to the notebook personal computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart showing a part of a first procedure of an MPEG2 decoder power down control process applied to the notebook personal computer of the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing the remaining part of the first procedure of the MPEG2 decoder power down control process applied to the notebook personal computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary view showing another example of the selectable bay interface used in the notebook personal computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view showing another example of the correspondence between the type of device mounted on the selectable bay of the notebook personal computer of the embodiment and device identification information.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary flowchart showing a second procedure of the MPEG2 decoder power down control process applied to the notebook personal computer of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary flowchart showing the third procedure of the MPEG2 decoder power down control process applied to the notebook personal computer of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Computer main body 2 ... LCD panel 3 ... Selectable bay 4 ... Floppy disk drive (FDD) 5 ... Second HDD 6 ... CD-ROM drive 7 ... DVD-ROM drive 11 ... CPU 14 ... VGA controller 16 ... PCI / ISA bridge 18 ... MPEG2 decoder 181 ... PCI / MPEG2 interface IC 182 ... MPEG2 decoder IC 183 ... MPEG2 image memory 184 ... NTSC encoder 165 ... Selectable bay device identification register 184 ... Power control register 190 ... Switch circuit 304 ... Media identification register

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A computer system for controlling a disk drive device, comprising: a decoding device for decoding a digital compression-encoded coded data sequence; a drive identification means for identifying a type of a mounted disk drive device; A power management unit that manages the power of the decoding device in accordance with the result of identification by the drive identification unit, wherein a disk drive device that reads an encoded data string that requires decoding by the decoding device is mounted; A power management means for switching the decoding device from a power down mode to a normal mode. 2. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second disk drive devices are selectively mountable, and the first disk drive device needs to be decrypted by the decryption device. Drive both a first portable recording medium used for recording a data string and a second portable recording medium used for recording a data string that does not require decoding by the decoding device. And the first and second disk drive devices are configured to
Media identification means for identifying which recording medium is loaded, wherein the power management means manages the power of the decoding device according to the identification results of both the drive identification means and the media identification means, Unless the first disk drive is mounted and the first portable recording medium is loaded in the first disk drive, the decoding device is set to a power down mode with low power consumption. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The decoding device according to claim 1, further comprising: a decoder circuit; a memory used by the decoder circuit; and a bus interface circuit provided between the decoder circuit and a bus of the computer system to perform an interface therebetween. Wherein the power management means includes a switch circuit for switching between supply and cutoff of power to the decoder circuit and the memory, and cuts off power supply to the decoder circuit and the memory in the power down mode. Claim 1 or 2
Computer system as described. 4. A decoding device for decoding an encoded data sequence that has been digitally compressed and encoded, and a first portable recording medium used for recording a data sequence that needs to be decoded by the decoding device. A disk drive device configured to drive both recording media of a second portable recording medium used for recording a data string that does not require decoding by the decoding device, Media identification means for identifying which of the first and second recording media is loaded in the disk drive device; and power management means for managing the power of the decoding device according to the identification result by the media identification means. When the first portable recording medium is loaded in the disk drive device, the decoding device is powered on. A computer system comprising: power management means for switching from a down mode to a normal mode. 5. A computer system having a video decoding device for decoding a video data sequence that has been digitally compressed and encoded, and inputting the video data sequence to the video decoding device and reproducing the video data sequence. Power supply control means for switching supply / cutoff of power to the video decoding device in accordance with activation / termination of a reproduction control program for controlling reproduction of the video data sequence using a decoding device; A computer system for shutting off the power supply of the video decoding device except when the video data is reproduced using the video decoder. 6. A video decoding apparatus for decoding a video data string which has been digitally compressed and encoded, said video decoding apparatus comprising a computer system which inputs said video data string and reproduces the video data string. A playback control program for controlling the playback of the video data stream using the video decoding device, comprising: turning on / off power supply to the video decoding device when the program is started. The switching circuit is switched from the off state to the on state to start power supply to the video decoding device. At the end of the program, the switch circuit is switched from the on state to the off state to supply power to the video decoding device. A power down control method for a decoding device, characterized in that: 7. A video decoding apparatus for decoding a video data string which has been digitally compressed and encoded, and a first portable recording used for recording a video data string which needs to be decoded by the video decoding apparatus. Media and
A disc drive device configured to drive both recording media of a second portable recording medium used for recording a data string that does not require decoding by the video decoding device; A power down control method for a decoding device, comprising: starting up a video playback control program that controls playback of video data read from the disk drive device using the video decoding device; Discriminating which of the first and second recording media is loaded, and when the first recording medium is loaded, a switch circuit for switching power supply / interruption to the video decoding device is turned off. Switch to the ON state to turn off the power supply to the video decoding device. And, wherein at the end of the video reproduction control program, the switch circuit is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, the power down control method of the video decoding apparatus characterized by interrupting the power supply to the video decoding apparatus.